LOVATO, Norma

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/11/2015 Norma Heimendinger Lovato, 79, longtime resident of St. Johns, died peacefully Dec. 6, 2015, of natural causes surrounded by her loved ones at her daughter’s home in Gilbert. Mrs. Lovato was born Feb. 3, 1936, in Winslow to the late Lita Heimendinger and raised by her adoptive father, Duke Heimendinger. She grew up in Winslow, alongside her brothers, Melvin and Jake. In 1955, she married her late husband, Mr. Roy Lovato, and lived between Flagstaff and St. Johns for over five decades, raising seven children. After Mr. Lovato retired, she and her husband moved back to the home they built in St. Johns, where she enjoyed gardening, taught catechism at the local Catholic Church, spent time exploring nature in the woods and became very skilled at fishing. In fact, her family fondly recalls her trophy catch at Lee’s Ferry on a family Easter outing, a 30-inch rainbow trout that weighed in at 14 pounds. Also, Mrs. Lovato shared her gift of music; she both sang and played the guitar beautifully which filled our lives with joy. While in Gilbert, Mrs. Lovato enjoyed sitting out in the backyard listening to music poolside with family and friends, playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed for her warm heart, loving soul, humor, gentleness, passion for music and kind personality. Mrs. Lovato was a loving wife and mother; she is survived by her seven children, Sylvia (Lupe) Huerena, Bobbie (Ambrose) Figueroa, Cynthia Lovato, Roy Lovato, Jacqueline Lovato, Gino (Michelle) Lovato and Claudia (Vince) Lovato; 20 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. A holy rosary and funeral Mass will be recited at 11a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, 224 S. Kendrick St., in Flagstaff. There will be a private graveside service for the family. Flowers and donations may be sent to Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel.