Elva Miranda Treyz

Elva was born in Tucson, Arizona and graduated from Tucson High School. After graduating, she worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad, and was a legal stenographer for a law firm for several years. In 1944, Elva was the reigning queen Alianza Hispano Americana’s Jubileo de Oro. She was selected by Walt Disney’s office and crowned as the “most beautiful and typical girl of Spanish-speaking origin to be found in the American southwest.” Towards the end of World War II, at the age of 21 she married 2LT Fred A. Treyz, a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps which started her amazing journey in life across the United States and Europe. Elva was a leader from the start. As a Brigadier General’s wife, she was very active in the communities she lived, particularly in organizations that helped military families. In addition, Elva was President of the Officer’s Wives Club at George AFB in California; active in the Catholic Lady’s Guild at Air Force Bases; worked a suicide hotline for a Tucson church group; a Red Cross Hospital volunteer; a member of Los Desendientes Del Presidio De Tucson; Una Noche Plateada; and was part of the group that helped make Santa Cruz Church in Tucson an historical site in Arizona.

Her unconditional love for all will leave a void in many hearts. People were drawn to her kindness and willing ear. She was a warm and compassionate person with a sense of humor, who smiled with her eyes. She enjoyed music, playing card games, painting, and antiquing. The many stories of her early years growing up in Tucson, traveling, being an Air Force Wife and how she affected so many lives is a tribute to Elva’s life.

Elva was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, who placed her love, energy, and prayers to her children, grandchildren, and family. Elva lost a young daughter, Lorraine, to leukemia and as a bereaved parent helped others who have lost a child. She loved going to lunches with her special friends; holidays and family get-togethers; and any chance to spend time with her family was important to her.

Elva was predeceased by her parents, Alfredo and Patrocinia Aguirre Miranda, and by her sisters, Delicia M. Reynolds, Sophie M. Lizarraga of El Paso, Texas; and Norma Perry of Alexandria, Louisiana. She is survived by her sister, Evelina Venturo of Tucson, AZ; Children COL(R) Fred (Mary) Treyz of Fairfax, VA, Barbara (John) Stropko of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Christopher Treyz, Catherine Treyz, Frederick (Meredith Abrams) Miller, Christian Stropko, and great grand-daughter, Aspen Jay and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life and the visitation will be on Friday, November 10th (6pm to 9pm) at Funeraria del Angel Mortuary, 7 East University Blvd. The Mass will be on Saturday, November 11th (10:30am) at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 300 South Tucson Blvd. Interment will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel, Tucson, AZ.