Obituary for Mary Helen Sanchez

Mary Helen Sanchez passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2021, in Tucson, Arizona. She was born on Jan. 26, 1947, in Safford, Arizona to Ramon Ruiz and Rachel Talavera Ruiz, with siblings Ray and Elisa.

Mary attended Safford area schools and graduated from Safford High School. She married Henry Sanchez on Dec. 19, 1970, and the couple was blessed with seven children; Cynthia, Rebecca, Henry, Jasmine, Ramona, Narcello, and Isidro.

Mary was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, watching western movies, cooking for family and friends, and extending her heart and home to Jasmine and Choma, and Isidro and Gordo.   She always said, “I need to get my hair done”.  She was fun-loving, flirtatious, goofy, spunky, and “feisty”.  Mary was a blessing on this earth!

Mary Helen Sanchez

She is survived by her children, Cynthia Sanchez (Frank Porch), Rebecca (Robert) Ornelas, Henry Sanchez, Jasmine Sanchez (Nick Kranz), and Isidro Sanchez (Karissa Causey); 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Sanchez; her parents, Ramon and Rachel Ruiz; her sister, Ramona Ruiz; her brother, Marcello Ruiz, and her granddaughter, Randi Ornelas.

A viewing and visitation were held at McDougal Caldwell Funeral located at 112 E. Main St., Safford, Arizona, on Jan. 18, beginning at 9 a.m. with the recitation of the rosary at 10 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Rose of Lima at 11 a.m. Following the services, interment was at the Sanchez Cemetery. A live stream is available on McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel Facebook Page for those who could not attend.

Arrangements were under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory.  Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.