Berta Y. Villela, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 17, 1934 to Luz and Jose Ybarra of Glendale, Arizona. She is preceded in death by her Mother and Father, sisters, Francisca Ybarra, Aurora Pacheco, Eloisa Silva and Consuelo Ybarra, grandson Jacob Newton and son-in-law William Penny. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Phillip S. Villela, daughters Grace Nolan and Susan Penny and son Phillip R. Villela (Debbie), brothers Tony Canez and Alfredo Ybarra, and many nieces and nephews. She was an amazing Grandmother to Jade Maglio (Caleb), James Penny, Jacob Newton, Josh Penny, Jessica Penny Aguilar (Alex), David Perez (Tara), Mariah Nolan, Shana Young, Dana Young, Mathew Young and Great Grandchildren, Carlos Rosas, Benjamin Rosas, Ronan Maglio, Olivia Aguilar and twins Mikaela Grace and Amelia Kathryn Perez.
Berta graduated from Glendale High School and married Phil in 1955. She was a military wife for 22 years and lived with their 3 kids in Florida, Nebraska, Spain, Kansas and their final military destination of Hawaii. She and Phil settled in Phoenix, Arizona to be close to family. She began working for the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division in 1977 in the Abandoned Vehicle Section and was named Employee of the Month in July 1980. She retired from MVD in 2000 after 20+ years.
Berta was the epitome of a mama bear. She treasured and protected her family and they always came first. She was outspoken, but always loving. She was generous and compassionate and taught us empathy and love. Her generosity and compassion extended beyond family to anyone who needed help. She loved to throw parties, surrounding us with family and together we all created some of the best memories anyone could ask for. She also made the best margaritas ever!
Berta (MOM) will be greatly missed by all of her family. We are so blessed to have had her home with us. She is in heaven and at peace with her fun, crazy sisters and our Jacob. We miss her already!
Thank you to Hospice of the Valley for all your help. You folks are the most amazing, compassionate people. You were so kind to us and our mother. Thank you Debbie Villela and Laura Perez for helping to keep our mom comfortable her last days on earth. You went over and above and your love for our mother is so appreciated.
Services will be held Friday, June 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301. Reception will follow.
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