Gustavo "Gus" Armenta Salazar

Gustavo "Gus" Armenta Salazar died peacefully in his home on Monday, November 13, 2017 in Arizona City, Arizona at the age of 89.
Gus is survived by his children, Cinnamon S. Jimenez of Eloy, Diana Salazar of Casa Grande, Gustavo C. Salazar Jr. of Casa Grande, Benjamin E. Salazar of Nashville, TN, Cynthia Salazar of Eloy, and Rosamaria C. Diaz of Tucson; his siblings, Edmundo A. Salazar, Mary S. Leos, Virginia S. Duarte, Dolores S. Badia, Armida S. Flores, Dora Gaytan, and Rosalie S. Ramirez; 14 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents Fidel A. Salazar and Isuara A. Salazar, his brothers Fidel A. Salazar Jr. and Raoul "Rudy" Salazar, his sisters, Minnie S. Carino and Mary Lou Salazar.
Gus was born on August 17, 1928 in Casa Grande, AZ to Fidel and Isuara Salazar. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in 1947, and soon after enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. After graduating with a Bachelors from the University of Mexico City, Gus began working for Santa Cruz Farms as a Bookkeeper. While continuing his education at The University of Arizona, Gus became an employee of the US Social Security Office and worked in various locations for the department. He retired at the age of 63.
Gus was an accomplished writer having an article, "The Cotton Picker", published in a national magazine. He enjoyed hiking, climbing mountains, and was an avid photographer. Gus participated in the Senior Olympics from 2000-2014 and earned many gold medals in various track and field events. He was an active and dedicated member of many boards, including the Eloy Chamber of Commerce, the Eloy City Library, and the Governing Boards of the Eloy Elementary and Santa Cruz Valley Union School Districts.
Funeral services will be held at St. Helen of the Cross Catholic Church in Eloy, AZ. The Viewing is scheduled for Sunday, November 19, 2017, 5:00pm-8:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm. Father Alonzo Garcia will officiate Mass on Monday, November 20, 2017at 10:00am with a Graveside Burial immediately following at the Eloy Memorial Park. The family would like to thank J. Warren Funeral Services for overseeing the arrangements.