"I met Vivian on a service trip for pre-vet students in Costa Rica this past spring break. I was immediately drawn to her infectious smile and laugh. I could tell how driven and passionate she was about becoming a veterinarian. I have great memories of her playing with local kids on the playground during one of our clinic days and her helping the group translate everything from Spanish to English. We honestly would have been lost without her on the trip. I feel truly blessed to have known Vivian and to know she made a positive impact on my life. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. "
In loving memory of
Vivian Renee Flores
May 30, 2001 - June 2, 2022
Vivian Renee Flores, 21 years young, who lived her life to the fullest passed away on June 2, 2022. The joy of Cornerstone Church, a second family, showed her a life that was full of attributes. Vivian was full of energy and vivaciousness. She was also driven, kind and giving. Her love of dancing, music, animals, children, and Iowa State University; Vivian would credit all these things to her personal relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ.
Vivian was the daughter of Reyna Arvizo (significant other Jeff Crawford) born on May 30, 2001, in El Paso, Texas. She graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines in 2019. She then came to Iowa State University where she was a senior in Animal Science planning on pursuing her education in Veterinary Medicine. Vivian was a great sister, to Samantha (Kylor) Bell, Valarie Flores and brother Zachary Anderson. She loved being an aunt, to Daisy and Bodie Bell. Her grandpa Alvaro Arvizo Sr. and aunts and uncles, Paul Arvizo, Alvaro Arvizo Jr., Juan Arvizo, Patricia Juarez, and Oscar Arvizo, like all others will miss her kind heartedness and contagious smile.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 56829 US 30, Ames, Iowa with a 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022, Celebration of life service at the church.
Memorials may be directed to: Cornerstone Church 56829 US 30, Ames, Iowa 50010.
The family request no media at the service as they would like privacy during the harshness of grief.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Tributes
"I had met the twins at cousin Claudia Arvizo?s wedding to our son Russell Mead. I feel that I know them better after the beautiful service for Vivian yesterday?both remarkable women. Please know all the family is near in heart and are remembered in prayer. I will not forget Vivian and the inspiration both women are and will ever be to their friends and families. Lovingly, Judy Mead"
"I was fortunate to know both Vivian and Valerie as they were classmates with my son Jason. I always loved seeing the girls in class and in school with him. Both girls always greeted everyone with the warmest smiles and were always so kind to everyone. Our deepest condolences are with your family at this time. We grieve your loss with you and we will always remember Vivian as the brightest light that she always was. "
"I remember teaching music to Vivian at Crossroads Park. She absolutely LOVED music! Her smile would brighten any day. After she changed elementary schools, whenever she saw me there, she would come running just to give me a hug. I was so happy she enjoyed music throughout her high school career. May she forever sing with the angels as she watches over us. "
"I had the chance to meet with Vivian at the VDL for few times, however, I could easily notice how energetic, smart and smart she was. I feel soo bad for the untimely and tragic loss of Vivian. My deepest condolences to her family and friends."
"I had the immense privilege of serving as Vivian's academic advisor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State, since she started in Fall 2019. Vivian was friendly, outgoing, kind, disciplined, smart, studious, and so much more. She had limitless potential. Every one of my interactions with her was extremely positive and was blessed by her energetic, positive and outgoing personality. I can testify firsthand that she truly was one of the good ones, in every sense. I am heartbroken and will miss her greatly. My most heartfelt condolences are extended to her family and relatives."
"This is very heartbreaking. I am so sorry for the untimely and tragic loss. Vivian was a great asset to our research team in ISU-VDL. She was a very hardworking, energetic, lively, dedicated team player. We will miss you!!"
"I had the privilege of meeting Vivian through Valley Cheer. Although I only spoke to her maybe a dozen times, I remember her being so beautifully spoken and sweet. My heart goes out to Vivian?s family and friends."
