Jeannie Chavez, 64, a longtime resident of Sierra County, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025. Born in Long Beach, CA, to Jack Hardacker and Maria Cardenas, Jeannie lived a life marked by love, care, and warmth that touched all who knew her.

Jeannie dedicated her early years to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, a role in which she thrived. Later, she pursued a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. But perhaps her greatest role was as the heart of her family, especially in the kitchen. Her chicken fried steak, sopapillas, homemade flour tortillas, posole, and Christmas tamales will be lovingly remembered by all who had the joy of sharing a meal with her.

Beyond her cooking, Jeannie enjoyed gardening, crafting, and macramé. She adored spending time with her family, close friends, and her three little dogs. A lifelong Elvis fan, Jeannie also loved listening to oldies and was known for her playful humor and her love of scratchers. Her #1 was making sure Sonny Boy was good.

Jeannie has a very caring side that some of us were blessed to see. She would try to make you feel better, make you laugh with her playfulness and she could always make you smile when you were sad. She always tried to point out the positive in your life. Her ability to find and share the bright side of life, even in hard times, will be one of her lasting legacies.

Jeannie is survived by her children- Alex Chavez, and Emily Chavez; grandchildren- Sterling Chavez and McKenzie Wortman; her little dogs- Smallz, Dolly and Molly; Siblings- Clyde Hardacker, Rick Hardacker, Juanita Reid, Leah Miyamoto; Nieces and Nephews- Pauline, Crystal, Bruce, Jennifer, Joseph Alissya, Elias and Robert; as well as her great best friend, Liz Standley. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Truth Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church (1911 S. Broadway Truth or Consequences, NM 87901) with Pastor Joe Lucero officiating.