Obituary of Dora S. Ronquillo

Dora Saenz Ronquillo – Obituary

November 28, 1936 – February 19, 2024

Dora Saenz Ronquillo, 87, of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024, in her home, surrounded by her family. Dora was born November 28, 1936 in Tucson, Arizona. She was the oldest of nine siblings; three have preceded her in death, and she is survived by six.

On May 11, 1957, Dora married her loving companion, Daniel, who preceded her in death on May 29, 2018. Before Daniel’s passing, together they celebrated their 61st anniversary.

Dora was not only a loving & faithful wife, caring & selfless mother, endearing & compassionate grandmother, sensitive & kind-hearted aunt, nurturing & supportive cousin, but was an enduring friend to so many throughout her life. The energy she exuded put a smile on anyone who crossed her path. She brought laughter to everyone. And even through many of her most difficult moments in life, she taught everyone around her the importance of humor. Many times it was just a short & sweet, witty one-liner that made her recipient burst out in laughter. Dora’s children will always cherish her humorous side.

She was a very creative woman. Throughout her life she crocheted, embroidered, sewed, and quilted countless gifts for many. During her final years the many plants she cared for brought her comfort and joy. Before her vision declined she loved reading for years. Throughout her life she loved working on puzzles. Her son, Daniel, still remembers helping her finish a puzzle of the Taj Mahal when he was only four years old. Her final puzzle was completed on Valentine’s Day, a few days before her passing, which was a puzzle of an angel, given to her from her granddaughter, Sonya. Angels have always been very important to her. She collected them for years, and even the final Christmas ornaments she created were of angels.

She selflessly gave her enduring support of her husband, Daniel, particularly during his military career during the Viet Nam War. She loved traveling with him, including all their children.

Dora’s faith and spiritual side touched many around her. Sharing many stories of the Saints to her children, she was a deep believer of the mystical side of her Catholic faith. She had a deep understanding of how much more there is to life than just our simple existence on this planet. She not only knew it, but she lived it every day of her life. Her countless visits to the San Xavier del Bac Mission to light a candle in prayer demonstrated her faith. Many in the family reached out to her for prayer. As her youngest daughter, Tricia, would often say, “She had a direct line to God.”

Dora is survived by her four children, Christine Miranda, Daniel Steven Ronquillo (Michael John Murphy), Mary Theresa Valencia (Ernest Valencia, Sr.) and Patricia Ann Olma (Mark Olma); 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Rosary and Viewing will be held at Angel Valley Funeral Home, 2545 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716 on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 (Viewing at 5:00 p.m.; Rosary at 6:00 p.m.). The Funeral will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 602 W. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713 on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest following the Mass at All Faiths Cemeteries, 2151 S. Avenida Los Reyes, Tucson, AZ 85748.