Sylvia Claudette Manterola

Sylvia Claudette Manterola, 83, died January
10, 2018, in Casa Grande, Arizona, surrounded
by her family. Sylvia was born October 9, 1934
in Winslow, Arizona to pioneer Arizona Basque
sheep ranchers, Tony and Marianne Manterola.
She attended high school in Peoria, Arizona
and graduated from Arizona State College (ASU) with a degree in
business administration. Sylvia was also a member of Chi Omega
sorority.
At the young age of 22, when Sylvia’s father died in 1956, Sylvia
bravely assisted her mother in managing and operating the
ranching business at a time when women seldom assumed such
rigorous responsibilities alone. Bankers and others encouraged the
two women, to "throw in the towel" and sell the outfit. The two
remained steadfastly determined to succeed. Perhaps her Basque
heritage of which she was so proud, contributed a degree of
stubbornness and determination to the cause. Through her efforts
as a managing partner and as the secretary-treasurer of
Manterola Sheep Company, Inc., it endures today as one of the
largest surviving sheep ranching operations in Arizona. Sylvia
loved the ranch life and her family and was fiercely devoted to
both. She loved spending her summers at the ranch on Garland
Prairie and it was her great pride working the sheep and cattle with
her beloved family.
Sylvia was an active board member of the Arizona Wool Producers
and Auxiliary, Pinal County Farm Bureau Board, Arizona Cattle
Growers and the Catholic Daughters.
Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Jose Antonio Manterola
and Marianne Etchart Manterola and a nephew, Joe Manterola III.
Sylvia is survived by sister, Carmen Auza (Joe), sister, Marie
Guappone and brother, Joe Manterola. Sylvia will be dearly missed
by all her nieces and nephew, Joseph Auza (Tammy), Yvette Kent,
Michelle Stadelman (Rudy), AnNette Wallace (Jason) and Jodi
Manterola (Luke). She is also survived by 11 great-nieces and
nephews. Her family was fortunate to have been blessed by her
dedication, values and work ethic. Sylvia’s legacy will continue on
through the many lives she has touched so greatly.
A visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua
Catholic Church in Casa Grande, Arizona on Wednesday, January
17, 2018. The Rosary will follow. The funeral mass will begin
at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St.
Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 201 North Picacho Street,
Casa Grande, Arizona 85122. J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole &
Maud, The Gardens Chapel is handling arrangements.