Cora Mildred Baptisto

SACATON - Cora Mildred Baptisto, 97, of Sacaton, a former member of the Gila River tribe’s Community Council, died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2014, at Caring House.

She will lie in state from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Gila River Indian Community’s Governance Center. The funeral will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at First Pima Baptist Church. Pastor Al Campsen and Pastor Eric Gibbs will officiate. Burial will be in East Sacaton Cemetery.

Mrs. Baptisto was born on Dec. 17, 1916, in Sacaton and was a daughter of Francisco Harvier and Petra Pablo. She was a licensed practical nurse and worked at the older hospitals in Florence, Casa Grande and Chandler. She also was a counselor in Sacaton and Casa Grande. She served on the Community Council from 1971 to 1973 and also served on the Health, Social and Education standing committees.

She had a God-given voice and loved singing in choirs and performing solos. She had a great sense of humor as well as being a good cook. She enjoyed watching the Suns and Cardinals with her family, whom she loved dearly.

Survivors include a daughter, Doris Peters of Sacaton; a son, Clarence F. Baptisto of Sacaton; six grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 45 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; two brothers, Frank and F. Gilman Harvier Sr.; and two sisters, Lila and Anna.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.