Lillian Maldonado

Lillian Maldonado entered into eternal rest on February 25, 2022.

She was born December 31, 1936, in Safford, to Santos Ybarra and Mary Inez Ruiz. Lillian was a homemaker who loved to cook and never let anyone leave her house with an empty stomach. Cooking was her passion as well as going to the casino on the weekend, but she mostly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. Her family was her life.

She is survived by: a son, James Maldonado Sr; daughters, Rebecca Maldonado, Veronica Herrera (Juan), Melissa Molina, Michelle Kinnison (Gary), and Sunny Aguilar (Joey); brothers, Ernie and Albert Ybarra; sisters, Ofelia Franco, Connie Ybarra, and Rita Allen; 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by: a son, Steve Maldonado; husband, Luciano Maldonado; son-in-law, Chuck Theine; parents, Santos and Mary Ybarra; brother, Jimmy Ybarra; sister, Betty Ybarra; and great-grandson, Edward Romero.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Lilly will be celebrated on Friday morning, March 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church by Rev. Nicodemus Shaghel. Committal will follow in the Safford Cemetery. 

A Rosary and prayers will be offered for Lilly on Friday morning, March 4, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church by Anthony Aguilar.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 3, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.