TAFOYA, Stella C.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ September 13, 2007 Stella C. Tafoya, 75, died Sept. 7, 2007, in Mesa. She was born Feb. 4, 1932, in Quemado, N.M., to Pedro and Josephine Chavez. Stella was a retired secretary from the U.S. Forest Service. She was a very optimistic, strong, classy, loving woman who loved to travel and have a good time. She loved her family very much. For many of her family members and friends she was their "rock." She will be truly missed. Stella is survived by her husband of 44 years, Berny S. Tafoya; daughter Bernadette T. Hinojosa; son-in-law Fermin C. Hinojosa; grandson Fermin B. Hinojosa; brothers Alex Chavez, Arcenio Chavez and Candelario Chavez; and sisters Mary Garcia, Gloria Moore and Priscilla Stahl. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Joseph Scott Tafoya; brothers Pete Chavez Jr., Francisco Chavez and Santiago Chavez; and sisters Emilia Gonzales, Connie Trujillo and Margaret Cheshire. A rosary was held Wednesday, Sept. 12, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Springerville. A funeral mass was held Thursday, Sept. 13, also at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Interment followed at the Springerville Cemetery. Contributions may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church, Springerville, American Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled the arrangements