Mary Ruiz Chavez

Chavez, Mary Ruiz (90) Passed away June 20, 2001, 10:30 p.m. in Los Angeles, CA. She was born November 30, 1910 in Yuma, Arizona. Mrs. Chavez, with her husband, owned and operated "Kool Korner", Mary's store in North Gila Valley plus 10th Street Grocery in Yuma, AZ. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; Women's Auxiliary; Guadalupe Catholic Church; Guadalupanas; St. Thomas Mission; Volunteer Outreach Programs; Historical Society; Friendly Visitor Program; and the American Legion. Survivors include son Edward Chavez, and daughter Nancy Chavez; both of Yuma AZ; daughter Barbara Pacho of Farmington, IL; son Manuel "Saturn" Chavez of Los Angeles, CA; sisters Lita Carvajal of Yuma, Frances Higuera of Poway, CA, and Olivia Rico also of Yuma, AZ; 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Chazev was preceded in death by her husband Saturnino "Shot" Chavez, February 15, 1983, brother Ismael Ruiz, sister Adelina Abril and brother Andy E. Ruiz, Jr. Services were held privately Tuesday June 26, 2001 with music by family members Roy Reyes on sax, Jude Contreras on guitar and Genessa Reyes, solo. Final words were said by her children Nancy Chavez and Saturn Chavez and grandchildren Rebecca Avery and Griselda Reyes. Pall bearers: Jude Contreras, Dustin R. Avery, Roy Don "Tito" Reyes, Art Pacho Jr., John Pacho and Jason Chavez. Mrs. Chavez was a first cousin to Cesar Chavez.