Here you go. Dennis C. Chavez passed away peacefully in his home on August 7, 2026, after a brief time in hospice care.

Dennis was born on December 8, 1934, in Pinos Wells, New Mexico, the start of a life that began with humble roots and never lost its footing in hard work and family. The family moved often in his early years before settling in Duran, New Mexico, where Dennis attended Vaughn High School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sally Flores. They married in 1953, beginning a partnership that would last 73 years and produce four children: Dennis, Sylvia, Denise, and Rick.

Dennis’s working life started small and grew steadily through determination and hard work. From his first job at a truck stop in Vaughn, New Mexico, he rose to become President of the First State Bank in Rio Rancho. Dennis then went on to partner in and own several businesses and was elected to two terms as a state senator. In office he championed the development of Paseo Del Norte and helped bring Intel to New Mexico, leaving a lasting mark on the region that extended well beyond his years of public service.

Later in life, Dennis kept his hands in business with construction, development, and various partnerships. Through it all, he stayed the person people turned to; always ready to help or offer advice when someone asked.

But for all he built, Dennis and Sally’s real legacy was, and remains, their family. Throughout their 73 years of marriage, family always came first. Dennis rarely missed a school event, a game, a family gathering, or even a talent show. He and Sally taught their children about faith, the value of education, respect, and the importance of helping others. These lessons were passed down not just through words, but in how they lived.

He was a pillar of both reason and faith. He imparted his most practical piece of wisdom while tapping his head: “You can lose your land, your house, or your car, but no one can take away your knowledge.”

Dennis and Sally also loved to explore. They logged countless miles across the United States in their motor home, and ventured further still, to Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America, always together.

Dennis was above all, a family man, defined by faith, love, and an unshakable devotion to God and the people around him. He will be deeply missed.

Dennis was preceded in death by his son, Rick, his brother, Ted, and his parents; Zeke and Flora.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife Sally; his brother Lou (Etta), and his sister Joan Garcia; his son Dennis (Kathie), granddaughters, Erica (Brad Webster) and Amanda; great-grandsons Quentin and Calvin Webster; his daughter Sylvia Armendariz (Roosevelt) granddaughter Shannon Aragon (Tim) great-grandchildren Jonathon and Lauren; and his daughter Denise Guererro, granddaughter Ashlee, and great-grandson, Anthony.

Service Information

Services will take place on August 24th at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located at 1502 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

Visitation: 9:30 a.m.

Rosary: 10:00 a.m.

Mass: 10:30 a.m.

Following Mass, interment will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Vista Verde Memorial Park, located at 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.