Hermilo Emil Chavez

Hermilo Emil Chavez, 85, of Rigby, passed from his earthly life Sunday, November 17, 2013 surrounded by loved ones, at the home of his daughter, from lung cancer. He was born on January 13, 1928 to Susana Baca and Gregorio Payan Chavez in Santa Cruz, Villa Del Rosario, Chihuahua, Mexico, the oldest of eight children. He spent his youth in Mexico and as an immigrant at the age of 21, he came to the United States to prosper, which is exactly what he did. Barely speaking English and on a bet with a buddy, he asked a pretty girl to dance. Emil married that girl, Harriet Martha Lee “Happy” on January 7, 1955 in Rigby, where they spent the next 56 years. To this union they added seven children. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on March 6, 1965. Dad had a very interesting and fulfilling life. He was a very hard worker. He taught and led his family by example to work hard and prosper. Dad worked in farming for various farmers and as a truck driver for Stowell’s Dairy, later Dairyland Dairy for over 25 years and for Ucon produce for 10 years. He retired in 1990 and was able to spend more time doing what he loved; gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, riding his four wheeler, working on bicycles, woodworking and creating gifts out of wood for his grandchildren, searching for treasures at yard sales and spending time with his grandchildren. His greatest legacy is his family and he truly lived his American Dream. Dad received his U. S. Citizenship on December 2, 1985 which was one of the proudest moments of his life. Mom and Dad are now reunited in Heaven and leave behind six of their seven children Suzy (Bryant) Larsen of Idaho Falls, Tony (Julie) Chavez of Idaho Falls, Danette (George) Westervelt of Pittsburgh, PA, Annie Jo (Tony) Lazzarotto of Idaho Falls, Troy (Melissa) Chavez of Rigby, Karla (Lenn) Ward of Ogden, UT, four brothers, Cruz, Jose Angel, Jesus Francisco, Elias, one sister Maria Luisa, sixteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his lovely wife “Happy”, two sisters (Catalina and Celia), one daughter (Shona) and two grandsons (Patrick and Jamie Fohrenck). Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at the Rigby Ninth Ward Chapel, 258 West First North, Rigby, at 1:00 p.m. Family will receive friends Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., and from noon to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, both at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. A special thanks to the Avalon Hospice volunteers for the wonderful and caring manner they helped Hermilo. A special thank you with love and appreciation to Sherri Jackson, RN for the care she provided our Father.