Family News & Happenings
Updated August 14, 2009
Birthday Corner
1st Frank Pedroza, Jr.
2nd Mallory Parker
Gabriella Espinoza
4th Michael Goodman
Ian Batista
Megan Hansen
5th Ronald Chiaffino, III
Jessica Goodman
6th Lucia Robles
Damien Martinez
Jerry Robles, Jr.
Lily Chacon
Ruben "Corky" Ward
7th Elijah Nieto
Alexis Chavarria
Francesca Provencio
9th Antonio Vasquez
10th Daniel Carrillo
Gloria Gutierrez
11th Ernie Robles
14th Jose Miguel Figueroa
15th Alex Rubalcava
Danny Prosser
16th Dailyn Rubalcava
Josie Galindo Rivera
Cindy Booth
Melanie Leck
17th Savannah Ojeda
20th Walter Robles
21st Steve Pedroza
23rd Ezmia Saavedra
Bridgette Munoz
Jose Caballero, Jr.
Jeffery Wilson
24th Liliana Robles
25th Alexei Moreno
Julia Munoz Van Zelf
26th Henry Provencio
Virginia Oton
Selina Romero
27th Sarah Martinez
28th Isabel Gil
Dean Severson
29th Ricardo Provencio
Jeff Walneck
1st Frank Pedroza, Jr.
2nd Mallory Parker
Gabriella Espinoza
4th Michael Goodman
Ian Batista
Megan Hansen
5th Ronald Chiaffino, III
Jessica Goodman
6th Lucia Robles
Damien Martinez
Jerry Robles, Jr.
Lily Chacon
Ruben "Corky" Ward
7th Elijah Nieto
Alexis Chavarria
Francesca Provencio
9th Antonio Vasquez
10th Daniel Carrillo
Gloria Gutierrez
11th Ernie Robles
14th Jose Miguel Figueroa
15th Alex Rubalcava
Danny Prosser
16th Dailyn Rubalcava
Josie Galindo Rivera
Cindy Booth
Melanie Leck
17th Savannah Ojeda
20th Walter Robles
21st Steve Pedroza
23rd Ezmia Saavedra
Bridgette Munoz
Jose Caballero, Jr.
Jeffery Wilson
24th Liliana Robles
25th Alexei Moreno
Julia Munoz Van Zelf
26th Henry Provencio
Virginia Oton
Selina Romero
27th Sarah Martinez
28th Isabel Gil
Dean Severson
29th Ricardo Provencio
Jeff Walneck
June
Visit these other terrific family websites:
http://jimandmarisa.com
http://www.morrisonmail.net
http://jimandmarisa.com
http://www.morrisonmail.net
| 1500 + ...Wow...this time last year we had located 600 ancestors and descendants. Thanks to so many of you we have doubled that number. |
Summertime & the living is easy...
since I have updated the newsletter
because after I installed the TNG
genealogy software last year I was not
sure what would happen when I published
and updated this site. So if you are
reading this, everything went OK. If not,
then the support guy at Yahoo!
SiteBuilder is going to hear from me!
And he won't like what I have to say.
So much has happened over the last
year. Births, illnesses, death. Hey this is
a large family and like any family a lot
goes on.
I'll try to cover the highlights (and low) in a
brief manner and get us up to snuff.
It's hot here in Arkansas. 94 degrees of
heat and 150 sweltering degrees of
humidity. So let me get the air
conditioning cranked up because my
fingers are going to be flying across this
keyboard!
Keep Well. Be Happy!
~Susan
HI!
It's been a long time
It's been a long time
By the time you read
this Jaden will be a
big brother.
His parents James
and Vanessa
Morrison are
expecting (well,
mainly Vanessa) a
little girl any
moment now.
Think they are going
to call her Trinity
Michelle.
this Jaden will be a
big brother.
His parents James
and Vanessa
Morrison are
expecting (well,
mainly Vanessa) a
little girl any
moment now.
Think they are going
to call her Trinity
Michelle.
Congratulations to the Morrison family!
Signs
As a genealogist,
albeit an
amateur
genealogist, we
albeit an
amateur
genealogist, we
look for signs and clues and stories...in
everything. Sometimes we just get
lucky and they fall in our laps. Vivian
sent me this photo of a street sign. It is
Grace Street in Pirtleville. Where's
Pirtleville, you ask? Near the
southeastern corner of Arizona between
Bisbee and Douglas. You could drive
by it and easily miss it. I know because
I did.
At one time several of our relatives lived
on Grace Street. I had seen this street
name listed on the 1910 and 1920
census in connection to Robles family
members several times. And had
wondered about it.
Close your eyes and Imagine, if you will,
Francisco Laborin Robles coming
home to his wife Romula and their eight
children after a hard day at the mines.
Calling those kids to get on home as
they ran along beside him as he walked
home to have a dinner of tortillas and
beans.I can smell them cooking Or
listen as Rafael Luna Robles shoots
the bull with Bartolo Ybarra his next
door neighbor and the man who would
marry my grandmother Carlotta
Robles. They also lived on Grace
Street. Even today, Leo Buttner who is
in his eighties, recalls his mother
Gertrudis Robles Buttner. faithfully
visiting relatives on Grace Street every
Sunday after attending mass in her best
dress. .It may have been Sunday, but
her daughter Rosa said her mother
enjoyed telling "off color" jokes with her
brother Rafael. C'mon laugh! All
Robles' enjoy a good laugh.
We can walk in their shoes with a little
imagination and a picture of a street
sign. .
everything. Sometimes we just get
lucky and they fall in our laps. Vivian
sent me this photo of a street sign. It is
Grace Street in Pirtleville. Where's
Pirtleville, you ask? Near the
southeastern corner of Arizona between
Bisbee and Douglas. You could drive
by it and easily miss it. I know because
I did.
At one time several of our relatives lived
on Grace Street. I had seen this street
name listed on the 1910 and 1920
census in connection to Robles family
members several times. And had
wondered about it.
Close your eyes and Imagine, if you will,
Francisco Laborin Robles coming
home to his wife Romula and their eight
children after a hard day at the mines.
Calling those kids to get on home as
they ran along beside him as he walked
home to have a dinner of tortillas and
beans.I can smell them cooking Or
listen as Rafael Luna Robles shoots
the bull with Bartolo Ybarra his next
door neighbor and the man who would
marry my grandmother Carlotta
Robles. They also lived on Grace
Street. Even today, Leo Buttner who is
in his eighties, recalls his mother
Gertrudis Robles Buttner. faithfully
visiting relatives on Grace Street every
Sunday after attending mass in her best
dress. .It may have been Sunday, but
her daughter Rosa said her mother
enjoyed telling "off color" jokes with her
brother Rafael. C'mon laugh! All
Robles' enjoy a good laugh.
We can walk in their shoes with a little
imagination and a picture of a street
sign. .
ARNULFO LOPEZ ROBLES
4 Jul 1899-23 Dec 1935
4 Jul 1899-23 Dec 1935
I first heard the story of a brother of my grandmother who was killed on
Christmas Eve back in the l930's about two years ago. That's it. You have as
many facts as I had at the time. The story intrigued me at first because of the
mystery surrounding it and wanting to understand what had happened. I
queried some of the older relatives who recalled the situation but not any of
the particulars due to the time that had passed. Even Arnulfo's daughter
Maggie talked vaguely of the unfortunate event and seemed to focus on the
impact it had on her mother Loretta. Which, of course, is what Maggie would
recall because she herself was very young when her father was killed.
