CHAVEZ, Tonie

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 01/25/2005 Tonie O. Chavez died at St. Luke's Medical Center, Phoenix, Jan. 15, 2005. She was born at Aragon, New Mexico Oct. 4, 1928 and lived most of her life in ingerville. She was married to Robert Chavez, and had four children together. She devoted her life to her children and inspired them to be the best they could be. While Tonie's children were in school, she worked as a cook in the school's cafeteria so she could maintain an active role in their lives. After her children were grown she worked as a cook in several restaurants. Tonie enriched the lives of everyone who ate the food she cooked. Many people went out of their way to enjoy a meal she had prepared. She enjoyed making people happy with her talents. She obtained satisfaction from helping others. She left kindness, appreciation and helpfulness in the hearts and minds of all those who knew her and those traits were instilled in her children forever. Her suffering is over and she can now be with her eldest daughter's twin, Mary Jane, who died at the threshold of her young life. Tonie's survivors include her husband Robert Chavez, Springerville; sons Bobby Chavez, Nutrioso; Larry Chavez, Glendale; daughters Kathy Salazar, St. Johns; Idella Chavez, Eagar; brothers Greg Orona, Clamato, New Mexico.; Joaquin Orona, Springerville; Charlie Orona, Springerville; sisters Rose Chavez, Springerville, Terésa Padilla, Springerville, Lydia Anaya, Springerville, Mary Baca, Springerville and Corrina Anaya, Albuquerque, New Mexico; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A rosary was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Springerville Friday, Jan. 21. Funeral mass was Saturday, Jan 22 at 10 a.m., also at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Burnham-Jewkes Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.