MAESTAS, JR., Ned (Nestor) Lucero

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow, Winslow, Arizona Ned Maestas June 27, 1936 - July 12, 2014 Sgt., retired Ned (Nestor) Lucero Maestas, Jr., 78, passed peacefully with close family around him at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center on Saturday, July 12, 2014. He passed away after a 10 month illness. Ned was born at Steel Bridge, Concho, AZ to Nestor (Ned) Maestas, Sr. & Juanita Lucero Maestas on June 27, 1936. He was fourth in a family of 13 born on the family’s ranch near highway 180 - Concho. He is survived by his wife, former Judge, Judi Maestas; daughter Monica Lynette Maestas (Randy); son, Terrence Olin Maestas of Holbrook; sisters Maida Pergeson of Holbrook and Fella Baldwin (Dan) of Phoenix, AZ; brothers, Frankie (Rosemary), Leo, Ernest, Johnny and Andrew Maestas, MD all of Holbrook. Preceded in death by his daughter Diana Maestas; son Ryan Anthony Maestas; his mother Juanita L. Maestas; dad Nestor, Sr; sisters, Martha Peralta, Genevive Greigo, Gloria M. Keeton and brothers Vidal and Louis Maestas. Ned’s education comprised of secondary schooling in Holbrook, then taking 12 se hours of Education Foundation summer sessions with his wife at ASU, Tempe the summer of 1972 and also completing Junior college classes using the military’s education opportunities. After high school, Ned served in the Air Force as an Airman 2nd class, doing aircraft mechanics servicing fighter jets and military transports. He served in the Air Force from April 27, 1955 and was honorably discharged from active duty on January 30, 1959. Ned served in the military for a total of 22 years ending with the Army National Guard as an 88M20 Motor Transport operator, with the rank of Sgt. He served in Operation Desert Storm. He was hurt while on active duty on August 11, 1991 in Saudi Arabia. Despite being away from home and his family, Ned was emphatic that it all turned out okay. He always told his family that serving his country was the most important thing he could have done with his life. Siblings and his own little family whose lives were being shaped by his work ethic, service and education, survive to mourn his passing. His work ethics is one example of his legacy to his family. From 1975, for 7 years, he sat on the Arizona State’s Unemployment tribunal, hearing appeals. He also served time on NACOG’s Aging Services board. He ran for Sheriff in Navajo County in the late 1970's. Many memories were made throughout Ned’s life. He was fun-loving, caring, one of a kind guy whom we all loved, as he ran around Holbrook with his little black hat. In his youth Ned loved to dance. He enjoyed casino’s and winning. The family continues to be thankful that he is now pain free. Ned reveled in the close company of his young grandchildren who survived him; Kathlyn, Kalub, Zoe, Stephan John Brody and Peyton Trujillo. He also had older grandchildren, Krystal Munoz, Jeremy and Sally Gallegos (Joe), Levi Trujillo and Dalton Trujillo. He loved his son Terry. Ned did not get to meet his 1st great grandchild, yet to be born on Aug. 16, 2014 (Sally & Joe) Holy Rosary will be held Friday, July 18, 2014 at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Holbrook, AZ. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Interment to follow at Holbrook City Cemetery.