Mournfully, on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, Susan Flores, a lifelong resident of Safford, passed away at the age of 70.
On April 22, 1951, Susan was born in Safford, Arizona, to Manuel and Lilia (Tarango) Gaona. On May 30, 1970, she married Daniel Flores of Central, Arizona. Together they raised two daughters, Michelle, and Dannette “Dee”, and one son, Joseph, in a home they purchased in 1975.
Susan had a passion for her children, shopping, yard sales, going out to eat, and crafting. She cherished summer and school breaks every year because Sophie, her only granddaughter, would come to stay at her house. On Facebook, Susan started the Yardsales Only public group to provide area residents with yard sale details. She would attend the local craft sales and loved making bracelets. Susan would often make memory candles for her friends and family honoring their recently departed. Susan was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit# 95, helping serve our veterans. She worked at John Deere, Sal’s Market, Subway, R&R Pizza, and State Farm Insurance Agency. Susan acquired a large salt and pepper shaker collection along with an array of antique figurines. “With God, all things are possible” was Susan’s favorite bible verse, and she lived those words in her actions. She was known for her giving nature, infectious smile, and kind and compassionate spirit.
Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel; father, Manuel, and her brother, Manuel Jr. “Sonny.” Her three children and their spouses survive her; Michelle (Brian) Kuhn, Dannette “Dee” Flores (Carlos Vargas), and Joseph (Joan) Flores; her only granddaughter, Aurianna Sophia Vargas; mother, Lilia Gaona; sister, Connie Contreras (Nick), and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Saturday, Sept. 18, a memorial service will start at 9 a.m at McDougal’s Caldwell Chapel. The internment of Susan’s ashes over Dan’s heart in the family plot at Memorial Gardens Cemetery is at 10 a.m. In celebration of Susan, The Unit 95 American Legion Auxiliary will host a pot-luck luncheon at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Lopez-Hernandez Post #95 in Solomon, Arizona.
The Flores family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support over the past few weeks. Special thanks to the nursing staff of Eden Health for their hard work and nurturing care of Susan. Please send monetary donations to the American Legion Auxiliary #95, POB 186, Solomon, AZ 85551, in honor of Susan’s volunteer work so they may continue to serve veterans, the military, and their families. Susan will be missed and will remain in our hearts for eternity. “It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.” – A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens.
Arrangements are being cared for by McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel located at 112 E. Main St., Safford, Arizona, 85546, 928-428-1740, www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
