Benedict Joseph Miguel

Benedict was the youngest son of the late Jones and Mathilda Miguel of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Benedict attended the Ak-Chin Indian Community Early Childhood Program, Elton K Porter Elementary School, Maricopa, Maricopa Junior High School, and a 1983 graduate of Maricopa High School.

After High School Benedict went to work for the Ak-Chin Farms for 33 years until February 23, 2017 when he retired due to health reasons. As a Farm Labor, he was an irrigator and heavy equipment operator. Benedict was part of the Land Leveling Crew for Ak-Chin Farms, this project consisted of leveling land for agriculture and establishing ditch pads for canal and irrigation systems, this project stemmed from the Ak-Chin Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1978 (PL-328). After the project was completed, Benedict stayed with the Ak-Chin Farms and became an irrigator. Benedict loved working and watering the land that he worked, even until his death, he could be seen watering his plants around his home.

Benedict was also a member of the Ak-Chin Livestock Group, and a former member of the Ak-Chin Boys Scouts, Troop 130. He was a strong believer in his O’odham Him-Dak (Way of Life). Most of his conversation was in the O’odham Language. He was also a strong believer in his Catholic faith, and was the caretaker of the San Juan Chapel. A faith carrier and leader of the Ma’lina Pilgrimage, a holder of the Community Staff, and a story teller of his Him-Dak. Benedict was a devoted fan of the Arizona Cardinals, through thick and thin, season after season, he would root for the Team. Benedict played Football, Basketball and Baseball in school, as well as the Ak-Chin Little League and Ak-Chin Men’s teams.

Benedict is survived by; son, Cecil Miguel, sister Janice Miguel, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, godchildren and friends. Benedict was proceeded in death by a son, Joseph Jose and wife, Kelly Sustaita-Miguel. Parents; Jones and Mathilda Miguel, Sisters; Dora Jane Miguel-Joaquin, Thelma Miguel-Lopez, Rosemary Miguel-Chiago, Alvera Miguel-Flores, Pasquelita Miguel, Genevive Miguel; Brother Francis John Miguel, several nieces and nephews also preceded him.

Services for Benedict will be on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 4:00 pm. Following Mass will be an overnight Vigil at San Juan Chapel.

Burial will take place on Friday April 10, 2026 at Ak-Chin Cemetery, 6:00 am.