Eduvina Rodela

Eduvina "Vina" Rodela of Morenci, passed away at Mt. Graham Hospital on October 14, 2012. Vina was born on June 6, 1930 to Maria Medina in Morenci, AZ. She was one of 7 children and lived her whole life in Morenci. Vina graduated from Morenci High School in May of 1948 and the following month, on June 27th married the love of her life, Antonio "Tony" Rodela. In 1998 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, were happily married for over 55 years and together raised four children. Vina's first employment was with Holy Cross Parish as a receptionist. She then went to work for Sterns & Rogers as a data entry clerk, Phelps Dodge and finally for the Morenci Clinic where she retired in 1995. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them participate in all their activities. She was tremendously proud of her family and her passing has left a great void in our lives. The greatest gift our mother gave us was the gift of faith and because of this faith we know that she is now with our dad and we will one day see them again. Vina was a devout Catholic and parishionar of Holy Cross Parish where she was a member of the Spanish Choir and the Altar and Rosary Society. Vina is survived by her four children, her son, Tony Jr. of Gilbert; her three daughters, Rosalie Christenson (Larry) of Verde Lee, Elaine Davis (Jamie) of Loma Linda, and Carleen Salazar (Oscar) of Morenci; one brother Max Marin of Taos, New Mexico; and two sisters, Luisa Varela of Duncan and Alice Jiminez of Loma Linda; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Vina was preceded in death by her husband Tony Rodela; her brothers Salvador and Rosalio Medina; and her sister Carmen Duran. A rosary and prayer vigil for Vina was recited Monday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with a mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by Monsignor Michael O'Grady. Final committal was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A private viewing was held Sunday evening at McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel. The family suggests donations be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church in memoriam of Vina.