Alfonso & Socorro Villagrana

OCTOBER 8, 1948 - JULY 12, 2020

Maria del Socorro Villagrana Rodriguez

MAY 15, 1952 - JULY 18, 2020

Married for 45 years, now together in heaven for eternity. Their love endured all things and together they led their children towards a greater future and a life in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Alfonso and Socorro met and fell in love in Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico. They were married on May 29, 1975. They were longtime members of La Hermosa Church in Phoenix. Alfonso Villagrana Hernandez passed away surrounded by his children, and within six days of losing her beloved husband, Maria del Socorro Villagrana Rodriguez joined him in heaven.

Alfonso Villagrana Hernandez was born on October 8, 1948 in San Sebastián del Oeste, Jalisco, Mexico, the son of Pablo Villagrana Morales and Rosario Hernandez Raigoza. He left school in the second grade to help support his parents and siblings. After marrying Maria del Socorro and having four children, they immigrated to the U.S. where they had their last child, a daughter. He worked in masonry for 27 years as a block mason and, in the last 11 years of his life, worked as a member of the custodial staff at the Phoenix Municipal Court. Alfonso Villagrana Hernandez was called to be with the Lord on July 12, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona.

Alfonso, lovingly called Papa Poncho by his family, showed great optimism toward life. He constantly reminded his family about the importance of being grateful to God in all things. He loved to work and be productive in all areas of his life. He would say that “work is a beautiful thing,” and that whatever job one has, “you be the best at it.” While he had difficulties fully grasping the English language, he never stopped learning and always attempted to have conversations in English. His favorite thing to say in English was “God bless you.” Papa Poncho loved his coffee and chocolates. He would always be seen having his morning cup. After his wife deemed that it was unhealthy for him to be drinking coffee at his age, he would sneak in a cup whenever she was not looking. His children loved to indulge his love of coffee and chocolates and one of his favorite treats was chocolate-covered coffee beans. Papa Poncho was a respectable, humble, and loving man. He loved God and would constantly spend time reading His word. Papa Poncho leaves behind a legacy of love, hope, faith, patience, kindness, charity, friendship, hard work, and humility. We love him and will miss him dearly.

Maria del Socorro Villagrana Rodriguez was born on May 15, 1952 in Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico, the daughter of Carlos Rodriguez Morales and Guadalupe Robles Romero. As the eldest child, Maria del Socorro helped take care of her eight younger siblings and after graduating from high school, Maria del Socorro continued working to help support her family. Becoming an excellent cook, Maria del Socorro worked in homes cooking and cleaning for families. She was committed to her husband and children, working various jobs to help support her family. Maria del Socorro Villagrana Rodriguez was called to be with the Lord on July 18, 2020 in Mesa, Az.

Socorro, tenderly called Mama Coco by her family, had great love for her family. She had an ability to empathize with others and show compassion. She truly epitomized the love of a mother for her children and sacrificed a lot to ensure they grew up well-fed and properly clothed. Mama Coco expressed the same level of dedication and love towards her grandchildren, always making sure they were doing well. She loved to cook, try out new foods, and experiment with new ingredients and spices. Mama Coco enjoyed having family over for dinner and afterwards would give out food for them to take home. She enjoyed gardening and raising chickens in her backyard. She treated her plants and chickens with the same care and tenderness as she treated people. Mama Coco will forever remain in our hearts. Her memory of being a godly and faithful woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend will never be forgotten and serve as an inspiration for us all.

Papa Poncho and Mama Coco are survived by their children Carlos Alfonso (Yolanda) Villagrana, Francisco Javier (Olinda) Villagrana, Eduardo Rene Villagrana, Hugo Alberto (Kalah) Villagrana, and Fabiola (Gerardo) Valle; grandchildren Claudia Evelyn (Alan) Escalante, Abygail Julynette Villagrana, Isaac Alfonso Villagrana, Belén Neftalí Villagrana, Iris Arianna Valle, Chloe Victoria Villagrana, Iliana Amari Valle, and Saraí Villagrana.

Alfonso Villagrana Hernandez is preceded in death by his parents Pablo Villagrana Morales and Rosario Hernandez Raigoza; sister Petra Villagrana; brothers Miguel Villagrana, Juan Villagrana, and Jesús Villagrana. Survived by brothers Vicente Villagrana and Javier Villagrana; sisters Felicitas Villagrana and Amalia Villagrana; and many nieces and nephews.

Maria del Socorro Villagrana Rodriguez is preceded in death by her father Carlos Rodriguez Morales; sister Herminia Martinez; brothers Carlos Rodriguez and Alberto Rodriguez. Survived by mother Guadalupe Robles Romero; sisters Martha Valencia, Irma Martinez, and Carolina Hernandez; brothers Pedro Rodriguez and Raul Rodriguez; and many nieces and nephews.

Papa Poncho and Mama Coco will be deeply missed by all their family and friends. We know they are now together in heaven.

Visitation will be held on Friday July 24, 2020 at 8:00am at Greenwood Memory Lawn, Serenity Chapel, 2300 West Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ.

Funeral service will be held on Friday July 24, 2020 at 9:00am at Greenwood Memory Lawn, Serenity Chapel, 2300 West Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ.

Graveside service will be held on Friday July 24, 2020 at 10:00am at Greenwood Memory Lawn, Serenity Chapel, 2300 West Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ.