Mary Frances Carranza

Mary attended St. Peter’s Elementary School and graduated from Kersey High School. She later attended beauty school and, after getting married, built a career as a bookkeeper at Meadow Gold Dairy where she worked for many years.

Mary met her husband, Pete Carranza, at a dance at the Armory, and they were married on July 4, 1948. After Pete’s passing on August 7, 1971, she showed remarkable strength and determination while raising her children as a single mother. Through hard work and perseverance, she built a home and provided for her family.

She loved dancing and could often be found on the dance floor on weekends. A devoted fan of the Colorado Rockies, she attended many Opening Day games. She also enjoyed bingo, Scrabble, Yahtzee, and trips to the casinos, proudly earning the nickname “Yahtzee Queen.” Gifted with numbers, she could tally scores in her head with ease. She was also a loyal fan of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Her homemade salsa was a favorite among family and friends. Mary was always early—never late—and believed strongly in the importance of being on time.

Above all, she loved her family. Mary will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, independence, and spirited personality. She carried her purse everywhere—affectionately called “her world”—a small but meaningful reflection of her character.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Rosanna Aragon; her husband, Pete Carranza; a daughter, Yvonne; and her siblings Joe, Ray, Kenneth, Billy, Jerry, Freddie, and Alfonso.

She is survived by her children, Peter Carranza, Rosanna Penaflor, Judy (Pete) Castro, Florentina Call, and Randy (Lori) Carranza; her siblings Alice, Rosalie, and Pete Jr.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind a family shaped by her love and perseverance.

Mary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street in Greeley on May 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Recitation of the Rosary will be on May 15, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Avenue in Greeley. Committal will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens immediately following Mass.