Rosita D. Santos

Rosita D. Santos died Friday evening, January 11, 2013 in Holbrook, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. She was 70 years old. Rosita was born in Concho, Apache County, Arizona on February 2, 1942 to her parents, the late Pedro and Delores Dominguez. A lifelong resident of Arizona, she has lived in Holbrook for many, many years. On May 20, 1965, Rosita married her husband, Indalecio T. Santos in Holbrook. They were married for 40 years before he died in 2005. She worked as a short order cook for several area restaurants and everybody always looked forward to seeing her when they came in for a bite to eat. Later, Rosita went on to work for N.A.C.O.G. as a Headstart cook. She loved that job like no other because of her love of children. While working there, she would try to teach the children the importance of eating good and healthy food throughout their lives and created a hand puppet named Gumbo to help her. As time went by, everyone came to know her as 'Gumbo" and she loved that special nickname the kids gave to her! It has been said of Rosita that she was a "great person and everyone loved her." She was always there for others during their times of need and wanted to help them in any way that she could. She only offered advice when asked and was a great listener in her quest to serve those around her. Rosita's love and care for others was truly a reflection of her Christian faith. It was real and it was genuine. That love and care naturally overflowed to those within her own family. Her greatest joys in life came from spending time with her 3 sons as well as her grandchildren. She always appreciated the time she was able to spend with them and enjoyed quiet relaxing days with them, too. When she had alone time, Rosita could frequently be found working on a challenging crossword puzzle. This sweet woman may have been small in stature but she had an incredibly huge heart. She will greatly be missed. Rosita is survived by her 3 sons: Christopher T. (Elizabeth) Santos of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lawrence T. Santos of Flagstaff, Arizona, Joseph T. Santos of Holbrook, Arizona; 4 grandchildren: Kayura Santos, Kara Santos, Bryan Dominguez, Charles Santos; 2 brothers: Solomon (Judy) Dominguez of St. Johns, Arizona, Ted (Mella) Dominguez of Concho, Arizona; and is also survived by her twin sister, Cora Pena of St. Johns, Arizona. The Recitation of The Holy Rosary will begin 10:30 A.M., Friday, January 18, 2013 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 212 E. Arizona Street in Holbrook, Arizona where the public visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will begin 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 18, 2013 at the church and will be celebrated by Fr. John Sauter. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Holbrook Cemetery.