Cordelia M. (Valdez) Rypma

Cordelia "Cordy" M. (Valdez) Rypma, 86, beloved wife and mother, was called to her eternal resting place on March 9, 2018. She entered this world on January 13, 1932 in Tierra Amarilla, NM, born to Uvaldo and Siria Valdez. She is survived by her husband, Jay Rypma; daughter, Catherine "Cathy" Rypma-Dixon; son, Jay Rypma; granddaughter, Clarissa Dixon; and son-in-law, Tom Dixon. Cordy was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, and two brothers.

As a young girl her family moved to Cortez, Colorado. Cordy grew up in Cortez, graduated Montezuma High School. She worked at The Style Center. Cordy met and married Jay Rypma. They relocated when Jay accepted a position in Farmington, NM. Cordy and Jay resided in Farmington, NM for 52 years before relocating to Rio Rancho, NM. Cordy was able to enjoy the frequent company of her beloved granddaughter, Clarissa, during the time in Rio Rancho.

Cordy worked retail for many years. However, Cordy was a seamstress first and foremost. She became an entrepreneur, owned her own fabric store in Farmington, NM. One of her greatest pride and joy designs was her daughter, Cathy, wedding dress and veil. Cordy would retire four times before health issues made retirement permanent. During her reentry to the workforce, she was a bank teller, and elementary school lunch server. She enjoyed being around the young children interacting and serving them lunch. Most of all, her joy was from her children and granddaughter.

Cordy was a very loving and accepting person. She had a good sense of humor, never sarcastic, always loving. When she set a goal, she was extremely determined and self-driven. She was very supportive in helping others achieve their goals. Cordy did not believe in idle hands, she always had some project in the works such as painting, crafting, or home repair. Cordy helped her son, Jay, redesign and make extensive repairs to his first home in Houston, TX. The only projects left undone were those in progress when she passed.

A Rosary will be held Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Viewing at 6:30 p.m. at FRENCH – Rio Rancho. Mass will be Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Incarnation, 2309 Monterrey Road NE Rio Rancho, NM. Burial will follow immediately after Mass, at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Road NE in Rio Rancho.