Services
Obituary
Guest Book
1920
2017
Minnie, age 97, peacefully passed on May 10, 2017, in Yuma, at Emerald Springs where she had resided since 2014. Born in Florence, Arizona in 1920, she and her sister Socorro (Cokey) Gonzales (d. 2005), were brought to Yuma in 1928, by their father, Jesus M. Castano, to be raised by two aunts, upon the passing of their mother Filomena Barragan Castano. In 1940, she married Felix E. Barriga with whom she had four children.
Minnie is survived by her four children, Marie Hortense (Sal) Sferrazza, Irene Carvajal, Richard F. (Phyllis) Barriga, and Michael F. (Maria) Barriga. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Debbie Ruvolo, Maria (Kim) Guthrie, Angela (David) Thomas, Marcos (Kristina) Carvajal, Christina (Calvin) Elfring, Richie F. (Heidi) Barriga, and Martina Barriga, many great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; nephews Louie (Mousie) Gonzales, Henry (Diane) Gonzales, nieces Sylvia Herrera and Cecilia Martinez, and sister-in-law Aurora Castano of Las Vegas, and numerous great nephews and nieces.
Minnie was predeceased by her husband Felix (d. 1996), parents, six siblings, son-in-law Carlos Carvajal, Jr., and granddaughter Andrea Donata Barriga Hill.
Minnie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who loved her family and her Catholic faith. She was a long time parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and was friends with several of the nuns who would drop by for coffee and dessert. When one entered through her kitchen door you could hear music playing in the background and were quickly greeted with a hug, kiss, friendly smile and immediately offered food and drink. Minnie didn't know any strangers as all were welcomed into her home. As a homemaker she crafted her skills and was known for her amazing hand-tossed flour tortillas and delicious Mexican food and was always ready to entertain one and all.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Emerald Springs and many caring residents who became friends with her during her time living there. Thank you to the Southwestern Palliative Care Associates' staff who provided compassionate hospice care. A huge and loving thank you to her private caregivers, Helena Delgado, Nelly Martinez and Lupe Hernandez for giving one-on-one loving care and for affectionately treating her as if she were their own mother. We will always be eternally grateful for the love, affection and care bestowed upon our mother during this difficult time.
Viewing will be at Johnson Mortuary, 1415 S. 1st Ave., May 19, 2017, from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., and rosary at 7:00 P.M. Mass will be at Immaculate Conception Church, 505 S. Avenue B, Yuma, May 20, 2017 at 1:00 P.M.
Interment will be next to her husband Felix, at Desert Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park.
5 Entries
May 19, 2017
Cleve Burton
Irene and all of Minnie's family,
I so desire to express my deep sorrow for the loss of your mom. Our families go back a number of years. As far back as high school! We could tell a lot of stories, all of which Minnie now knows. Minnie often attended the 5:30 PM anticipatory mass at IC and we would chit chat for awhile after mass.
Yes her home was always open to everyone and there was always a place for you at the table. Who could refuse? Great memories! I believe that there is only ONE thing that can never be taken away from one in this life and the after. And that is the memories that we leave behind in the minds of those living. Minnie has left in the hearts of us living MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES! PRAISE GOD!
May 18, 2017
Jack & Beverly Ward
Irene
We are sorry to hear that you have lost your Mother but she now is with the other Angels in Heaven.
We will always remember you and your MOM at the Thursday Jazz. I think she was 93 then. Also we know she loved her ice cream.
Amazing how we meet new Friends were ever we go. Glad we met you. Our prayers are with you and your Family.
May 17, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
May 17, 2017
Cecilia Casillas
Sorry for the loss of your mother. Know that the Lord is supporting you and guiding you through your loss. Comforting one with strength and courage.
I still remember the visits with my mother to your home.
Cecilia Casillas
May 13, 2017
Pat
I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. I know you will miss her dearly. Please pour out your heart to God in prayer, knowing that He cares for you. He can give you the strength you need to endure.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
May
19
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park1415 South 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
May
19
Funeral services provided by:
Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park1415 South 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more