Deaths

Obituaries

Jan 23, 2007

Robert Edward Ellenberger
Robert Edward Ellenberger, 76, passed away Friday, December 8, 2006 in Yuma. He was born November 23, 1930 in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

Bob served the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. he worked for Bell Telephone Company, U.S. Steel and retired in 1993 from Edgar Thompson Works in Braddock, Pennsylvania.

Bob was an avid member of the Barbershop Society, Choir of the First Methodist Church, a member of the Yuma Festival Chorus, B.P.O.E. and Sun Country Four ( a registered quartet). He enjoyed golf as long as he was able.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lillian Jean Ellenberger of Homestead, Pennsylvania; sons, Jeffry and Keith Ellenberger of Virginia, Lance (Jan) Ellenberger of White Oak, Pennsylvania; step daughter, Nancy Tobias of Homestead, Pennsylvania; grandson, Lance Ellenberger Jr.; granddaughter, Paige Ellenberger both of White Oak, Pennsylvania; step grandson, Glenn Tobias of Homestead, Pennsylvania; brother, William (Carol) Ellenberger of Yuma; sister, Eileen (Bob) Hart of Clovis, California; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Esther Ellenberger; niece, Susan McClung; and grand niece Rebecca McClung.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Reverend Mary Lou Adame will be officiating.

Donations may be made to the Choir at the First United Methodist Church of Yuma.

Eufemia L. Mejia
Eufemia L. Mejia, 96, entered into eternal life on Sunday, January 21, 2007. She was born on June 4, 1910 in what was known then as “the little mining town” of Picacho, California and is now Picacho State Park. She grew up in the California cities Andrade, Potholes and Winterhaven. On August 28, 1933 she married her beloved Albert “Guero” Mejia and moved to Yuma, where she remained to raise her children.

Eufemia is survived by her sons, Armando “Ermie” (Alexis) Mejia, Albert “Winser” (Elisa) Mejia; daughter, Helen Espinoza, all of Yuma; sisters, Antonia Leyvas of Phoenix, Arizona, and Gregoria Demara of Yuma; brothers, Alfred Lopez Sr., of Winterhaven, California, and Chris Lopez of Bard, California; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Eufemia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of seventy-two years, Albert “Guero” Mejia, her parents, Miguel and Concepcion Lopez, sister, Rosa Mendivil, brothers Ralph Lopez Sr., and Mike Lopez.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Henry Espinoza Jr., Chris Espinoza, Albert Mejia III, Michael Mejia, Steven Mejia, and great-grandson Ralph Evans Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are Alfred Lopez Sr., Chris Lopez, Ismael Vargas, Ralph Evans, Chris Rico, Frank Neahr, Charlie Pina, and Robert Demara.

A wake will be held Thursday, January 25, 2007 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary. The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. The mass will be at 9 a.m., Friday, January 26, 2007 at St. Thomas Mission. The burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Yuma, 1824 S. 8th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364.

Eufemia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to be surrounded by her family and friends. She enjoyed the music from her family’s band (The Mike Lopez Band). Grandma had a vivid memory and loved to tell us stories of her life. Her family was her great joy in life and we will all miss her dearly. Her gentle strength, sense of humor and graceful character graced us all and will be with us forever.

Noreen R. Villarreal
Noreen R. Villarreal, 76, passed away at YRMC on Monday, January 15, 2007. She was born on September 22, 1931 in Winterhaven, California.

Many people will remember Noreen from Chretins Mexican Restaurant, where she retired from after 30 plus years.

She is survived by her sister, Kathy Ponce, of Arizona; daughters, Sarah (Bobby) Higgins, of Colorado, Sylvia Villarreal, Sharon Herberger, and Patricia (Dennis) Armitago, all of Arizona; son, Robert Villarreal, of Arizona; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and 49 nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack S. Villarreal; son, Jack J. Villarreal; brothers, Gilbert and Louie Robles; and mother and father, Sarah and Richard Robles.

Funeral services were held at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers were Noreen’s grandsons.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to HSOY, 285 N. Figueroa Ave., Yuma, Arizona, 85364.

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