Norma Lara Sanchez
Norma Lara Sanchez, 73, passed away Feb. 15, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. She was born Feb. 26, 1944 to Geraldo Lara and Maria “Chiquita” Lara in Douglas, Ariz., where she was raised and attended high school.
She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Martin Saenz Sanchez; brothers and sisters, Mercedes Lara, Jerry Lara, Larry (Frances) Lara, Ruby Lara, Lupe (Alfredo) Cornidez and Sandy (Peter) Quinonez; sons, Mario (Lydia) Sanchez, Jerry (Suzie) Sanchez, Joey Sanchez, and Frank (Kathy) Smith; stepchildren, Gilbert (Zina) Sanchez; Tino Sanchez, Tina Sanchez, Rachel Medina, Lindy Lopez, Wilo Dickson and Albert Chavez; grandchildren, Joey (Dawn) Sanchez, Joshua (Erica) Sanchez, Jeremy Sanchez, Jonathan Sanchez, Mario (Tiffany) Sanchez III, Megan Sanchez, Frank Smith III, Brittney Smith, Alexander Smith, Mercy Sanchez, Mandy Sanchez, Angelica Molina, Chad (Aubree) Vargas, Helena Sanchez, Burgundy Sanchez, Autumn Sanchez, Mackinzie Nelson, Francine Nelson and Vanessa Ochoa; many nieces and nephews and several great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her father, mother and brothers, Manuel Lara and Jack Lara.
Norma resided in Mammoth, Ariz. for the past 40 years and was employed by the county assessor’s office and Pinal County as a social worker in the Tri-Community. Norma’s favorite things to do were attend church, spend time with her family and friends and host family gatherings. She was also known for volunteering with at-risk youth. She created and managed the breakdance group “Untouchable Image,” leaving a lasting, positive impact on many Mammoth area teens in the 80s. She was often described as a strong woman of God with a big heart and vivacious attitude.
She raised four sons as a single mother. Norma was constantly thinking of others and kept in communication, whether it be lending a helping hand or providing a listening ear. Her home was the central hub for holiday family gatherings, complete with her spot-on gift giving, indoor game nights, basketball games and outdoor seating under the Mammoth stars. She had her own sense of fashion, often wearing loud prints, or her favorite color burgundy. She loved teaching drama and Sunday School at her church, collecting photos, doing crafts with and helping raise her grandchildren, and spending time with her family and her husband Martin. Everyone felt loved by her in many ways, whether she was just listening to you, giving advice, or taking you shopping. There was no mistaking how much she cared for everyone. Norma befriended and knew many in the community and her loss will be deeply felt.
Services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 at the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship Center located at 212 Main St., Mammoth. A viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by church services at 10 a.m. Her final resting place will be at the Valley View Cemetery in Mammoth at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a reception at the San Pedro Valley Lions Club 115 S. Main Street.