Our beloved Armida C. Polanco “Nana”, age 75, of Solomon AZ, entered into rest in the morning hours of October 5, 2022, in the comfort of her own home surrounded by loved ones.
Armida was born on March 24th, 1947, in Ensenada Baja, California. She is the eldest of nine. Armida grew up in Baja, California, Ensenada until she moved to Arizona in 1966, she then had 2 sons Frankie and Ramon Melendrez. She would, later on, have a daughter, Adriana Molina.
Armida lived an eventful work life, her jobs ranged from a housekeeper at the Best Western Motel, to a Laundry Assistant at the Safford Nursing Home, she even was a Cook at Star Cafe but she would eventually work her way up to a Crusher Operator with Phelps Dodge, where she retired after 17 years. Despite all the jobs she had, she frequently visited that her favorite was to help raise many of her “bebitos”.
Armida was extremely proud of her heritage, frequently asking anyone willing to listen to join her on a trip to Ensenada. She also loved to spend time reading, attending her grandchildren’s events, and especially enjoyed the casino. She truly just loved to have fun. Nana always had a gracious smile on her face that made anyone feel welcome. She will be missed dearly.
She is survived by her 3 children; Frankie Melendrez, Ramon Melendrez (Rosalie), and Adriana Molina (Jose), her sisters, Anamanuela and Julieta Castro, brothers David and Juan Castro. Armida was a very proud grandmother of Marcus Ray Molina “Marcusitos Reyitos”, Alejandra Castro, Megan Hernandez, Brianna Melendrez, Ramon Emilio Melendrez and great-grandmother of Eva Hernandez.
She is preceded in death by: her parents Julio and Celia Castro; brothers, Humberto Castro and Cesar Castro; sisters, Alicia Castro and Teresa Castro.
Arrangements are being cared for by McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory located at 112 E. Main Street, Safford, AZ 85546, 928-428-1740, www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
