Jane Louise (Smith) Rivera, cherished wife, mother, daughter and sister, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the age of 71 years. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Assembly of God Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jane Louise (Smith) Rivera was born and raised in Boston MA in 1946 to Norman and Ruth Smith, with lineage from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Married in 1965 to Ray Rivera, the couple had two children, Raymond and Janine. Moving to Minnesota in 1989, they began the next chapter of their lives. Jane loved the Lord, was greatly involved with her church, and cherished the time spent with residents at the local nursing home where she worked. She was also president of the local MCCL Chapter (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life) and was a passionate advocate for the unborn. She treasured spending time with her grandchildren and prided herself as a hockey grandma traveling all over the state to attend games. Outside of her grandma duties, she was very fond of camping with her husband, sitting outside on summer days and completing crossword puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her mother Ruth, father Norman and brother David. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Ray; her children Raymond (Polina) Rivera and Janine (Bryan) Votel; her brothers Norman and Peter; her sister Karen; and her grandchildren Caleb, Andrei and Elysia.
Jane will forever be remembered by her husband and best friend Ray, her children and family, and her dear friends.
Oh Jane was such a sweet, kind, caring person. She will be greatly missed by alot of people. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
So far apart but our hearts are always together
Friends for almost 70 years Ray you and your family have my deepest sympathy. May the lord be your strength and your children hold you tight
Love you my brother
You know that we loved you and know you are still in our hearts Prayers goes out to all love ya Sorry for your lost Ray your Friend Skip
Ray, we were saddened to hear of the loss of your dear wife. Our condolences to you and your family.
Donald and Ethel
Jane, you will definitely be missed by your church family and friends. You were a great person you always had a smile on your face. I’m sorry for your loss Ray and family just remember she will always be in your hearts.
Jane was a very special person with a heart of gold , was loved by many people. And will be missed tremendously. Her smile lit up the entire room wherever she was. Heaven truly gained an Angel, my sympathies to the Rivera Family during this difficult time.
Michelle Whipple / Mike Brown
Tasha &Mark Dunn &Family
Jordan Whipple &(Brittany) & family
My condolences to the family and friends for the loss of your loved one, Jane, and may you be comforted by these Bible scriptures, Acts 24:15, Revelation 21: 4, 5.
My condolences to Jane’s family for the loss of a great lady. She was always kind and caring and fun to play cards with at the cafe.
Ray and Family, we were so, so sorry to hear about Jane’s passing. You two have taken care of our buildings for over 10 years, and always done such a good job. It was always so pleasant to talk to Jane when she called the office to let us know that something was needed out there. All of us here at the Office will miss her “Boston” accent I would kid her about. Thanks Jane for all of your hard work, your strong work ethic, and your great attitude. God Bless your Memory.
Jane was such a sweet lady always cheered me up when i worked with her. She will be missed dearly
Jane will be missed in the stands of the Windom Bantam hockey games! Her and Ray’s enthusiasm and love of the game, the team, and their family were evident at every event. Our sympathies to all the family during this difficult time, your hockey family is here for you.
Windom Bantam Hockey Family
Ray we are so sorry and saddened by the passing of Jane. She will missed by so many of us. As always we are here for you. Our prayers are with you. God bless you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about Jane..she was a sweet lady and always could make you laugh, praying for the family, so sorry for your loss.
There are no words to express such sorrow at the loss of Jane’s companionship , but at the same time such joy for her in her final destination in glory where we all pray to wind up. Strength and courage be upon you Ray and your family as you walk the rest of your journey without Jane. Be of good cheer and know we will all be together eventually.
Janie you were such a good person. Growing up you were like a big sister to me. We had so much fun down the Cape. I have many fond memories of you that i will cherish always. RIP cousin until we meet again. Love you! God bless Ray and your family.
So very sorry to hear about your wife Janie. Please know I am thinking of you and your family at this time. May God comfort you at this time. Your very old friend Linda
The Rivera home was like a 2nd home to me in my middle school years and I’ll be forever grateful for the role model that Jane was to me is those formative years. So blessed to have been able to know her. She was a truly special lady and she will be dearly missed. All my love to Ray, Janine, Raymond and the entire family. You are in my prayers!
Brent and I were saddened to hear of Jane leaving this earth. I will always remember her cheerful and determined attitude in the chats we had when Ray and she would pick up the boys from my daycare. 🙂 God bless and keep you all through this stressful time and may the Lord give you all His peace.
You have our sincere condolences on the loss of your wife…mom…best friend. We are glad to have known her through her hours of time calling bingo and other events that she so willingly spent her time doing at wooddale…she never seemed to tire of giving…our sincere sympathy….
My sincere condolences on Jane’s passing. I will always remember her smile and would always know what Wing she was on at the nursing home by listening for her Boston accent!! She had such a warm personality and soul! Heaven gained a sweet angel.
Ray and Family, we are truly sorry for your loss.
Your family has been a wonderful friend to my family since we first helped you move to the Redwood Area. I remember our relationship starting many years ago.. It started with heavy lifting of MANY MANY MANY boxes when they arrived in Redwood and were stored at the (musical instrument repair) building.
I went to school with Ray Jr. graduated together. During our school time we spent many classes together since we enjoyed doing the same things (probably got in some trouble as well). I remember Jane always being very accommodating to me when we would hang out at your parents place. Always wanting to make sure I was comfortable 🙂 and Ray Sr. as well.
I was able to see/talk to her last summer (may 2017), when I was home visiting my family, at the Walmart parking lot. She had the same smile and laughter as I had remembered from my childhood.
I know you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.. Lean hard on Him in this great time of grief.. Love you guys!
Luke 10:28 (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
My heart-felt deepest sympathy to you, Ray and your children and grandchildren.
Diana (Eaton)
Very sorry to hear Mrs Rivera passed away she was like a second Mom to me growing up , I will miss her very much – Blessings to my friend Raymond and his Sister Janine may you both have peace .