Elizabeth (Liz) Delatorre Chavez

Elizabeth (Liz) Delatorre Chavez, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, in Topeka, KS at the age of 103 1/2. Born on June 8, 1922, in Olpe, KS, Liz was the second of seven children born to Jose and Gregoria (Hernandez) Delatorre.

Liz met her husband, Leon, before he was drafted into the U.S. Army with the United States entering WW II. They maintained correspondence while he was stationed abroad and upon his return, they were joined in marriage on September 22, 1945. They enjoyed 41 years of loving devotion together until his passing in 1987.

At 23, Liz secured a position at Aero Parts, Boeing aircraft plant, in Wichita KS., where she performed her duties as an actual “Rosie the Riveter.” She took great pride in working for the U.S. war effort, particularly with her brother and future husband serving overseas. In the latter part of her life, she embarked on a 25-year career at Hallmark Cards in Osage City, culminating in her retirement in 1985.

Liz was a dedicated mother who took immense pride in raising her family of five children. Family dinners were among her favorite moments where she delighted in preparing her delicious Mexican dishes. She took pleasure in needlepoint, embroidery, crocheting, watching her soap operas, telenovelas, and reading a captivating book. She found great joy in listening to Mexican music while singing and dancing along with the sounds. Possessing an exceptional memory, she could vividly recount numerous experiences from her childhood, always sharing the most heart-warming stories, as well as knowing birthdays of all her family. Above all, her unwavering faith in God was accompanied by her deep love and continuous support for her family. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for many years.

Liz was preceded in death by her husband Leon and their son Rick; her parents, her siblings Louise, Angie and Frances Delatorre, Alice Flores, and Clete and Valentino Delatorre.

Left to cherish Liz's memory are her daughters: Theresa (Harold) Segelquist; Helen Chavez, Christine (Jay) Anderson and Rosalie (Claude) Duncan. She was a proud grandmother to Jim Segelquist, Beth Kuhn, Sarah (Kevin) Fulton, Leslie Segelquist, Jessica Brown, Malia Brown, Ethan Kent, Ryan (Melissa) Kent, Rachel Thornburgh; and great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Cade, Karoline, Charlie, Alexander, Charlotte, Olivia, Mekhi, Myles, Sophia, Maverick, Cruz, Carmen; and great-great-grandchildren, Klementine, Hudson and Sage, as well as many nieces and nephews, who held special places in her heart. Liz was blessed to have Helen and Jessica as her primary caregivers.

Above all, Liz’s faith, optimistic attitude, grateful spirit, positivity and infectious smile brought joy to all who knew her. She faced life’s challenges with courage, often saying that all was “fine”, even in the face of adversity. It is our prayer that she finds eternal peace and rest in the embrace of her loved ones who have gone before her. Rest peacefully, Mom, knowing that the legacy of your love and laughter will eternally illuminate our days and uplift our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Osage City, KS on January 15, 2026. Her family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am, followed by a rosary at 10:30 am., and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Osage City, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or Masses may be made in her memory and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 N 6th St., Osage City KS 66523.