In Loving Memory of Manuela “Nellie” Rivas July 11th, 1946 – July 31st, 2026 

It is with heavy hearts, yet with gratitude for a beautiful life, that our beloved Manuela “Nellie” Rivas, entered eternal rest on July 31st, 2026, at the age of 80. 

Nellie was born on July 11th, 1946 in Wasco, California to Adolfo Gutierrez and Celia Gutierrez. She was the oldest of several beloved siblings, including Anna Gutierrez and Alfonso Gutierrez, who preceded her in death, Adolf Gutierrez, Armando Gutierrez, Sarah Tijerina, Lisa Bishop, and Irene Ehrbar. 

Nellie was a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and a cherished friend. She was a woman whose greatest treasures were the people she loved. Her family was her heart; the love and faith she gave them will continue to live on through every generation. She was a source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love. The memories made with her will forever be treasured. 

She shared a life of love and devotion with her husband, Albert Joe Rivas, who stood beside her through the many seasons of their life together. 

Nellie was a loving mother to Mark Anthony Rivas, who preceded her in death, Eric Lawrence Rivas, Aimee Joe Rivas, and DeAna Lorraine Rivas. She was also a treasured grandmother to Jessica Desirae Moranville, Ronald Kirk Mullican Jr., Jacob Michael Mullican, Alexis Carrillo, Mark Rivas, Destiny Padron, and Hannah Rivas. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry with them the love, memories, and lessons she gave them throughout their lives. Her presence in their lives was a gift that can never be replaced. 

Nellie leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years, but in love. Her life was woven into the lives of so many, and the memories she created will continue to be cherished by her family and all who knew and loved her. Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in our faith and in knowing that she is no longer suffering. She has been welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus, reunited with those who went before her, and granted the eternal peace she deserves. 

Today we mourn her absence, but we also celebrate the beautiful life she lived. We celebrate the love she gave, the family she built, and the memories that will remain in our hearts forever. Her hands may no longer hold ours, her voice may no longer call our names, and her presence may no longer fill the room but her love will remain.It will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. It will live in the stories her friends and family tell. It will live in every memory shared and it will live forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

May we remember her not only with tears, but with gratitude; for the life she lived, the love she shared, and the beautiful memories she gave us. 

Rest peacefully, Nellie. 

Until we meet again,

you are forever loved, 

forever missed, 

and forever remembered. 

May you rest in the eternal peace of our Lord.