Jesus Ramirez Rivera

Jesus R. Rivera, 86, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on May 26, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. He is now in heaven with his wife Betti and many family and friends who have gone before him.

Jesus was born on January 15, 1939, in Nogales, Arizona, to the late Jose Jesus Rivera and Maria Delores Ramirez. Growing up he enjoyed watching western movies at the local theater and playing basketball close to his house.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1980. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, California, was stationed in Alaska, Germany, and Washington, before being deployed to Vietnam, where he served with distinction in an Artillery unit. Following his tour in Vietnam, Jesus reenlisted and continued his service as an Army recruiter, first stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then stationed in El Paso, Texas, where he eventually retired with honor and was awarded the gold Recruiter Ring.

Following his service from the military, he continued to serve his El Paso community by teaching high school JROTC at both Riverside High School and Bel Air High School. He also coached the schools’ rifle teams and color guards, sharing his discipline, leadership, and values to his students until his retirement.

Throughout the years following his military retirement, Jesus remained active in a variety personal pursuits. He played baseball with the local club on Ft. Bliss, and was a proud owner of several quarter horses, which he entered in multiple horse races. Was an avid pool player, loved watching his New York Yankees and Denver Broncos, watched his western movies, enjoyed relaxing and listening to music, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Jesus was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Dolores (Ramirez) and Jose Jesus Rivera, his beloved wife Betti Rivera, his brother Miguel Rivera, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his children, Jesus Rivera Jr., Monica Faux (and husband Peter Faux); his grandchildren Noah and Xander Faux, sister-in-law Hilda Rivera, sister-in-law Loyola Molina (and husband John Molina), nieces Yvonne Sandoval, Dorothy Flores, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family especially thanks all the nurses and aides at Victoria Health Center, Accent Care and New Age Hospice including Angela, Joel, Dana, Juan, Guadalupe, Alejandra and Mirtha. Jesus and the family were truly blessed to have these wonderful people in their lives at a difficult time.

Pallbearers will be: Jesus Rivera Jr., Peter Faux, Noah Faux, Xander Faux, Hunter Sandoval, and Andrew Molina.

Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 1:00 PM, June 6, 2025, St Thomas Aquinas Church 1502 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 PM. Interment will be at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho New Mexico 87124.