by 
Jesús F. Melero
Jesús Felipe Melero, 83, died on Dec. 16, 2016 at Palm View Nursing Home in Yuma, AZ.
He was born on Jan. 27, 1933 in Williams, AZ to Carmen and Cesario Melero while his father worked at the smelter in Jerome, AZ. His parents returned to Mexico and raised Jesús in Atotonilco, Durango, Mexico. At age 16, he returned to the US and worked in agriculture in Texas, New Mexico, California and Arizona. He moved to Sonora, AZ and worked for the Kennecott Copper Mine. There he met his first wife Dora Armenta. Together they had six boys, René, Johnny, Tomas, Joseph, Felipe, and Francisco. In the mine, he worked his way up from laborer to blasting and drilling and finally Crusher Operator and Car topper, he also served as a Fire Chief in Mammoth for 10 years.
When the mine closed, he went to work for the State at the Tucson Air National Guard. While working there Dora’s health declined and passed away. He retired from the State and moved back to Kearny. Jesús became involved with the Catholic Church and the widows and widowers group. He helped with the retreats by playing his guitar at mass and cooking in the kitchen. There he met his second wife Eleanor Saldana from Yuma, AZ. They married and he moved to Yuma. Jesús enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren often telling them stores and making them laugh. His was full of life and always had a kind word and a smile on his face.
Jesús is preceded in death by his parents, Carmen and Cesario Melero; sister, Rosa; his first wife Dora Armenta Melero; and sons, Joseph, Felipe, Francisco, and Johnny Melero.
He is survived by his second wife Eleanor Saldana Melero; sons, René (Joan) Melero and Tomas (Mitzi) Melero; daughter-in-law, Vicky Melero; step-son, Frank (Martha) Saldana; step-daughter, Lupe Saldana; grandchildren, Kristella (Joseph) Pardo, Thera (Jesse) Melero, Rudy Melero, Carmen Melero, Alexis Melero, TJ Melero, Chris and Devon Hare, Julie (Scott) Stiles, Francisco Saldana, Linda Marie Saldana, Jessica and Diego; and great-grandchildren, Cesario, Aaron, Mateo, Raymond, Kalyssa, Baily, Wyatt, Tristen, and Tanner.
Services will be held on Dec. 27, 2016 at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Mammoth, AZ. Viewing is at 11 a.m., Rosary at 11:30 a.m. with the Mass at noon. Interment is at Valley View Cemetery, Mammoth, AZ. A reception will follow at the Blessed Sacrament Church Hall.
Griffith Mortuary is providing exceptional family service. 101 Johnston Dr., Kearny, AZ 85137. Ph. (520) 363-5353. GriffithMortuary.com.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by