Itule-Munguia, Maryleen
passed away on September 17, 2017. after a long battle with cancer. She was valiant till the end, never giving in to her illness, always believing things would get better this was her nature. Maryleen was born February 4, 1943 to Selma and Alfred Itule in Phoenix, Az. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and then graduated from West High School. She was a devout catholic which guided the way she lived throughout her life. As a young woman, she worked in her family’s produce business and travelled the world playing professional softball as a renowned catcher. After her playing days were over, "Shorty" as she was known to many friends, lived many years in Prescott, Az. Later in life, she retired from Honeywell after a long career. Maryleen was an avid sports fan. She especially loved the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks and Sun Devils. She liked sewing and cooking - her specialty was Lebanese food. Maryleen enjoyed the holidays and relished being around her family. She was always willing to share herself with her friends and family to no end - always giving.Maryleen was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a wife, a stepmother, a cousin, a godmother. And she was a great friend to more people than you can shake a stick at. She taught some of us to how to cook and some of us how to wrap Christmas presents. And also how she thought a Christmas tree should be decorated. But the best thing she taught us was how to love unconditionally. That was her special gift to us all throughout her life. She is preceded in death by her mother Selma, father Alfred, brothers Sonny and Richie Sr and his wife Sharon. She is survived by her sister Gigi Thomas, husband Tom Munguia, niece Lee Itule-Klasen (Chris), nephews Richie Itule Jr (Deborah), Paul Itule, sister-n-law Sherry Barrett, nephews John (JJ) Itule and James Itule and the Abounader, Taylor, Thompson and Itule families. A special thanks to step daughters Kerry Munguia and Sherry Taylor for the care you provided to Maryleen at the end of her life. Words do not begin to describe Maryleen’s love for us all, the size of her heart and kindness she spread everywhere. A Celebration of Life will be held October 28, 2017 at 1pm. Contact Paula at ptaylorhomes4u@cox.net for details.