CHAVEZ, Benjamin P.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 06/22/2004 Benjamin P. Chavez, 76, of St. Johns died June 12, 2004 in Springerville. Ben was born Aug. 1, 1927 to Pabla and Procopio Chavez in St. Johns. He enjoyed baseball, billiards, fishing, hunting, camping, family reunions and riding out east. He retired from Apache County after 20 plus years of service. He also served in the United States Army. Ben's survivors include his ex-spouse and companion, Bea Chavez, St. Johns; sons, Ben Chavez, Jr., Johnny (Cynthia) Chavez, Jimmy Chavez, Chris Chavez, Jonathan Chavez; daughters, Patsy (Jacob) Gomez, Cynthia (George) Pena, Evelyn Chavez, Claudia Stewart, Michelle Chavez, Paula (Gabe) Chavez; two step-children, Lawrence Perez and Esther Robles. Also surviving Ben is one brother Ray Chavez. He had 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Kathy Thornbrough; brothers, Procopio Chavez, Jr., Benito Chavez, Pat Chavez, Lupe Chavez, Trinidad Chavez, Ambrsio Chavez, and Horace Chavez; and sister Nellie Sample. A rosary was held for Ben Wednesday, June 16 and a funeral service held Thursday, June 17 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in St. Johns. Burnham-Jewkes Mortuary, St. Johns was in charge of arrangements.