Bettie Rose Rivas

same manner in which she lived, on August 20, 2021. She joins her loving spouse, Julio E. Rivas, in

heaven. She is welcomed by her mother, Guadalupe Ramirez, her siblings, Genevieve Lopez, Dan Matta,

Raymond Martinez, Benny Martinez, Bob Martinez, and her life-long BFF, Maria Teresa Bombach.

She leaves behind her legacy of: loving God and family, respecting one another, the value of education,

perseverance, bravery, and the responsibility of “doing the right thing” for her three children: Susan

(Rivas) Hensley, Rachael Villalobos (husband-Dan Villalobos), and Paul Rivas (wife--Ruth Montelongo

Rivas). Her sister, Beatriz Rodriguez, and five grandchildren are also left to mourn her loss: Adam

Villalobos, Lauren Villalobos, Annie Villalobos, Katie Michelle Rivas, and Ben Rivas.

Bettie Martinez was born in Grand Island, Nebraska in 1927. The family moved to El Paso and Bettie

went to Bowie High School, where she became a member of Bear Nation “Once a Bear, Always a Bear.”

After graduation (class of ‘45 ), she embarked on her journey of working hard and helping others,

culminating as a paraprofessional in the Child Development Lab at Austin High School.

She was married to Julio on November 12, 1950. She always considered her roles as a wife and mother

to be paramount. She wore many hats as a Girl Scout leader, classroom mother, catechism teacher, Boy

Scout troop leader, seamstress for cheerleader and dance costumes, carpool driver, and as an election

poll worker. She was also active in planning Bowie High Reunions and events for the Indra Social Group.

Bettie is survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. The family is especially

grateful to those who accompanied her on the nine year journey with dementia: Irma Raymond-

caregiver, Dr. Douglas Payne, Jessica Lopez RN, Elara Caring/Hospice, Liz Rivas and Angels on Hand. A

debt of profound gratitude is owed to Maria and David Vargas, at Edgerock Adult Foster Home, who

cared for Bettie with compassion, dignity, respect and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in her honor to be made to: the Alzheimer’s

Association, 110 Mesa Park #250, El Paso, Texas, 79912 or Elara Caring/ Hospice, 6600 Montana, Suite G,

El Paso, Texas, 79925.

Private Services are being handled by Martin Funeral East. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. A live

stream video of the vigil at 11:00 am on September 1 can be seen on Facebook at Martin Funeral East.