Ethel Virginia Espinoza

Celebration of Life:

Eve (Ethel Virginia) Espinoza, 80, of Pueblo, CO, passed away peacefully on May 7th, 2024, surrounded by her loving and grateful family. Eve maintained her sense of humor, megawatt smile, kindness, grace, appreciation of beauty, and love of family and friends until the end.

Born to Ellsworth and Ethel Hall in Ionia, Michigan, Eve chased her love of nature and the West to Pueblo in 1964 and married soon after. Her unparalleled work ethic and generosity built a legacy of family unity and service. She was a faithful daughter, cherished sister, loving wife, devoted mother, special aunty, active grandma, doting great-grandmother, and great friend.

Eve’s life was a testament to her strength, smarts, and grit. She raised two remarkable sons whom she loved with all her soul, Rick, and Tom Espinoza, instilling in them the values of courage and service. She was incredibly proud of her son Rick’s long career as a safety director at United Technologies, and she beamed when telling others about Tom’s Army service and career as an RN.

Eve’s enthusiasm, camaraderie, and nurturing spirit drew her younger sisters, Susan (Joe) Tafoya and Kathryn (Ralph) Bevan, to Pueblo, where the three joined forces to tackle any challenge and laugh through countless adventures. Eve became the matriarch of her clan and loved her sister’s children Amber (Erik) Cordova, Sage Orion, and Doris (Brian) McNeill as her own. She ensured that everyone in the family cheered each other on, be it a football game or a school play. Eve welcomed everyone, loved to entertain, and enjoyed hosting family from out of town, especially her siblings Joanne (Paul), Johnny (Pat), and Jerry (Betty) and their children. She loved all her nieces and nephews and frequently spoke with or emailed Connie, Peggie, Nancy, Diane, Barbie, Ben, Jake, Betty Jo, Malinda, and Ted. Her brother-in-law Kenny (Kathy) held a special place in her heart. Her family found endless adventures, support, and wisdom.

Her grandchildren, Jim, Marsha, and Tyler, great-grandchildren, Jackson and Mariposa, and great-niece and nephew Asher and Raquel were the joy of her life. She cherished their time together and filled it with laughter, learning, and love. Eve’s brother-in-law, Kenny (Kathy) Espinoza, held a special place in her heart. Coco, her beloved peekapoo, was her faithful companion.

Eve was known for her brave and entrepreneurial spirit, whether riding a horse or running a business. She and her family owned the CarQuest in the Mesa Junction for many years, and later, she was well-known in town as the property manager for the Wells Fargo Bank Building downtown. Her work ethic was contagious, and speed was her trademark, whether driving, crocheting, or gardening. She loved to exchange jokes, stories, and photos with her friends and family. She was admired by all who knew her.

A proud officer of the American Legion Auxilary, Eve served others with honor and dedication. Her Irish roots were a source of immense pride, and her memories of her trip to Ireland with her sons were among her most treasured.

Eve’s sense of humor, kind and generous heart, wisdom, candor, and enduring love have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Though she has departed from this earthly realm, her spirit remains a guiding light to all who knew her.

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The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for their outpouring of love and support during this time. Her family welcomes all who knew her to join them in a Celebration of Life Memorial on May 17^th at 10 a.m. at Montgomery & Steward on 1317 N Main St, Pueblo, CO 81003 or via live stream, where friends and family can gather to share stories and honor her legacy. https://www.montgomerysteward.com/obits/ethel-virginia-espinoza/