I made a stab at researching the story when I visited Globe in '06. I went to the
Silver Belt Newspaper office and was lucky to have left the place with a shred
of sanity. Talk about a disorganized place. Came away after three hours with
zilch. So this story stayed in the back of my mind but I moved on to other
research..
One day out of the blue in 2007 I hear from Carol Tarango who is a great
granddaughter of Arnulfo. She told me how surprised she was to see the
website and that her great grandfather was mentioned. She said that her
brother had been trying to research Arnulfo's murder also. Something similiar
happened with another descendant of Arnulfo's. Anna Madrid, another great
granddaughter, contacted me out of the blue about the same time as Carol.
She had a theory about what had happened to her g-grandfather that involved
the racial bias against Mexicans in a small town in the 1930's.
Suddenly, this becomes more than just a story for me to solve.....it became
personal. Because I had spoken with Arnulfo's flesh and blood. His family
even unto two generations later still do not have satisfactory closure of his
death. And those that have passed on that loved him--his father Miguel, his
sisters and brothers and his wife call out from their graves to remember
Arnulfo . So it was tears I wept as I read the newspaper clippings that I
received from the Arizona State Archives recounting the circumstances of that
fateful night when Arnulfo was shot.
It's not closure but, with all due respect, to Arnulfo and his family, the complete
story surrounding his murder is presented in the genealogy section of the
website under Histories for you to reflect upon.
Christmas Eve back in the l930's about two years ago. That's it. You have as
many facts as I had at the time. The story intrigued me at first because of the
mystery surrounding it and wanting to understand what had happened. I
queried some of the older relatives who recalled the situation but not any of
the particulars due to the time that had passed. Even Arnulfo's daughter
Maggie talked vaguely of the unfortunate event and seemed to focus on the
impact it had on her mother Loretta. Which, of course, is what Maggie would
recall because she herself was very young when her father was killed.
I made a stab at researching the story when I visited Globe in '06. I went to the
Silver Belt Newspaper office and was lucky to have left the place with a shred
of sanity. Talk about a disorganized place. Came away after three hours with
zilch. So this story stayed in the back of my mind but I moved on to other
research..
One day out of the blue in 2007 I hear from Carol Tarango who is a great
granddaughter of Arnulfo. She told me how surprised she was to see the
website and that her great grandfather was mentioned. She said that her
brother had been trying to research Arnulfo's murder also. Something similiar
happened with another descendant of Arnulfo's. Anna Madrid, another great
granddaughter, contacted me out of the blue about the same time as Carol.
She had a theory about what had happened to her g-grandfather that involved
the racial bias against Mexicans in a small town in the 1930's.
Suddenly, this becomes more than just a story for me to solve.....it became
personal. Because I had spoken with Arnulfo's flesh and blood. His family
even unto two generations later still do not have satisfactory closure of his
death. And those that have passed on that loved him--his father Miguel, his
sisters and brothers and his wife call out from their graves to remember
Arnulfo . So it was tears I wept as I read the newspaper clippings that I
received from the Arizona State Archives recounting the circumstances of that
fateful night when Arnulfo was shot.
It's not closure but, with all due respect, to Arnulfo and his family, the complete
story surrounding his murder is presented in the genealogy section of the
website under Histories for you to reflect upon.
Shes's Here! 9lbs 6 ozs, 21" born at 2:11p.m.
A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
CONGRATULATIONS
to Sarah Durazo who is a
2008 graduate from
Corona del Sol High School
in Chandler, AZ.
Way to Go Sarah!!!
to Sarah Durazo who is a
2008 graduate from
Corona del Sol High School
in Chandler, AZ.
Way to Go Sarah!!!
| One of the best things I have done this year (2008) was to attend a family gathering in Tucson, Arizona in March. It was held in honor of Rosa Buttner Juarez who is the daughter of Gertrudis Robles Buttner. Rosa was a delight to meet and it is no wonder the family gathered in her honor. She is 90 years of fun and can keep up with the best of them. This was the first reunion that I have ever attended. And like genealogy I am hooked. In fact, I plan to attend a family reunion that the Provencio clan is putting on the end of July. It will be held in Dragoon, AZ. The Provencio's and Munoz' are Robles cousins through their grandmother Gertrudis and her various sons and daughters. And what a fun crowd they are. And so welcoming. It was as though I had always known them. Tibo, Harvey (who I finally got to meet) Rachel, Lupe, Rosa, et al were just fabulous. And to think that I am in my 50's and just now getting to know them. Well, I may not have gotten to play with them when I was a child but, I plan on "playing" with them now. They are just fun! I spent most of my time gathering family information and Tibo had wonderful photos that he allowed me to bring home to Arkansas to scan. Most of them are on the website now. Over 100 people gathered. Including Vivian and her sister Jena and her darling brother Frank (more about him later). Just a couple of weeks before this gathering Vivian had been gracious enough to invite me to her home in Chandler when I was returning from Los Angeles to Little Rock. I was meeting her for the first time. We had talked over the preceeding year quite often but, had never met. So I was excited when she collected me at the airport. We stopped by her Aunt Maggie's home. We had a delightful visit with her aunt who I had heard so much about and is one of the Robles family beauties.....she looks just like Rita Hayworth. Aunt Maggie shared stories and photos with me.....those photos are on the web site also. When we got to Vivian's house, lo and behold, she had invited Phoenix Robles relatives to a pot luck dinner. I was overwhelmed. And I don't overwhelm too easily. There was Aunt Carmen and her son Arthur and Vivian's mother Juana and Frank and Jena and their children and cousins that are the children of Jesus Maria Laborin Robles, not to mention Vivian's 5 beautiful daughters and her husband Alex. It was great!! And don't let me forget Jaden her grandson. Eloisa, Elisa, and Concha who are sisters regaled me with stories of Tin Town. Now, I had driven to Tin Town in 2006 and had just briefly stopped. And quite honestly, there is not too much there today. But, these women brought Tin Town to life for me. They had been raised there in their early years. And their memories are keen. When they spoke of Tin Town they gave it persona. And they spoke of Tin Town from their hearts. Their memories of their childhood home left me with a warm feeling for what had been to me a couple of dusty roads with a few ramshackle houses. During the time they lived there, 10 brothers and sisters and mom and dad it was more like a self sufficient hamlet located on the south side of Bisbee and north of Naco with it's own bakery and butcher and grocer. It was predominantly populated by Mexicans who mainly worked in the mines. The houses or roofs were made of tin hence, it's name. It also was known by the name Zoreria but I can't remember what that means at the moment. I will go back to Tin Town on this trip in July to study it some more and see if i can feel our ancestors. |
June
Frank Robles has graciously
submitted his DNA to
Ancestry.com. The results are back
and I will go into the findings more
in the next newsletter. Be assured
that they are fascinating but, very
involved. This is the direction that
genealogy research is heading. It
will be several years before
everyone gets on the proverbial
bandwagon, though. Thank you
Frank for getting us in on the
cutting edge of this new form of
genealogy research.
Jim and Marisa Wagner's website.
Photo courtesy of Tibo Munoz
REUNION 2008-DRAGOON, AZ
DAY 1-Wednesday
First, let me say that ONLY to gather with family would I ever entertain the thought
of staying in a place like Dragoon. I think Dragoon, I think Scotland, UK. Not this
Dragoon. Located out in the middle of no-where desert ...bugs everywhere....I don't do
bugs or anything creepy-crawly. And someone threw in that there are 20-something
different kinds of rattle snakes, (think that was Jim McDaniel...thanks Jim)that could
be laying in wait JUST FOR ME "out there". Oh-h-h No-o-o, I would have done a quick
about face and fled from the dust, horrible accommodations and those gargantuan
boulders harboring who knows what manner of wild life until I met the McDaniel
brothers, Tim and Jim, at the bar of the saloon. (Bar and saloon...i don't do those either
typically).
