Sylvia Claudette Manterola

Sylvia Claudette Manterola, 83, died January10, 2018, in Casa Grande, Arizona, surroundedby her family. Sylvia was born October 9, 1934in Winslow, Arizona to pioneer Arizona Basquesheep ranchers, Tony and Marianne Manterola.She attended high school in Peoria, Arizonaand graduated from Arizona State College (ASU) with a degree inbusiness administration. Sylvia was also a member of Chi Omegasorority.At the young age of 22, when Sylvia’s father died in 1956, Sylviabravely assisted her mother in managing and operating theranching business at a time when women seldom assumed suchrigorous responsibilities alone. Bankers and others encouraged thetwo women, to "throw in the towel" and sell the outfit. The tworemained steadfastly determined to succeed. Perhaps her Basqueheritage of which she was so proud, contributed a degree ofstubbornness and determination to the cause. Through her effortsas a managing partner and as the secretary-treasurer ofManterola Sheep Company, Inc., it endures today as one of thelargest surviving sheep ranching operations in Arizona. Sylvialoved the ranch life and her family and was fiercely devoted toboth. She loved spending her summers at the ranch on GarlandPrairie and it was her great pride working the sheep and cattle withher beloved family.Sylvia was an active board member of the Arizona Wool Producersand Auxiliary, Pinal County Farm Bureau Board, Arizona CattleGrowers and the Catholic Daughters.Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Jose Antonio Manterolaand Marianne Etchart Manterola and a nephew, Joe Manterola III.Sylvia is survived by sister, Carmen Auza (Joe), sister, MarieGuappone and brother, Joe Manterola. Sylvia will be dearly missedby all her nieces and nephew, Joseph Auza (Tammy), Yvette Kent,Michelle Stadelman (Rudy), AnNette Wallace (Jason) and JodiManterola (Luke). She is also survived by 11 great-nieces andnephews. Her family was fortunate to have been blessed by herdedication, values and work ethic. Sylvia’s legacy will continue onthrough the many lives she has touched so greatly.A visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. at St. Anthony of PaduaCatholic Church in Casa Grande, Arizona on Wednesday, January17, 2018. The Rosary will follow. The funeral mass will beginat 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St.Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 201 North Picacho Street,Casa Grande, Arizona 85122. J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole &Maud, The Gardens Chapel is handling arrangements.