Nila Othon

Lifelong Gila Valley resident Petronila Nila Perez Othon, 95, passed away on October 31, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 30, 1918, in Fort Thomas, Nila was one of 12 children of Toribio Perez and Placida Gomez. She married Luis Othon in Fronteras, Sonora, Mexico, in 1942 and was a homemaker throughout her life. During their 38 years of marriage, Luis and Nila created a family that included four daughters Lydia Othon, Louisa Othon, Mary (Andres Andy) Baca, Jessie (Richard) Hines and a son David (Nora) Othon, all of Pima. Nila loved to sew, garden, and crochet, and was awarded first-place ribbons for more than 30 years at the Graham County Fair and several ribbons at the Arizona State Fair for her beautiful work. She enjoyed walking her dog with her daughter Louisa. One of Nilas favorite memories was the big celebration of her 80th birthday with friends and family, and she cherished the 15 birthdays that followed. She was preceded in death by her husband and 10 siblings. She is survived by her brother Lorenzo Perez of Naco, Sonora, Mexico, five children, 12 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. Nila was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Visitation will be conducted there on Thursday, Nov. 7, beginning at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary Service to follow at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at St. Rose of Lima, located one block north of U.S. 70 at the intersection of South 3rd Avenue and West 4th Street in Safford. Interment at the Pima Cemetery will follow. Nila was a member of Beneficio Propio. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.