Tim and Jim and their families had arrived a day early, as I had. Tim had brought his
motor home (are they called RV's these days?). I spent a great night with them and
Tim's wife Kathlene out under the stars, literally. It was pitch black out except for
the fire that Tim and his son had made and the glorious million star canopy above us .
What men! I marvelled at their self-sufficiency. Found wood in the desert (yes, they
did), made a fire pit from rocks (lots of them laying around) and had tents and cots and
axes and all those outdoor kinds of things one needs if one is going to be out in the
middle of no where. I felt very safe with them to the point that they probably stayed
up much later than they wanted to because I enjoyed their company and didn't want to
leave to head up to my spooky little abode stuck amidst gargantuan boulders.
the family that are engaged in mining. Mining has changed considerably since our
grandfather's time. Tim told me of behemoth machinery that weighs tons and sounds
more dangerous to operate than the actual mining.
Very laid back guys with cute kids.
I felt a little bit sorry for the snake when
she got done with it. Not really, a good
snake is a dead snake in my book.
You go Kathlene!!
But there I was perched on a barstool way
too high for me and looking over at this man
when I half desperately asked if he was
there for the family reunion. Ah, he was.
And it just got better from that point on.
too high for me and looking over at this man
when I half desperately asked if he was
there for the family reunion. Ah, he was.
And it just got better from that point on.
They just kept telling me great stories. I couldn't leave. Ask
Jim about his encounter with a mountain lion. I'm still laughing!
Jim about his encounter with a mountain lion. I'm still laughing!
Back to the McDaniel brothers. Their mother is Gertrudes
(Gordy) Provencio. These guys are tall, rugged, strong men
who both work in the "family business" of mining in a town
called Dudleyville, AZ. . Probably they are some of the last of
our
(Gordy) Provencio. These guys are tall, rugged, strong men
who both work in the "family business" of mining in a town
called Dudleyville, AZ. . Probably they are some of the last of
our
Tim
Kathlene, Tim's wife, is no
cream puff, either. She told me
a story of blowing away a snake
at their home.
cream puff, either. She told me
a story of blowing away a snake
at their home.
Jim's son & daughter/Tim & Kathlene's son
She sounds
quite
proficient
with a gun.
quite
proficient
with a gun.
Kathlene without her gun!
Late in the evening the affable Ray
Martinez arrived and joined in the
conversation for awhile. As the
evening progressed, I fell in love with
these families and I knew the reunion
was on for me and wild horses could
not have dragged me from Dragoon.
Martinez arrived and joined in the
conversation for awhile. As the
evening progressed, I fell in love with
these families and I knew the reunion
was on for me and wild horses could
not have dragged me from Dragoon.
DAY 2-Thursday
On a mission. I love Arizona. I love the desert. It
feels natural. It feels like home to me. It's HOT
and anyone who knows me will tell you that Susan Long
loves heat; detests the cold. But I live in Arkansas.
On a mission. I love Arizona. I love the desert. It
feels natural. It feels like home to me. It's HOT
and anyone who knows me will tell you that Susan Long
loves heat; detests the cold. But I live in Arkansas.
So while it would be fantastic to laze around the pool and soak up some Arizona
sunshine I have to make the most of my time in Arizona and stay engaged seeking
information from family members wherever they may be in Arizona. This day was no
different. So I bid adieu to the bunch at Dragoon who were just starting to fix
breakfast over the open fire pit I mentioned above and headed to Bisbee. Told
Kathlene that if I hadn't retuned to "camp" by sunset to send a search party for me.
sunshine I have to make the most of my time in Arizona and stay engaged seeking
information from family members wherever they may be in Arizona. This day was no
different. So I bid adieu to the bunch at Dragoon who were just starting to fix
breakfast over the open fire pit I mentioned above and headed to Bisbee. Told
Kathlene that if I hadn't retuned to "camp" by sunset to send a search party for me.
Ah, Bisbee. Yes, I'm
sighing when I say the
name Bisbee. The
word 'charming' is
reserved for those
people and things that
.
sighing when I say the
name Bisbee. The
word 'charming' is
reserved for those
people and things that
.
thoroughly enchant me. Bisbee is such a place. Very
reminiscent of the little villages in Europe that I lived in
for so many years. BUT, it's in the middle of the desert.
Totally unexpected and genuinely charming nestled in the
mountains.
reminiscent of the little villages in Europe that I lived in
for so many years. BUT, it's in the middle of the desert.
Totally unexpected and genuinely charming nestled in the
mountains.
Bisbee
Dropped by the mining museum because (can't recall the man's name--he'a well know
genealogy writier) the volunteer docent was so helpful to Maureen and I when we were
desperately seeking Harvey Buttner's graveside at Evergreen in Lowell a couple of
years ago. I wanted information on Tintown this time. He wasn't there but another
volunteer located the one and only photo of Tintown (out of thousands of photos) in
their archives. I had to place an order for it and should be receiving it any day. There
was no written history for Tintown.
genealogy writier) the volunteer docent was so helpful to Maureen and I when we were
desperately seeking Harvey Buttner's graveside at Evergreen in Lowell a couple of
years ago. I wanted information on Tintown this time. He wasn't there but another
volunteer located the one and only photo of Tintown (out of thousands of photos) in
their archives. I had to place an order for it and should be receiving it any day. There
was no written history for Tintown.
The lady volunteer
volunteered that Tintown was
also known as Zoreria.
volunteered that Tintown was
also known as Zoreria.
She said that way back when just outside of Tintown there was a slaughter house. Parts
of the slaughtered animals that went unused were discarded very nearby Tintown. And
this drew skunks which are carnivorous scavengers. Supposedly, this accounts for the
Zoreria nametag but, I don't get a translation of zoreria meaning 'skunk'. Eloisa or
Concha call me and tell me what the hell Zoreria means.
of the slaughtered animals that went unused were discarded very nearby Tintown. And
this drew skunks which are carnivorous scavengers. Supposedly, this accounts for the
Zoreria nametag but, I don't get a translation of zoreria meaning 'skunk'. Eloisa or
Concha call me and tell me what the hell Zoreria means.
I wanted to take some pictures of Tintown but I didn't want
to drive so I caught a ride with Boyd Nicholl who wears
several hats in Bisbee. He's a town councilman, local guide
operator, Bisbee historian. I purchased his book, Bisbee
Arizona Then and Now" while I was at the museum.
to drive so I caught a ride with Boyd Nicholl who wears
several hats in Bisbee. He's a town councilman, local guide
operator, Bisbee historian. I purchased his book, Bisbee
Arizona Then and Now" while I was at the museum.
Who knew I was going to hitch a ride with it's author? Boyd gave me an all inclusive tour
of a very small place. He told me how many families are still living in Tintown (42) and
some of the family names, like Figueroa, who have resided there for generations.
Tintown today consists of several unpaved, rutted main streets. There is a
restaurant/bar as you enter the town, a homeless shelter housed in a building that was
once a hall, and a church (see above) that scarcely resembles a place of worship save the
huge statue of some saint and it still has no city sewers. Boyd said that Bisbee of the
past was, "not very kind to it's Mexican population". Houses were made of 1x6's vs the
2x4 16" on center that is our building standard. No foundation, corners butted, no
insulation, and you guessed it, tin on the roofs and on the side walls, too (see picture
above). I prefer the happy memories of Concha's Tintown versas the shambled remnant
of the town that I saw.
of a very small place. He told me how many families are still living in Tintown (42) and
some of the family names, like Figueroa, who have resided there for generations.
