Obituaries

Mar 10, 2025

Jean Marie Cruz passed on March 10, 2025, in Coolidge Arizona at the age of 80 years. Jean was born in Covered Wells, Tohono O’odham Nation on November 2, 1944, to Sarah Anselmo and Albert A. Flores.

Jean resided in Coolidge, AZ in the later part of her life and it became home for her and her family. She resided at...

Mar 8, 2025

Mary Martha Osife, age 68, of Hashan Kehk, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 8, 2025. She was born on November 3, 1956, in Sacaton to Herman and Till Osife.

Mary was known for her caring nature, kindness, and warm smile. Her vibrant personality brought joy to those around her. An integral member of her family, she cherished...

Mar 7, 2025

Lester J. Luna, age 75, passed away on March 7, 2025. He was born on November 14, 1949, to Isabella Juan and Jose Luna.

Lester dedicated a significant part of his life to serving his community, working with the elderly program and running the Alcoholics Anonymous group in San Lucy. He was known for his outgoing nature and willingness to help...

Mar 4, 2025

Jared Josiah Smith, 37 years old, was called home to Heaven by Jesus on March 4, 2025.

He was born July 15, 1987 in Rochester

Hills, Michigan and moved to the state of Arizona in 1999. He graduated from Desert Hills High School in Gilbert, Arizona in 2005. He eventually settled in Tonto Basin, Arizona where he found a community of people...

Feb 28, 2025

Juan D. Jurado, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on February 28, 2025, in Casa Grande, Arizona. He was born on March 8, 1952, in Acala, Texas, and dedicated over 30 years of his life to the cotton ginning industry throughout Arizona, where he took immense pride in his...

Feb 27, 2025

Rebecca Ruiz, 61 of Ak-Chin Indian Community, Maricopa, Arizona, passed away on February 27, 2025 with her loving & beautiful family surrounding her. A hardworking, dedicated wife, mother and nana is survived by her husband of 43 years Guillermo Ruiz, loving daughters Monica & Valerie Ruiz and her beloved grandson Adrian Ruiz (Rey Rey). Also survived by her dear sisters...

Feb 26, 2025

Marilyn Michelle Garcia was a remarkable woman whose radiant spirit brought hope, faith, and comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing her. With her beautiful voice, she provided solace to many in their times of grief, uplifting her family and friends simply by being present. A vibrant soul, Marilyn embraced life with enthusiasm, enjoying sports, music, dancing, singing,...

Feb 26, 2025

Marcellena Garcia-Bramall, "Nina" beloved wife and mother, passed away on February 26, 2025. Born on June 26, 1976, to Lorena R. Galicia, Marcellena's life was characterized by her profound love for nature and music, which brought her joy. Her vibrant smile and laughter were cherished by all who knew her.

Marcellena was known for her loving and kind nature, always striving...

Feb 25, 2025

Lorenzo Ivan Gage, 23, of Bapchule passed away on February 25, 2025. He was born on May 20, 2001, in Phoenix. 

Lorenzo was an outgoing and happy person. He was a proud father of his two girls. 

He is survived by his daughters Marylynn and Madilyn Gage, his mother Selina Gage, his father Gabriel Carrillo, his fiance Cacee Osife, his siblings, Celestine...

Feb 24, 2025

Mark Travis Johns, “Nake” as he was known to many passed away peacefully with his family surrounded on February 24, 2025 at the age of 42. Mark was born on August 23, 1982, in Phoenix, Arizona to Patricia Kisto Newman and the late Brainard Johns.

In addition he leaves behind a stepfather, Ryan Newman Sr. , and a stepmother Michelle Johns. 

Mark...

Feb 24, 2025

Guadalupe M. Martinez-Lopez, 81, of Casa Grande, Az, died on February 24, 2025. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 23, 1943, to Guadalupe and Ramona Martinez.

Guadalupe enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and her dog Chiquita. She always had a meal in her kitchen, she loved cooking and decorating for family parties. Guadalupe was hardworking,...

Feb 22, 2025

Israel Jovan Mata, 25, of Casa Grande, Arizona passed away on February 22, 2025. He was born January 17th, 2000, in Casa Grande, AZ. He leaves behind a loving family and friends.

Israel loved to play video games, spent time learning different types of computer programs and various tech hobbies. He was also studied astronomy in depth, sharing passion for the...

Feb 22, 2025

Bernadette Jean Reed, age 77, of Bapchule, passed away on February 22, 2025, at the Caring House in Sacaton. She was born on November 10, 1947, to Frank and Alice Reed in Sacaton.

Throughout her life, Bernadette demonstrated a profound commitment to her community. In 1968, she was honored to be named Miss Gila River. Additionally, she was a traditional dancer...

Feb 18, 2025

Dominic James White, age 19, of Sacaton, Arizona, passed away on February 18, 2025. He was born to Rochelle Smith and Jonathan White Jr. in Casa Grande, Arizona.

 

Dominic was known for his vibrant personality and outgoing nature. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others, bringing joy and laughter to his family and friends. Dominic had a playful spirit,...

Feb 18, 2025

Dr. Franklin “Frank” A. Shepel

 

Franklin “Frank” Alan Shepel died peacefully in Arizona surrounded by his family on February 18, 2025. Frank was born in Winton, MN on November 21, 1952 to Frank and Frances Shepel. He grew up in Ely, MN as the youngest son in their family of four children. Throughout his childhood Frank loved adventure, playing baseball, cowboy...

Feb 16, 2025

**In Loving Memory of Guadalupe Mendez Flores**

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Guadalupe Mendez Flores, who left us on February 16, 2025, just a day shy of her 79th birthday. Born on February 17, 1946, to Liborio and Rafaela Mendez, Guadalupe was a vibrant soul whose creativity and zest for life touched everyone she met.

Guadalupe...

Feb 15, 2025

Feb 14, 2025

Mary S. Lopez, passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on April 15, 1930, to Sally Mae Pancho and Jose Phillip Lopez, Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother who always put her family first.

Known as the rock of her family, Mary's warmth and humor filled the lives of those around her. She had a...

Feb 13, 2025

Graciela Quezada Banda, a beloved matriarch, peacefully passed away on February 13, 2025, at the remarkable age of 92. Born on September 23, 1932, to her devoted parents, Jose and Aurelia Quezada, Graciela embodied a life rich with love and family.

Though Graciela has reunited with her loved ones who preceded her in death—including her cherished husband, Zenon Banda, her dear...

Feb 13, 2025

David Anthony Nez, age 27, of Santan, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his beloved family on February 13, 2025. He was born on April 19, 1997, in Tempe, Arizona, to Michael Nez Sr. and Tanya Allison.

David was known for his selfless nature and his unwavering support of others. His strong sense of justice was evident in his...