Ilga Esparza

Ilga Esparza, 88, passed away February 13, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. Mrs. Esparza was born January 6, 1923 in Riga, Latvia to Otilija and Edvards Felzens. She lived in Riga until 1944 when the Soviet Occupation displaced her and her mother to Nuremberg, Germany. Based on her secretarial skills and knowledge of English, she was employed by the United States Army until her marriage in 1946 to Louis Esparza of Morenci, Arizona who was serving in the Army during World War II. Upon his discharge in 1948, they settled in Morenci where they lived for 34 years. Mrs. Esparza was employed at The Longfellow Inn, Kopper Kettle and Phelps Dodge Mercantile. When her husband retired, they relocated to Safford, Arizona where she lived for 25 years. In her retirement years, Mrs. Esparza enjoyed gardening, needlework, and reading. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Louis, and her children, Jenny Mihalich Christian (Douglas) of Beverly Hills, Michigan and Michael Esparza (Bertha) of Tucson, Arizona. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Robert Mihalich (Jennifer) of Northville, Michigan, Christina Esparza of Hermosa Beach, California, Teresa Dobbins (Justin) of Tucson and David Esparza (Cari) of Los Angeles, California and 4 great-grandchildren, Will, Laine, Lilly and Tyson. Mrs. Esparza is also survived by numerous relatives in Latvia. Services will be conducted by Pastor Paul Schulz at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 225 E. Main St. on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 11 a.m. with viewing one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at Safford Cemetery.