Tintown today consists of several unpaved, rutted main streets. There is a
restaurant/bar as you enter the town, a homeless shelter housed in a building that was
once a hall, and a church (see above) that scarcely resembles a place of worship save the
huge statue of some saint and it still has no city sewers. Boyd said that Bisbee of the
past was, "not very kind to it's Mexican population". Houses were made of 1x6's vs the
2x4 16" on center that is our building standard. No foundation, corners butted, no
insulation, and you guessed it, tin on the roofs and on the side walls, too (see picture
above). I prefer the happy memories of Concha's Tintown versas the shambled remnant
of the town that I saw.
Not quite lunchtime and good ol' Vivian calls me with a list of
about 30 names that I needed to look up at Calvary Cemetery in
Douglas. She's good at that. Not coming with me but
orchestrating my moves.
about 30 names that I needed to look up at Calvary Cemetery in
Douglas. She's good at that. Not coming with me but
orchestrating my moves.
Mind you, it's 105 degrees in Bisbee in the shade and she's at home in the air
conditioning with her feet propped up eating bon bons giving me directives. LOL...she's
going to kill me when she reads this.
Well, on to Douglas because I blinked and blew right past Pirtleville where I meant to
stop and look up about 10 headstones. It was meant to be though, because who should
be in charge of Calvary but a ROBLES.....Pete Robles who hails from the Plutarco family
line. He has worked at Calvary for 35 years and plans to retire next year so he can
play more golf. A worthy aspiration if I ever heard one.
Pete spent over two hours with me telling me about his family. And I believe he knows
where every single person is laid to rest in Calvary. He rode me around in his cool
John Deere tractor from headstone to headstone. Thanks again Pete!
conditioning with her feet propped up eating bon bons giving me directives. LOL...she's
going to kill me when she reads this.
Well, on to Douglas because I blinked and blew right past Pirtleville where I meant to
stop and look up about 10 headstones. It was meant to be though, because who should
be in charge of Calvary but a ROBLES.....Pete Robles who hails from the Plutarco family
line. He has worked at Calvary for 35 years and plans to retire next year so he can
play more golf. A worthy aspiration if I ever heard one.
Pete spent over two hours with me telling me about his family. And I believe he knows
where every single person is laid to rest in Calvary. He rode me around in his cool
John Deere tractor from headstone to headstone. Thanks again Pete!
A tombstone that really caught my eye was Jose Cordova Robles'. Mostly because he has
NOT passed on. His wife Quirina has. I knew he had to be near enough 100. I caught my
breath as Pete said that Jose lived with his daughter Sylvia just a few blocks away and
was I interested in meeting him if he could get a hold of Sylvia. Yes, yes, yes!
NOT passed on. His wife Quirina has. I knew he had to be near enough 100. I caught my
breath as Pete said that Jose lived with his daughter Sylvia just a few blocks away and
was I interested in meeting him if he could get a hold of Sylvia. Yes, yes, yes!
At 3 o'clock promptly I was greeted at the door of Rey
and Sylvia Robles Vasquez' home by Sylvia. Warm and
welcoming, she invited me in. I met her husband Rey who
is a retired police detective. They are friendly, friendly
people and we hit it off right away. Rey called me mija.
No one has called me that in over 40 years. Very nice man.
and Sylvia Robles Vasquez' home by Sylvia. Warm and
welcoming, she invited me in. I met her husband Rey who
is a retired police detective. They are friendly, friendly
people and we hit it off right away. Rey called me mija.
No one has called me that in over 40 years. Very nice man.
Jose Cordova Robles
From the kitchen I heard the sound of a walker approaching. And then he appeared.
Jose Cordova Robles. I believe Jose is the oldest living Robles descendant of Francisco
and Rita Luna Robles. 98 years old. He's still tall considering that he has shrunk from
age, his skin is smooth and fair colored. He has a great moustache like all the Robles men.
His eyes are clear and his mind sharp; he's just hard of hearing. According to Sylvia, his
health is excellent. He still loves to dress impeccably.
Jose Cordova Robles. I believe Jose is the oldest living Robles descendant of Francisco
and Rita Luna Robles. 98 years old. He's still tall considering that he has shrunk from
age, his skin is smooth and fair colored. He has a great moustache like all the Robles men.
His eyes are clear and his mind sharp; he's just hard of hearing. According to Sylvia, his
health is excellent. He still loves to dress impeccably.
We spent about three hours together. We talked about
her family line. Sylvia who teaches piano graciously
played Fleur de Lis for me on her grand piano. We
looked at quite a few photos. Their two children are
teachers who called while I was sitting there just to
check in/up on their parents. Lovely family. Wanted
to stay longer but as it approached 6 o'clock I knew I
had to leave to get back to "camp" before the sun went
down in the mountains and I couldn't see to get back.
We'll see each other again.
Jose is a family jewel I was honored to have met!
her family line. Sylvia who teaches piano graciously
played Fleur de Lis for me on her grand piano. We
looked at quite a few photos. Their two children are
teachers who called while I was sitting there just to
check in/up on their parents. Lovely family. Wanted
to stay longer but as it approached 6 o'clock I knew I
had to leave to get back to "camp" before the sun went
down in the mountains and I couldn't see to get back.
We'll see each other again.
Jose is a family jewel I was honored to have met!
Sylvia & Rey Vasquez
To be continued.....
| FAMILY MOTTO: From hard work, come great rewards. |
What does the
name Robles
mean?
1. Spanish:
topographic
name from the
plural of roble
"oak".
2. a Californian
white oak,
Quericus
lobata, having
a short truck
and large,
spreading
branches.
name Robles
mean?
1. Spanish:
topographic
name from the
plural of roble
"oak".
2. a Californian
white oak,
Quericus
lobata, having
a short truck
and large,
spreading
branches.
Dicho
from
Sylvia
Robles
Vasquez
El Que
Quiere,
Puede!
The one
that
wants,
Can!
from
Sylvia
Robles
Vasquez
El Que
Quiere,
Puede!
The one
that
wants,
Can!
OK, I'm back. It's been a few days since I left off with my
story. I've been busy revamping our website. Decided a few
things when I got back from Tucson. First, is that I have a
story. I've been busy revamping our website. Decided a few
things when I got back from Tucson. First, is that I have a
Mexican heritage which I really love. Hence, the new look of the website.
Secondly, as Leo told me the other day I have no excuse for not knowing how
to habla espanol. So to that end I am going to make a concerted effort to
learn....though, learning is not the problem. It's speaking it with any degree of
proficiency or confidence, Tried to enlist Tibo to tutor me but, he's so busy,
bless him. Vivian is game to help me limp along in the language whenever we
speak. So that's a help. Thirdly, I'm not going to torture us anymore with a
font smaller than 16pt because if I can't read a smaller font than I am sure
you can't either. To be continued...again.
Secondly, as Leo told me the other day I have no excuse for not knowing how
to habla espanol. So to that end I am going to make a concerted effort to
learn....though, learning is not the problem. It's speaking it with any degree of
proficiency or confidence, Tried to enlist Tibo to tutor me but, he's so busy,
bless him. Vivian is game to help me limp along in the language whenever we
speak. So that's a help. Thirdly, I'm not going to torture us anymore with a
font smaller than 16pt because if I can't read a smaller font than I am sure
you can't either. To be continued...again.
