Jose (Joey) L. Rivas

Jose L Rivas (Joey), 42, from Ohkay Owingeh, NM, passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2024. Joey was born on February 19, 1981, and was proceeded in death by his father Jose Rivas, grandparents Lucas and Celina Montoya, Godparents Stewart and Carmelita Archuleta.

 Joey is survived by his mother Sharon Sanchez, wife Stacy Tafoya, children Tylor, Jordan, Catherine, Cheyanne, Bethany, Eric Rivas. Stepchildren Desiree, Nathan and Ashley Tafoya. Siblings: Amber Rivas, Celina Montoya-Garcia, Rebeca Sanchez, Onan Sanchez, Isaiah Sanchez and Elton Montoya. Joey is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and a special aunt Terry Montoya.

Joey was a huge Cowboy fan and loved the NY Yankees. He was an avid collector of Cowboy memorabilia, baseball cards and Jordan shoes.  He was a jack of all trade’s kind of man. Joey had a passion to cook, and you could feel the love he put into every meal.  He could cook you the perfect steak and make sure your vehicle was in perfect running condition as he was also a self-taught mechanic. He started taking classes at NNMC to further his education as an Information Technology Engineer. He found that later in life he had a love of travel and exploration. He would surprise his wife to unplanned destinations that consisted of hiking trips, concerts, NFL games or just weekend getaways. Joey’s favorite place to go was Las Vegas NV. He planned on making NV his home as soon as his youngest children graduated high school.  He was always at his best when cooking for family functions and get togethers. He loved fishing, camping, hunting and hanging out with friends and family.  Joey’s talent, knowledge, and expertise will be greatly missed as he has left a void in our hearts.  Everyone who was lucky enough to know Joey, knows that he had a beautiful heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  Joey will always be in our memories, in our stories and in our hearts.   

Public visitation will be at 5:00pm, with a Rosery to follow at 6:00pm at Elton Montoya’s residence on Monday February 12, 2024, at the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. A Mass of Catholic burial will take place on Tuesday February 13, 2024, at 9:00am at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM, with burial to follow at the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Isaiah Sanchez, Tylor Rivas, Elton Montoya, Dominic Aguino, Lawrence Atencio, Eli Garcia, Kyle Montoya, Eric Rivas and Onan Sanchez