Evarista "Bess" Roybal

Evarista “Bess” Roybal Alarcon passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023 at her home in LaSalle surrounded by her family after losing her second battle with cancer. She was born in New Mexico on August 17, 1945.

Bess is survived by her three children; Valerie Sederstrom, Stacy Almanza Hernandez, Daniel Almanza; four siblings; Sam Roybal, Tom Roybal, William “Bill” Roybal, and Stella Hunteman; 11 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Francis and Everett Roybal; son; Stephen, and siblings; John Roybal, Tony Roybal, Roger Roybal and Sophie Jaramillo.

Bess will be remembered as a courageous, independent, and stern woman with unimaginable strength. No matter how tough the battle with cancer was, she never let the illness define her! She was extremely giving; asking for little in return. She had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She was private and quiet, but also very witty! She was a fun spirited soul who took on many passions; such as running, buying lottery tickets, and cheering on the Colorado Rockies.

Bess worked for more than 30 years at US West, a position she retired from in 1999. Upon her retirement, Bess joined her sisters and formed a residential and cleaning company - Sophie’s Choice. She loved working with her family.

With God’s will, Bess fulfilled her dream and purchased a 3-acre property on which her parents lived with her 9 siblings during the late 60’s. Bess found her peace living on this farm, as it kept her busy. She raised peacocks, chickens, pigs, and cows. She loved cooking delicious meals from the fresh vegetables she harvested. She found comfort and peace collecting pieces of nature as a way to express herself. She enjoyed making wreaths from the many flowers she grew, and gifted them to her friends and family. She loved a quiet evening sitting outside taking in the beautiful CO country scenery.

Bess is known as mom by her four children who she raised on her own. She taught them integrity, loyalty, and compassion while instilling the confidence necessary to be successful in their own lives. She is her children’s “hero!” After 39 years of sobriety, she lived a spiritual way of life. Through her journey she sponsored others to obtain the gift of recovery. They will always admire and love their “Queen Bee” and continue the legacy she built. “One day at a time…” was the family motto.

Bess was a strong fighter, but she is now running on a journey to places that we cannot see. We are happy that she is free from pain and is at reunited with her loved ones in heaven. Run like the wind Bess. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again.

A memorial for Bess will be held on Tuesday, May, 9th at 10:00 am at Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley, CO. A reception will follow.