The birthday list has been
moved to the bottom of the
newsletter. It's getting too
long for this space.
moved to the bottom of the
newsletter. It's getting too
long for this space.
Family Reunion Dragoon, Arizona 2008
Photo courtesy of Jim Wagner
Photo courtesy of Jim Wagner
"Is she ever going to finish this story?" Don't know who I am quoting, but
sure someone has wondered that. Well, two hurricanes later, Gustav which
was a doozie and Ike which we are in the midst of, think that now is the time
to finish telling you my version of the family reunion before we get blown or
washed away here in Little Rock.
Let's start with Jim's great photo above. Call this DAY4-Saturday. (yes, I
know it's out of order).
sure someone has wondered that. Well, two hurricanes later, Gustav which
was a doozie and Ike which we are in the midst of, think that now is the time
to finish telling you my version of the family reunion before we get blown or
washed away here in Little Rock.
Let's start with Jim's great photo above. Call this DAY4-Saturday. (yes, I
know it's out of order).
Had returned to my room to pack
because my plans were to return to
Tucson on Saturday evening because
my flight to Little Rock on Sunday
was scheduled for 6:30 in the
morning. Guess I drifted off taking a
catnap because I thought I was
dreaming when I vaguely heard a
knock on my door. By the time I
answer the door Tibo is walking away
and he says to me over his shoulder in
that low tone voice of his, "They're
gathering to take photos, if you're
interested", and he walks off. Tibo,
to me, is a subtle, understated kind
of man. But, I'm thinking, "Hell yes
I'm interested. That's why I flew
1500 miles to be here". I'm glad he
let me know.
Immediately I assembled at the
appointed family picture
spot.....enfrente those perfectly
magnificent boulders....only a frame
nature could provide. Yeah, these are
the same boulders that on Wednesday
horrified me and that by Saturday
filled me with awe. But, while I was
busy being awestruck it didn't make
up for my lack of patience. And
anytime two or more are gathering
you can bet it's going to be a goat
rope to get everyone together. So,
people, SOME of us are standing
there up against those mighty
boulders radiating mucho calor on top
of standing IN the heat that had to
be 105 degrees and FACING the
brightest, most glaring sun that I
have ever seen all the while tapping
my toes trying not to appear as
impatient as is my nature.
because my plans were to return to
Tucson on Saturday evening because
my flight to Little Rock on Sunday
was scheduled for 6:30 in the
morning. Guess I drifted off taking a
catnap because I thought I was
dreaming when I vaguely heard a
knock on my door. By the time I
answer the door Tibo is walking away
and he says to me over his shoulder in
that low tone voice of his, "They're
gathering to take photos, if you're
interested", and he walks off. Tibo,
to me, is a subtle, understated kind
of man. But, I'm thinking, "Hell yes
I'm interested. That's why I flew
1500 miles to be here". I'm glad he
let me know.
Immediately I assembled at the
appointed family picture
spot.....enfrente those perfectly
magnificent boulders....only a frame
nature could provide. Yeah, these are
the same boulders that on Wednesday
horrified me and that by Saturday
filled me with awe. But, while I was
busy being awestruck it didn't make
up for my lack of patience. And
anytime two or more are gathering
you can bet it's going to be a goat
rope to get everyone together. So,
people, SOME of us are standing
there up against those mighty
boulders radiating mucho calor on top
of standing IN the heat that had to
be 105 degrees and FACING the
brightest, most glaring sun that I
have ever seen all the while tapping
my toes trying not to appear as
impatient as is my nature.
Maybe it's the sun, but something
happens. Gazing towards the cabins,
coming across the gravel I see
Jeannette in her wheelchair being
carefully pushed by her daughter
Kathy. But, they are not alone.
Walking slowly by their right side is a
vision of Gertrudis with her hand
resting upon Jeannette's shoulder. I
see her wearing a long skirt and what
looks to be house slipper shoes and
her haired pulled up and on her lips
just a very faint smile. Must be a
vision. I blink and look over to see
Gordy heading towards the group and
oh my god, there's Ida....tall, very
thin, angular-faced, blue eyed Ida.
And over across by the saloon is Jose
and our great-grandfather Miguel....a
little bent by age but I'm focused on
his handle bar mustache which I love.
Only flashes, only nano seconds. My
sugar must be very low...I want to
shout to Tibo for help but when I look
his way there's the beautiful Eva.
That was it...I kinda staggered
backwards before regaining my
composure hoping no one had noticed.
happens. Gazing towards the cabins,
coming across the gravel I see
Jeannette in her wheelchair being
carefully pushed by her daughter
Kathy. But, they are not alone.
Walking slowly by their right side is a
vision of Gertrudis with her hand
resting upon Jeannette's shoulder. I
see her wearing a long skirt and what
looks to be house slipper shoes and
her haired pulled up and on her lips
just a very faint smile. Must be a
vision. I blink and look over to see
Gordy heading towards the group and
oh my god, there's Ida....tall, very
thin, angular-faced, blue eyed Ida.
And over across by the saloon is Jose
and our great-grandfather Miguel....a
little bent by age but I'm focused on
his handle bar mustache which I love.
Only flashes, only nano seconds. My
sugar must be very low...I want to
shout to Tibo for help but when I look
his way there's the beautiful Eva.
That was it...I kinda staggered
backwards before regaining my
composure hoping no one had noticed.
Meanwhile, people keep coming from all directions.....young, old. Talking,
laughing. I vaguely see Rosa and Felix very slowing making their way towards
the group. Some on crutches, canes, children with no cares scampering back
and forth like young deer waiting to be herded into the group. People drifting
our way finding their place, carving out a space amongst the assemblage.
Harvey the Organizer attempting to organize. Someone tells me to move closer,
I don't know who. I see them, hear them, but I don't see them or hear them.
It's a blur that my mind is trying to comprehend.
laughing. I vaguely see Rosa and Felix very slowing making their way towards
the group. Some on crutches, canes, children with no cares scampering back
and forth like young deer waiting to be herded into the group. People drifting
our way finding their place, carving out a space amongst the assemblage.
Harvey the Organizer attempting to organize. Someone tells me to move closer,
I don't know who. I see them, hear them, but I don't see them or hear them.
It's a blur that my mind is trying to comprehend.
Always having been of a sound mind, I could not think that even the Arizona
sun could alter my rationality so dramatically as to think I was seeing visions.
This is the conclusion that I have arrived at in the ensuing weeks. I "saw" them
and I "see" them. Los Ancianos. I sense them and I feel them. Because I want
to. I live with them almost daily researching their lives little by little. Their
faces are ingrained in my memory from hundreds of photos from different
times and periods of their lives. Their lives are puzzles that I slowly piece
back together. I want to know them, I want to hear their stories.....and they
know this. Los Ancianos. They have more often than not led me to the answers
of questions that I didn't even know I needed answers to. They have waken me
in the middle of the night and led me to my computer and set me on an unknown
quest that has resulted in breakthrough research more times than one. Most of
all I love them.....now, in the present not as though they are dead because their
spirits are very much alive and their energy continues to flow in this universe.
And of course they were there. Los Ancianos. It was a family reunion.
Where else would they have been??
sun could alter my rationality so dramatically as to think I was seeing visions.
