We all have wonderful memories of Maria that we will cherish forever. She was the kind of wife and mother that others dreamed of having. She made sure that everyone she loved was taken care of.

She always put everyone else above herself, in everything she did. To say that people loved her food is an understatement, but they loved it because Maria made it! The love that she brought to every family gathering was immeasurable. She made her food with all the love in her heart the secret ingredient that few people add. Maria was the best cook in our world! She would make THE MOST delicious tamales, her famous rice, empanadas, and papas con huevos to name just a few. She also loved camping, enjoying the beautiful views that nature had to offer, and going to Wendover where her great Karma and luck made her a frequent winner on those slot machines! Maria hated spiders but loved pretty much anything and anyone she came to know. Maria worked at the mushroom factory in Illinois for 14 years, the Walmart store in Tooele and finally at Purple. Maria also worked outside her home to help support her family as well. She had a wonderful way of making every visitor feel welcome and comfortable. And what a home it was! Everyone loves to visit Grandma Maria’s house! She hosted so many birthdays, anniversaries, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. She spent her life caring for her family, working diligently to make her house a home. These couples gave her the lights of her life, her 8 spicy grandchildren and a great grandchild. Then Victor gave them another daughter in law, Yvette. Over the next few years Maria watched as her family continued to grow, adding another daughter (in law) Corie, when she married the oldest son, Ricky. In 2006, Maria, Ricardo, and Izzy followed, bringing the family back together. In 2005, Maria’s older two sons also relocated to Utah. Her youngest son Alex joined the United States Air Force in 2000, settling in Utah where he met and married his wife Krystin, adding a daughter (in law) to the mix. Together the family enjoyed boat races, family gatherings, many birthdays, and celebrated 25 years together with her husband. In 1990, the family moved to Depue, Illinois where she raised her children. That same year they moved to San Antonio where she had 3 sons and a daughter. On FebruMaria married Ricardo Amaya Sr., her “Amaya”, as she endearingly called him. Our beautiful Maria Amaya, passed away at age 61, in the Huntsman Cancer center on Monday, October 4th.

Maria amaya