BURGES, Minnette Doris, 8/28/1950 - 2/10/2018 Courageous and persistently seeking the truth, Minnette was dedicated to social justice and civil rights. She was a gracious, articulate and untiring advocate for things she believed in; be it the truth in court or the interests of a neighborhood. Minnette was also committed to preserving and protecting culture, the environment and the arts. Humble in her approach, giving of herself to a fault, all who knew Minnette will miss her positive attitude and engaging smile that were rooted in family, neighborhood and community. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Minnette graduated from Tucson High School, the University of Arizona School Of Journalism and the James E. Rogers College of Law. Minnette was editor of the Wildcat, was selected for an internship to and later became an investigative reporter for Stars and Stripes at the European headquarters in Griesheim, Germany. She also was publications editor at the Center for Creative Photography before meeting her husband, Alán Huerta, starting a family and a civil law practice that lasted thirty years. Together Minnette and Alán raised two wonderful young adults, Hadley and Gabriel. Minnette and Alán were instrumental in the stabilization, conservation and preservation of Cimarroncita Ranch in northern New Mexico. As stewards of this property, they conserved and protected its rich natural and cultural heritage, ensuring its continued preservation by determining the next land steward, Philmont Scout Ranch. Minnette was an avid traveler throughout her life. After retiring she and Alán traveled to Spain, Germany and France, spending most of their time in Paris. Minnette's involvement locally with the YWCA, Tucson Weekly News, Dinnerware Artists Cooperative, Tucson Arts District Partnership, Planned Parenthood, Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association, the Fort Lowell Historic District Advisory Board, and the Grant Road Coalition, touched the lives of many people. Minnette is preceded in death by her father, Tom King Burges and mother, Doris Paterson Burges, sister, Lenna and niece, Melody. She is survived by her husband, Alán Huerta; her daughter, Hadley Burges Huerta Castaneda, grandchildren, Olivia and Ava; and son, Gabriel Burges Huerta of Tucson; her sister, Margaret Richcreek of Kansas City, Missouri; and her brother, Tom King Burges Jr. of Marietta, Georgia. In honor of Minnette and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give to the Tucson YWCA. Following a private Memorial service, a public gathering open to friends, colleagues, and all who knew her will be celebrated on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 1 ART Gallery, 1 East Broadway with art from the Burges Huerta Collection from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information please email Hadley.Ca[email protected] gmail.com. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.
Angel Valley Funeral Home & Old Pueblo Crematory
2545 N. Tucson Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-6341
Published in the Arizona Daily Star on Feb. 25, 2018
