Maria Melendez, 86, of Brush passed away June 17, 2024. She was born June 13, 1938, to Antonio and Donata Tello in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She had six brothers, and 2 sisters.

Maria met her husband Jose and were married January 12, 1965.  Maria and her husband moved to Texas, where they raised their five children. and worked as a school cook and as a restaurant cook. In 1989 they moved to Brush, Colorado. She worked at Brush Greenhouse, Sunset Manor, and was a homemaker. Maria cherished her family deeply, often preparing meals that brought everyone together. Elephants and hummingbirds held a special place in her heart, inspiring her collection of knickknacks. She found joy in tending to her flowers and delighting in the growth of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fond memories of her own childhood and relatives were among the stories she loved to share.

Maria is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jose B. Melendez; five children, Jamie (Irene) Melendez, Lorena Melendez, Maria Angelica "Angie" Melendez, Violeta (Daniel)  Marquez Melendez, and Eddy (Candice) Melendez; 19 grandchildren, Daniel Vasquez, Brittany (Derek) Vasquez-Rosales, Johnny "JJ"  R. (Brittanie) Guzman, Antonio "Tony"  Melendez, Ivy K. (Candido) Melendez,  Pricilla (Manuel) Melendez, Samuel J. (Kaylin) Guzman, Bruce L. (Blanca) Melendez, Ruben A. (Christina) Guzman, Isabelle A. (Anthony) Bohlen,  Monique Marquez, Caly B. Melendez, Alexandra G. Marquez, Jaime A. Melendez, Daniel P. Marquez, Anyssa M. Melendez, Tristan L. Melendez, Kena M. Melendez, and Avrin Melendez; 15 great-grandchildren; and her Moya children and their families, Alfonso, Carlos (Dina), Danny (Shelly), Gerry (Sela), and Jeanette.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio Tello and Donata Rocha; and two brothers, Baltazar and Juventino Tello.

A visitation will be held Sunday, June 23 at 4:00 PM at Heer Mortuary in Brush, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, immediately followed by interment at Brush Memorial Cemetery.

Mass can be viewed at: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxODk0MzQ1NzMxNTEwNSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==