Lydia ''Lilly'' Olivaz

With the most sorrowful and heavy hearts we wish to announce the passing of the Matriarch of two families, Lydia “Lilly” Luna Olivaz. She was our Mother, Nana/Grandma, Sister, Tia, Nina, and Dear Friend. Lilly went into the arms of our Lord peacefully in the early hours of March 11, 2025 at her home. A devoted woman of faith her pain has eased and now can rest in eternity. Her love for all of us was unparalleled and anyone who knew her truly loved her.

Lilly was born on March 4, 1937 in La Cienega, NM to Roman & Leonor Luna. She was their third of ten children and oldest daughter. She worked her entire life. Early on she helped her dad around the ranch and would help her mom at home preparing meals and helping with her siblings.

In 1951 at the age of 14 she would move to her lifelong home of Safford. The family arrived early in the day and by that afternoon she had her first official job working at the Star Cafe. She wasn’t afforded the opportunity to attend formal schooling and would teach herself to read and write. She began as a dishwasher and became a cook, this would be the profession that she was known for.

She met the love of her life, Eloy and they were married in 1956 and remained devoted to each other until his death in 1989. She remained loyal to her sacred vows for the rest of her life. She was blessed with two bonus kids, JoAnn and Ray, when they got married and welcomed 5 more, Eloy Jr. "Ricky", Ronaldo "Ronnie", Cindy, Claudia (who died at birth), and their SURPRISE child 18 years after Cindy, Rosendo "Randy". They didn’t have much but passed down their unwavering work ethic and unconditional love to each of their children and grandchildren.

Lilly worked as a cook for 47 years here in Safford. We always said she worked double that since she always worked two jobs, even at the same job; She would wait tables in the morning and cook at night or vice versa. She would also work in the fields picking cotton. She worked at the Star Cafe, the Manor House, the Tiki, Casa Mañana, Roberto’s, and JB’s.

In January of 1998 she officially retired from the restaurants but would continue to work volunteering at St. Rose of Lima for the fair, fiesta, & CDD, the nursing home, and would care for many people. She spent her spare time doing puzzles, going out drinking coffee with her friends, and spending time with her grandbabies. She never missed a game from her beloved Diamondbacks either, if it wasn’t televised, she listened on the radio. She devotedly prayed the rosary daily, many of them, for everyone. And once she found out your birthday, she NEVER forgot it. She enjoyed calling and talking to everyone even if just for a few moments. Sometimes she called you on accident but it was those little surprises that we will all miss. When her health wouldn't allow her to attend Mass in person, she watch it on EWTN multiple times everyday. Through any and all struggles her faith in our Lord and devotion to our blessed Mother never wavered.

Lilly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eloy and her children, Ricky, Cindy, Claudia, and JoAnn Dominguez, and Ray Montez. Also by both of her parents, Roman & Leonor Luna, and her siblings, Orlando "Tony", Moises, Ralph, Elena, Florenio "Flory", Juan, and Juanita. Also by her granddaughters Barbi Hall & Esther Marie Olivaz.

She is survived by her sons and their wives, who were not in-laws but actual daughters, Ronnie & Maria Olivaz and Randy & Erin Olivaz. Her cherished baby sisters, Maria "Tive" Stepanian and Maria "Bimbo" and Gary Taylor. She leaves behind 28 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who each loved their Nana/Grandma dearly; and so many nieces and nephews, Goddaughters, and cherished friends.

While she will be greatly missed, Lilly will LIVE on in our memories, and SO many funny stories.

A Rosary and Visitation for Lilly will be offered at 9:30 March 21, 2025, and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish by Rev. Nicodemus Shagel, V.C.  Committal will follow at the Safford Union Cemetery.