Hermila Villalba

Hermila M. Villalba, 71, of Safford, passed away May 8, 2017. She was born on September 30, 1945 in Gila, New Mexico to Tereso & Josefina Medina. She was the 11th of 14 children. In 1950, her family moved to Safford where she would spend the remainder of her life. She met Pablo Villalba in 1967 and they quickly fell in love, as they were married a few weeks later on December 16, 1967. To this union 6 children were born; Rudy, Paul Jr., Camilo, Josie, Ronnie & Savannah. Hermila also helped raise several of her grandchildren. She loved all of them to no end. She was the best mother & grandmother. Hermila was a homemaker but worked as Mi Casa Tortilla Factory for 20 plus years until retiring. She loved her lottery tickets, going to the casino, hanging out with family and friends, Spanish music and visiting her sisters. She was a very loving and kindhearted woman who was always willing to help anyone. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Pablo "Smokey", her sons Rudy, Paul Jr., Camilo (Teresa) and Ronnie Villalba and her two daughters Josie (Gallo) Luzania and Savannah Villalba, all of Safford, 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, her brothers Manuel and Johnny Medina of Safford, her sisters Clara Castro and Teresa Jurado of Safford, Rosa Medina of Minnesota and Margie Al-Semiri of Saudi Arabia and all of her loving in-laws. Hermila was preceded in death by her parents Tereso & Josefina Medina, her grandson Rudy Villalba, Jr., and her brothers Estevan, Joe & Julio Medina. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with the Rosary to follow at 10:00 and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery.