Elva Soto de Escobedo was born on July 6, 1939 in San Miguel de Cruces, Durango, Mexico to Angel Soto and Celia Lopez and passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at the age of 80 years and 10 days.

Known by many names: Elva, Señora Elva, Señora Soto, Elvita, Mama Soto, Mami, Madre, Je-fecita, Jechu, Abuelita- and the most loving name Elva went by was guita –the term her younger grandkids called her by who couldn't pronounce Abuelita. She loved them more than they will ever know.

Words cannot describe the heart that this woman had. Elva was hardworking and never failed to provide for her 6 children, all her grandkids and every person that came into contact with her. She had a gift of caring for those in need. From housing students in her home in Mexico, to providing food and shelter to numerous families in Oklahoma-she never let anyone go without. She truly lived her life for others, always praying and giving people her blessing at the very least.

As the oldest of three, Elva grew up caring for her siblings and taking on the responsibility of providing for them. At the age of 14, she met Francisco Escobedo. During this time, Elva worked at a factory where they manufactured beautiful woods. Francisco and Elva went on to get mar-ried on October 28, 1958 in Durango, Durango. They were married in Santa Ana Catholic Church. They went on to have six children, three boys and three girls. In Durango, they had a beautiful, spacious house and lived near a university, so Elva decided to start a boarding house for students who needed living quarters. At one point, they had up to 6 students living with them and she made sure they made them feel like family. In 1979, Francisco left Mexico and moved to Hinton, Oklahoma. A year later, Elva and Arcenio, her oldest son, made the move too. Six months after, Elva went back to Mexico and brought the rest of the family to Oklahoma so they could be together as a family and start a new life. Francisco, Elva and their children found work at the Mark Restaurant in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Once settled in the town of Weatherford, Elva wanted her dream of having her own business to become a reality. In 1985, with the support of friends and family, Casa Soto opened its doors to the public. One thing she made certain was that Sundays were kept closed for church and fami-ly. Elva, as the head of the kitchen, touched the lives (and stomachs) of thousands of people during her time there. Customers would come in and ask "is mama Soto cooking today?" know-ing that she'd make it extra delicious every time. Elva made an effort to not only feed her cus-tomers, but for years, she fed the homeless. They would wait for her at the back door of the kitchen and she would bring them food with a smile on her face. She loved them and made them feel visible. Her heart and humility was evident in everything she did.

She retired in 2008 due to cancer and continued her days taking care of her grandchildren, tending to her countless chickens and continuing her mission to help others. Her Catholic faith was always important to Elva. She attended Saint Eugene Catholic Church most of her life and made friends with every priest, nun and monk she met visiting other parishes. She was active in Pancake Breakfasts, providing food for Vacation Bible School, and helped the church in any way she could. Her favorite thing to do on Sundays was to watch Masses from other countries on TV. She was notorious for always asking everyone "have you eaten yet?" because she was al-ways making sure everyone else was taken care of. Her life purpose was to instill family values, help those in need, and to love everyone. She was a true example of patience, humility, hard work, and love.

Elva is preceded in death by her father, Angel Soto Garcia; mother, Celia Lopez Sierpe; husband, Francisco Escobedo and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Surviving Elva is her brother, Francisco Lopez, sister, Elsa Cordero, both of Mexico; sons and daughter-in-laws, Arcenio and Ines Escobedo of Weatherford; Victor and Lilia Soto of Oklahoma City; Rene and Lacey Soto of Weatherford; her daughters and sons-in-law, Mayela and Enrique Hernandez of Weatherford; Teresa and Rafael Guzman; Carmen and Armando Esparza of Weatherford. Elva's precious grandchildren that survive her are Daniela, Andy, Erick, Ivan, Ab-bey, Roger, Erika, Julissa, Elva, Cory, Daniel, Bryan, Litzy, Kaylie, Bella, Sloane, and Bishop. Great-grandchildren surviving Elva are Maritza and Lydia, as well as a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and family.
She retired in 2008 due to cancer and continued her days taking care of her grandchildren, tending to her countless chickens and continuing her mission to help others. Her Catholic faith was always important to Elva. She attended Saint Eugene Catholic Church most of her life and made friends with every priest, nun and monk she met visiting other parishes. She was active in Pancake Breakfasts, providing food for Vacation Bible School, and helped the church in any way she could. Her favorite thing to do on Sundays was to watch Masses from other countries on TV. She was notorious for always asking everyone "have you eaten yet?" because she was al-ways making sure everyone else was taken care of. Her life purpose was to instill family values, help those in need, and to love everyone. She was a true example of patience, humility, hard work, and love.