Candelaria L. Ramirez, age 84, died Friday, December 9, 2011 at Baptist St. Anthony in Amarillo, Texas. She was born February 2, 1927 in Chihuahua Mexico the daughter of Isable and Margarita (Carrassco) Lujan.

Candelaria, a homemaker, has lived in Elkhart for 36 years. She married Venceslado Ramirez on June 23, 1951. She was a well-known, sweet lady, whom everyone felt welcome in her home. An accomplished cook, friends knew they were welcome to whatever was cooking on her stove. Candelaria also enjoyed spending time outdoors in her vegetable and flower gardens.

Candelaria is survived by four sons, Francisco, Jesus and wife Estefana, Gus and Nick all of Elkhart, Kansas; one brother, Isable Lujan of Texas; three sisters, Soccorro Garcia of Mexico, Maria Fierro of Mexico, and Tani Acosto of New Mexico; 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Baudelio Ramirez and George Ramirez; and four sisters.

Vigil service will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 7:00 PM and funeral mass will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 10:00 AM both at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Elkhart. Burial will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Kansas. Friends may call Monday, December 12, 2011 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM and Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from 10:00 am until 5:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the Candelaria Ramirez Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.