CASILLAS, Guillermo (Willie)

Guillermo "Willie" Casillas, 91, of Dudleyville (Oracle), was born Dec. 27, 1910, on the V.S. Ranch in Aravaipa. He left this world Oct. 25, 2002, in the care of his daughter, Mary Burns and son-in-law Jaime Bayze. Willie worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation and also as a farmhand for many years. He enjoyed riding in the hills, fishing, hunting, and most of all keeping his grandchildren entertained with his childhood stories and singing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria Lydia Smith Casillas; nine of his 18 children and grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. Survivors include his nine children, Mary Burns (Jaime Bayze), of Oracle, Carmen (Juan) Pineda, of Queen Creek, Joe (Marcela), of Mammoth, Robert (Betty), Freddie (April), Betty (Jose) Martinez, Mary Lou (Tony) Guerna, Abe (Carmen), and Cruz Hernandez, of Dudleyville. Also surviving are 61 grandchildren, 158 great-grandchildren, 123 great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-great grandchildren; a sister, Victoria Casillas of California; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 29, at St. Joesph’s Catholic Church in Hayden. Interment followed by Mountain View Cemetery.