Olivia Gurule

OLIVIA R. GURULE , 67, passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 with her entire family by her side.

Olivia was preceded in death by her father, Joe V. Gurule; in-laws, Genevieve and Marcello Sandoval; brothers-in-law, Orlando Sandoval, Joaquin (Sonny) Sandoval, and Valentine Montoya.

Olivia was a graduate of Santa Cruz High School and attended Highlands University where she met the love of her life “Sandoval”. During their life together, Olivia and Bennie were inseparable and supported each other through all of life’s struggles. While visiting her you’d often hear Olivia call out to him “Dear” and there he’d come. Together they had two daughters, Felice and Marcella. They were her greatest joy and she was their biggest advocate. She retired from the National Parks Service and was a major supporter of our parks. Felice blessed her with her first two grandsons, Marcus her trinket, and Ricky. Shortly after, came Marcella’s son Adrian. She was so proud of her boys and the highlight of many of her days was attending their sporting events. An athlete herself, she knew what it took and spent time coaching them and reminding them how proud she was. Then came Peyton, her first granddaughter. She was ecstatic when Miss P came along. The two of them would bake and make jelly and pester “Grandpa Dear”.

She is survived by her husband, Bennie Sandoval; daughters, Felice Gurule and Marcella (Ian) Maestas; mother, Carmelita Q. Gurule; grandchildren, Marcus Gurule, Ricky Sandoval, Adrian Maestas, and Peyton Maestas; siblings, Ymelda (Lenny) Roybal, Ernestine (Valentine) Montoya, Thomas (Margie) Gurule, Tim (Patricia) Gurule, Joseph (Michelle) Gurule, Ben (Suzanne) Gurule and Martin (Dana) Sandoval.

Olivia was the boss of her family, her word was law and everyone followed her lead. She spent her days doing for others and lightening their load. Olivia was an amazing daughter and the best sister and aunt anyone could ask for. If anyone had a problem, they would call Liva, she was the family doctor, seamstress and chef. While you were with her, she’d give you her full attention and listen to whatever story you brought her that day. She loved going fishing, being in her kitchen and watching her shows, but doing these things with her family by her side only made them better. Olivia taught her family strength and even though she hardly said the words, “I love you,” her love radiated off of her and was felt by her entire family. She will be remembered for her delicious food, her listening ear and her strength and guidance.

Public visitation will begin on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Church with a rosary to be recited at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial to follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz with the following serving as pallbearers, Ian Maestas, Adrian Maestas, Ricky Sandoval, Marcus Gurule, Javier Archuleta, Dominic Manzanares, Greg Sanchez and Jacob Gurule. Honorary pallbearers are; Princess Peyton, all of her nieces and nephews, Jake Mascarenas, James Law, NPS employees and her Big Rock buddies. The family of Olivia R. Gurule has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.