Jose Mauricio Rivas Lopez

Jose M. Rivas Lopez was born to Santos Inocente Rivas and Marina Estela Lopez. Jose was the oldest of six children, Maria Luisa Lopez, Santos Lopez, Ana Isabel Rivas-Picho, Raymond Elias Lopez, and Carlos A. Lopez.

During his teenage years, Jose enlisted in the Salvadoran Army. The Salvadoran Civil War was a twelve-year war fought between 1979-1992. Jose wanted a better life and eventually immigrated to the United States seeking refuge from the Civil War in his home country. His father, brothers, and sisters eventually joined him in the United States.

During his twenties, he settled in Los Angeles, CA. It was there he met and married Manuela De La Paz Araiza Chavira in 1992. They remained together for the remainder of his years. Jose always wanted a large family, and together in California they had Jose N. Lopez, Jessica Rivas, Helvin D. Rivas, and Ruth K. Rivas-Gonzalez. California was a time spent with family at the sunny beaches, green parks, and air filled mountains.

In 1995, Jose and Manuela decided to move the family to Yakima, WA in search of agricultural work opportunities. It was in Yakima that they grew the family by one more, having their last child. A baby girl named Judith N. Rivas. Jose completed the family he always dreamed of. Jose worked hard to learn to speak and write in English. It was always a dream of his to become a United States Citizen. He studied hard, and took steps to make that dream a reality. On July 4th, 2015 he accomplished that goal and became a proud United States American Citizen. His citizenship was a proud accomplishment for Jose, and he often boasted of his patriotism to this country.

Jose worked hard to build the life he wanted. He created his own landscaping business. He fostered and built strong connections in the Yakima and Selah Washington communities. He was blessed to serve his clients for over 30+ years. He owned and ran his own J. Rivas Lawn Care Service business with trust and integrity. He was described by clients as “hardworking, caring, and full of life”.

Jose was a grandfather to four grandchildren, Benjamin Gonzalez-Rivas, Ines D. Rivas-Nesta, Olivia N. Rivas-Nesta, and Emilia D. Rivas-Nesta. His face would light up at the sight of their faces. Jose was a proud grandfather. He gave the best warm hugs when he saw his family. He was wise in his age, and often spoke words of advice having lived through many experiences. He was very proud of all of his children, and often spoke of all their accomplishments. Everyone of his children was different, and he loved them for their unique personalities.

In his spare time, Jose loved cooking healthy meals. He enjoyed the creativity the kitchen allowed him to have, often experimenting with new recipes. The house was often filled with strange unique scents from his cooking. He enjoyed traveling, and visited his birth country on several occasions. He enjoyed summertime barbeques, where he made carne asada and oysters. He enjoyed spending time out in shops, looking for new tools or appliances to utilize in his shop or kitchen. Jose had a contagious laugh and beautiful smile. In his presence, laughter was sure to follow. He was loved by many, and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Jose is survived by his wife, Manuela Araiza De Rivas. His children, Jessica Rivas, Helvin D. Rivas, Ruth K. Rivas, and Judith N. Rivas. His grandchildren, Benjamin Gonzalez, Ines Rivas Nesta, Olivia Rivas Nesta, and Emilia Rivas Nesta. His daughter in law Lilia Rivas Nesta. His sons in law, Juan Gonzalez, Pedro Prado Jr., and Rafael Garcia . His siblings, Maria Luisa Lopez, Santos Lopez, Ana Isabel Picho, and Carlos A. Lopez. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.