Helen Peña Chavez

Helen Peña Chavez, 84, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in Springerville. She was born December 2, 1933 in Springerville, the daughter of Joe and Lola Peña.

Helen lived in Springerville her whole life. She graduated from Round Valley High School as Salutatorian and received a scholarship to Northern Arizona University. After graduation, Helen went to work at the state capitol for Senator Bryant Whiting. She came home and married Placido Chavez on October 10, 1953. Together they built their home where she was a homemaker and raised 7 children. When her youngest child, Charlotte started school she went to work part-time for Leo Gibbons at the Justice of the Peace. She then went to work at the Town of Springerville and worked there for 22 years.

Helen enjoyed many hobbies which included crocheting doilies, handmade quilts, reading, making scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren and taking pictures. In the summer she loved working in her yard and had the best flower garden in town. She worked in her yard till the sunlight was gone. Helen loved her family. They were her greatest pleasure in life.

Helen is survived by her sons, Joe (Lisa) Chavez, Springerville; Mike (Janet) Chavez, Eagar; daughters, Pam (Shannon) Penrod, Springerville; Barbara (Alex) Erhart, Tempe; Vicki (Randy) Anderson, Eagar; Charlotte (Ellis) Hicks, Springerville; brothers, Richard Peña, Charlie Peña, sisters, Lugie Logan, Gladys Silva, 15 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Placido Chavez, brothers, George Peña, Albert Peña and daughter, Christine Chavez.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Springerville, with Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow the funeral mass at the Springerville Cemetery.