In loving Memory
Rodolfo Lucas ChavezMay 6, 1950 - May 20, 2025
Please join us for the rosary, funeral Mass, and reception as we honor his legacy with love and faith.Click “More” below for full details.
Rudy touched so many lives—with wisdom, humor, kindness, and those classic “Rudyisms.”We’d love for you to share your stories or messages with the family.
Have a favorite snapshot or video of Rudy? Add it to our shared album—no sign-in needed.Help us capture the moments and faces that meant so much.
Rodolfo “Rudy” Chavez lived a life rooted in faith, education, and service.
Beloved by many as a father, mentor, and friend, his impact was felt far and wide.
Funeral & Memorial Services
Funeral & Memorial Services
We invite you to join us in honoring the life of Rodolfo “Rudy” Chavez through a series of services grounded in Catholic tradition and the love of family and community. Below are the details for each gathering:Saturday, June 7 – Capulin, Colorado
Time: 9:30 AM
Rosary, Funeral Mass & Burial
Location: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Capulin, CO
Address: 19895 Co Rd 8, Capulin, CO 81124
Services will begin with a rosary, followed by a eulogy and the Funeral Mass, celebrated by Father Arturo.
Burial: To follow immediately after Mass.Saturday, June 7 – La Jara, Colorado
Funeral Reception
Time: Following the burial
Location: Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
Address: 19617 S US Hwy 285, La Jara, CO 81140
Please join us for food, fellowship, and remembrance following the burial.
Obituary
Rodolfo Lucas Chavez, lovingly known as Dr. Rudy, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Española, New Mexico, surrounded by family. He was 75.Born on May 6, 1950, in Capulin, Colorado, Rudy was the youngest of nine children born to Flossie and Rodolfo Chavez. His life was grounded in faith, family, service, and a deep belief in the power of education. He was the proud father of three sons Toby, Rodolfo, and Felipe with whom he shared many passions.Rudy dedicated his life to education, serving in leadership and teaching roles at Arizona State University, the University of Colorado, Eastern New Mexico University, and the University of New Mexico Highlands. At Highlands, he helped more than 300 teachers earn their master’s degrees, leaving a lasting mark on classrooms and communities across the region. He was a tireless advocate for learning and a mentor to many, always believing in the potential of his students and colleagues.For two decades, Rudy volunteered during Holy Week at the Santuario de Chimayó, a place of deep spiritual meaning and connection for him. He was a devoted Catholic and a longtime parishioner of Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada.Travel was one of Rudy’s greatest joys, a thread woven through both his professional career and retirement. He explored countries across Europe, Central America, and South America, always curious, always open-hearted. He especially loved connecting with local communities and attending Catholic Mass wherever he went. Of all the places he visited, Cali, Colombia held a particularly special place in his heart.Funeral services including a Rosary and the Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Joseph's Parish in Capulin, Colorado, on June 7 beginning at 9:30 AM. A separate Rosary service will be offered at Iglesia de Santa Cruz in Española, New Mexico, on June 5 at 4:00 PM.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, or that you perform an act of service in Rudy’s memory.