Ramona "Moni" Santamaria eclipsed our world and passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024, while listening to her beloved mariachi music.

Known as everyone's Tia, Nina, Comadre or friend, Moni's funny, very feisty and often stubborn personality was magnetic to everyone she met.

Born on March 4, 1938, and raised in Pirtleville, AZ, Moni lived in nearby Douglas most of her life until moving to Sierra Vista a few years ago to join in all the activities at Via Elegante.

Moni did anything she could to get to a casino as often as possible. Poker slots were her favorite. She also loved her long pink nails, anything with bling, scary movies, dancing and music of all kinds. Her favorite music was when her husband Charlie would sing while playing guitar and Moni would follow his lead by playing her maracas.

The party would often start at their favorite place, the American Legion Fred Hilburn Post 11, and would continue at their home. To keep the party going, there was always a full bar stocked by partygoers. Moni cooked and served the best red chile, tamales, menudo and tacos. She made sure everyone could eat, drink, dance and sing to Charlie's singing and guitar playing.

Moni went to Douglas High School and later met and married her husband Charlie. She took care of their home and supported his singing and music when he played for their family, friends and the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. They periodically traveled to Drum and Bugle Corps competitions having a great time with fellow Legion members. Moni was also part of the Legion's Ladies Auxiliary.

Moni has reunited with her husband, Carlos "Charlie" Santamaria, parents Jesus and Lupe Alvarado, brother Ramon "Monchi" Alvarado, and sister Irene "Nan" Grajeda. She is survived by her sister Mary Marshall and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and cousins.

Her family will always think of Moni with her Charlie when hearing Sabor A Mi, Mucho Corazon, Los Dos, and I Left My Heart in San Francisco. They will miss her mischievous cackle, love of music and dance, but not her dreaded flyswatter.

A graveside service will celebrate Moni at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Calvary Cemetery, Douglas, AZ.