Dolores "Lola" J. Rivas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Dolores J. Rivas, affectionately known as "Lola.” 

Born July 11, 1935, in Bingham Canyon, Utah to Juanita Macias and Juan Juventino Jimenez, Lola was the youngest of 3 sisters and 1 brother.

Lola grew up in Orange Cove, California, and relocated to Bingham Canyon, Utah in 1954, where she then married Fausto Rivas. She had 6 children whom she adored and dedicated her life to, and was known for taking care of many other children and treating them as her own. 

Lola was a loving human being who wholeheartedly took care of others. She made her mark in the culinary world as an entrepreneur and restauranteur. Lola owned and operated Rivas Café in West Jordan, Utah before opening El Sombrero Restaurant in Midvale, Utah. 

Lola was famous for her popular dishes such as Chile Verde, Chile Colorado, Tamales, Tacos, Burritos, Mexican Rice, Refried beans and made an incredible cheeseburger with homemade fries. These dishes are nostalgically still spoken of to this day by the many patrons who loyally frequented her restaurants. 

A very talented woman, Lola enjoyed drawing, painting, crocheting and had an extensive collection of elephants in all shapes and sizes. She also collected religious statues, saints, crucifixes, and paintings. Her love of music was unmatched: she loved Tom Jones, Lou Rawls, Freddie Fender, and her favorite Spanish artists included Vicente Fernandez, Cornelio Reyna, Gerardo Reyes, Juan Valentín, Espinosa Paz. Her affinity for music and cinema led her to open a music and video store which she proudly ran for several years in the heart of Midvale, on Main Street. 

Lola was a master of and extremely competitive at playing Chinese Checkers. It was a challenge for her kids and grandkids who attempted to beat her at the game, but Lola was fiercely undefeated. She was strategic and knew exactly when to make the winning moves. If you were one of the few that beat her at the game, she probably let you win! She also enjoyed playing dominoes and attending weekly Bingo at St. Therese Catholic Church on Friday nights. 

Lola was the most kind-hearted, generous person one could meet. Upon entering her home, you would instantly be greeted with music: either the staticky Spanish AM radio station or her kitchen stereo playing her favorite CDs. She would offer up a freshly-brewed cup of coffee, a Coke, Kool-Aid, or a refreshment of your choice—and most definitely offer you food, which was always freshly prepared alongside her famous and delicious salsa. You would never leave her house hungry! 

Lola is survived by her 5 kids, Fausto Rivas Jr. (Jackie), Ruben Rivas, Antonio (Tony) Rivas, Suzanne Rivas-Valle (Gabriel), Dolores Pahl (Michael) and was preceded in death by her daughter, Juanita Rivas, and her husband Fausto Rivas. 

She also had 2 daughters-in-law (Alicia Stott) & (Calleen Rivas) whom she adored. In addition, she had a special place in her heart for her brother-in-Law, Ramon Rivas (Mari), whom she loved like a son. 

Lola had 18 grandchildren, 22 Great grandchildren, countless godchildren, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews—all of whom adored her very much. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Intermountain Hospital in Riverton—from the evening cafeteria chef to the nurses and doctors—for their care and respect towards Lola and her visitors throughout her final days. 

In addition, we would like to thank Dr. Mernoosh Shakeri, Dr. Terrence Bjordahl, the University of Utah Heart Failure Clinic staff and the University of Utah Thrombosis Clinic for their continuous care over the years. 

Lola’s warmth, generosity and love will be missed by all that knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and unforgettable memories.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S, State Street, Midvale, UT. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 21st at 11:30 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 E. Creek Road, Sandy, UT. Interment to follow services at Midvale City Cemetery.