Rose Maez

Rose Maez, 86, of Cheyenne, passed away peacefully on December 27th, with her beloved family by her side.

Rose was born on May 1, 1939, in Cleveland, New Mexico, and spent most of her life in Cheyenne, where she built a family, a home, and a legacy rooted in love and devotion.

In May of 1956, Rose met the love of her life, Donald Maez. What began with a spark and a bit of youthful adventure quickly grew into a love story that would define a lifetime. They were married on September 22, 1956, beginning a partnership that became the very definition of unconditional love.

For 68 years, Rose and Don shared a rare and beautiful marriage — one built on loyalty, kindness, laughter, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Together, they created a life that most only read about in storybooks, and through their example taught generations what true love looks like and how deeply it protects and endures.

Rose and Don raised two incredible sons who made them so very proud, cherished their granddaughter beyond measure, and absolutely adored their great grandson.

Family was always Rose’s highest priority. She instilled in all the importance of working hard, doing things the right way, and putting family above all else.

Rose was also a devoted big sister to two brothers and four sisters, and a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, each of whom she loved dearly.

Professionally, Rose worked as a medical secretary for WIC in Cheyenne until her retirement in 1992. After retiring, Rose and Don spent the next 32 years traveling as snowbirds to Las Vegas and Arizona, enjoying warmer weather, the penny slots, and spending time together. When home in Cheyenne, Rose found joy in scrapbooking, caring for her sons, sleepovers with her granddaughter, and doting on her great grandson.

Rose was the true matriarch of her family. Her guidance was trusted, her opinion valued, and her presence grounding. She worked hard, did what was right, and never took shortcuts. She took great care in making meaningful moments magical through traditions and simple acts of love.

Together, she and Don clapped so loudly for their family that they never needed anyone else in the audience of their lives.

She lived a life of integrity, devotion, and love for her family, and will be remembered as a small but mighty woman who always put her family first.

She is survived by her son Keith Maez (Sandra Maez) of Cheyenne; her granddaughter Gina Maez-Howland (Logan Howland); and her cherished great grandson Austyn Howland of Fort Collins, Colorado. She is also survived by her brother Rudy Martinez; her sisters Elsie Torres and Josie Ojeda; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by the other half of her heart, her husband Donald Maez; her beloved son Leroy Maez; her little great granddaughter Emilee Rose Howland; her sisters Delores Sharkey and Helen Perez; her brother Eddie Martinez; her niece Nicole Moyte; her nephews Paul Martinez Jr. and Ryan Guerrero; and her parents, Alice and Herminio Martinez.

Services will be held on Monday, January 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Wiederspahn Chapel of the Chimes, with a reception to follow at Kiwanis Community House from 3-5pm.