Maria Calles

CASA GRANDE — Maria Calles, 87, of Casa Grande died on June 18, 2023, after living a good long life.

Mrs. Calles was born to Encarnacion Parra Jr. and Lucianna Maldonado on Sept. 12, 1935. She loved kids, and in addition to raising nine, she provided child care for many years after. She loved gardening and many plants in her home. She loved spending time in the kitchen, where she could be found all hours of the day, always cooking up something authentic for her husband, family or visitors. She loved all kinds of food from authentic Mexican to an all-American burger and anything in between. She also had a sweet tooth that she often tried satisfying with a Hershey’s bar or cookies of all kinds.

She would let people know when she was really enjoying food by saying “delicious hot dog." Her cooking was savored by all who partook, always taking them back to nostalgic days. Whenever she received compliments on her cooking, she would say “thank you, I didn’t wash my hands." She was kidding of course, with a big sense of humor to the very end. She loved gatherings and celebrating special holidays in a big special way.

She always served, cared for and loved her children and family, as well as all her friends, with sacrificial love and never complained. She was humble and always showed gratitude for even the smallest gift given to her. She treasured the love she gave and received. She was always there for her family during life’s trials, whether in person or divinely connected, comforting them by the sound of her voice. She also had a strong backbone as a disciplinarian. She also was her children's very best friend.

Survivors include her husband, Manuel Calles; nine adult children, Sylvia Messamore, Santana Ledesma, Esmeralda M. Ledesma, Margarita L. Sanchez, Yolanda M. Ledesma, Esther Martinez, Sylvia Messamore, Jesús M. Calles and Graciela Muraira; three siblings, Valentine, Esperanza and Blacita; and 32 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Irene Ledesma and six siblings, Juanita, Encarnacion Jr., Josephina, Felicitas, Manuel and Abelina.