Jose Eliazar Sanchez, 100, known affectionately as Eli to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2024, in Del Norte, Colo. Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Eli’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering kindness, love, and thoughtfulness, traits that endeared him to all who knew him.
Eli’s life was a testament to enduring love and commitment. He married his beloved wife, Alice Medina, at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte, Colo., on Aug. 30, 1948. Their union was blessed with 13 children, a testament to their shared love and devotion.
Eli’s legacy is carried on by his wife, Alice Sanchez of Del Norte, Colo.; his children Jenny (the late Jimmy) Montoya, of Del Norte, Colo., Marquita (Roberto) Sanchez of Pueblo, Colo., Eric (Edna) Sanchez of Del Norte, Colo., Maria Geraldine Robles of Monte Vista, Colo., Steve (Barbara) Sanchez of Del Norte, Colo., Ernie (Jeanne) Sanchez of Del Norte, Colo., Rita (Victor) Arvizo of De Beque, Colo., Jimmy (Annette) Sanchez of Alamosa, Colo., Angela (Joe) Montoya of Center, Colo., and Reina (Jay) Roybal of Monte Vista, Colo. His life was further enriched by the joy of 33 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, 27 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren. Eli’s siblings, Benjamin Sanchez Rodriguez of Nebraska and Esperanza Sanchez de Samora of Salinas, Calif., along with numerous extended family and friends, will also hold his memory dear.
He was preceded in death by his parents Expedito Sanchez and Maria Rodriguez de Sanchez, his children Victor Sanchez, Annie Sanchez, and Christopher Sanchez, and his siblings Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, Carmen Sanchez de Montejano, Amelia Sanchez Rodriguez, Heriberto Sanchez Rodriguez, Antonio Sanchez Rodriguez, and Guadalupe Sanchez de Melgoza.
Throughout his life, Eli worked as a logger, a profession that showcased his strong work ethic, his love for the mountains and connection to the natural world.
Eli’s blue eyes sparkled with joy, and his handsome smile was a clear reflection of his inner spirit. He had a passion for life that was evident in his love for gambling and dancing. These interests brought a sense of excitement and pleasure to his life, and he shared this zest with everyone around him.
Those who knew Eli would describe him as the epitome of kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a comforting word. His loving nature was the cornerstone of his existence, and his thoughtfulness knew no bounds. He was a man who put others before himself, and his generosity of spirit was felt by all who had the privilege of crossing his path.
A Recitation of the Rosary was held 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, all at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte. Interment followed services in the Del Norte Cemetery.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, words of comfort, and remembrances for Jose’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
