Julia Aja Echeverria

Echeverria, Julia Aja
Long-time Buckeye resident, Julia Aja Echeverria, passed away October 5, 2014 at the age of 87. Born in 1927 in Flagstaff, Az, Julia Aja spent her childhood years in the Glendale area. She was a cheerleader at Glendale High School where she was also chosen as homecoming queen. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the Phoenix Business College. It was while she was working for the Arizona Woolgrowers Association that she met her late husband, Phillip Echeverria. Phillip and Julia were married in 1947 and resided in Phoenix until they moved to Buckeye in 1958. Julia, Phillip and their two sons were prominent sheepherders in the Buckeye community with over 10,000 head of sheep. Ten years after Phillip's death, Julia and her sons sold the family business and Julia partnered with her daughter-in-law, Bonnie, in converting the old Rusty's Root Beer Stand into the Sheep Camp Restaurant. For 20 years the restaurant served Julia's home cooked breakfasts and lunches to Buckeye residents and visitors. Julia loved traveling, reading every article in the newspaper, playing bridge, and attending her grandchildren's activities. She treasured the opportunity to cheer for the ASU Sun Devils and counted among her fondest memories her two trips to the Rose Bowl. Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Echeverria, both of her parents, Manuel and Matilde Aja, and two brothers, Manuel Jr. and Basilio Aja. Julia is survived by her sons Phillip Echeverria (Bonnie) and Joseph Echeverria, five grandchildren, Phillip Echeverria (Lea), Kim Gustavson (Andrew), Joseph L (JL) Echeverria (Dawn), Kellee Chancellor (Philip), and Mary Crowell (David), and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought great joy to her. Julia is also survived by 2 brothers, Robert Aja and Benny Aja, and a sister, Virginia Youngker, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The rosary and tribute to Julia will be held on Thursday, October 16th, 2014 at 10:00am with the funeral Mass to follow at St. Henry's Catholic Church, 24750 w. Lower Buckeye Rd., Buckeye, 85326. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Henry's Building Fund at www.buildourchurch.com/donate.html or the City of Buckeye Senior Center Programs at 201 E. Centre Avenue, Buckeye, AZ 85326.