Rita Luevano
Obituaries
Vail Daily page 6 - December 6, 1997
Luevano loved by all
Rita Luevano's Minturn home was like a community center. There was always a pot of fresh coffee, a warm welcome and a willing listener. The walls of her home were covered with photos of her children and grandchildren.
"Family was everything to her and she treated everyone like her family." said close friend Michael Wasmer.
Rita lost a two-year battle with breast cancer Wednesday evening. She died peacefully in her Minturn home, embraced by faith and the love of family and friends. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Minturn Middle School with Pastor Dan Matney of the Assembly of God Church officiating. Burial will be at the Minturn Cemetery, with a pot luck dinner following.
"She was the most wonderful woman in the whole world--a gem of human being," said Diane Lazier, who had employed Rita for many years, but considered her a close family friend. "She found such joy in her last days. I've never seen someone go through what she went through with such peace. Everyone should have had a chance to know her. She touched so many people in this area."
Susan Rapson, who taught Rita's son Manuel 20 years ago when he was in fourth grade, said she learned about unconditional love and humility from this extraordinary woman.
"I was so lucky to know her," Rapson said. "She was such an exceptional admirable lady."
Co-worker Helen Martinez remembers Rita for her many kindnesses. Martinez will always treasure a tulip quilt that Rita had hand-stitched for her. She was quite a seamstress, Martinez said, and she was willing to anything for anybody. "She had so much love and faith that she was willing to share everything," Martinez added. "Rita was so thankful for all that she had." A life-long resident of Minturn, Rita was born June 22, 1936 in Red Cliff to Maria de la Rosa and Ramon Hernandez. She married Daniel Martinez in 1955. After his death in 1968, Rita married Jesus Luevano Nov. 4, 1975. She is survived by her husband Jesus and eight children, including Daniel Martinez (Sue) of Denver, Mark Martinez, Manuel Martinez, Raul Luevano and Chuy Luevano of Minturn, Diane (Larry) Neal of Denver, Connie (Gary) Wiliams of Edwards and Enola (Brad) Backes of Avon, 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
Rita's Daughter Diane spoke for the entire family as she praised the volunteers of Mountain Hospice--Elena, Catherine, Jeanette, Meredith, Susie and Patty. "They were a Godsend." she said. "They were all so generous with their time, so helpful and understanding. They were there for us at all hours of the day and night when we needed them. I can't say enough about the hospice program and its volunteers."
Bailey's Funeral Home in Leadville is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to Jesus Luevano at Alpine Bank in Vail.
