Almita Frances Valenzuela

CASA GRANDE - Almita Frances Valenzuela, 88, of Casa Grande died on April 17, 2017, in Casa Grande.

Mrs. Valenzuela was born in Phoenix to Harvey and Mary (Nestor) Miguel. She grew up on the Tohono O’odham Nation in South Komelik Village and attended St. Johns Boarding School. She married Ignatius Valenzuela in 1953, and they lived in Ajo until 1954, when they moved to Los Angeles. She was a homemaker and worked as a seamstress for L&U Coat Front until her retirement in 1992, when she moved to Casa Grande.

She had a green thumb for gardening and a love of Elvis Presley and his music. She was a member of a bowling league during her residence in Los Angeles and had a great love for her family and friends, with much pride in her great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Christine Valenzuela; two sons, Patrick and James Valenzuela; three sisters, Ida Sanders, Betty and Theresa Miguel; and two brothers, Bennett and Clarence Miguel. She is survived by a sister, Esther Miguel of Tucson; a son and two daughters, Narcho Valenzuela Jr. of Casa Grande, Joan Valenzuela of Los Angeles and Deborah Valenzuela of Casa Grande; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass celebrated at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at St. Jude Catholic Mission in South Komelik. Visitation continuing after Mass. Burial at 7 a.m. Sunday, April 23, in South Komelik Cemetery with a blessing from Louis Norris of South Komelik.

Arrangements by J. Warren Funeral Services, the Valenzuela family and the Tohono O’odham Nation.