This is the conclusion that I have arrived at in the ensuing weeks. I "saw" them
and I "see" them. Los Ancianos. I sense them and I feel them. Because I want
to. I live with them almost daily researching their lives little by little. Their
faces are ingrained in my memory from hundreds of photos from different
times and periods of their lives. Their lives are puzzles that I slowly piece
back together. I want to know them, I want to hear their stories.....and they
know this. Los Ancianos. They have more often than not led me to the answers
of questions that I didn't even know I needed answers to. They have waken me
in the middle of the night and led me to my computer and set me on an unknown
quest that has resulted in breakthrough research more times than one. Most of
all I love them.....now, in the present not as though they are dead because their
spirits are very much alive and their energy continues to flow in this universe.
And of course they were there. Los Ancianos. It was a family reunion.
Where else would they have been??
Maybe it was just the sun. Naturally, we see our
parents, aunts and uncles in each other. Some are
mirror images, some with an attribute or two. A
nose here, blue eyes there, large hands in others.
Tall, short, heavy or thin we can see our dna at
work as we think back on our ancestors. Well...who
knows what happened. We finally got most of the
group together which resulted in Jim's photo.
parents, aunts and uncles in each other. Some are
mirror images, some with an attribute or two. A
nose here, blue eyes there, large hands in others.
Tall, short, heavy or thin we can see our dna at
work as we think back on our ancestors. Well...who
knows what happened. We finally got most of the
group together which resulted in Jim's photo.
The evening concluded with dinner under the huge
white tent. It was a potluck . Don't know where
white tent. It was a potluck . Don't know where
the women cooked but cook they did. We had tables of delicious food. I ate
some kind of talapia that was to die for. Surprisingly, there wasn't any good
old fashioned frijoles. Can't have everything, I guess.
I bid everyone adios until proximo ano and rode off into the sunset to Tucson.
CHANGE!!! 2009 REUNION -PINETOP, AZ-July 24-26
See more info below
some kind of talapia that was to die for. Surprisingly, there wasn't any good
old fashioned frijoles. Can't have everything, I guess.
I bid everyone adios until proximo ano and rode off into the sunset to Tucson.
CHANGE!!! 2009 REUNION -PINETOP, AZ-July 24-26
See more info below
Epilogue:
Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who
belong to us, we see the past, present, and future.
~Gail Lumet Buckley
belong to us, we see the past, present, and future.
~Gail Lumet Buckley
Updated 30 Sept 2008
| Passings |
To Leo Buttner and family on
the passing of his wife Eleanor
Chavez Buttner on Aug 2, 2008
in Oxnard, California.
the passing of his wife Eleanor
Chavez Buttner on Aug 2, 2008
in Oxnard, California.
To Benny Robles and family
on the death of his wife Maria
Rachel Alvarez Robles on
June, 27. 2008 in Globe,
Arizona.
on the death of his wife Maria
Rachel Alvarez Robles on
June, 27. 2008 in Globe,
Arizona.
James and Vanessa Morrison's
website. (Vanessa is Vivian
Robles' daughter).
website. (Vanessa is Vivian
Robles' daughter).
Updated 3 October 2008
Just finished decorating
the office at work for
Halloween. There's the
pumpkin patch scene
and my traditional
graveyard scene
complete with a mummy
this year. I love to
decorate and I go all out
when I do. Everyone at
the office at work for
Halloween. There's the
pumpkin patch scene
and my traditional
graveyard scene
complete with a mummy
this year. I love to
decorate and I go all out
when I do. Everyone at
work enjoys it and they expect me to
decorate. It signals the beginning of our
holiday season which we love back here in
decorate. It signals the beginning of our
holiday season which we love back here in
the South. The crispness of Fall is in the air and it's time to think football,
food, and family (our poor Razorbacks are doing so poorly this season...just
thought I'd throw that in). Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New
Year's. It's party time for us from here on out until January!
food, and family (our poor Razorbacks are doing so poorly this season...just
thought I'd throw that in). Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New
Year's. It's party time for us from here on out until January!
Back to Halloween. As a kid, it was always a night I looked forward to
celebrating. I cannot remember a single costume from any Halloween. I can
celebrating. I cannot remember a single costume from any Halloween. I can
see the pillowcase that we used to gather our
treats. Because we attended a Catholic
school we were free to stay out later than
most kids because the next day, Nov. 1st, was
a school holiday for us. Our parents allowed
us to go trick or treating on our own. In those
days there was no need to worry about our
safety. We traveled in packs of 10-12 friends.
Nobody was going to bother us. The older
ones watched out for the younger ones. And
you knew which houses NOT to go to.
treats. Because we attended a Catholic
school we were free to stay out later than
most kids because the next day, Nov. 1st, was
a school holiday for us. Our parents allowed
us to go trick or treating on our own. In those
days there was no need to worry about our
safety. We traveled in packs of 10-12 friends.
Nobody was going to bother us. The older
ones watched out for the younger ones. And
you knew which houses NOT to go to.
It was always very, very windy on Halloween. Very dark, the full moon
having just waned. And just a bit chilly in the hi-desert of California. Perfect
ingredients for a spooky night. One kid after another attempted to terrify the
group by telling some outlandish tale as we traveled through our
neighborhood from door to door seeking candy. The rustle of the leaves,
the boughs of their willowy limbs flickering against the street lamps created
bizarre shadowy figures, and the moaning sounds of the wind made for an
eerie atmosphere. As the tales became spookier and the evening wound
down and friends started leaving one by one as they headed home, I
remember telling my brother to hurry up because by now I'm starting to
"believe" some of those outlandish tales and I'm starting to shiver from the
very thought of them. Scary but exhilarating. When it was just the two of us
left we ran the rest of the way home. We didn't stop until we hit our front
door laden with our pillowcases of loot which we had to wait patiently for as
our mother checked for razor blades or the odd open piece of candy.
While we waited for that first piece of candy, I extracted a promise from my
brother that he wouldn't tell my friends of the terrified state I had worked
myself into.
Naturally, that was exactly what he told them about the next day.
Happy Haunting to you and your loved ones!
having just waned. And just a bit chilly in the hi-desert of California. Perfect
ingredients for a spooky night. One kid after another attempted to terrify the
group by telling some outlandish tale as we traveled through our
neighborhood from door to door seeking candy. The rustle of the leaves,
the boughs of their willowy limbs flickering against the street lamps created
bizarre shadowy figures, and the moaning sounds of the wind made for an
eerie atmosphere. As the tales became spookier and the evening wound
down and friends started leaving one by one as they headed home, I
remember telling my brother to hurry up because by now I'm starting to
"believe" some of those outlandish tales and I'm starting to shiver from the
very thought of them. Scary but exhilarating. When it was just the two of us
left we ran the rest of the way home. We didn't stop until we hit our front
door laden with our pillowcases of loot which we had to wait patiently for as
our mother checked for razor blades or the odd open piece of candy.
While we waited for that first piece of candy, I extracted a promise from my
brother that he wouldn't tell my friends of the terrified state I had worked
myself into.
Naturally, that was exactly what he told them about the next day.
Happy Haunting to you and your loved ones!
There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when
two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and
wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their
friends. Homer
two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and
wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their
friends. Homer
HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY
ALEX & VIVIAN ROBLES DURAZO
MARRIED OCTOBER 8, 1983
ALEX & VIVIAN ROBLES DURAZO
MARRIED OCTOBER 8, 1983
CONGRATULATIONS
December 24, 2008
Wow...it's Christmas Eve. Santa will arrive in
Arkansas at any time and I need to be snuggled in
slumber so he'll stop and deliver my loot, uh,
presents.
Want to catch you up on what I've been doing.
Got to start with my trip to Tucson in October.
Was only there for five wonderful days but packed
in lots of visiting cum research.
