Ernestina “Tina” Arbizo Contreras, 68, of Aravaipa, passed away Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 in Tucson.

Ernestina ‘Tina’ Arbizo Contreras

Tina was born Nov. 7, 1944 to Bruno and Artemisa Arbizo in Sonora, Mexico. She lived 68 years in Aravaipa, where she will fondly be remembered for her loves, like planting roses, making tamales and singing. Tina was known as “Mother” to many people, who would find her door always open to anyone. She would go out and be a caregiver to the elderly, or as a foster parent. She mostly loved being a mother, grandmother friend, and spending time with her family.

Ernestina is survived by her loving husband, Enrique “Nenie” Contreras of Aravaipa; her children, Cindy (Jimmy) Rodriguez of Dudleyville, David Sanchez of Tucson, Angelica Sanchez of Avra Valley, Yvette Sanchez of Sonora, Mexico and Soṅia Contrereas of Aravaipa; her brother, Joe Arbizo of Aravaipa; sisters, Mary Ramirez of Tucson, Lucy Lopez of Tucson, and Elizabeth Parra of Aravaipa; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bruno and Artemisa Arbizo.

Services for Mrs. Contreras will begin Thursday, Jan. 17, with visitation from 6-7 p.m. and a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Mammoth. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Mammoth.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.griffithmortuary.com.

November 7, 1944 – January 12, 2013