Patsy Chavez, born October 10, 1937, as Cecilia Patrocinia Atencio, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 26, 2026.

Patsy was born and reared in Angostura, New Mexico, and attended Aztec High School. She married the love of her life, Abe Chavez, in 1954 and together they made their home in Farmington, New Mexico. Abe and Patsy moved to Navajo Dam, New Mexico, in 1958 where they built and operated Abe's Motel and Fly Shop for 60 years.

While helping Abe run the fly shop, Patsy devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and community. She lovingly reared their three children and served as the youngest postmaster in the state of New Mexico. They welcomed locals and travelers alike through their café, where she became famously known as the "Enchilada Queen." Patsy and Abe had the gift for hospitality-no one ever left their home hungry or unloved.

Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, Alisandro and Lucia Aragon Atencio, her beloved husband, Abe, sister, Rose Trujillo, and brothers, Jose, Ray, Leo, and Rubel Atencio.

She is survived by her children: Randy Chavez, Nadine-Chavez Maes (James), and Timothy Chavez (Andrea).

Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren: Carlos Chavez, Sarah Chavez, Garrett Chavez, Tyler Cobb (Luci), Abigail Hunter (John), Timothy Maes, and Benjamin Maes. Great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Michael and Tylia Cobb, Grace Chavez, Belén Fajardo, and Abrán Hunter, due mid-February.

A celebration of Patsy's life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. 

First Baptist Church, 200 West Sycamore, Bloomfield, NM 87413.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse.