ORONA, Gloria C.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ February 13, 2009 Gloria C. Orona, 68, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low. She was born March 23, 1940, in St. Johns to Patricio Pena Chavez and Isabel Saiz. During the 68 years of Gloria's life, she blessed her family more than she ever knew. Gloria was a loving wife, mother and friend to those who knew her. She was there for family during the good times and bad. Gloria dedicated her life to her husband and her family. She worked tirelessly to ensure her children had everything they needed to be successful and provided a very loving home life. The unconditional love she gave was always filled with loving encouragement and support. She was her children's No. 1 fan as she was always to be found at their activities. She enthusiastically cheered them on at bike races, weight lifting events, dance recitals, baseball and football games. She made the holidays extra special for those she loved and she never failed to remember to send and call on holidays, Valentine's Day or birthdays. Gloria loved riding her horses and ranching. She loved working with arts and crafts including making porcelain dolls. She enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. After two years of struggling with failing health she is now at peace and resting with her loved ones who have gone before her. Her passing is deeply felt within her family and friends as she will be sorely missed. Gloria is survived by her husband, Joaquin Orona; children Charmaine, Tim and Allen; grandchildren Sienna, Timmie, Marissa, Daniel and Jacob; mother Isabel Chavez; brothers Pat Chavez and Bob Chavez; and sisters Liz Chavez and Rosemary Chavez. She was preceded in death by her father, Patricio Chavez; sister Diana Chavez; and brother Robert Chavez. A rosary was held Sunday, Feb. 8, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Springerville. A funeral Mass was held Monday, Feb. 9, also at the church. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.