RODARTE, Lucille Mary (Lucia)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, February 01, 2015 Lucia Maria De La Rosa Rodriguez Rodarte (Lucille Mary Rodarte), 76, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, she passed away in her home of 51 years with her loving husband and family by her side. Lucy was born in Jerome, Arizona, Dec. 13, 1938, in the Phelps Dodge Hospital. She was the oldest of four children born to Jesus and Rafaila Rodriguez. Lucy attended elementary school in Jerome before moving to Prescott, Arizona, to live with her grandparents while her father, uncles, cousins and friends tore down the house her parents owned in Jerome. The lumber from this house was transported to Prescott and a different house was built where she spent her childhood growing up. In Prescott, she attended Lincoln Elementary and Prescott Junior High, and she graduated from Prescott High School in 1957. After she graduated from high school, she went to Lamson Business College in Phoenix, Arizona, and received her certificate for secretarial training. Upon completion, she worked in Prescott with Mr. Vic Swanson, who at the time was the manager of Valley National Bank from 1958-1959. She also worked as a medical and dental assistant. Lucy retired from Prescott Unified School District after 21 years (1984-2005) of service as the substitute coordinator for the entire district. After her retirement, the system was computerized and she spent countless hours volunteering at the district office. Lucy married the love of her life, Ralph Feliciano Rodarte, on Nov. 7 1959. They were married in the Sacred Heart Church, which is currently the Prescott Fine Arts Auditorium. She never dated another man. They were sweethearts since they were 12 years old. They were married for 55 years, and raised their family in their home on South Mount Vernon. During her golden years, she took many classes at Yavapai College, mostly medical courses, tutored others in Spanish, medical transcription and medical terminology. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gardening and making greeting cards for her family and friends. Lucy was preceded in death by her parents Jesus and Rafaila Rodriguez, and her great-grandson Ryder Vicente. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband Ralph F. Rodarte; sons Michael Ray Rodarte (Brenda), Ralph F. Rodarte Jr. (Erika), Daniel Ray Rodarte (Mary); and daughter Monica Ann Rodarte. Grandchildren include Michael Anthony Rodarte (Randi), Derrick Ryan Rodarte (Amanda), Shannel Mae Vicente (Michael), Alexandra Margaret Rodarte, and Paul Joseph Rodarte; as well as five great-grandsons, Michael Anthony Rodarte Jr., James Allen Rodarte, Hunter Alexander Vicente, Jase Michael Vicente, and Remington Ray Rodarte. She is also survived by her sisters, Eleanor Johnstone (Donald) and Rose Mary Magana (Victor); and brother, Richard Rodriguez (Esther). A memorial service for Lucy will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prescott, Arizona. In lieu of flowers the family has requested you make a donation to Hospice Family Care, 100 E. Sheldon St., Suite 100, Prescott, AZ 86301 or Prescott Unified School District at www.pusdonline.com. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Obituary was prepared by Lucy prior to her death.