Amada Q. Herrera

AMADA Q. HERRERA, 91, a resident of Riverside, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 24, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Eduvigen Quintana; husband Johnny C. Herrera Sr.; father and mother-in-law Rafael and Ramoncita Herrera; daughters Mary and JoAnn Herrera; sons Carlos and Johnny C. Herrera Jr.; son-in-law Eddie Atencio; daughters-in-law Elvira and Erlinda Herrera; grandson Arsenio (AJ) Herrera; great-grandsons Alex Romero and Xavior Martinez; brothers Joe and Johnny Quintana; brothers-in-law Ben Martinez, Leo, Isi, and Charlie Herrera; sister-in-law Juanita Valdez.

Amada is survived by her children Leroy Herrera, Helen Atencio, Lily (Andy) Garcia, Eva (Leroy) Medina, Judy Maestas, Michael Herrera, Tony Herrera (her baby), Cathy Herrera; special grandchildren Sandra Maestas (whom she raised as her daughter), Jessica and Jaslyn (Stormy) Maestas, special great-great grandchildren Kaiden (Papito) and Amarante (Bambi); Aunt Toni Valencia; very special nephew and niece whom she considered like her own Arturo (Norma) Herrera and Marietta (Teofilo) Bencomo; siblings, Alice Martinez, Antonio C. (Nora) and Jimmy (Viola) Quintana; brother-in-law Alfredo Roybal; sister-in-law Martha Herrera; 19 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 25 great-great grandchildren plus many special nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends and her dog “Spot” a blue heeler, who would lay by her side.

There are so many words to describe Amada, she was a strong willed, hardworking, religious, and loving woman to name a few. She lived a happy and fulfilling life as a homemaker, bus driver, seam stress, foster grandparent, and a senior companion. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Amada who loved to cook, read her Amish books, crochet blankets, and make tortillas for her family and friends. Amada had a heart of gold and played a huge role in her family’s life.  She loved her family dearly and always provided them with love and nurturing. Amada always had a smile on her face and a hug for everyone she met and made everyone feel like they were one of her own. She was known as “mom” or “grandma” by many.  She was dedicated to her Catholic religion and her favorite patron saint “Saint Jude”.  She was part of the Nuestra Senora de Carmen of Cuarteles and an active member of the traveling Holy Family and Holy Cross Church.  She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Rosary will be prayed on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian burial to follow at 12:00 noon, all services at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Johnny, Leroy and Antonio Herrera Jr., Ezekiel Romero, Andy Garcia Jr., Lynda Atencio, Sandra, Jessica and Jaslyn Maestas and Julie Velasquez.

The family of Amada Herrera has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com   (505) 747-7477