Mary Ann Garcia

Marie Ann Garcia, 66, of Chuichu died on Nov. 23, 2017, in Casa Grande.

Ms. Garcia was born on Sept. 17, 1951, in Ajo and was a daughter of Joseph A. and Alvenita P. Garcia. She attended public and Catholic schools and then St. John's Indian School near Laveen, where she graduated in 1968. She later studied at Gregg Business College.

She worked for a construction company and later moved to Chuichu. She worked at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino for 10 years, first as a food runner and then cashier and later cook. In 2000 she retired due to arthritis. She later worked at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital in Sacaton. A memorable experience was traveling to Maine, New York and Seattle for the celebration of Kateri Tekakwith, known as Lily of Mohawks, a Native American woman who was declared a saint in 2012. She loved family gatherings, music, dancing and shopping.

Survivors include three sons, Brian, Wesley and Thomas Lewis, all of Chuichu; three daughters, Jennifer, Annelise and Gwendolynn Lewis, all of Chuichu; two brothers, Martin and Wayne Garcia of Ajo; four sisters, Flora Chewing of Casa Grande, Brenda, Jolene and Gloria Garcia, all of Ajo; 18 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass celebrated at 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at St. Augustine Catholic Mission in Chuichu. Visitation following at the Alvenita Garcia home from 8 to 11. Burial in Menagers Dam Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Mountain View Chapel in charge of arrangements.