Frances Gonzales Tellez, of Thatcher, went to be with Our Lord on Wednesday morning, August 26, 2015, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by her friends and family. she was 86.
Frances was born on September 17, 1928, to Rosaura Rivera and Guadalupe Gonzales in Solomonville, Arizona. Frances will never be forgotten by her daughter, Josephine Tellez, her grandson, Angel (Kimberly) Tellez and great-granddaughters, Julia and Cassandra Tellez.
Frances was the oldest child of seventeen. She helped raise her brothers and sisters. She also worked for Lucy Barney and helped her raise her children. She worked cleaning houses and babysitting for several families in the valley.
Frances was well known for her good cooking and beautiful tortillas. She was also a seamstress until her lack of sight no longer permitted. Her house was also spotless as she loved to keep a clean house. The only time she sat down was to watch “the young and the restless” from the day it started, she never missed an episode. She loved taking care of her family until her health declined.
Frances was a Cursillista for over forty years. She helped at St. Rose of Lima Parish for the fiestas and fairs. She also sang in the choir. Frances enjoyed going on rides with “Shorty”. They were always together. These eight months since Shorty passed away were the longest time they were apart in their 50 years of marriage. Frances will be greatly missed by many.
Frances was preceded in death by: her husband, Santos “Shorty” Tellez; her parents; her sister, Licha Meraz; her brothers, Lupe, Frank, Bill, and Arturo Gonzales; her granddaughter, Reina Tellez; and her son, Santos Tellez, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Frances will be celebrated Saturday, September 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church by Rev. Robert Rodriguez. Committal will follow in the Safford Cemetery.
A rosary and prayer vigil will be prayed Friday evening, September 4, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church led by Deacon Carl Vessels.
Family will receive friends Friday evening, September 4, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday morning, September 5, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
