Elva S. Contreras

Elva S. Contreras, a beloved, hard-working, and kind-hearted soul, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on August 28, 1952, in Hereford, Texas, to Pablo and Dora Sarzoza, Elva was one of six children. Her early years were spent surrounded by the warmth of family, a foundation that shaped her into the remarkable woman she became. Family was the cornerstone of Elva's life. She was the proud mother of five children: Dora, Clarissa, John, Vanessa, and Erica.

For over two decades, Elva dedicated herself to Carl T. Hayden Community High School in Phoenix, where she was a proud alumnus class of 1971. She worked diligently as a clerk in the bookstore. Elva's commitment to the school and its students was unwavering until her retirement in 2019, when her health began to decline.

In her personal life, Elva found joy in the simple pleasures. She enjoyed watching movies, especially those featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. She was a foodie who enjoyed watching Phoenix Mercury games, reading romance novels, and solving puzzle books. Her love for reading romance novels and working on puzzle books provided her with endless hours of enjoyment.

Elva is survived by four children Dora (Cindy) Rubio, Clarissa (James Hoenscheidt) Contreras, John (Summer) Contreras, and Vanessa (Carlos) Valenzuela and three siblings Paul Sarzoza, Jr., Patricia Sarzoza, and Gloria Hedrick. Her legacy continues through her 11 cherished grandchildren—Erika, Peter, Renee, Christopher, Michael, Carlos, Carissa, Alicia, Gabriel, Natalia, and John Jr.—and her great-grandson Francisco.

Elva was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Erica, her brother Richard Sarzoza, and her sister Vera Sarzoza.

Her strong-willed and stubborn nature, which she passed on to her children, was balanced by her patience with those she loved. Elva’s legacy is one of strength, love, and resilience, which will continue to inspire those who knew her.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 4:00 pm at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, Arizona.

Elva's spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, remembered for the love and warmth she shared with all.