George Jose "Yayo" Zapata

PICACHO - George Jose "Yayo" Zapata Jr., 54, of Picacho died on Sept. 17, 2016, at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center.

Mr. Zapata was born on Sept. 14, 1962, in Eloy and was a son of Amalia and George Zapata Sr. His parents moved to Florence in 1968, and his mother moved the family to Picacho in 1974. He went to elementary school in Picacho, then moved to Kearny with his father. In 1981 he returned to Picacho.

He worked at Arizona Pacific Wood Preserving in Eloy, where he was a foreman, and George Aros’ roping arena in Picacho. He was self-employed at the time of his death.

Survivors include his companion, Elda Rodriguez; two sons, Anthony Ruiz of Los Angeles and Adam Ruiz of Eloy; three stepsons, Eddie Ruiz Jr. of Florence, J.J. Ruiz of Kingman and Eric Ruiz of Gilbert; a daughter, Cristela Zapata of Los Angeles; a brother, Gabriel "Scott" Zapata of Mesa; six sisters, Catherine Amaral of Red Rock, Lydia "Yaya" Zapata of Arizona City, Rachel Zapata of Picacho, Laura Zapata of Casa Grande, Michelle Zapata of Eloy and Victoria Quintero of Salem, Oregon; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Manuel Robles and Zachary Zapata; and a sister, Maria Robles.

The rosary and memorial service will be at 7 p.m. today at J. Warren Funeral Services, Valley Chapel in Eloy, with Deacon Pat Abiles officiating.