MENDEZ, Ruperto Villa Jr.

Ruperto Villa Mendez, Jr. March 15, 1936 – December 26, 2009. On Saturday, December 26, 2009, our beloved father, Ruperto Villa Mendez Jr. answered the Lord's call to walk by his side. Preceded in death by Tiofila, Ruperto Sr., Ida, Guillermo, Albert, and Ruben. Survived by his brother, Rolf; children, Rupert III, Sonia and Victor; godfather, Francisco "Kiko"; grandchildren, "Jay", Mario, David Jr., Mireya, Victoria, Zarina, Roman; great-grandchildren, Domnik and Noah; extended family and friends. Known as "El Guero" in the neighborhood of "Barrio Libre" and most of the Pascua Yaqui communities, he was well-known as a Mariachi before the age of twenty and long-time musician in Pascua Yaqui Easter ceremonies. Honorable service in the United States Army; Honorable member of the founding council of the Pascua Yaqui Nation. A working man till the end, he was often seen in his black Stetson hat and bolo tie, and more recently in his 1931 Ford Model A. His family was his love, his music was his gift. His guitar and violin are now silent, but like in our hearts, heaven now echoes with his loving spirit and his music as he now plays before the almighty and his son. We love you Tata… Rosary Services will at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 at Cristo Rey (New Pascua). Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th, 2010; internment to be at Monte Calvario (New Pascua) thereafter. Military honors by Patriot Guard Riders (Arizona Chapter). (Obituary published in Arizona Daily Star, 01/04/2010.)