Francisca Alva

Francisca Meraz Alva, 104, of Thatcher, Arizona entered into rest on June 14, 2013. Francisca Chica was born September 21, 1908 to Francisco Meraz and Celsa Vasquez in Metcalf. In 1914, Chica and her parents made the move to one of the most isolated areas of the territory to a community on the outskirts of Thatcher known to some as Salitre. The community of Salitre will never be found on local maps and its remnants exist only in the minds of former residents and their families. At the age of 8 Chica was homeschooled by Zola Webster Claridge. Salitare was home to Chica and it was here that she met her husband Juan R. Alva. They were married on June 20, 1925 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Solomon, Arizona. Ten children were born of this union of which many still reside in the area. Chica was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, crocheting, watching her grandchildren play sports and visiting with family and friends. Chica is survived by her children Maria (Robert) Montano, Esther Romero, Patsy (Joe) Soto, Max Alva, Mike (Marketta) Alva, John Alva, Sr., and Rudy (Diane) Alva, 44 grandchildren and 128 great-grandchildren. Chica was preceded in death by her spouse, Juan Alava; son, Clayton Alva; daughters, Manuela Montoya and Vera Valenzuela. A viewing will be conducted for Francisca on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:00 and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.