Ruth Chavez

Ruth L. Chavez, 83, of Rochester, died Friday March 27, 2020 at Edenbrook Care Center.
Ruth Lydia Peterson, was born December 17, 1936 in Winona, MN to Ralph and Lydia (Wanek) Peterson. Ruth was raised in Winona and eventually met Merjildo through mutual friends. The couple was united in marriage on May 3, 1952 in Winona.
After getting married they moved to Colorado for a couple of years, then moved back to Winona, MN. While living in Winona, Ruth was employed at The Watkins Company, St Mary's University and Meijers Food & Drug. Ruth and her husband also worked at a manufacturing plant that had to modify their operation to make ammunition during the Korean War. In 1968, the family settled in Red Wing, where Ruth began her 17 year career driving a school bus for Lee Lines. She loved seeing kids every day and always had a big smile for each of her passengers. Ruth enjoyed making jewelry, crocheting and multiple other crafts. Merjildo and her attended countless craft shows in their free time, where she could display her beading and crocheting projects.
Ruth is survived by three children, Ralph (Stacy) Chavez of Florida, Rebecca Chavez of Rochester and Michelle Gee-Frazier (Peter Frazier) of Rochester; 5 grandchildren, Katherine, Brittany, Abigail, Cydney (Tyler), Darrel; 5 great grandchildren, Tatum, Blaize, Sterling, Lillian-Claire, Cameron; numerous nieces & nephews and multiple cousins.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; daughter Lydia Nibbe; son-in-law Donald Nibbe; great granddaughter Natalia Nelson; grandson-in law Zach Nelson; and outliving all of her siblings.
There will be a graveside memorial service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband, at a later date. Online condolences are welcome and may be written at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.