Stella Jean Sandoval

Stella Jean Sandoval was born on May 31st 1937 in St. Johns Arizona to Roger and Ruth Pena, and was blessed with three sisters (Bara, Bernice, and Dora) and two brothers (Roger Jr. and Michael). She spent the vast majority of her childhood in St. Johns and Morenci until her family permanently relocated to Flagstaff Arizona in her early teenage years.

In Flagstaff at the age of fourteen is where Stella met, was courted by and fell in love with Andy Sandoval while attending Flagstaff High School. They began their married life together on September 17th, 1955 shortly after graduation, and were married for nearly sixty years.  Stella and Andy gave birth to three children Kathie, Anna and Steve and considered Alan to be one of their own as well.

Over the course of Stella's life her touch and ability to help others reached far and wide throughout the state. She was a stay at home Mom, worked for Flagstaff Unified School District, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, and was the Coconino County and Northern Arizona Public Fiduciary for more than thirty years. While maintaining and following her own career path in social services Stella was also a Co Business owner for Sandoval's Sanitation, and SJS Fiduciary Services.  She also regularly served on several boards across the state including but not limited to the Human Rights Committee and The Arizona Fiduciaries Association.

Stella was both a quiet and reserved woman, and as equally so she was kind, compassionate, and at many times an advocate for others best interests and livelihoods.  A woman who would not think twice about sharing, giving, teaching or helping in whatever capacity she was able.

She had many hobbies and activities that she loved to partake in such as paying a visit to Laughlin, traveling, shopping, and watching Soap Operas, Walker Texas Ranger, and her Washington Redskins. Stella also enjoyed the simplicity of quiet conversations over tea and cooking in large amounts with and for her family especially when it was Tamale season.

 Over the many wonderful years of her life Stella became a Mother in Law, Grandmother and Great Grandmother several times over, as well as an Aunt, Great Aunt, God-Mother, friend and confidant to name a few.  

Stella Jean Sandoval passed away peacefully in her home the night of Monday October 31st, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband Ireneo Andres "Andy" Sandoval, her brothers Roger Pena Jr., Michael Anthony Pena; and her parents Ruth and Roger Sr. Pena.

She is survived and kept in loving memory by her sisters Ramona Barreras, Bernice Anaya, and Aurora Uhalde (Charles); Her daughters Kathryn R. Trichel, Anna M. Sandoval, Bonnie Sandoval and her sons Stephen G. Sandoval (Jennifer), and Alan Lomayesva (Bonnie), as well as Crystal Hogg, Donny Barber, Delbert Webb, and James Noel.

She will also be kept in loving memory by her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren including Shane Sandoval (Jodi) their children Andrew, Anthony and Adeya, Jennifer Sandoval (Chris) and their children DeAnna and Adriana, Janel Valencia (Jacob) and their children Shane Jr., Junior, and Maichail, Danielle Noel and her son Raymond jr., Skyler Cordova (Rachel) and their children Marina, Taila and Jordan, Montana Hutton (Matt) and their children Casey, Brennon, Tehvyn, and Addison, Audrey Sandoval, Christopher Hogg, Levi Sandoval, Raymond A. Sandoval (Kerrianna), and Kathryn Marie Sandoval and her two children Brandon and Kylie.

We will take with us our memories, cherish them and transform them into a light to ensure that Stella's gifts remain within this world as she rests in peace.

A Rosary for Stella will be held on November 12th 2016 at 6:30pm at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and further services will be announced privately by invitation from immediate family members.