Elvira (Vera) Quintana Trotter

ANTONITO — Elvira (Vera) Quintana Trotter, age 81, daughter of J. Celestino Quintana and Josephina Lobato Quintana passed away November 15, 2019 in Chattanooga, TN, where she had lived for the past 60 years.

She grew up in Antonito, Colorado, and even though she moved beyond the mountains after high school, the San Luis Valley held an important place in her heart. She loved the people, the culture and the land and stayed connected through visiting her beloved family members.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Lisa (John) Harrison and her daughter, Janelle (Tim) Ladina, her grandchildren, Jack Harrison-Quintana, Kathleen (Austin) Starkey, Olivia Harrison, Collin Ladina, Camille Ladina, and great-grandson, Adam Starkey.

Vera is preceded in death by her son, David, and her husband, Stanley, and her sister, Martha Perea.

Vera’s siblings are Loyola Mejorado, Castro Valley, CA; Juan (Carmen) Quintana, San Leandro, CA; Lucy Sandoval, Antonito, CO, Stella Trotter, Chattanooga, TN; Alice Quintana, Alamosa, CO;  Rose Archuleta, Manassa, CO;  J.C. (Lorene) Quintana, Antonito, CO;  Angie Hart, Las Vegas, NV.

Vera was a great storyteller and she loved to reminisce about when she and her siblings worked alongside their mother and father on the ranch and at the home. She would say, “It was hard work but there was always time for play, too.”  These early experiences formed a strong work ethic and a great love of family fun that characterized Vera’s life. She was a beautiful woman with a curious and keen mind, and she will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.

Vera wished to return to her roots when her earthly journey ended so there will be a memorial service at a future date and she will be interred at the Los Cerritos Cemetery.