Elvira Nunez Rangel

Our beloved mother, Elvira Nunez Rangel, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on September 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 25, 1930, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Elicio and Delores Alfaro Nunez. Elvira grew up in the Armourdale community until the 1951 flood prompted her family to relocate to the Northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri. She was a remarkable mother, always offering her family unwavering support, wisdom, and love. Elvira, the eldest of seven siblings, had three sisters and four brothers. She completed her education at John J. Ingels Grade School and Central Middle School. Later, she worked in the packing department at Sears. Elvira met the love of her life, Solomen Rangel, on a blind date, and they exchanged vows on April 16, 1955, at St. John the Divine Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with three children—Alfred, Richard, and Lisa—and made their home in the Argentine community. As entrepreneurs, the couple entered the rental business and provided equal housing opportunities with the goal of uplifting diverse communities. She frequently traveled both nationally and internationally to countries in Europe and the Middle East with her husband and siblings, accumulating marvelous stories she would later share with her children and grandchildren, who will miss her and her cherished stories dearly. Elvira had a deep love for old vintage books and cherished her pets. She found joy in the beauty of zinnia flowers and zz plants, and her cactus plants. Some of the fondest memories are of traveling in their camper, exploring the U.S. and Mexico with her family. She took great pleasure in walking hand in hand with her husband and spending quiet moments on their porch, gazing at the birds and animals in the yard. Elvira’s love for gardening was evident in the care she gave to her plants, just as she lovingly cared for all her grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes was sharing coffee with her beloved husband, Solomen, at McDonald’s and enjoying Sunday dinners with her family. She and her husband were generous donors to numerous organizations both in Kansas and across the nation. For years, they supported many causes, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and the Lakota Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Elvira was preceded in death by her husband, Solomen; her parents, Eliceo and Delores Alfaro Nunez; her sisters, Mary (Pete) Quiroga, Cecilia (Armando) Martinez, and Virginia (Maynard) Dominguez; and two brothers, Rodolfo and Rudy (Bobbi) Nunez. She is survived by her brothers, Eliceo Jr. and Melchor Nunez, as well as many nieces and nephews. Elvira also leaves behind her three children: sons Alfred M. Sr. (Maria) and Richard G., and her daughter, Lisa M. Hernandez. She is lovingly remembered by her 11 grandchildren: Bryan, Justin, and Kevin (Valerie) Rangel, Esteban, Ana, Maria, and Antonio Hernandez, and Alfred Jr., Christina, Michael, and Gabriel Rangel, along with two great-granddaughters, Scarlett and Ruby Rangel. Elvira also leaves behind her beloved cats, Oreo, Mickey, Arthur, and Blackie, and has been reunited with her cherished dog, Chiquita. Services will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. and a mass of Christian burial starting at 11:00 A.M. Mausoleum Entombment will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery following mass. The family wants to express their sincere thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at The University of Kansas Health System and Brookdale Senior Living of Shawnee for guiding, treating, and supporting Elvira throughout the years and in her final moments. Your professional care during her time as a patient is highly appreciated and respected.

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Elvira Nunez Rangel

February 25, 1930 - September 17, 2024