Bernie P. Ruvalcaba Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Bernie P. Ruvalcaba September 21, 1942 ~ June 17, 2022 Bernie P. Ruvalcaba, known by many as “Bessie” was born on September 21st, 1942 to Marvin and Bernie Hawkins in Durango, CO. Bessie lived in Durango and Ignacio with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins until her mother and father could get things situated in Denver. When Bessie moved to Denver to be with her parents, brother and a host of other family members she was already 9 years old. This was a big change for Bessie, she was coming from a small house on the reservation in Ignacio where she only spoke Spanish and had pets like goats and chickens. Bessie adjusted well and would often tell stories about growing up on the farm. Being carried to school on her uncle’s shoulders with the dog following them (and the dog would stay at the school all day), or about her staying warm with the oven in the house because that’s how they heated the house back then. Although money was tight, LOVE was overflowing. Bessie was raised in a very loving home and would go on to provide the same type of home for her family years later. After moving to Denver, Bessie attended Wyman Elementary School, Morey Junior High School and then graduated from Manual High school in 1961. Bessie grew up surrounded by her family and friends on Lafayette Street in East Denver where she loved to dance, play cards, sit on the porch and just enjoy the cool Denver nights. She could always be found with her favorite ladies, her mother and aunt Udell, Debra or her best friend Carol Martin. After graduating, Bessie attended and graduated from Parks Business School. This led to Bessie working as an Assistant for the local dentist Dr. Daniels and then the American Legion as a Switchboard Operator. In the early 1980’s, Bessie began working for the Colorado Department of Human Services where she stayed and retired after 19 years. Upon retirement, Bessie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. But her favorite thing to do was lay on her bed and do Crossword puzzles or Word Find puzzles or watch TV shows like Old Westerns, Family Feud and CNN. Or she would love to put on her headphones and listen to her favorite music which was any from Vicente Fernández and her 1950/1960 DooWops!! Bessie enjoyed the simple things in life and never asked for much; she just loved being with those she loved.. Carrying her legacy are her children: Derek E. Hawkins (Felicia Hawkins), Michelle Liles (Nate Liles) and John Ruvalcaba (Vanessa Ruvalcaba), her grandchildren: Aaron Lathan, Marshay Lathan, Jazlyn Smith, Deja Hawkins, Danielle Ruvalcaba, and Giovanni Ruvalcaba. As well as her only great grandson: Khamari Ruvalcaba. Bessie also leaves behind a host of others: Her nieces and nephews, her cousins, her aunt, her friend and so many more. Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Juan Ruvalcaba, her brothers John Hawkins and Marvin Hawkins Jr. and her grandson, Derek E. Hawkins II.

Tributes

Bernie P. Ruvalcaba

September 21, 1942 - June 17, 2022