Ynez “Nechie” Lopez left his family and friends to return home to the Lord on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Nechie was born in Hayden, Arizona on Dec. 30, 1931, to parents Jesus and Ignacia Lopez. He had 90 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and family. Nechie was dedicated to his church at St. Joseph’s Parish and very devoted to his faith.
Nechie was born and raised in Hayden, AZ as the youngest of 13 children. Nechie was the last sibling in Lopez Legacy. He was a man of many skills, who started his career at Kennecott in Hayden right after graduating from Hayden High School. As a strong man, he joined the Army serving his country as Specialist 3rd Class Medical Corpsman. He enjoyed traveling the world and sharing his stories with his family and friends. He was a proud man of his accomplishments but nothing more than his three daughters, Anna, Lydia and Carol and niece Stella. His proudest moments were when he was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He supported them in all their accomplishments which made him smile with pride. His stern look and deep powerful voice had many people fooled. The depth of his voice was like a meter of how much love he shared. He was a loving caring man, a dad to many nieces and nephews and a godfather to many.
Nechie was a man that believed in the people and protecting what was best for them. He was a strong union man and a fire chief for the town of Hayden. There he fought to establish a retirement for the firefighters. He believed that the people of the community needed to stay strong and fight for each other.
Nechie is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Ignacia Lopez, his wife, Gloria Lopez, his 12 siblings, his granddaughter, Angelica Guzman, and nephew, Randy Manriquez.
He is survived by his daughters, Anna Guzman, Lydia (Thomas) Martinez and Carol (Jeronimo) Lorona; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Nechie will be remembered as a strong, generous, loving, kind man. We follow in your footsteps and love you more.
Services for Nechie were held Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at St. Joseph Parish in Hayden, AZ. Nechie was laid to rest with Military Honors at Mountain View Cemetery in Hayden, AZ.