Otilia “Tillie” Chavez…January 28, 1920 – December 29, 2020

Otilia “Tillie” (Avila) Chavez was born on December 27, 1919 to Magdaleno and Josefa (Gonzales) Avila. She was registered in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico on January 28, 1920 and at the age of 7 moved to the United States and became a US citizen. At age 101 years, she left this life to join her husband, John Manuel Chavez, and to be with our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

Tillie married John M. Chavez on August 11, 1952 in Las Animas, CO.   John and Tillie had 5 children (two of which died during infancy). Besides being a full-time mother, Tillie was involved in social organizations such as 4-H, Library Board, Mariachi and English Church Choirs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, elementary school tutor, Communion Distribution to the elderly, and a helper at the Nearly New Shop. She spent many hours volunteering for dinners prepared by the Catholic Council of Women (CCW) and also helping with the annual St. Mary’s Bazaar. Tillie’s two favorite things have always been the great company of her many family and friends and the quaint little town of Las Animas.

Tillie was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Chavez; brothers, Magdaleno, Marcos, Pedro, and Manuel Avila; half-sisters, Severa and Cruz Avila; half-brother, Salvador Avila from Mexico; and son, John A. Chavez.

She is survived by Alice (Martin) Aragon, Yolanda (Wayne) Stout, and Mike (Juanita) Chavez; five grand kids, six great grandkids, and many nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic currently impacting the country at this time, no funeral services will be held at this time. A rosary and mass will be held at a more appropriate future date.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Horber Funeral Chapel in Las Animas, CO.  Final resting place will be Fort Lyon National Cemetery with her husband, John Chavez.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Arkansas Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050 (www.arkvalleyhospice.com).