ROMO, E.M. (Sikie)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, May 04, 2011 E.M. "Sikie" Romo, 77, died May 1, 2011, in Flagstaff, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 20, 1933, in Holbrook, to Joe and Ida Romo. He grew up in Holbrook and graduated from Holbrook High School. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 25th Infantry Regiment for three years as a Communications Chief. He is a veteran of the Korean War and received an honorable discharge. He was an avid member of the local American Legion Post No. 37 and was a past Post Commander. Mr. Romo married his loving wife, MaryLou Ulibarri, Aug. 2, 1957, and they spent nearly 54 years together. He was employed with Arizona Department of Transportation for five years. In 1963, he went to work for the Navajo County Sheriff's Office, where he worked for more than 26 years rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He retired in June of 1989. He continued to work for Navajo County as Constable, for six years. In July 1969, while employed with the sheriff's office, Mr. and Mrs. Romo started the family business, Romo's Cafe. It turned into a very successful business and is still a popular venue amongst the area citizens. After retirement, some of his fondest times were spent camping, fishing, travelling and spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. He will be dearly missed by many and remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to many. Mr. Romo is survived by his wife, MaryLou; their six children, Thomas "Tommy" (Deanne) Romo of Holbrook, Elaine (John) Curiel of Show Low, Phyllis Romo of Holbrook, Robert "Bobby" (Machelle) Romo of Glendale, Kevin (Lori) Romo of Holbrook and Mark Romo of Peoria; two sisters, Charlotte Lovato of Holbrook and Vicky (Gerald) Montoya of Henderson, Nev.; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ida Romo, and his brother, Tommy Romo. Services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Holbrook, 212 E. Arizona. Rosary will be recited Friday at 7 p.m., with the funeral Mass celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Holbrook Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arranagements.