Refugio P Huerta

Refugio P. Huerta (Cuco) sorrowfully and suddenly left us on Thursday, February 23, 2023. He is
survived by his spouse of 54 years, Elvira Huerta, daughters Rachel (Steven) Vallejo, Ramona
(Francisco) Curry, Rosanna (David) Aronson and son Jose R. (Stephanie) Huerta.
Refugio was the cherished and the eldest brother to Jose Maria Huerta, Maria Cadriel,
Escolastico Huerta, Anita Slape, Jose Pedro Huerta, Catalina De La Paz, Jesus Huerta. His
parents Jose Maria and Esiquia Perez Huerta preceded him in death, as well as his firstborn
grandson Cameron CJ Huerta Curry.
Refugio was a gracious, selfless, loving husband, father, tata, great-tata, brother and friend. He
had many pastimes which included baseball, listening to Mexican music, restoration of historic
vehicles, especially his 1968 RS/SS Camaro, collecting modeled cars/coins/Vietnam memorabilia.
His treasured pastime was spending time with his family. He adored his 13 grandchildren and
his 3 great-grandchildren and was waiting patiently to meet his fourth great-granddaughter born
just days before his passing and was anxiously waiting to meet his fifth great-granddaughter
whose expected birth is April 2023.
Refugio was born in Jalpa, Zacatecas, July 6, 1945 and immigrated to the United States when he
was 5 years old. The Huerta family resided in Texas until he was 8 years old and then they
moved to Arizona, where he lived in Avra Valley, Marana, Winkelman and Mammoth. During his
high school years he was an agricultural laborer in Oregon, Washington, and California. After
graduating high school from Marana in 1965 he was drafted into the United States Army and
served in the Vietnam War (1966-1967 4th Infantry Div). He returned home due to an illness
with Honorary Discharge.
Refugio wed Elvira Alvo Valdez in 1969 and began their lives raising their family. Refugio was
raised with strong family values and instilled similar if not better values to his four children.
Refugio's determination to succeed in providing a blessed home for his family would lead him
back to school. He received an AAS degree from Central Arizona College, Aravaipa Campus.
Refugio was a tire mechanic and worked at Inspiration Mine, Good Year, BHP, ASARCO and The
Town of Mammoth.
Refugio's legacy of hard work ethics, determination and pride will forever be remembered by his
family. When dual citizenship became legalized in the U.S., Refugio proudly became a United
States citizen, February 23, 1996. Ironically 27 years to the date of his death.
Refugio will be laid to rest March 6, 2023, a Catholic mass burial at Blessed Sacrament church
and interment at Valley View Cemetery, Mammoth, Arizona 85618 with military honor guard.
He was never one to complain and always willing to help others. Our hearts are weeping but
know he is home and at peace.
(El día que yo me muera,
No voy a llevarme nada,
Hay que darle gusto al gusto,
La vida pronto se acaba,
Lo que pasó en este mundo
nomás el recuerdo queda,
Ya muerto voy a llevarme,
Nomás un puño de tierra).- Ramon Ayala, "Un Puno de Tierra"