Helen Lorraine Chavez

Obituary For Helen Lorraine Chavez

Helen “Dogie” Lorraine Chavez was born to John Riley Gordon and Mary Leona Reid Gordon on October 11, 1930, in Hot Springs, New Mexico. “Dogie’s” early life was spent amongst the Rio Grande bosque in the original town-site of Caballo, New Mexico. The Great Depression blighted the entire country, and Southern New Mexico suffered the same woes. Everyone in “Dogie’s” family worked hard to seek out a living as cattle ranchers and sustenance farmers. The four sisters worked side by side with the men of the family to ensure the chores were done and the cattle and the crops were taken care of. The construction of the Caballo Reservoir dam forced the family to uproot their homestead from the bosque and a 7-year-old “Dogie” found herself at the reins of a team of horses, driving a wagon stacked high with the family’s belongings. “Dogie’s” family resettled on a new homestead on Animas Creek. Like the rest of her generation, “Dogie” and her sisters stayed behind to keep America working while the able-bodied men were drafted into the Armed services. “Dogie” learned the value of hard work and community service during those tough times that shaped the rest of her life. Working horses and cattle, tending fence and keeping up on the everyday chores to keep a ranch operating was the main focus for “Dogie’s” young life.

After graduation from Hot Springs High School, “Dogie” attended Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas where she earned her accreditation in 1951. Working in Raton and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and thereafter, northern California she became a skilled nurse and had many great stories of patients and doctors.

“Dogie” met Ruben “Tino” Chavez, Jr. while attending elementary school at the one-room Caballo Schoolhouse. “Dogie” and “Tino” eventually married and started their own homestead on Animas Creek, where they raised their five children; Dawn, Mike, Adam, Matthew and Becca.

“Dogie” and “Tino” ranched on Animas Creek where they raised horses and livestock along with feed crops and vegetables. For many years, ”Dogie” provided compassionate care at Carrie Tingley Hospital for Crippled Children where she was promoted to be Director of Nurses. After losing her husband to cancer, “Dogie’s” character and stubborn grit allowed her to maintain their holdings and raise five children into successful adults. “Dogie” retired from public service as the Sierra County Public Health Nurse after working 40 years as a registered nurse.

Many in the area can testify to “Dogie’s” good nature and hearty generosity. “Dogie” could not turn away anyone from the table, always making sure there was enough food to go around. Her door was always open to visitors and her car was the Animas Creek taxi for those in need of transportation.

“Dogie” enjoyed her retired life by traveling and keeping busy with quilting and sewing, gardening and canning. “Dogie” lived a simple life filled with faith and the love of family. “Dogie” spearheaded the conservation efforts to maintain the old Caballo School house by founding the “Caballo Community Club” and was a charter member of the Caballo Church.

“Dogie” is survived by: her sister; Dorothy “Baby” Nations; 5 Children: Dawn (Jeff) Rooney, Mike (Karen) Chavez, Adam Chavez, Matt Chavez, Rebecca (Jim) Helmick; 12 grandchildren- Shaun (Liz) Rooney , Eric (Stephanie) Rooney, Lenee (Tim) Talbot, Pate (Arianne) Chavez, Dalli (JC) Nelson, Dalton Chavez, Cays Chavez, Arliss (Ashley) Chavez, Regan (Sealy) Chavez, Cory Helmick, Aubrey Helmick and Avery Helmick; 22 Great grandchildren; Nicole and Natalie Rooney, Sam, Ben, Eli, Jared and Levi Rooney, Ruger and Gage Talbot, Aralynne, Macklin and Gracelyn Chavez; Autry, JT and Jiggs (+1 on the way) Nelson; Dayson Chavez; Amelia and Annalise Chavez; Brynn and Wacen (+ 1 on the way) Chavez and numerous nieces and nephews.

“Dogie” is preceded in death by her parents, her husband “Tino” Chavez; her brother, Dick Gordon; sisters, Elizabeth “Sitter” Bradshaw, Faye Goff; and her grandson, Brolyn Chavez.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10:30 AM at the Caballo Church. Covered dish dinner to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you bring for display, a quilt or Afghan that Dogie has made. We would like to spread them on the pew backs displaying how “Dogie” touched the lives of her family and friends. Donations can also be made in to the Caballo Community Club in honor of “Dogie” Chavez.