Carlos S Amabisca

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of longtime Yuma Educator, Carlos "Bill" Amabisca (Mr. A).

Born in Buckeye, A Z and raised in Sentinel/Agua Caliente, AZ, Bill passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, March 12 at the age of 99.

After high school, Bill served in World War Il in the US Army. Following his service to our country, Bill attended Northern Arizona University (NAU), formerly Arizona State Teacher's College. After graduation he was recruited to the Yuma area and worked as a n educator a t local schools including Fourth Avenue Jr. High, Alice Byrne, Palmcroft and finally as Principal at Woodard Jr. High School. He dedicated much of his life to education in the Yuma area. After retirement he enjoyed traveling, gardening, and daily walks.

He leaves behind a large family spanning multiple generations, which is a powerful legacy.

Bill is survived by his stepchildren from his first wife, Olivia, who predeceased him. They include Hilda Chavez, Becky (Bill Shepherd and Danny (Becky) Chavez. In addition, he is survived by his wife Armida and her children, Eddie, James (Jane), Mike (Debbie), David (Anissa) Bedoya and Laura (Mark) Stover. He is also survived by his brother Edward (Ofemia) Amabisca, several nieces, nephews, 16 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Rosa Conde and Eligio Amabisca, 5 brothers and 1 sister.

His involvement with community groups like the Knights of Columbus, Elks and Lions Clubs shows how connected he was to the community.

Visitation will be held at Johnson Mortuary on March 23d from 8:30-10:00 a.m. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 10:30-11:00 a.m., followed by Mass of the Resurrection.

Graveside services with Honors will be held at Desert Lawn Memorial Park immediately following Mass.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Shepherd, James Russell, Jacob Russell, Brent Chavez, Chris Lillie, Cory Lillie, Cody Lillie, Michael Bedoya, Bryan Bedoya, Nic Marquez and Jacob Richards.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his Angel caregivers, Elia and Dora, who generously gave their time, compassion, and love to Bill during his time and final days on earth.

We are forever grateful to both of them!

"No time on earth is long enough for those we love or to prepare our hearts for goodbye"

RIP Bill! You will be missed!