Richard Palma

Richard B. Palma, 56, lost his battle with cancer March 8, 2010, in Safford, Arizona. Richard was born December 28, 1953 in Safford, AZ, to Nellie Barela & Refugio Palma. He attended elementary school in San Fernando, CA and was always proud that he was able to earn his GED. He worked at Freeport in Morenci before the lay off last year. Richard was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and was an avid sports fan of football and baseball. He loved his lotto scratch tickets and he also enjoyed playing cards and dominos. Richard was a solitary single man who liked to just saddle up and go whenever and wherever he wanted and would often round up his nephews and head for the hills or to the lake. He is preceded in death by his father, Refugio Palma, his mother Nellie Barela Palma, brothers Randy Martinez and Raymond Palma. Richard is survived by his sisters Virginia Burns of Safford, AZ., Toni (Tony) Calonge of Tucson, AZ., Julie (David) Vasquez of Globe, AZ., Mary Helen (Jesus) Legarda of Pima, AZ., sister-in-law Bonnie Martinez of Morenci, AZ., Gloria (Steve) Palma of Palm Dale, CA., Christina Palma of Safford, AZ., brothers Reynaldo Palma of San Fernando, Ca., and Ruben Palma of Safford, AZ. Richard is also survived by many nephews, nieces, Aunts, Uncles and many cousins who loved him. Donations may be made to the Mt Graham Hospice. Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the Safford Cemetery followed by a family gathering.