Armida M. Matus

Armida M. Matus, 80, passed away peacefully at home in Yuma, Arizona on Thursday, January 30, 2014. She was born August 11, 1933 in Yuma, AZ. Armida leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous loving family and friends from Gadsden, Arizona (where she grew up), San Luis R.C. and El Golfo de Santa Clara, Mexico where she started raising her family, ""La Familia"".

Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who are even now being changed by their witness of her constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and entertaining sense of humor will never be forgotten. She was a homemaker and enjoyed life, she loved to do gardening, crochet, read, play games/cards especially with her grandchildren, and chat with friends and family. Armida was and will always be and inspiration for her children because of her remarkably amazing strength; her will to live and unwavering faith in Jehovah.

Armida is survived by her children, John Stephen Matus (Norma), Anna Marie Ruttle (Joseph), Pedro Manuel Matus (Sara), Nancy Jane Matus, Jenny Nunez, Alicia Mendez (Rafael), Ralph Matus (Josefina), Eligio Martin Matus (Laura), Brenda Monica Lopez (Juan), Jose Antonio Matus (Jennifer); 25 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jesus Mendez and Anthony Mendez; sisters, Eleanor Mendez and Mary Olea; numerous nieces and nephews.

Armida was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years Juan P. Matus; daughter, Cecilia Matus; father, Alejandro Mendez; mother, Dolores Canedo; brothers, Reyes Mendez, Ruben Mendez, Alex Mendez, Ricardo Mendez; sisters, Alicia Esquivel, Carmen Carranza, Virginia Ybarra, Joaquina Payan.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. with Danny Ponce officiating at Johnson Mortuary. Service will be on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson Mortuary, 1415 S. 1st Avenue, Yuma. Her final resting place will be at Desert lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers: John Matus, Pedro Matus, Ralph Matus, Eligio Matus, Jose Matus.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Armida to Hospice of Yuma, or Kingdom Hall Jehovah Witness, 4985 E 30th Pl, Yuma, AZ 85365

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.