Elvira McLaughlin, of Glendale and formerly of Clifton, entered into rest Saturday, September 29, 2018, at her residence with her loving husband, John, and family around her.
She was born in Clifton, Arizona, 90 years ago to Refugio Diaz Gonzalez and Manuel Ruiz on January 23, 1928. John McLaughlin eloped with Elvira, when she was 24, on Easter Sunday in 1952. Elvira touched a lot of people’s hearts and steered a lot of people in the right direction. She lived in the Clifton/Morenci area for most of her life. She retired as chief deputy treasurer of Greenlee County. Elvira was active in both the Sacred Heart and Holy Cross Catholic parishes, serving as lector, lay Eucharistic minister, and working with St. Vincent de Paul. She said the rosary daily.
Elvira and John moved to Sun City in their early 70s, joining the Saint Joachim and St. Anne parish. Elvira is remembered for her love of shoe shopping, her delicious cooking, her weekly hair coiffure, and her interest in people. She was a strong woman, displaying her strength in a gentle manner. She loved spending time at Benevilla at St. Clement’s in Sun City.
Elvira is survived by: John, her husband of 66 years. They were blessed with four children: Michael (Cathy), Patrick (Peter), Teresa (Mark) and Richard (Jenni); eight grandchildren: Ian, Natalie, Priscilla, Lydia, Gloria, Juan, Christopher and Andrew; six great-grandchildren: Keagan, Michael, Makayla, Andres, Anaiyah, and Kaylee; and two surviving sisters, Manuela DeLeon and Concha Soto.
Elvira was preceded in death by: her parents, Manuel and Refugio Ruiz; as well as her siblings, Maria, Alberto, Cruz, Ramon, Cecilio, Ernesto and Armenia.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Elvira will be celebrated Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Rev. Nathaniel Mma. Committal will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A rosary will be prayed for Elvira on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Family will receive friends Saturday morning, October 13, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., also at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
