Charlene Betty (Freida) Callicotte

Charlene Betty (Freida) Callicotte, age 70 of Thatcher, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018. She was born to the late John C. Freida and Bernadina (Padilla) Freida on August 28, 1947.

Charlene grew up attending the local schools in Morenci and made many friends. In 1965, she graduated from Morenci High School and stayed in the Morenci/Clifton area, working at the famed “Maud’s Drive In” ran by the Guzzo Family. In 1966, Charlene married Felix Callicotte. Charlene stayed active in the Clifton/Morenci communities, while raising their three children: Douglas, Dawn and Victoria. She served on the Clifton School Board, being a strong advocate for education and fighting for what was in the best interest for the kids and teachers. She was active within the Elks organization with Felix and was even a referee for basketball, volleyball and was an umpire for baseball and softball.

In 1990, Charlene and Felix parted ways and Charlene then found herself in the Tucson area for the next 16 years. She held various jobs in different fields, and always seeking higher education, attained her certification in computerized accounting from the Tucson Business College.  However, she was best known for her excellent customer service skills for Old Pueblo Traders and Cross Country Automotive.

Family and friends were Charlene’s passion and delight. She grew up spending summers and vacations with her brother, John A. Freida, and her many cousins, who were more like brothers and sisters. One of Charlene’s favorite past times was taking road trips with the kids and her mother, especially to New Mexico, and visiting the areas of Reserve, Silver City, Glenwood, and Aragon.

Charlene was preceded in death by: her parents; and her brother, Larry Freida. She is survived by: her brother, John A. Freida and his wife Anna (Hernandez) Freida of Clifton, AZ; son, Douglas Callicotte of Phoenix, AZ; and daughters, Dawn (Tim) Quintero of Safford, AZ, and Victoria (Clyde) Callicotte-Cornelius of Green Valley, AZ; 6 grandchildren: Alexandra, Francesca, and Gabriella Callicotte, Michael and Sarah Quintero, and Thomas Cornelius; nieces: Stephanie (Manny) Solis of Mesa, AZ, Christal Freida of Clifton, AZ, and John C. Freida of Phoenix, AZ; and a number of other relatives and close friends.

A Celebration of Charlene’s life was conducted Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., at Vining Funeral Home’s “Chapel of the Valley.”

There will be a private graveside service, for immediate family members, at Bunker’s Cemetery in Morenci, AZ, at a later date.

Arrangements were provided by Vining Funeral Home.

Online condolences can me offered on Charlene Callicotte’s Memorial Tribute at www.viningfuneralhome.com.

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