Elke Rivera

Elke Ziegler Rivera, 54, left this world on November 2, 2020. She was born on September 6, 1966 in Westchester, New York. Elke graduated from Longmont High School in 1987. Elke was quiet and reserved in her younger years, but knew she wanted more for herself. She took a chance and applied for a job with ARC Thrift Stores in 2006. From the moment she found out she had gotten the job; her life was forever changed.

She spent a total of 14 years working with ARC and created many meaningful connections and memories. She worked hard and became an ARC Ambassador. This was done by joining and excelling in the ARC University Program. She took many classes and participated as much as she could. Her ambition and drive led her to being awarded with both a Master’s Degree and Doctorate.

Elke left a lasting impression every where she went. The shy and reserved girl she was blossomed into a stronger and more confident Elke. She made friends everywhere she went and did not hesitate to speak her mind.

She was blessed with an amazing support system. Elke’s definition of family far exceeded the traditional structure of most households. She had her sister Nicole Bashor and brother-in-law Jerry; nieces Brittani, Tia, Aliyah; and great-nieces Jazmyn, Xayah, Jaylah, and Kehlani. She had her ARC family - which was made up of her coworkers, her “regulars” at the thrift store, management, and everyone involved in the ARC University Program. She was provided incredible care by the Support Inc Team and Karen Gray, her husband Keith and their family Jimmy (Shannon) Tiemann, Rick (Kim) Tiemann, Tiffany (Tim) Nollet, and Bill (Brianna) Tiemann.

Elke enjoyed the little things in life, and always had a can of soda to accompany the huge smile on her face. She never was afraid to get out there and see the world. She was able to visit different areas of Colorado, California, and Hawaii to name a few, but her favorite of all time was Las Vegas. She loved to play the slot machines and when she couldn’t do that, she would buy scratch tickets. Elke loved to shop. She would bring home clothes, make up, and anything else that caught her eye. Half her closet still had the tags on, but the act of shopping gave her great joy so it didn’t matter if she never ended up wearing the treasures she found.

Elke faced any and all challenges head on, and never let anything stop her from being her. Although she has left us all too soon, her memory will live on through all the lives she has touched.

She is survived by her amazing, yet unconventional family, and many other loving friends. Elke was preceded in death by her parents Pedro Rivera and Bridgitte Ziegler.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, November 14th from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel in Thornton, Colorado. A service to celebrate her life will begin at 2:00pm that day. Due to the current health concerns, please wear a mask and thank you in advance for practicing social distancing while in attendance at the services.

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