Elena Marez Dodge was welcomed into God’s loving arms on April 8, 2024, at age 97. Elena was born to Gabriel Marez and Demesia Rael Marez in Puerto De Luna, New Mexico on Oct. 16, 1926. She married Domingo Dodge on Jan. 7, 1949, in Sonora, Arizona where they lived for six years. They moved to Ray, Arizona, where Domingo built a house for her. Then they moved to Superior, Arizona. Not only did the family of six move, but they also moved the house Domingo built.
Elena and Domingo had four children, Merlinda, Robert (Bobby), Gloria, and David; 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Elena was a Prayer Warrior for the Diocese of Tucson and was called often. She was very active with her church, St. Francis of Assisi. She was a lector and taught religious class to the youth of the parish. She was very active with the Cusillo Movement; she not only participated, but several times was part of the team, that presented 15 talks (rollos). She was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and prayed the rosary two to three times a day. She found peace and tranquility. She prayed that the family was safe, kind and at peace.
Elena was a member of clubs and organizations in her community. She was very proud of her associate degree and her travels, including to the Holy Land and rafting down the Colorado River. Elena always encouraged her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to further their education. She was so proud of all their accomplishments.
Elena said her most important role was being a wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma. Elena’s family was her world!
Elena is survived by her husband of 75 years, Domingo; her children, Merlinda Provencio, Bobby Dodge (Viola), Gloria Dodge; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Abe; and sister, Mela.
She is reunited in Heaven with her father Gabriel, mother Demesia, son David, son-in-law Pro, brothers, Joe and Paul, and sisters Eva and Marcella.
Services for Elena will be held Saturday, May 25, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 490 W. Main St., Superior. Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and luncheon at St. Mary’s Center, 100 W. Sunset Dr., Superior, at 11:30 a.m.