It is with great sadness that the family of Ernestine R. Avelar, age 84, announce her passing in the early morning of Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, surrounded by loving family and after a long-time battle with dementia.
Ernestine (Tina), was born Sept. 30, 1935 in Tempe, AZ to Trinidad Corral and Juan Ruiz who later moved from Scottsdale to Sonora where she, her brothers and sisters shared wonderful memories growing up in their quaint but bustling town.
She moved to Ray/Kearny and married Raul C. Avelar, and they grew their family to six children. Later in life she became one of the first women to become a member of the local Elks Lodge where she was a member for 24 years. Tina took pride in cooking and cleaning for her lodge and for her church, the Infant Jesus of Prague, to which she donated both time and tithes.
She was welcomed into Heaven by her mother, father, brothers Albert and Jimmy, sisters Erma, Bobbie, Josie and Talita, son Patrick and granddaughter Elicia.
Tina will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her surviving children: Ruly (Vicki) Avelar, Cindy (Marco) Robles, Jackie (Leon) Abeyta, Anna (Matt) Vestal and J.T. (Susie) Avelar; 30 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless family and friends. Funeral services will be closed to immediate family only due to the pandemic.