GARCIA, Elias Y.

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010 Lifetime Miami resident, Elias Y. Garcia, age 79, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. He was born in Miami, Ariz. on Jan. 22, 1931, the son of Daniel and Maria Garcia. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954, was a member of the VFW and served as the VFW 1441 Post Commander from 1999-2001. He married Rachel Ramirez on March 3, 1956, and together they raised four children. Elias started his career with the Town of Miami in June 1956 and retired as mayor in 2004. He served as public works director, councilman, vice mayor and mayor, and served as a volunteer fireman for the Miami Fire Department. Elias was a member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. He helped with Little League, enjoyed listening and dancing to Mexican music, having friends over and rides to town. Family was very important to Elias. He loved his grandchildren and was very protective of them. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Rachel Ramirez Garcia, on April 13, 2008; his parents Daniel Garcia and Maria Y. Medrano; sister Encarnation "Chonita" Garcia; and brother Joe Y. Garcia. Elias leaves behind in loving memory his children, Annamaria R. Garcia of Scottsdale, Ariz., Katherine Y. Garcia of Miami, Ariz., Daniel Garcia of Tempe, Ariz., Elias "Roy" Garcia of Miami, Ariz.; grandchildren, Christopher Allen, Cycle Joshua, Elias Daniel III, and Breanna Shavonne; and siblings, Emelia Maeda, Helen Garcia, Emily (Paul) Licano, Jovita "Jo" Medrano, Pat (Helen) Medrano, Lupe (Gary) Corn, Betty (Francisco) Ramirez, Mary Fierro and Nettie Medrano. Memorial contributions in Elias Garcia's honor are suggested to Our Lady of the Blesses Sacrament Church, 844 W. Sullivan St., Miami, AZ 85539, tel. 928-473-3568. Visitation will be Friday, April 16 at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. Rosary will follow at 9:30 a.m. Mass will be April 16 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. Interment will be at Globe Cemetery. Funeral services for Elias Y. Garcia were entrusted to Miles Funeral Services in Miami.