Our beloved mother, Margaret Azucena Ortega Chumbler, completed her earthly journey on September 24, 2026, at the age of 97. Margaret was born on February 14, 1929, in Douglas, Arizona, to Maria Concepción Ortega and Juan Ortega. She was the last surviving sibling of 12. Margaret graduated from Douglas High School in 1948 and moved to Tucson in 1952. In 1949, she married her husband, James Wilson Chumbler. They remained devoted to one another for 65 years, until his passing. Margaret was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and a devoted teacher of the Catholic faith.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Wilson Chumbler; only son, Donald Chumbler; eldest daughter, Margaret Ramirez; and grandson, Carlos Montoya. Margaret is survived by her loving daughters: Cathy Shultheis (Charles), Debbie Solheid, Dorothy Weideman (Tom), Joan Martinez (Rene), and Lori Rodriguez (Robert); and her cherished grandchildren: Christal, Anna, Tommy, Ted, Julie, Joe, Michael, Jonathan, Paul, Valerie, Alex, Jennifer, Marjori, and Robbie. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Rosary and Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 602 W. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ, on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 10 a.m. Gravesite services to follow at South Lawn Cemetery 5401 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ.
