SANDOVAL, Alfonso

The Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona ~ July 6, 2005 Alfonso Sandoval passed away June 26, 2005. Alfonso was born Aug. 9, 1941, in Rosenberg, Texas, and moved to Fort Thomas in 1952. He met his wife, Nellie, when he was 17, and they married two years later on April 19, 1961. He started working for Ray Ferguson when he was 14; he worked for Ferguson Farms until 1994. During that time, he and Nellie had eight children: Mary (Tony), Martin (Gloria), Fonso Jr. (Sharon), David (Lori), Frank Sr. (Sally), Robert Sr. (Audrey), Terry Sr. (Sherri) and Nick. Alfonso then went to work for Ben Whitmer and, at the time of his death, worked for Ben's son, Brett. His loves were farming, his home garden, making chili to enter in the fair and watching John Wayne movies. Alfonso is survived by his wife, Nellie; sons, Martin Sr., Alfonso Jr., David, Frank Sr., Robert Sr., Terry Sr. and Nick; daughter, Mary Contreras; brothers, Frank Sandoval Sr., Alejandro Sandoval Sr. and Roy Sandoval; sisters, Josefina Hernandez and Lupe Luna; 39 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A rosary was recited Thursday, June 30, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Safford. Resurrection Mass was Friday, July 1, at St. Rose of Lima. Interment was at the Pima Cemetery. Arrangements were en-trusted to Morris Safford Funeral Home.