Emily Elise Rives

Surrounded by her family, Emily Elise Rives peacefully passed away in Katy Texas on Friday, January 16, at the age of 88, following a lengthy illness. Born in 1926, Emily grew up in the St.Louis, Missouri area. As the daughter of a college professor and U.S. diplomat, she enjoyed a very interesting childhood, exposed to a wide variety of people, places and experiences. As the wife of a military officer, she traveled quite extensively in her early years, but her first and most important job, no matter where she lived, was always that of a devoted wife and mother to five. In her later years, the same love and devotion was extended to her 11 grandchildren and most recently, her first great-granddaughter. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Colonel James C. Rives, Sr. and her daughter-in-law, Patricia Rives in 2000 and her beloved son, James C. Rives, Jr. (Jay-Jay) in 2003. She is survived by her four remaining children, all of whom currently reside in the Houston area - Sandra Santana (and her husband Bob), John Rives, Mary Rives and Margaret Greenwood (and her husband Alan).

Fondly referred to as Mimi, she also leaves behind her 11 grandchildren - David Rives, Whitney Mata, Katie Rives, Trey Rives, Ariel Rives, Elise Rives, Nicole Kendrick, Sean Kendrick, Jordan Greenwood, Meredith Greenwood and Lanna Parkinson - And the most recent apple of her eye, her great-granddaughter, Parker Elise Mata.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the excellent care she received from the doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist West Hospital. They would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to those special friends who shared their time and love with her until the end. And finally, a special word of thanks goes to her personal physician, Dr. Francisco Medrano, or as she liked to call him, Dr. "Pretty Eyes".

Mimi, your long journey has finally come to an end. No more worries. No more pain. We love you and we're going to miss you, but we know how very happy you must be getting to be with your Jay-Jay and all the other loved ones who have gone before you. It's time to spread your wings and fly, Mimi! You deserve it!