Adela Moya, whose zest for life, outgoing personality and endearing friendship to all privileged to know her, passed away peacefully in her sleep at 1:04 a.m., on April 19th, in Mesa, Arizona. Born the youngest of 9 children in Aragon, New Mexico, where she lived her young life on the Saiz family Sand Flat sheep ranch.
Upon marrying Audon Moya, she moved to Morenci, Arizona, where she spent most of her life raising a family and caring for her husband. Although small of stature, her passion for life, music, dancing and the happiness she instilled in others made her quite a celebrity. Her exceptional cooking skills also made her kitchen a routine stop for everyone who enjoyed her tasty specialties during the holiday seasons.
As the Morenci copper mine continued to expand, she was forced to move her family to Clifton, Arizona, where she lived until the death of her second husband, Ramon “Chicken” Rodriguez. It was then she decided to move to Mesa, Arizona, where she would be closer to family.
Adela is survived by: her five children, 18 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Whether at her job, socializing with friends or worshiping at her church, Adela’s greatest passion was making people happy. With Mariachi music in her heart, a dance in her step, a shot of Tequila in her hand, and that signature smile on her face; she will surely be missed by all of us. Adela was 94.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Adela will be celebrated Monday, May 1, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Rev. Martin Atanga-Baabuge. Committal will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A Rosary will be prayed for Adela Monday, May 1, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Family will receive friends Monday morning, May 1, 2017, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., also at the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
