OBITUARIES

Rogelia Amarillas 99, Calexico

Abel Alcantar 61, Brawley

Cindy Buenfil 54, Imperial

Margaret Casey 79, Brawley

Mario Flores 72, Calexico

Lee Whittle 87, Brawley

ROGELIA AMARILLAS Apr. 2, 1918 - Feb. 1, 2018

Our beloved mother departed to eternity in peace and joy, on February 1, 2018. Just two months short of her 100th birthday. She was born on April 2, 1918 in Novajoa, Sonora. Rogelia married Miguel Amarillas and had four children to whom she devoted her life, and also eight grandchildren and eleven great- grandchildren.

Rogelia lived her life to the fullest and leaves behind a legacy that will remain in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved her. Mrs. Amarillas, as she was known, by all her piano students, will be missed and cherished forever, as her passion and love was always music. She studied at the Conservatorio de Musica de Mexico. She was a professional private piano teacher for many years, 1954-2002. She was the first bilingual piano teacher in Calexico, and was dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in her music career. In 1973 Rogelia was accepted as an active member of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), and presented the MTAC Musical Certificate of Merit to her Calexico High School Students. She was also an annual contributor to the Imperial Valley Symphony Association. Some of her former students have also become piano teachers in the Imperial and Mexicali Valleys and were inspired by her to continue their education by achieving a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music.

Rogelia was very active in her community, her participation included: Calexico Women’s Improvement Club, Board member, Las Vecinas, Orthopedic Clinic, Calexico Catholic Church (music and choir 1961-69), Awarded Woman of the Year (2002) by The Center for Family Solutions, Recognized as a Calexico Pioneer by the Chamber of Commerce (2001) and was one of the founders of the Calexico Hospital Auxiliary. The emptiness left by Rogelia’s passing is filled by warm memories of her music, her elegance and grace, her kindness and deep understanding and her desire to improve the life of every student she taught.

There will be a Rosary at 9 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, at 135 Fourth St., Calexico, California on Saturday, February 17, 2018.

CINDY JEAN (EUHUS) BUENFIL 1963-2018

Cindy Jean (Euhus) Buenfil, 54, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 in a single vehicle car accident.

Cindy was born March 7, 1963, in Denver, Colorado. She attended Griffith Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona, Imperial High School in Imperial, California, and San Diego State University, in San Diego, California where she studied English and Anthropology. She then worked as an Accountant for over 30 years.

Cindy was known for her love of education, dancing, driving and taking care of her family. She had a kind, quiet spirit and loved our Lord Jesus. She was very intellectual, always reading and studying. She was always recognized by her thick auburn hair, and amazingly long eyelashes and a sweet smile. Those who knew her loved the way she could question anything with the raise of one eyebrow! Cindy could cook like no other and always gave the best hugs!!

Cindy leaves behind, her son, Marshall Buenfil; her husband, George Buenfil; her mother Kathleen Euhus; her father Donald Euhus; her sister Lisa Robinson; her niece April Robinson; nephew Kyle Robinson, and many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Although she left us physically, the lives she has touched will have loving memories to carry us through until we all meet in eternity.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church of El Centro, 724 W. Orange St., El Centro, CA 92243.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gideons International would be appreciated.

MARIO FLORES Mar. 7, 1945 - Feb. 4, 2018

Mario Flores, 72, of Calexico, CA was received by our Lord on February 4, 2018.

Mario was born on March 7, 1945 in Mexicali, MX. He graduated from Calexico Mission Academy and went on to be a 1st Infantry Division Vietnam Veteran. During his time in the military, he received the combat infantry badge, Vietnam service metal and was an expert in riffle and sharpshooter pistol.

Mario worked as a District Supervisor for Kentucky Fried Chicken and later went on to be a Cooler Dispatcher for Dole Fresh Produce where he retired. Mario enjoyed the love and company of his family and his home was always filled by those he loved. He enjoyed listening to oldies and watching Western and Mexican classic movies.

Mario was preceded in death by his wife, Reyna Flores; parents, Jesus Flores and Socorro Ramos, and sister, Rosa Zuniga.

He is survived by his daughters, Karla and Olympia Flores; brothers, Marcos and Jesus Flores and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Hem’s Brothers Mortuary in Calexico from 6 to 9 p.m. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Mountain View Cemetery in Calexico at 10 a.m.

MARGARET “PEG” CASEY Aug. 2, 1938 - Feb. 1, 2018

Margaret Casey, 79, of Brawley passed away on February 1, 2018 of a sudden fatal Heart Attack at Pioneers Memorial Hospital.

She was born on August 2, 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland and later married Harry Casey on August 2, 1988 in Yuma, AZ. Margaret “Peg” Casey moved to the valley in 1977. She managed Imperial Savings and Loan from 1977-1988. She taught banking and finance from 1988-1993. She then taught English Literature for AP Students from 1993-2004 at Brawley Union High School. Peg was thoroughly loved by her students and family.

She is survived by her husband, Harry Casey; sons, Don Ruch and Mark Ruch and granddaughter, Amanda Ruch.

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley at 10 a.m. and will be officiated by Lance Reeves.

ABEL V. ALCANTAR Sept. 9, 1956 - Feb. 3, 2018

Abel Alcantar, 61, of Brawley passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018.

He was born on September 9, 1956 in Mexicali, MX.

Abel is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Alcantar; 2 granddaughters and 1 great-granddaughter; siblings, Guadalupe Navarro of Mexico City, Josefina Suarez of Arizona, Jose Luis Alcantar of Beaumont, Norma Alcantar Lizaola of Brawley, Mike Alcantar of El Centro, Jesus Alcantar of Ontario, Rosa Alcantar Avila of Sylmar, Rafael Alcantar of Imperial and Leopoldo Alcantar Jr. of Brawley; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley at 8 a.m. with Rosary being said at 10 a.m. Graveside service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley and will be officiated by Father Manuel Gutierrez.

LEE WHITTLE Aug. 18, 1930 - Dec. 25, 2017

Lee Monroe Whittle born 18th of August 1930 in Fairview Idaho, passed from this life at the age of 87 on the 25th of December 2017.

Lee was the oldest of Cyril Monroe and Lera Benson Whittle’s 10 children. Lee came to the Imperial Valley in 1940 with his family and remained here working primarily in the agriculture industry. He was well known for his innovation and wealth of knowledge in many fields. He was a passionate business owner, husband, father, brother, son and friend.

Lee was laid to rest at the Fairview Idaho Cemetery on the 13th of January 2018 with family and friends making the trip in honor of his life. Followed by a gathering to celebrate his legacy on January 19th at his machine shop in Brawley.

He will be missed by many and by the community he so loved to invest his knowledge and time in. Through his work he remains.