Lydia Elena (Ramirez) Camacho passed away peacefully on her 84th birthday on Friday, December 23, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home in Apache Junction.
Lydia was born on a cold December night in her parents’ home in Sanchez, Arizona, north of the Gila River from Safford and Solomons. She was born by her grandmother, Reyes Sanchez, and weighed only 3 pounds. She was placed in a shoebox filled with field-reared cotton and placed near her family’s quartz fireplace to keep her warm. Lydia survived that night because one of her aunts watched her until the sun came up. Her son Chuck nicknamed her “Tough Cookie” because she was the strongest woman who faced all the difficulties of her life with courage and dignity.
Lydia was a kind and caring person who never met a stranger. She always puts her family’s needs before her own. She loved spending time with her siblings, but the moments she cherished most were spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These were her most precious little jewels and she loved to cook delicious meals for her family. She was a source of inspiration to all of us and will be deeply missed by all who made an impact in her life.
In 1981, Lydia met her husband Benny Camacho in Riverside, California. They have become the most loving couple with a lot in common. They were very happy living in the countryside surrounded by orange groves. They traveled around the world, exploring foreign cultures and traditions. Their favorite place is Barcelona, ​​Spain.
Lydia was proud to be a 1957 Safford High School graduate. She loves school and has served as GAA President and Girls League President. She remained active in sports (softball, basketball, bowling, and tennis). Lydia always looked forward to getting together with her class at her high school reunion.
Lydia never stopped learning and educating herself. She attended Riverside City College in Riverside, California, where she studied medical office procedures, medical terminology, clerical work, and became proficient in typewriting, word processing, stenography, bookkeeping, and office management.
She spent most of her career at Pinal General Hospital in Florence, Arizona, working as a Front Office Receptionist at the Mira Loma Space Center in Mira Loma, CA and as a Medical Receptionist at Dixon Medical Corporation in Corona, CA.
Lydia’s son, Charles J. Vazquez, died earlier. Loving parents Claro and Estella (Sanchez) Ramirez from Safford, Arizona. Sister Elma Hernandez, who lives in San Manuel, Arizona. her sister, Olivia Marshall, who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada; Bernie Ramirez, brother of Dripping Springs, Arizona. His younger brother Claro Ramirez Jr. lives in Kingsburg, CA.
Lydia is survived by her husband of 41 years, Benny Camacho. her brothers, Josie Franco and Daniel Ramirez (Helen); Her children Elizabeth Johnson (Terry), Rafaela Vazquez (her daughter-in-law), Anna Herrera and Rebecca Camacho. Her grandchildren, Jacqueline Kaczynski (Monica), Stephen Johnson (Alfe), Shannon Almeida (Martin), Jillian Barrett (Ricky) and Charles Vazquez. Her great-grandchildren Manny, Alex, Brooklyn, Michael, Prince, Riley, Rafaela, Harlow, Maddox and Chase.
Mom, you are always in our hearts and we will never forget you. You taught us well and you loved us endlessly. Thank you for giving us life.
Lydia’s funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Vining Funeral Home’s Chapel of the Valley. The final service will be held at Sanchez Cemetery.
The family will be welcoming friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 10am to 11am.
Online condolences can be provided at: www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements will be entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
