Felicitas Talavera de Ribota

In her early years, Felicitas grew up in La Concordia, Chihuahua, Mexico, the oldest girl and second-born of five children in the Talavera family. She carried those beginnings with her in the stories she loved to share—memories of hopping trains, climbing trees, and getting into trouble for refusing to be limited by what a girl “should” do. Even then, her steady spirit and quiet strength were evident, marked by patience and a willingness to meet life as it came.

Felicitas gave decades of dedicated service to Denver Public Schools. She began as a baker and cook and, through consistent effort and reliability, was promoted to Cafeteria Manager. Over more than 20 years with DPS, her work reflected the kind of selfless commitment that often goes unseen but is deeply felt—showing up, doing the job well, and caring for others in practical, daily ways.

She later moved to Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, where she met her husband, Jose. Together they shared 31 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 1996. Felicitas and Jose raised three children—Adrian, Javier, and Georgina—in Denver, Colorado. As a devoted wife and mother, she carried the weight of responsibility with grace, working hard and doing what was needed. She even made clothing to sell to help with the bills, offering her love in the form of effort, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Felicitas also expressed her care through her hands and her creativity. She loved to crochet—first making dresses for her daughter, nieces, and step granddaughter, and later creating bags made from can pull tabs. Her talent was matched by her patience, and her gifts were shared generously, a reflection of a beloved presence in the lives of those around her.

Felicitas leaves a legacy of steadfast love and example. She showed her children and grandchildren what hard work looks like and what can be accomplished through persistence. She did not complain, and she was always there when needed—selfless in her giving, constant in her support, and deeply cherished.

Felicitas is survived by her siblings, Jose (Enriqueta) Talavera, Refugio (Graciela) Talavera, Amalia Talavera, and Maria Luisa Grijalva; children Adrian Ribota and Georgina Ribota; grandchildren Diana (Juan), Adriana, and Xavier; great grandchildren Antonio and Adan; many nieces, nephews, cousins and adopted grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Antonio and Pilar Talavera, husband Jose Ines Ribota, and brother and sister-in-law Rafael and Socorro Talavera.

Visitation will be held at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229, US, on August 20, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church, 3601 N Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80205, US, on August 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Olinger Highland Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229, US, on August 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.