MONTE VISTA — Longtime Monte Vista resident Florence Mary Batres (Roybal), 86, died December 30, 2020, at her home in Monte Vista surrounded by her loving family.

Florence was born in Las Nutrias, New Mexico on July 3, 1934, the proud daughter of Isadore and Thelma (Snow) Lovato. 

Florence was a beacon to her family, especially to her two daughters. She single-handedly raised her daughters to be strong women while instilling love of God, love of Family and love for each other. Florence was fearless in her endeavors and even in a time when a woman’s place was in the home, she was proud that she could do anything she put her mind to. She lived by the words, “Just because you are a woman, does not mean you can’t or shouldn’t be allowed to do a man’s job.” She would also say, “As far as I know, no one ever died from working hard.” When necessary and in an effort to support her two daughters, she wore many hats. She drove tractors and potato trucks during harvest. She was a member of the community working with the elderly as a nurse’s aide and later as a nurse’s aide for the Monte Vista Community Hospital. Florence also worked retail at Skaff’s Supermarket in Del Norte and later tried her hand in the food industry at Mighty Burger, Los Castros Restaurant and Dairy Queen in Monte Vista. Florence was a long-time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church teaching the principles of the Catholic Christian religion to the young community members grades 1st through 10th grade. Upon retirement, Florence remained active and in her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, canning and was a great cook. Florence loved growing flowers, embroidery, quilting and crocheting. Florence was an avid fisherman and loved spending time in the mountains with her family. Florence was very proud of her family, especially of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always willing to give advice, even if the advice was stern and/or not wanted. Florence was the hub of the family and her truthful and loving demeanor will be sorely missed. 

Florence is survived by her daughter Louise (Dean) Sisneros of Monte Vista and Joyce (Henry) Vigil of Denver, CO; her grandchildren Le John (Brandy), Tabitha (Luke), Stephanie (Carrie), Ezekiel (Sarah), and Michael (Norma); her great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Delilah, Sherry, Edward, Austin, Matthew, Rebecca, Essy, Danielle, Oakley, Reece, Brentley, Haylee and Evan; her brothers and sisters Marcello, Harold, Leroy, Manuel, Emelio, Joanne, Kathy, Annabelle and Nadine; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Isadore and Thelma, her sons Richard Roybal and Leon Roybal, her grandchildren Lena, David, Leon Jr., Joaquin and Amiliana; her great-grandson David; her brothers Reuben, Charles and Raymond, and her sisters Dorothy and Rhoda.

A Recitation of the Rosary service will be held 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 404 Morris Street in Monte Vista. A Graveside Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the Monte Vista Cemetery. 

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, tributes and remarks for Florence’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com