Sadly, our community lost a prominent pillar in the dawn hours of January 17, 2025. Lee Roy Chávez, age 91 from Buena Vista, was born in la Virgin, a pristine hamlet of Guadalupita, NM, now known as Sierra Bonita.

His legacy will live in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with. Lee Roy personified the meaning of honesty, absolute conviction and dedication to one's vocation, and above all, …integrity. He was the last of the Guadalupita pioneer loggers who built a strong community of hard workers and genuine camaraderie, …deeds that will endure for generations to come. These pioneers who precede us, became models and mentors in faith, hope, and love; the true meaning of God's friendship with us. Lee Roy's logging operations took him at a young age of 14 to the forests of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico where hard work and being surrounded by the beauty of God's alpine creation, forged a humble young mind that would become the stronghold of our family and community.

Throughout his entire life, Lee Roy held an unwavering faith in God, which he always shared with those who surrounded him. He was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Gertude's Parish in Mora. Lee Roy and his wife Osma were passionate about sharing the love
of our Lord with others and were both an integral part of our church family. As loyal servants to God, they spent numerous hours dedicating their life to the service of others, embodying the values of brotherhood. Now that they will both be reunited in the New Jerusalem, we should
remind ourselves that while this is the end of their physical life on Earth, it is the beginning of an eternal journey for God's servant(s). RIP Lee Roy Chávez.

Lee Roy Chávez was preceded in death by his parents Palemón and Jesse Chávez, brothers and sisters: Carolina, Aurora, Antonio, Palemón, Henrique, Teodoro, José, and Abenicio. Also preceding him are his wife of 65 years: Osma, and son Dennis Chávez.

Lee Roy is survived by his son Danny and wife Bernadette, grandchildren Analisa Sutton and husband Mitchell; Henrique Chávez and wife Jayde; Alonzo Chávez, and Angélico Chávez. Great-grandchildren: Dahliyah and Azayleah Chávez, and Theodore Suttton.

A wake service will be held on Friday, January 24 at 7:00 pm with recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at St. Gertrude's Catholic Church in Mora.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Dale Craig, S.O.L.T. and Father Paul Grala S.O.L.T. officiating the Holy Mass at St. Gertrude's Church in Mora.

The Rite of Committal and burial will be at the Guadalupita Cemetery promptly following funeral service with the following serving as Pallbearers; Henrique Chávez, Alonzo Chávez, Angélico Chávez, Joe Chávez, Tobías Esquibel and Michael Thomas Esquibel. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow interment, at the Mora VFW Hall.

The family of Lee Roy Chávez acknowledges the immeasurable care and attentive support given to Lee Roy by Envoy Hospice and particularly the loyal nursing staff and esteemed CNAs of la Vida Buena. You are a Godsend, and your efforts will never be forgotten or taken for granted.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

If sending a sympathy card via our online service you may send the card directly to the family by clicking "Send to Family Address".