Mary Helen Sanchez passed away peacefully on January 8, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona. She was born on January 26, 1947 in Safford, Arizona to Ramon Ruiz and Rachel Talavera Ruiz with siblings Ray & Elisa.
Mary attended safford area schools and graduated from Safford High School. She married Henry Sanchez on December 19, 1970 and the couple was blessed with 7 children; Cynthia, Rebecca, Henry, Jasmine, Ramona, Narcello, and Isidro.
Mary was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, watching western movies, cooking for family and friends, and extending her heart and home to Jasmine & Choma, and Isidro & Gordo. She always said “I need to get my hair done”. She was fun loving, flirtatious, goofy, spunky and “feisty”. Mary was a blessing on this earth!
She is survived by her children; Cynthia Sanchez (Frank Porch), Rebecca (Robert) Ornelas, Henry Sanchez, Jasmine Sanchez (Nick Kranz), and Isidro Sanchez (Karissa Causey), 15 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Henry Sanchez, her parents Ramon & Rachel Ruiz, her sister Ramona Ruiz, her brother Marcello Ruiz, and her granddaughter Randi Ornelas.
A viewing and visitation will be held at McDougal Caldwell Funeral located at 112 E. Main Street, Safford, AZ on January 18, 2021, beginning at 9:00 am with the recitation of the rosary at 10:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose of Lima at 11:00 am. Following the services, the interment will be at the Sanchez Cemetery . A live stream will be available for those who cannot attend on McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel Facebook Page.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.