Tibo was generous with his time spending all day Friday traveling to
Bisbee, Pirtleville, Naco, and Douglas to visit/locate family with me.
Pirtleville kinda ended up being a goat rope because we went round and
round (a dime-sized city) trying to locate Henry Smith. He's lived in Bisbee
his entire life and I am sure he is an overflowing font of history so I was
very interested in speaking with him. We tried our best according to the
last address Tibo had for Henry and even attempted on our way back late
in the evening from Douglas to Tucson to find his house. No luck. So
once again I vow to find him when I go back to Tucson in July '09. (Tibo's
a retired detective...isn't he suppose to be able to find his man? Just
messing with you Tibo).
Our next quest to Naco, Mexico bore marvelous results. Vivian "guided"
us to the grocery store that is owned by Maria Refugia Armenta-Burrola
Yates... walking distance from the border. She goes by the name Cuci
(Cookie). She is a Robles through her father Raymundo through his
mother Refugia through her father Francisco Luna Robles.
Bisbee, Pirtleville, Naco, and Douglas to visit/locate family with me.
Pirtleville kinda ended up being a goat rope because we went round and
round (a dime-sized city) trying to locate Henry Smith. He's lived in Bisbee
his entire life and I am sure he is an overflowing font of history so I was
very interested in speaking with him. We tried our best according to the
last address Tibo had for Henry and even attempted on our way back late
in the evening from Douglas to Tucson to find his house. No luck. So
once again I vow to find him when I go back to Tucson in July '09. (Tibo's
a retired detective...isn't he suppose to be able to find his man? Just
messing with you Tibo).
Our next quest to Naco, Mexico bore marvelous results. Vivian "guided"
us to the grocery store that is owned by Maria Refugia Armenta-Burrola
Yates... walking distance from the border. She goes by the name Cuci
(Cookie). She is a Robles through her father Raymundo through his
mother Refugia through her father Francisco Luna Robles.
Cuci sells general food products, cigarettes, etc. .
Interestingly, she also sells plastic wreaths for grave
sites and in the back of her store she has this
machinery that makes tortillas. Wonderful tortillas that I
think saved my life.
Interestingly, she also sells plastic wreaths for grave
sites and in the back of her store she has this
machinery that makes tortillas. Wonderful tortillas that I
think saved my life.
Cuci pretty much dropped everything and fixed us
lunch in the kitchen at the back of her store. I was
famished to the point of fainting and beans &
tortillas never looked so good! When we finished
eating she took us to her home where I took this
picture of a young Cuci.
lunch in the kitchen at the back of her store. I was
famished to the point of fainting and beans &
tortillas never looked so good! When we finished
eating she took us to her home where I took this
picture of a young Cuci.
Cuci and her husband have 3
daughters and 1 son. Her children
are very athletic, one having
garnered the "Athlete of the Year"
award. The girls excel at cross
country running and basketball
and they have the trophies &
ribbons to prove it. One daughter
was her class valedictorian at
Bisbee High School. The same
daughter was named Young
Woman for the Month of March
2008. The accolades just don't
end and are sure to continue as
they excel at their endeavors.
daughters and 1 son. Her children
are very athletic, one having
garnered the "Athlete of the Year"
award. The girls excel at cross
country running and basketball
and they have the trophies &
ribbons to prove it. One daughter
was her class valedictorian at
Bisbee High School. The same
daughter was named Young
Woman for the Month of March
2008. The accolades just don't
end and are sure to continue as
they excel at their endeavors.
Cuci took us to
her grandmother
Refugia's grave
site. And to her
mother Dora
and her father
her grandmother
Refugia's grave
site. And to her
mother Dora
and her father
Raymundo's grave sites. You can see one of the
wreaths that I mentioned above on Refugia's
monument.
It happened that on the day we visited it was a few
days before the Day of the Dead, el dia de los
muertos. People were busy cleaning grave sites of
their loved ones and even decorating them. Murals,
tiling, brick work, white washing tombs. Fascinated
me.
Cuci said that families spend the entire day with their
deceased loved ones. It's like a picnic complete with
mariachis, sometimes.
wreaths that I mentioned above on Refugia's
monument.
It happened that on the day we visited it was a few
days before the Day of the Dead, el dia de los
muertos. People were busy cleaning grave sites of
their loved ones and even decorating them. Murals,
tiling, brick work, white washing tombs. Fascinated
me.
Cuci said that families spend the entire day with their
deceased loved ones. It's like a picnic complete with
mariachis, sometimes.
It was wonderful to "discover" Cuci because she was the first Robles
descendant that I have met that lives in Mexico. Besides her being a
gracious relation Cuci represents a breakthrough in the genealogy
research. She is a link between those of us on this side of the border and
those of us still living on the other side of the border. Recognizing that
Mexico is only part of our ancestral pilgrimage, I have heard there are other
descendants in Guaymus, Hermosillo and Pitiquito....just waiting for us to
"discover" them.
descendant that I have met that lives in Mexico. Besides her being a
gracious relation Cuci represents a breakthrough in the genealogy
research. She is a link between those of us on this side of the border and
those of us still living on the other side of the border. Recognizing that
Mexico is only part of our ancestral pilgrimage, I have heard there are other
descendants in Guaymus, Hermosillo and Pitiquito....just waiting for us to
"discover" them.
Think I hear hooves on my roof....gotta go. But first I want to wish
everyone a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings and
prosperity!
(P.S. Santa brought me a mink coat for Christmas...I must have been very
good, indeed.)
everyone a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings and
prosperity!
(P.S. Santa brought me a mink coat for Christmas...I must have been very
good, indeed.)
Sad news of the passing
of Frank Pedroza, Sr. in
Oxnard California on
Monday, December 29th
was relayed to us by
Frank's very good friend,
and cousin, Tibo.
Deepest sympathy to his
mother Rosa, his brothers
and sisters, Steve, Alex,
Sally & Debbie, his
children, grandchildren,
nieces, nephews and his
many cousins.
of Frank Pedroza, Sr. in
Oxnard California on
Monday, December 29th
was relayed to us by
Frank's very good friend,
and cousin, Tibo.
Deepest sympathy to his
mother Rosa, his brothers
and sisters, Steve, Alex,
Sally & Debbie, his
children, grandchildren,
nieces, nephews and his
many cousins.
Peace to each manly soul
that sleepeth; rest to each faithful eye
that weepeth. Sir Thomas Moore
that sleepeth; rest to each faithful eye
that weepeth. Sir Thomas Moore
| Passings |
Condolences to Concha
Robles Talamante, her
children Martha & Albert, &
grandchildren on the
sudden demise of her
husband Carlos Abril
Talamante on Jan 3, 2009.
His ashes were interned
with his daughter Carmen
at Rest Haven Cemetery in
Phoenix, AZ. on January
7th.
Robles Talamante, her
children Martha & Albert, &
grandchildren on the
sudden demise of her
husband Carlos Abril
Talamante on Jan 3, 2009.
His ashes were interned
with his daughter Carmen
at Rest Haven Cemetery in
Phoenix, AZ. on January
7th.
| Passings |
Prayers for Tia Maggie
and her family on the loss
of her son James (Jimmy)
Robles Martinez on
Wednesday, March the
11th.
Services were on Sunday
the 15th at Rest Haven
Cemetery in Phoenix.
Jimmy fought the good
fight and now he is at rest.
and her family on the loss
of her son James (Jimmy)
Robles Martinez on
Wednesday, March the
11th.
