Chrysanta P. Chavez, 92, a cook at NAU until 1979, died Dec. 31, 2008.
Mrs. Chavez was born in San Rafael, N.M. to Veneranda Chavez and Raymundus Padilla, on Dec. 23, 1916. She and her husband, Preciliano Chavez, moved to Bellemont in 1953. Shortly after that, they moved to Flagstaff, where they resided for more than 50 years.
Mrs. Chavez was a housekeeper for many years, and a cook at Northern Arizona University. She retired from NAU in 1979. After her retirement, she devoted all her time to her family.
She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where she attended Mass regularly until she became homebound.
Some of her interests included working in her yard, caring for her plants and keeping a clean and tidy house.
Mrs. Chavez is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Preciliano Chavez; son Isidro Chavez (Tom), daughters Pat Hernandez, Corrine Hernandez, Melba Reyes (Ralph) and Gloria Chavez; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Zackaries Padilla, Polo Padilla and Ipimenio Padilla; sisters Concicion Torrez, Delia Castillo, Isabel Chavez, Flora Rodriquez, Nicolasa Chavez; daughter Theresa Clerry; infant children Preciliano Jr., Melbalita, Joseph and Josephine; and two infant great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are by Norvel Owens Mortuary; condolences may be sent to norvelowensmortuary.com.