Josephine Ramirez

Biography Josephine Josie Ramirez, 42, was born August 27, 1968 to Maria and Jose Estrada. Josie was raised with modest means on a pig farm in Bowie, AZ. There she learned the value of hard work and good character. She used these great values while starting a family of her own. After going through hard times Josie decided she wanted a better life for her children. In 1994 she moved to Safford, AZ, where she saw an opportunity for growth. Her beginning there was very humble in a single wide mobile home with no running water, living south of town and without transportation. But she did not let this stop her. She rode her bike to work often 10 or more miles a day. Determined to not only provide for her family, she provided care giving services to the aging and disabled community members, she had committed to provide for. In 1996 she met and married the love of her life, Evaristo Ramirez. From that point on, along with their children, they started their journey together. In 2005 an addition to the family arrived, their son, Daniel Ramirez. Through years of hard work and diligence they have built a good life for their family. Josie continued to provide home care services for hundreds of families in Graham County in the 14 years she was a CNA. She continued to support community members and their families through case management. Her occupation was never just a job for her. It was a passion. She was an active member of the Safford Rotary Club whose motto is Service above Self. Josie was a perfect Rotarian because this is the motto for her life. She served on the Gila Valley Leadership alumni board; and annually gave hours of her own time, and her own money to support the Safford Relay for Life (cancer fundraiser). She was the facilitator for the Alzheimers Associations caregiver support group in Safford. She also facilitated Chronic Disease Self Management Workshops, and equiped family caregivers with the support, resources, and skills needed to provide care for their loved ones through SEACUSs Family Caregiver Training Course. She also coached t-ball and soccer for kids. She was the pillar of her family. She was a mother of 4, and grandmother of 3, and family (either biologically or not) to countless others. She and her husband were hard workers who never expected that anything would come easy. She is survived by her husband, Evaristo, of Safford; daughters, Stephanie (Josh) Nabor of Safford, Rebecca (Tello) Duarte of Safford; sons, Isaac Tapia and Daniel Ramirez both of Safford; mother, Maria Estrada of Safford; father, Jose (Josie) Estrada of Bowie; twin sister, Gloria (Amador) Michel of San Diego, CA; sisters, Aurora (Lalo) Roman of Bowie, Patricia (Gabriel) Maldonado of Safford, Rosa (Billy) Jurado of Safford; brothers, Tomas (Susan) Guillen of Seattle, WA, Tony (Maria Luisa) Estrada of Bowie, AZ, Sal (Krysta) Estrada of Safford, Gabino Estrada of Bowie, AZ, and Charlie (Josephina) Guillen of El Paso, TX; father-in-law, Jesus Ramirez of Mexico; brothers-in-law, Lupe Ramirez, Leo (Mari) Ramirez of Mexico; sistes-in-law, Asherter (Manuel) Marquez and Irene (Manuel) Fuentes of Mexico; and Tia Nena of Tucson; grandchildren, Marcos, Derek, and Kendra. In her memory lets keep her passion for helping others alive. Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 pm on Friday, July 22, 2011 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Safford, with Rev. Father Edward Lucero as Celebrant. Friends may call on Thursday, July 21, from 6-8 p.m. at the church with rosary being recited at 7 pm. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery. Online condolences can be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.