Dolores Grace Ara

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dolores Grace Ara, who entered eternal life on September 4, 2025, just a few months shy of her 80th birthday. Dolores, or “Dede” as most knew her, passed as she lived—with grace and courage—surrounded by her loving family at her home in Taos, New Mexico.

Dede was born in Clovis, New Mexico, on November 22, 1945, to Angel and Carmen Ara, the second of four children. She and her sister and brothers were raised in Vaughn, New Mexico, immersed in the love and care of their adoring grandparents and doting aunties, uncles, and cousins. When Dede was eight years old, her father relocated the family to Southern California in search of the post-war American Dream. Though she often spoke of the shock she experienced moving from a town of fewer than 1,500 people to a dynamic state in the midst of a massive population boom, she blossomed in her new environment and quickly grew to love the ocean and the orange groves still dotting the landscape.

Dede’s father and her Uncle Lee both helped build Disneyland, and one of her fondest childhood memories was visiting Disneyland with her siblings on July 16, 1955, the day before the park opened to the public. She even took a picture with Walt Disney, who must have sensed her shyness, and reassured her that she was a brave little girl.

Dede graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1963, where she was president of her sorority, Tau Omega. Exceptionally beautiful, but also funny and kind, she had many friends. She met Sharon MacDonald (née Hamel) in 7th grade, a kindred spirit with whom she formed a bond that lasted the rest of her lifetime.

In 1974, after the tragic loss of her younger brother, Victor, Dede moved to Taos, New Mexico, in search of new meaning. She felt an immediate connection to the land and people of Taos, and she lived out the remainder of her life there. Dede loved birds, trees, mountains, flowers, and rivers, and she never stopped reveling in the brilliant blue Taos sky, or the radiant sunsets that unfold nightly on the horizon.

In 1996, Dede opened Noah’s Ark Preschool, a bilingual Christian preschool that promoted empathy, cooperation, self-directed learning, and respect for self and others. She had a strong vision for her school, and poured her whole self into making it a bright, organized, creative space where children and their parents felt truly seen and accepted. In the ten years she owned and operated Noah’s Ark, Dede impacted many lives. In her later years, she often ran into former students who thanked her for her love and lasting influence.

It seemed Dede was drawn to early childhood education because she had a special understanding of children, and was able to see the world through their eyes. She herself was childlike in many ways—in her ability to see things as if for the first time, with delight and awe, and in her belief in the inherent goodness of all people. She could see the wounded child inside every person, and she felt sincere compassion for the suffering of others. This gift helped Dede connect with people from all walks of life, and she was loved by many.

Her natural affinity with children helped Dede become a loving and affectionate mother who encouraged her children to honor their own gifts and uniqueness. As her kids grew into adults, she became a trusted confidant who listened without judgment, encouraging self-reflection, openness, and authenticity. Dede also deeply loved her family of origin, and though she walked a different path, she remained fiercely loyal to and proud of her mom and dad, her brothers Johnny and Victor, and her sister Yolanda — who made her laugh like no one else could.

Dede was a Christian whose faith only deepened as her journey progressed. She loved Jesus and sought to exemplify His example of divine love, selflessness, and sacrifice. Though she would be the first to say she was not perfect, Dede’s commitment to the tenets of her faith was evident to everyone who met her. She personified kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. Her physical body grew weak at the end of her life, but her faith remained strong. She proclaimed that she had no fear of death because she knew what was waiting for her on the other side.

Dede’s tender love and kindness will be forever cherished by her children: Angela Walters of Albuquerque, Blue MacHardy (Evan) of Taos, Brooke Garver (Ian) of Taos, John Dow Heaton of Taos, and Yahshiyah Heaton (Zach Carp) of Taos; her grandchildren: Robin Driver, Tyler MacHardy, Sienna Sategna, Ayana Heaton, Chloe MacHardy, Isayah Heaton, Haile & Umi Carp, and Luca Garver; her sister, Yolanda Ara; and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Those who were waiting for her on the other side include her parents, Angel and Carmen Ara; her brothers, John Angel Ara and Victor Henry Ara; her paternal grandparents, Baltazar and Donata Ara; maternal grandparents Enrique and Julia Cordova; her aunts, Felisa Ara Rael, Carmen Ara Anaya, Regina Ara de Alba, and Martha Cordova; her uncles, Emilio Ara, Isidro Rael, A.P. Anaya, John Cordova, Rojelio Alba; sister-in-law Lisa Ara, and cousins Tom Rael, George Alba, and Leopoldo "Lil Mico" Gutierrez III.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 20, from 5:00–7:00 PM, with family visitation from 5:00–6:00. Services for Dede will be held on Sunday, September 21, at 1:00 PM, at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Taos.