We are sad to announce that Rosita Ellis passed to her celestial resting place peacefully on October 1, 2022 at the family home in the presence of her family.
Rosita Guadelupe Gonzales Ellis was born in Las Vegas NM to Arcenio Gonzales and Aurora Cisneros Gonzales on March 26, 1947. Except for a brief time living in Espanola as a child, Rosita lived her entire premarital life in Las Vegas. Rosita married Lloyd Ellis on September 24, 1966 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas NM.
Rosita was preceded in death by her parents, her maternal and paternal grandparents, and one granddaughter, Samantha. She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Ellis; her daughters Marlene Cowans and Alberta Ellis; her sons Jason Ellis (Stephanie) and Brian Ellis (Nanise); her sisters Yolanda Garduno and Francina Martinez (Ronald); and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rosita is also survived by many friends, some lifelong and others from across her life.
Rosita was at heart an educator, and she worked across a widely varied spectrum of jobs and organizations until shortly before her death. She made friends easily and accumulated a long list of coworkers and friends. She retired from the City of Las Vegas as the Head Librarian at Carnegie Library in Las Vegas.
In addition to whatever her primary employment was, Rosita was dedicated to the High School Spirit Programs: first at West Las Vegas and then Robertson High School. At various times, Rosita also was a volunteer Spirit Coach at NM Highlands University. She was always a resource and mentor to other coaches across New Mexico, whether with an established program or a new Spirit program. She coached and mentored a large number of girls, and boys, in those Spirit Programs. She proudly watched as many of "her cheerleaders" went on from High School to colleges and some obtaining
advanced college degrees. Another group she was always proud of were the many students that went through her Head Start classroom and later her Head Start Program across three counties. Throughout her life, Rosita kept in touch with many of those Head Start students; and as adults they would seek her out any place she may be to thank her for those very early years. Unbelievably, Rosita almost always remembered every one of them.
Shortly after their wedding, Rosita and Lloyd moved to San Diego CA where Lloyd was stationed with the US Navy. After several months, they relocated to Oakland CA as Lloyd was assigned to the Naval Hospital there. In December 1967 when Lloyd was ordered to Viet Nam with the 1st Marine Division, Rosita returned to Las Vegas and lived with her parents. While Lloyd was in Viet Nam, their eldest daughter Marlene Ellis Cowans was born. Upon Lloyd's return stateside in December 1968, he and Marlene met for the very first time. The family then moved to Springfield MO where Lloyd as assigned to the Marine Reserve Center until his discharge in July 1970.
Because both Rosita and Lloyd had attended NM Highlands University in previous years, they moved back to Las Vegas NM to resume their studies and live close to Rosita's family. They remained in Las Vegas until the occurrence of Rosita's death.
Services are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary. Rosary Services will be at 7pm on Monday, October 17th. Funeral Services will be at 9am on Tuesday, October 18th. Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas. The Urn bearer will be Ronald Anthony Martinez, Rosita's nephew. Honorary Urn Bearers will be all past and present Cheerleaders from both West Las Vegas High School and Robertson High School.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested, and will appreciate, donations be made to the American Cancer Society of New Mexico in Rosita's name.