Obituary: Chavez, Robert Joseph
Age 74
He was the husband of Shirley (Bippes) Chavez for 52 years.
Robert was born in Pasco, Washington, the son of Louis Esparza Chavez and Ruby Beatrice Strope.
He graduated from Riverview High School and served in the United States Air Force.
He was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 2003.
Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, soon to be great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He loved dancing, camping, traveling, family gatherings and avidly followed the CVHS girls and boys basketball programs.
He would travel anywhere to watch the games of his grandkids, nephews, nieces or practically anyone he knew, especially if they were playing basketball or football.
He enjoyed schooling the grandkids in the family cribbage tournaments at the cabin every 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.
He had a heart big enough to welcome anyone in.
Robert is survived by his wife Shirley; children - Tina (Todd) Nelson, Jim (Star) Chavez, Brian (Ann) Chavez, Carla (Chris) Somerlott; grandchildren - Kristie (Chad) Holzer, Zach Nelson, Josh, Joel, Ethan and Megan Chavez, Summer Hightower, Johnathon and Chelsea Somerlott; sisters - Alpha Lechelt, Patty (Robert) Lawley; brothers - Richard Chavez, Alfred (Teri) Chavez and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Ruby Chavez, brothers Denny and Bunny Chavez, sisters Margaret Hickman and Elizabeth Averette.
Dad ran into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ after a courageous battle against cancer.
The celebration of his going home to heaven will be Monday, January 19th (1:00PM) at Valley Nazarene Church, 15515 E. 20th Ave., Spokane Valley, WA.
A separate viewing will be held on Sunday, January 18th between 2:00 and 5:00PM at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home - 1306 North Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.
Robert loved holding babies and in lieu of cash, please make any charitable donations to the MOPS Ministry of Spokane Valley Nazarene Church where dad served for years.