Mary Velarde

Mary Vargas Velarde passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, May 3, 2009. She was born on July 22, 1934, in Sloan, Nev. She was one of 16 children born to Norberto and Petra Carlos.

Mary attended school in Needles, Calif., and graduated in 1952. She was employed with St. Mary Medical Center for 32 years, where she retired as dietary supervisor.

Mary was preceded in death by Cleofus Alvarez Vargas and Arnold Velarde. Her passion was her family.

She is survived by her six children, Joseph Vargas and wife, Margie, of Apple Valley, Cleo Stewart and husband, Steve, of Apple Valley, Rose McDowell and husband, Steve, of York, S.C., Patsy Corona of Apple Valley, Monica Hinojos and husband, Tommy, of Victorville, and Johnny Vargas of Victorville.

Mary is also survived by her loving grandchildren Jason Vargas, Amy Vargas, Clint Stewart, Monica Morrison, Nona Lane, Steven McDowell II, Ronnie Corona, Covina Becerra, Giovanna Vargas, Ahelya Hinojos, Isaiah Hinojos, Elisha Hinojos, Jeremy Vargas, Megan Vargas, Joe Vargas, Marisa Beserra, Marea Vargas, Monica Vargas and Mary Vargas.

Eight siblings and 12 great-grandchildren also survive her.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday May 7, 2009, at the Church of Whosoever, 18628 Seneca Road in Apple Valley, where the pastor is Royce Beserra. Pastor Tommy Hinojos of Grace Awakening Ministry in Victorville will officiate the service. Graveside will follow at Victor Valley Memorial Park.

Services are under the direction of Victor Valley Mortuary.