He was born on March 21, 1969, in Tepetongo, Zacatecas, to Francisco Rivas and Michaela Gonzalez. When Jose turned seventeen, he moved to Baldwin Park, California where he spent many years working at various restaurants. In 1992, he moved to Lexington, where he dedicated 32 years working for IBP, later known as Tyson Fresh Meats. On January 16, 1993, Jose was united in marriage through the church to the love of his life, Juanita Jimenez in Mexico. The family was blessed with five children: Jose, Gustavo, Stacey, Manuel Alejandro, and Michelle.
Jose was a family man, who loved spending time with his wife and children, traveling to different places. He enjoyed getting dressed up and enjoying his weekends, grilling and listening to spanish corridos. He was known as a hardworking man who liked to keep his hands busy. If he wasn’t at work, he was working on his truck, or tending to his garden. Jose was a devout catholic, who had a kind and pure heart. His faith helped him endure and persevere during some of the toughest moments in his life. He always made sure he went to church every Sunday and prayed for the health and safety of others. He was an amazing husband and father, who will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish his legacy is his loving wife, Juanita Jimenez de Rivas of Lexington; father, Francisco Rivas of Mexico; children, Jose Rivas of Grand Island, Gustavo Rivas of Lexington, Stacey (Felix Batista) Rivas of Lexington, Manuel Alejandro Rivas of Lexington, and Michelle Rivas of Lexington; grandchildren, Ashley Rivas, Gianni Rivas, Angel Rivas, Valerie Rivas, and Chris Rivas; brothers, Alejandro Rivas, Simon Rivas, and Francisco Rivas, all of Lexington; sisters, Graciela Rivas, Nacha Rivas, Rosa Rivas and Alicia Rivas, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating.
Burial will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington.
Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral home in Lexington with a Private Family Visitation to be held prior to the service.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com