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Frances R. Velez
Frances “Kika” Rios Velez, 86, of Superior, AZ passed away Feb. 21, 2014 in Mesa, AZ, after a long battle with medical illnesses. Kika was born Oct. 4, 1927 to Benito and Dolores Rios in Morenci, AZ. Raised in Ojinaga, Mexico she later moved to Sonora, AZ and raised her 12 children there.
She was an outstanding cook, she cooked for El Paris Café and El Charro Café in Sonora and the Silver Grill in Superior (not to mention cooking for all of her brood and extended family); had a life-long attachment to Mexican music; was an outstanding singer and loved all people, especially her family. Her inviting and endearing smiles and laughs would always welcome a friend, neighbor, family or a stranger, without hesitation; she made everyone feel special.
Kika is survived by 10 children: Ruth (Ramon) Esquivel, Eloise Luera, Viola (Richard) Becerra, Ruben (Debbie) Luera, Lydia (Al) Delgado, Eduardo (Anita) Luera, Samuel Luevano, Sylvia (Steve) Junger, Carlos Manriquez and Richard Manriquez.
A son and daughter, Eduardo (the 1st) Luera and Alicia Luevano, preceded her in death, along with nine brothers and sisters – Rafael, Amalia, Augustina, Margarito, Paula, Licha, Roberto, Nato and Lola. She outlived her husbands.
She is also survived by a sister, Nellie Ortiz, and a brother, Benny Rios. She has 35 grand-children and 52 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and “adopted” family (you know who you are), whom she greatly loved and appreciated. Vaya con Dios Mom.
Services on March 1, 2014 at the First Baptist Church, 921 Belmont Street, Superior, Arizona are as follows: Viewing will be available from 9 a.m., followed by a service at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Superior Cemetery. A reception will follow at Los Hermanos Restaurant/Hall.
Arrangements by Superior Funeral Home. Online Guestbook: www.superiorfuneral.com.
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