Elena Montalvo

Elena Gutierrez Montalvo, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Whittier, California, on February 28, 2025.

From a young age, Elena dedicated herself to her family, caring for her siblings in a large, vibrant household. As the oldest child, she took her responsibilities seriously, a commitment that continued as she raised her three children: Raul, Roberto, and Patricia.

In 1953, Elena married Raul Montalvo, beginning a journey that spanned nearly six decades until Raul's passing in 2010. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and hard work, moving between El Paso and Los Angeles, with brief stays in Chicago and time spent in Mexico before returning to El Paso. After their children completed high school, Raul, Elena, and Patricia relocated to Las Vegas, where they worked in local casinos. One of Elena's favorite pastimes was playing penny slot machines, a simple pleasure that reflected her joy in life’s little moments.

A devout Catholic, Elena manifested profound fulfillment in her faith. She earned the honor of becoming a special minister of the Eucharist, which allowed her to assist others in need. In this role, she helped the priest during Mass and provided comfort to the sick in hospitals, including patients with AIDS.

While working at the Mirage casino in Las Vegas, Elena caught the attention of the cast of the TV series "Vegas," which was filming at the time. She subsequently became an extra on the show.

Elena's love for music and dancing was as vibrant as her spirit. From the rhythms of mariachi and salsa to the swing of big band and boogie-woogie, music brought her immense joy, especially as both she and Raul were excellent dancers.

Even as she faced Alzheimer's disease in her later years, Elena maintained her strong connections to her family and faith. She found solace and enjoyment in watching Mass and classic Mexican movies daily on YouTube, reflecting her resilient and loving nature.

Elena leaves behind six siblings, three children, and six grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Elena’s life will be held at Bunker’s Eden Vale Memorial Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 11, 2025. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Raul.