"I had the pleasure of working with Vivian. When she would spot me at work, she made me feel like our hug and conversation was best thing happening in the world. Such a contagious joy and smile. We will all miss the light she shined so brightly in the workplace. I loved having conversations with Vivian about our shared love for the Lord. My heart is broken for those she leaves behind, as she is in His arms now. "
"I am so sad that we lost this beautiful soul from our Latinx community. It is obvious that she would have been a great blessing to the future. Safe journey to her into the spirit world. Jaime Martínez, Saint Anthony, Minnesota"
"I think I saw Vivian a few times in Vet Med. She seemed full of life and very dedicated. I am so sorry she had to leave so soon and so tragically. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Orhan Sahin "
"Our sincerest condolences to your family for the loss of your sweet Vivian. We cannot fathom what you?re all going through. We met Vivian a few months ago as Jolie introduced us at lunch. Jolie worked with Viv at the ISU lab, was pre-Vet also and attended Cornerstone as well. Jolie?s bond with Viv was deep and such a blessing. Vivian was a Godly, kind, fun, intelligent young woman. What a blessing she was to all who knew and loved her! Praying your family?s grief is short and your memories of Vivian are ever present on each of your hearts. God hold each of you tightly. "
"It?s heartbreaking for someone so loved & cared for to be taken away from this world. It?s a comfort knowing she?s finally resting with the Lord. Prayers and love to Vivian?s family. May you find peace in this chaotic time, and receive support from your community. "
"I am blessed to have known Vivian. I worked with her at the animal hospital and she was always so happy to be there and work with the animals. No matter the weather she always had a smile on her face and made that shift enjoyable! Valerie, you and your family are on my mind and in my heart always. "
"I am thankful for the time that I got to spend getting to know you as a fellow dancer and student. It was a blessing to meet you and I will carry those pleasant memories with me forever. You had more to give this world, but God has called you home. Love you always Vivian."
"Prayers to your family on this loss. May God comfort you all. Bri Vogel"
"Deepest and Sincere Condolences. She is resting in HIS arms and sees all the glory that we are promised. "
"So sad to hear about you loss. :( Prayers to the entire family. Michael Anderson Tampa, FL"
"Vivian touched so many lives with her kindness and humor. Viv and Valarie-I will always remember the way you would crack up at eachothers jokes and finish eachothers sentences. Remembering you both during this time and prayers to all of you. Love, Ms. Stille (your 4th grade teacher)"
"Vivian and Valerie, where ever you are whenever. You will always be loved and missed. -Pham"
"My heart breaks for you and your family. Let her Angel wings fly and know she with God?s pure love is always with you ??"
"The sweetest soul. Her old peers, from all of the places we've now explored and called home, send love to the family. Thank you for the kindness always, Viv and Val."
"My daughter was friends with Vivian and they were both in orchestra at Valley. My sincerest condolences to the family for a beautiful life cut tragically short. "
"I loved working with Vivian she was always so happy and uplifting. Sje always had a smile on her face. She was a great friend and were all definitely going to miss her. I'm so sorry for your your loss."
"So sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy. "
"I was lucky enough to have the girls for 6th grade math at Western Hills. Absolutely loved Vivian (and Valarie) and have all fond memories. What a beautiful girl, inside and out! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find solace in knowing that she was special to so many and left an indelible mark on all she met. God got a good one! Betsy Hrdlicka "
"Vivian was a bright light in the bustle of a crowd. Whenever I would see her or her sister, Valerie, in the hallways in high school, they would smile and wave at me. Vivian would bring small joys to my day as she did for many others who knew her. Her family is in my thoughts. ??"
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I had met Viv a couple times she was friends with my niece Madeline Smith. So very sorry."
"Viv and Val were a huge part of my daughter, Mekhia?s, high school experience. My memories of prom and cross country and laughter will live forever. Her vitality was palpable and her joy was intense. I can not imagine the pain and loss. I have these girls and this family in my thoughts and will carry only radiant memories of Viv. I am so sorry. "
"Vivian has been an undergraduate employee in the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Virology Section since August 2021 and has also been a valued member in my research group. Vivian is an outgoing and caring person with a contagious smile that can easily impress people around her. I am heartbroken for the tragic loss of Vivian, a young girl with a bright future! I have uploaded one picture of Vivian working with pigs that was taken in October 2021 when Vivian helped my research group with a pig study. We will carry on Vivian?s memory and keep her in our hearts. My sincere condolences to Vivian?s beloved family members. Jianqiang Zhang, Ames, Iowa "
"I did not know this beautiful person that obviously loved, lived and gave with her heart. She will never be forgotten. "
"My heart aches for all of your families who lost your loved ones yesterday. I have not met any of you. Lori Schultz shared with the ladies she lives in the same sr. complex with, a photo of your daughter and her granddaughter. May god comfort you all now and in the days, months, and years ahead. Betty Gordon, Ames"