BACA, Lawrence (Ronney)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 03/04/2016 Lawrence “Rooney” Baca, 65, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Phoenix. He was born Oct., 30, 1950, in Holbrook, the son of Fred and Pauline Smith Baca. Rooney served his country in the U.S. Marines and was a water department employee for the city of St. Johns, retiring in 2003. Rooney as he was known by all, enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to the casino, and most of all spending time with his wife and family. He will be deeply missed by them all and remain in their hearts forever. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Baca; sons Rooney and Christopher; daughters Monica, Andrea and Crystal, and thought of as a daughter Rhonda McQuay; brother Freddie “Boya” Baca; sisters Rosalie Harrelson and Gloria Meagher; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother George; mother and father-in-law, Demetrio and Nellie Sample; sister-in-law Lucy Acosta; brother-in-law Henry Sample; and special angel granddaughter Melanie Chavez. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 4, at Burnham Mortuary in St. Johns. Rosary will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. Johns with a funeral Mass following at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral Mass at the St. Johns Catholic Cemetery. To leave an online condolence for “Rooney’s” family, visit www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of St. Johns handled arrangements.