Helen Lira

Helen passed away on November 25, 2011, at Copper Cottage Hospice of the Southwest in Mesa. The daughter of Antonio T. Ruiz and Cruz Martinez Hernandez. She married John Sandoval in 1937 and they had three children, Helen, Benny and Johnny. She always lived in Lower Miami until as a single mother of three she purchased a home in Claypool. She later married Tim Lira and before his passing in 1992 they were able to celebrate 45 years of marriage. Helen enjoyed many job opportunities including driving the slag train at night. Every night at 7:00 she would clang the bell to tell her children good night. Later she was owner/operator of a Vegetable Stand. She worked as domestic; ironing and cleaning homes but she was best known for her many years at Western Auto in Globe, where she enjoyed greeting and visiting with the customers and friends. Later when she moved to Mesa to live with her daughter, when she was introduced she always said “My name’s Helen and I am a volunteer”. Helen volunteered at the American Red Cross 40 years, Grey Ladies, Globe Miami Latino Club, Miami Food Bank, Cobre Valley Community Hospital 10 years, FOP Claypool 20 years and the Loyal Order of the Moose, 30 years. She was nominated Citizen of the Year in 2003. Helen was a vital part of her community. She was preceded in death by her husband Tim Lira, her son Benny, her sisters; Mary Martin and Julia Crosley, her brothers; Daniel, Frank, Joe and Robert Hernandez. She is survived by her daughter Helen Denney (Richard), her son John Sandoval (Anita), her sisters; Nadine Jarzeb, Emily Garcia, Vera Ulabarri, Ernestine Underwood, Stella Lara and Esther Hernandez, her brother Roman Hernandez and 10 grandchildren. In addition Helen was “Nana” to her great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Her number one joy and main priority was her family. Helen enjoyed life to the fullest. She and her son Benny are now holding hands, smiling and can see us celebrating Mama’s life. Mama brought her entire family together this past week and knew when she left how much we love her. WE LOVE YOU, JOB WELL DONE, MAMA!