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Rudy Navarro
Rudy Navarro, 87, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Oracle AZ, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017.
Rudy was born on Aug. 9, 1929, in Jerome, AZ, to Jose and Jesus Navarro. He was the 6th of 10 children. At the age of 12, Rudy moved to Cupertino, CA, with his family where he went to school and worked in the fields to help support his family. He loved school and knew the importance of a good education, which he passed on to his family. Rudy graduated from high school and attended 2 years of college. Rudy then enlisted in the Air Force where he served his country for 4 years. When his term of service was done, Rudy took his mother to visit an older sister in Cottonwood, AZ, in 1955. There he met the love of his life, Mary Manriquez (Navarro) whom he married 6 months later on Dec. 31, 1955. They were married for 55 1/2 years, until Mary’s death on May 31, 2011. Rudy and Mary were wonderful parents to 6 children whom they loved, cared for and guided to be good and honest people. They always encouraged them
to continue their education.
In 1955, Rudy began his employment at Magma Copper Mine and continued to work there for
33 years until his retirement. He worked underground as a General Mechanic Foreman.
Rudy and Mary Navarro had a large and loving family. Rudy is survived by his children, Irma Dietz (Alex); Veronica (Lulu) Acevedo (Henry); Lydia (BeBe) Molina; Anna Marie (Missy) Arvizu (Willie); Rudy Navarro (Diana); and Rebecca (Becky) Strand (Brent); his 17 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Rudy is also survived by sisters, Martha Cabrera (Joe); Irene (Renee)
Navarro; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rudy loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed being outdoors. He was an accomplished mechanic having worked on every car he owned. He was also an avid gardener, having planted a vegetable garden every year for more than 30 years. Rudy loved spending time with his large
family.
A memorial service celebrating Rudy Navarro’s life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at the Living Word Chapel, 3941 Highway 77, Oracle, AZ. Viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., services from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by interment at the Oracle Cemetery. A
luncheon will be provided at Living Word Chapel immediately following the burial.
The family would like to express their thanks to their family and friends for their love and support.
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.
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