Rachel Melendrez

Rachel Melendrez died peacefully and surrounded by her family Sept. 27, 2015, in her Fort Collins home. She was 94. ] She was born July 15, 1921, the third of 14 children, to Norberto and Petronila Rivera in Stanton, Texas. Her family moved to the Fort Collins area in the mid-1930s. Rachel met Valentine Melendrez at a local dance and they married on March 29, 1944. They were married for 71 years and had five children. A talented cook and baker, she impressed family and friends alike with her delicious pies, cream puffs, homemade tortillas, chicken and gravy Sunday dinners, and canned fruit. Rachel worked as a housekeeper for many years, cleaning the homes of the area’s wealthy. In the 20 or so years before she retired, she worked as a housekeeper for Colorado State University, cleaning dorm rooms and earning the respect and affection of many students in her time there. Considered easy-going and quick-witted, Rachel loved to sing and her husband remembers her and her siblings serenading him on his birthday. She adored her many grandchildren, enjoyed playing bingo, and was an excellent seamstress and a dedicated Catholic. She is survived by her husband; five children, Margaret Fuentes (Daniel), of Windsor; Jean Ann Serrano (Richard), Fort Collins; Valentine Melendrez, Jr. (Pat), Severance; Linda Melendrez, Greeley; Daniel Melendrez (Ella), West Liberty, Ohio; siblings Josie Porras, Phoenix, Ariz.; Ferman Rivera, Mitchell, Neb.; Vickie Rivera, Mitchell, Neb.; Simona Prado (Henry), Torrington, Wyo.; Lucy Gallardo (Manuel), Lincoln, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Rachel was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Jenny Martinez, Louis Rivera, Sr., Augustina Hernandez, Bruce Rivera, Bessie Ramos, Louis Rivera, Romaldita Rivera and Victoria Rivera. Viewing is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 1. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Rosary will be 9:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 326 N. Whitcomb St. Interment is after the service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 8426 S. College Ave., followed by lunch at Holy Family.

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Rachel Melendrez

July 15, 1921 - September 27, 2015