Daughter of Jose Maria Arenas Malaga and Juana Francisca Vasquez, Elvira was born in Barranco, Lima, Peru, March 31, 1927.
Elvira was raised in Lima, Peru and attended a convent boarding school. She married Eduardo Sterling in 1947. During that time she gave birth to a daughter, Sluvia America Sterling and a son, Luciano Eduardo Sterling. She married Moises Valentin Maravi in 1953. They had a daughter, Anita Maravi. In August 1964, Elvira and her two youngest children became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1972, Elvira left Peru to move to the United States to be close to her children and grandchildren.
Elvira excelled in all homemaking skills, and she could whip up a delicious dinner in a snap. She was a wonderful hostess and made sure you always left with a full stomach. Elvira would always give her grandkids treasures to take home when they would come to visit. She loved to knit and made the most beautiful baby sweaters and booties. She was a very strict but a loving Grandmama. She would teach us manners at the table and how to behave in public. She was a lady and loved to look her best. She loved to read and was always learning something new. She loved genealogy. She was so content every time she would go downtown to the Genealogy Library. She loved finding names and families. She was compassionate and kind. She was a tease too, which always ended up in giggles. We adored this tiny but strong and witty lady.
Elvira is survived by her children Gary and Sluvia Cavaness of West Valley City, UT; Luciano and Debbie Sterling of North Richland Hills, TX; and David and Anita Wimmer of West Jordan City, UT; 13 grandchildren; and 39 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents.
A viewing will be held Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the Westland 2nd Ward from 10-11:45 am at 7171 S. 2700 W., West Jordan City, UT. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 12:00-1:15 pm. at the same location. Interment will be at the Valley View Memorial Park in West Valley City, UT.
