Tony Rivas

Tony Belarmino Rivas, 86, passed away on December 5, 2020, in Aztec, NM.

Born in Frances, Colorado on October 3, 1934, he was the son of Hilario Larribas and Margarita Sisneros Larribas. Tony was raised, educated, and spent most of his early life near Arboles County, Colorado. He married his beloved wife, Lila, in 1955. They made their home and raised their family in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. In 1978 Tony and his wife moved to Farmington, NM when he took employment at BHP Billiton as a heavy equipment mechanic for Navajo Mine. He retired in 2003.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most passionately loved horseback riding. Tony was funny, and oh so ornery. You could never escape a visit without enduring one of his infamous teasing sessions. Underneath all the sarcasm and wit stood one of the most kind hearted and nurturing people in the world. He would unrelentingly tease you, but not without offering to feed you. Tony hated to let anyone leave his home with an empty belly. If he didn’t fry big pan of “papas con carne”, he would at least send you on your way with a ten-dollar bill to pick up a bite to eat on the road home. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, offer advice, or a listening ear. He had the biggest heart and genuinely wanted the best for everyone that he knew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 16 siblings; and his wife, Lila Rivas.

He is proceeded in life by his son, Anthony O. Rivas (Louise); his daughter, Teresa Rivas-Clark (Kelley); his brother, Leroy “Rudy” Larribas (Yvonne); six loving grandchildren, Ashley Rivas (James), Kishia Alvarez (Ramon), Anthony J. Rivas (Jeanine), Orie Rivas (Yolanda), Clifton Reynolds (Laura); thirteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 11 at Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W Apache Street in Farmington. A rosary and services will follow at 11 a.m. with the Deacon Joe Didde officiating. Intermittent will follow at the Kirtland-Fruitland Cemetery, Road 6575 in Kirtland.

Pallbearers are Anthony J. Rivas, Orie Rivas, Clifton Reynolds, Demetrius Trujillo, James O’Rourke, Kelley Clark.