Maria Yolanda Morales went to heaven on Monday August 25, 2014 after battling pancreatic cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents Alberto and Maria Sandoval, her sister Sylvia Sandoval and her son who she has missed everyday for the last 20 years Gabriel Morales. Maria Yolanda is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Esequiel M. Morales Jr. and by her three children Esequiel III, Daniel (Nydia), and Ariel Morales; grandchildren Adrian, Alejandro, Gabriel, Esequiel IV, Nathaniel and Celine Morales; sisters Julieta Ayala, Diana Barreras; brothers Albert and David Sandoval along with numerous nieces and nephews. We would like to extend a special thank you to our family and friends for their support during this difficult time. Our Mother was a wonderful wife, loving mother and grandmother. We will miss her greatly, but she will always be in our hearts. Maria Yolanda was raised in Douglas and Flagstaff. She graduated from Coconino High School in 1969. Maria Yolanda continued her education at the University of Arizona where she became a Registered Nurse. Maria Yolanda returned to Douglas where she worked 27 years as a Registered Nurse, which included Tucson Medical Center at the Care Nursery, Douglas Hospital(SEMAC), Dr. Sayers Office, Director of Nurses at the Douglas Manor, Douglas Unified School District, and Department of Corrections. Maria Yolanda returned to the Douglas Manor where she medically retired. She was presently living in Douglas. A Rosary for Maria Yolanda was recited on Friday, August 29, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Sister Francine officiating. A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. also at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Fr. Gilbert Malu officiating. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery.
Pallbearers who served were Esequiel III, Daniel, Ariel, Adrian, Alejandro, Gabriel Morales, Alfred Arias and Jimmy Valencia. Honorary Pallbearers were Esequiel IV, Nathaniel and Celine Morales.