Colleen Pereza Davies

1924 - 2025

Colleen Pereza Davies
March 3, 1924 - November 18, 2025
Colleen Marie Pereza Davies, 101, passed from this life on November 18, 2025. She was born in Pierce, CO on March 3, 1924, to Peg and Bill Hargis. Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers William (Bud) Hargis and Charles (Nick) Hargis, husbands Felix A. Pereza, Sr. (1967) and James Davies (1989), daughters Kathleen Tannar and Phyllis Goldthorpe, son-in-law Jim Badertscher and grandson Bud Leonard. Colleen is survived by her children Felix A (Susan) Pereza, Jr, Ginger Scruggs, Sharon Badertscher, Patricia (Charlie) Ritchie, Michael (Iva) Pereza, John (Kathy) Pereza and James (Wendy) Pereza, 19 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Following high school graduation, Colleen moved with her parents to Bisbee, where she met and married Felix A Pereza in 1941. In 1975 she met and married James Davies, then moved to Sierra Vista where she lived for the remainder of her life.
Colleen was a woman ahead of her time. As a senior in high school, she was elected Student Body Vice President, the first female to hold that position in the history of the school. In the early 1970's she participated in efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in Arizona. As a member of the Bisbee Business & Professional Women's Club, Colleen was elected as their 1974-75 "Woman of the Year." Later in life, she participated in Sierra Vista's Senior Olympics, taking many medals including the gold medal in billiards.
First and foremost, Colleen was a mother. In her younger years Colleen wanted to be an actor or a teacher. In fact, she was both. She had a teacher's heart, teaching her children and their friends the values necessary to live an honorable, courageous life. Simple words like, "Look out for your brothers and sisters," every time her children left the house conveyed the importance of supporting and caring for each other and, "You can do this," as a model of persistence. Colleen was wise and offered great counsel, always having the right words for every situation. She was kind and forgiving, thoughtful and yet powerful, demonstrating patience, resilience, grace and dignity throughout her life.
As for acting, Colleen conveyed calm and confidence amid the chaos of raising nine children. In addition, after moving from Bisbee, Colleen acted in community theater productions in Sierra Vista. She joined the dance troupe The Rickety Rockettes shortly after the group was formed and performed with them until she was 88 years old.
Colleen was a woman of deep faith which was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bisbee, then St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Church in Sierra Vista until her passing.
By every measure Colleen's was a life well lived. Everyone who met her is better for having known her. To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, " to find the best in others; to know even one life breathed easier because you have lived," is to know you have succeeded. Colleen has left this world a much better place and can rest peacefully now.
Thank you to Father Greg who visited Colleen often to pray and talk, Valor Hospice and Senior Helpers, especially Jamie and Barbara.
A Rosary followed by a Funeral Mass, will take place at St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Church, 800 Taylor Drive in Sierra Vista on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Bisbee the following day, December 11 at 11:00 a.m.
Flowers can be sent to Hatfield Funeral Home, or a donation to your favorite charity can be made in lieu of flowers.