Dolores Eduvigen Rivera Gurule, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, prima, godmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, at the age of 93.
Dolores was born on April 7, 1933, in Monero, New Mexico, to Juan Teodoro Rivera and Margarita Carrillo. She was the third child in her family and grew up surrounded by her siblings: Ike (Dora), Pilar (Fred Martinez), Fabiola, Juanita (Gary Baldwin), Raymond, Teddy, and Sandra. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dora Rivera.
On November 14, 1952, Dolores married the love of her life, John Torivio Gurule. Together, they built a strong and loving family and were blessed with eight children: George (Margie), Mona, Cleo, Tessie, John (Vanessa), Margaret (Steve Gallegos), Gerard (Amy), and Anita (Omar Balderrama).
Dolores’ greatest joy was her family. She was a proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and extended family who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband John, her daughter Cleo, and two granddaughters, Jeri and Baby Mary.
A Rosary will be recited prior to the funeral service on Saturday, May 16, at 9:30am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. The funeral service will follow, with interment at Hilltop Cemetery. A meal and gathering will be offered at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church immediately following interment.
Dolores will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.