Elias N. Molina

1923 - 2025

Elias N. Molina, affectionately known to many as "Chicky," passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday afternoon, November 5, with his son Elias and daughter-in-law Sylvia at his side. He was 102 years old.

Born on September 9, 1923, in a home in Tucson's historic Barrio Viejo, Chicky was raised alongside his four sisters on the family ranch near the Tanque Verde River and Sabino Canyon Road. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elvia; his parents, Elias L. and Louisa N. Molina; his sisters Josefina (Josie) and Maria Luisa (Lula); and many other dear family members and friends. He is survived by his sisters Amalia (Molly) and Telesfora (Tillie).

He also leaves behind his three sons and their families: Elias and Sylvia, grandchildren Christopher, Andrea, and David of Colorado; Fernando and Christine, granddaughter Lynnea and husband Shiloh, great grandchildren Brynn, Kason, and Hadley; granddaughter Alanna and husband Anthony and great grandchildren Steele, Brixton, and Pearl. Lynnea's and Alanna's mother, Susan, who also remains an important part of the family. Humberto and Maria, along with grandsons Beck and wife Nichole, Rainer and Aiden. In addition to his immediate family, numerous nieces and nephews carry forward his memory.

Chicky grew up on the family ranch where three generations of the Molina family lived, worked, and contributed to the community. Together, they raised crops to sell in town, cared for livestock, and assisted neighboring ranchers with cattle roundups and cattle drives. He attended Ft. Lowell School, Mansfeld Junior High, and graduated from Tucson High. As the only son in his family, his military service was deferred until after World War II, when he enlisted and served in the U.S. Army's post-war occupation forces in Europe. Upon returning home, he continued doing what he knew best: working hard to support his family. He hauled construction materials, worked on farms, and contributed to pipeline and construction projects throughout the region.

In 1956, while attending a relative's wedding in Magdalena, Sonora, Chicky met the love of his life, Elvia Barreda. They married soon after and began building their family. For many years, he worked during the day with his dump truck and tractor and spent his evenings helping run the family restaurant, Molina's Midway. Eventually, he sold his equipment and devoted himself fully to the restaurant, where he continued to work faithfully well into his 90s. He remained a welcoming presence there until the family sold the business in 2017. In his later years, Chicky enjoyed peaceful days at home and treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren - the legacy he was most proud of.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, at St. Cyril Church, followed by interment at Holy Hope Cemetery.