Zelmira Rivas' Obituary
DECATUR - Zelmira Rivas, beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday evening, December 7, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until the service time. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Zelmira Rivas Urtecho was born on October 28, 1939, in Rivas, Nicaragua, she was a cherished daughter of Cesar Rivas Viales and Maria Rivas Urtecho.
Zelmira lived a life defined by devotion to her family and to the animals she adored. She was especially fond of her dogs, each one who held a special place in her heart. Her loyal companion Muňeco remained by her side until the end. Her love for animals was boundless, and she cared for them with the same tenderness she extended to everyone she loved. Zelmira was an amazing cook, preparing meals for her sisters and special meals for her family were always amazing.
In 1969 she married Bill Rose, and he preceded her in death a short time later. She was a devoted daughter, caring for her mother and her sister Amalia with patience, dignity, and unwavering love until their final days. Her dedication to her family was the hallmark of who she was.
Zelmira will be profoundly missed by her loving family, especially her sister Actē Mireya Gutierrez, whom she lived with after the death of Amalia, they were famous in Decatur, going to lunch and shopping together every day. The family heard of the sightings of the cute “young” sisters often as they shared their days together on their daily adventures.
Zelmira is survived by her loving sister, Actē Gutierrez of Decatur, brother, Dr. Alejandro Rivas and his wife Beverly of Old Hickory, TN, and her nieces and nephews: Mauricio Gutierrez and his wife Julie, Soraya Hiser and her husband Dan, Desiree Renfro and her husband John, Christopher Rivas and his wife Margaret, She also leaves behind eight great nieces and great nephews who she was so proud of: Henry Sowell, Garett May (Abby Palmiter) Samuel Renfro (fiancé- Paige Davis), Riley Renfro, Lane Renfro, Emma Rivas and Carter Rivas.
Zelmira was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, sister- Amalia Rivas, Nephew Michael Rivas, and great nephew- Christopher Gutierrez and her beloved companion- Sydney.
We had hoped to have more time and were not ready for Zelmira to leave us. We trust in God’s perfect plan and know she is in Heaven and was greeted by her family, friends and her loyal companions who have gone before her.
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