Tammy Mae Chavez was born on November 14, 1965 in Caldwell, Kansas to Ronnie Lloyd and Marie Evelen (Perry) Hunter.  The family was living in Jet, Oklahoma when Tammy was born.  From there they moved around a lot before landing in Harper, Kansas.  She started school at Chaparral High School.

Following in her mother's footsteps, Tammy went to work at the Harper Nursing Home.  In 1983, Tammy met David Wayne Chavez, introduced by Norma Hacker.  Seeing Tammy at Norma's house, David went over and invited her to supper.  They were inseparable from that time on and got married on October 7, 1983 in Harper at Tammy's grandmother, Pauline Perry's house.  Eventually the couple moved into Pauline's house.  They had an underground swimming pool and Tammy was always in it, reminding her of all the hours spent as a child going swimming.

Going to work for the Harper Hospital, Tammy worked in the kitchen.  From there she worked as a waitress in Anthony for Carlene Hobbs and then helped her mom with in-home care of an elderly woman.  Tammy and David started a business, Chavez Snack Bar inside her mother's business, Anthony Flea Market.  They also owned Teddy Bear House of Quilts, where Tammy made countless quilts.  Tammy enjoyed doing craft work and could really do anything she set her mind to.  She was a good wife and mother.  The family often went camping and on vacations.  David, Tammy, and their youngest daughter eventually moved to Anthony.

Tammy passed away in her home in Harper, Kansas on December 19, 2022 at the age of 57.  Preceding Tammy in death was her parents; grandson, Izaiah David Chavez; brother, Ronnie Hunter; and nephew, Jeremy Hunter.  She is survived by her husband, David Chavez of Anthony; children: Dalores Chavez of Harper, David Chavez of Kyle, Texas, Kirk Chavez (Tammy) of Scott City, Kansas, Kevin Chavez of Garden City, Kansas, and Alicia Chavez of Anthony, Kansas; grandchildren: Dylan Holloway, Matthew Chavez, Benicia Chavez, and Seth, Cena, Jesse, Syrus, and Serenity Chavez; siblings: Betty Wall (Raymond) of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Lafreda Hurley (Kelly) of Harper, Lloyd Hunter of Hominy, Oklahoma, Earvelya Olson (Chris) of Harper, and John Broussard (Crystal) of Anthony; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life Service is at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Anthony, Kansas with Pastor Warren Stanton officiating.

Memorials have been set up to the Tammy Chavez Memorial Fund to help defray cost of services and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058