Manuela Nava

January 12, 1951 – May 29, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Manuela Nava, who entered into eternal rest on May 29, 2026, at the age of 75.

Manuela was born on January 12, 1951, in Casa Grande, Arizona, to Juvencio Nava and Genoeva Gamez. She lived a life marked by faith, generosity, compassion, and unwavering love for the Lord and for her family.

A devoted woman of faith, Manuela found great joy in attending church, participating in praise and worship, and spending time in prayer and reflection. One of her favorite scriptures was 1 John 4:7:

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

These words were reflected in her church notes and journals and became a guiding principle for the way she lived her life.

Manuela enjoyed many simple pleasures. She loved sewing, journaling, gardening, caring for animals, and spending precious time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a special gift for finding treasures while thrifting and delighted in sharing those treasures with others. Her generosity, kindness, and thoughtful spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Above all, Manuela loved her family deeply. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Her love was constant, and her greatest joy was caring for those she held dear.

She is survived by her children, Karrieann Oliver and Alma Espino-Castillo; her 12 beloved grandchildren, Ceasar Henard, Carlos Lopez, Abel Lopez, Philip Marin, Anisa Nava, Kerena Naranjo, Stormy Naranjo, Issac Vasquez, Irene Salas, Sierra Vasquez, Andrew Vasquez, and Ivan Vasquez ; her cherished great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Modesta Nava, Genny Harvill, Steve Nava, Flora Nava, Nellie Nava, Yolanda Olvera, Julia Nava, Juanita Mendivil, Juvencio Nava Jr., Delia Leon, Sylvia Woodward, Ricky Nava, and Paul Nava.

Manuela was preceded in death by her parents, Juvencio Nava and Genoeva Gamez; her children, Keith Oliver, Elias Nava, Jamie Lynn Espino, and Angelica Alcazar; her sisters, Josie Nava, Teresita Nava and Angela Nava; and her brothers, Anastacio Nava, Serapio Nava, Julian Nava, Gilberto Nava, and Gabriel Nava.

Manuela's life was a beautiful example of faith in action, unconditional love, and selfless giving. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the love she shared so freely.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Manuela’s life on June 12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at J. Warren Funeral Services – Gardens Chapel. Burial will immediately follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

"Let us love one another, for love is from God."

— 1 John 4:7