Minerva "Minnie" Rivera, 76, passed away on August 8, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born on July 29, 1950, in North Judson, Indiana to Jose and Guadalupe (Arrambides) Calderon.

Minnie married the love of her life, Albert Rivera on December 19, 1971, in Ralls, Texas and together shared 49 years of marriage before Albert was called home.

Minnie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister and cherished the time spent with family members and friends. She especially enjoyed spending time thrifting, fishing, and taking trips with her sisters Janie and Sally to Oklahoma (wink, wink or cha- ching, cha-ching) and their chauffer, her brother-in-law, Gilbert Rivera.

Minnie worked for the Ralls Independent School District for 25 years and retired in December of 2016. After retirement, she stayed committed to Ralls ISD and served as a substitute teacher for 10 years. Anywhere she went, she was greeted with a "Hi Ms. Minnie!" and a big hug from students. She was a devoted member of St Michael Catholic Church where she served as a Guadalupana, on both Parish and Finance committees, a Greeter and Eucharistic Minister and many other service projects. Minnie also enjoyed spending time at the Ralls and Lorenzo Senior Citizens Center visiting with her friends and family and enjoyed participating in chair aerobics.

Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughters Mischelle Rivera and Kim Perez and husband Matthew Perez; her four grandchildren, Chelsea Galvan and husband Michael, Jaedon Pachicano and wife Taylor, Isaiah Perez and wife Ana, and Elijah Perez; and her three great-grandchildren, Malakai and MaKaiah Pachicano, Mason Alby Galvan, and Baby Galvan expected in early 2027.   Her three brothers – Jesse Calderon, Robert Calderon, and Eddie Calderon; her three sisters – Josie Velasquez, Sally Calderon, and Gloria Mendolla and many nieces, nephews and many friends.

Minnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Albert Rivera, her grandson Micah Shae Pachicano, her parents Jose and Guadalupe Calderon, and her sister Janie Rivera.

Though our hearts are broken we take comfort that her love and countless memories remain with us forever. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work and family devotion. She will be missed and forever loved.