Services were on Sunday
the 15th at Rest Haven
Cemetery in Phoenix.
Jimmy fought the good
fight and now he is at rest.
So far my year has been great...how about yours? Exceedingly busy,
but that's normal for me. I don't believe in New Year resolutions. You
either resolve to do something or you don't...doesn't matter what time of
the year it is. However, if you made them (resolutions, that is ), hope
you are doing well with them, whatever they are.
Just quickly I will say that there have been illnesses in the family, Ernie
Robles, Jenny & Gertrude Provencio, & Maggie Calvillo. All are doing
OK at the moment. I need to call Joe, Maggie's son to see how she is
doing. She has had a stroke so keep her in your prayers. As well as
Sallie Pedroza Ramirez who lives in California. She is battling a vicious
return of cancer.
New babies have come into the family also. Victoria Robles just gave
birth to a baby boy two weeks ago. His details will be highlighted
further along in this newsletter. This is grandfather Frank Robles's first
grandson. Congratulations to all!
Sadly, death has visited this family, as well. In addition to the ones
above, Margie Armendariz Norris passed away last month. Her niece
Anna Madrid has sent me her obituary which will follow this newsletter.
Pretty normal happenings for any family. But, this is why researching
the past AND the present, the living AND the dead of the Robles family
is a passion for me. These events are about THIS family and this is our
collective history. And it is important, because each member of this
family is important, that it should be reported properly, correctly for
posterity....whoever that may be.
New information is constantly being added to this website. Last week I
connected with the granddaughter of Miguel (Mike) and Eva Robles.
Her name is Arlene Chavez-Johnson who lives near Prescott, AZ.
She started her research about 6 years ago. I came across her very
dated inquiries posted on Ancestry.com. I took a chance and e-mailed
her at the address that was given and just hoped to get a response. I
did. She has contributed some amazing photos....one that included my
mother Lydia as a 6 year old flower girl in Arlene's grandfather Miguel's
wedding.
but that's normal for me. I don't believe in New Year resolutions. You
either resolve to do something or you don't...doesn't matter what time of
the year it is. However, if you made them (resolutions, that is ), hope
you are doing well with them, whatever they are.
Just quickly I will say that there have been illnesses in the family, Ernie
Robles, Jenny & Gertrude Provencio, & Maggie Calvillo. All are doing
OK at the moment. I need to call Joe, Maggie's son to see how she is
doing. She has had a stroke so keep her in your prayers. As well as
Sallie Pedroza Ramirez who lives in California. She is battling a vicious
return of cancer.
New babies have come into the family also. Victoria Robles just gave
birth to a baby boy two weeks ago. His details will be highlighted
further along in this newsletter. This is grandfather Frank Robles's first
grandson. Congratulations to all!
Sadly, death has visited this family, as well. In addition to the ones
above, Margie Armendariz Norris passed away last month. Her niece
Anna Madrid has sent me her obituary which will follow this newsletter.
Pretty normal happenings for any family. But, this is why researching
the past AND the present, the living AND the dead of the Robles family
is a passion for me. These events are about THIS family and this is our
collective history. And it is important, because each member of this
family is important, that it should be reported properly, correctly for
posterity....whoever that may be.
New information is constantly being added to this website. Last week I
connected with the granddaughter of Miguel (Mike) and Eva Robles.
Her name is Arlene Chavez-Johnson who lives near Prescott, AZ.
She started her research about 6 years ago. I came across her very
dated inquiries posted on Ancestry.com. I took a chance and e-mailed
her at the address that was given and just hoped to get a response. I
did. She has contributed some amazing photos....one that included my
mother Lydia as a 6 year old flower girl in Arlene's grandfather Miguel's
wedding.
You can never have too much confetti when
celebrating. Baby Trinity (aka Twinkie) Morrison is
watching the New Year Baby as the clock ticks into
2009. We are a third of the way through the year
and it seems like January 1st was just yesterday.
celebrating. Baby Trinity (aka Twinkie) Morrison is
watching the New Year Baby as the clock ticks into
2009. We are a third of the way through the year
and it seems like January 1st was just yesterday.
She's the little girl
dressed in all white
standing next to a little
boy named Jimmy
Alviso. I don't know
who the heck Jimmy
Alviso is, but my
mother remembered
him almost 85 years
later. I never thought
to see a photo of my
mother at the age of 6.
Thanks Arlene!
dressed in all white
standing next to a little
boy named Jimmy
Alviso. I don't know
who the heck Jimmy
Alviso is, but my
mother remembered
him almost 85 years
later. I never thought
to see a photo of my
mother at the age of 6.
Thanks Arlene!
This photo happens to
be an unexpected
treasure that came into
my life. Next time it
could be YOUR treasure
revealed to you by a
family member that
doesn't even realize the
treasure that they hold.
Everyone's contribution
is significant. Look in
your attics, dig in those
drawers for those
treasures!
be an unexpected
treasure that came into
my life. Next time it
could be YOUR treasure
revealed to you by a
family member that
doesn't even realize the
treasure that they hold.
Everyone's contribution
is significant. Look in
your attics, dig in those
drawers for those
treasures!
| Passings |
Sympathy goes to the family
of Margaret Armendariz
Norris who passed from this
world on March 1, 2009 in
Rancho Mirage, CA.
Margaret was the daughter
of Antonio & Connie Robles
Armendariz.
She leaves a legacy of 27
grand & great-grandchildren.
May she rest peacefully.
of Margaret Armendariz
Norris who passed from this
world on March 1, 2009 in
Rancho Mirage, CA.
Margaret was the daughter
of Antonio & Connie Robles
Armendariz.
She leaves a legacy of 27
grand & great-grandchildren.
May she rest peacefully.
2009 Family Reunion
Where: Pinetop, AZ at the Double B Lodge,
www.doubleblodge.net
888-295-2557
When: July 24-26th (Friday-Sunday)
Reservations made by May 9th will receive
a 20% discount. Be sure to mention that
you are with the Provencio Reunion.
Hosts this year are Heather & Henry
Provencio. You can reach Henry at
henryflag@aol.com.
The reunions are great fun...
book your room today!!
Where: Pinetop, AZ at the Double B Lodge,
www.doubleblodge.net
888-295-2557
When: July 24-26th (Friday-Sunday)
Reservations made by May 9th will receive
a 20% discount. Be sure to mention that
you are with the Provencio Reunion.
Hosts this year are Heather & Henry
Provencio. You can reach Henry at
henryflag@aol.com.
The reunions are great fun...
book your room today!!
| Happy Easter |
SavingSally
Sally Pedroza Ramirez, the daughter of Rosa
Buttner Juarez, the granddaughter of Gertrudis
Robles Buttner, "is struggling with cancer, and not
just any cancer, but a very nasty one called Small
Cell Carcinoma or Oat Cell Cancer", so writes her
precious son Issac.
Sally has been through extensive radiation and
chemotherapy...and she still has the fight in her to
defeat this disease!
Doctors have given Sally about a year to live.
Issac disagrees and would like for his mother to be
treated at a place called Issel's Treatment:
Comprehensive Immunotherapy for Cancer
located in Santa Barbara, California. Treatment is
costly and not covered by their insurance.
Please keep Sally and her family in your prayers
and if you feel able to contribute financially to bear
part of the cost of this treatment look at Issac's
website for how you can help:
http://www.savingsally.com.
Sally Pedroza Ramirez, the daughter of Rosa
Buttner Juarez, the granddaughter of Gertrudis
Robles Buttner, "is struggling with cancer, and not
just any cancer, but a very nasty one called Small
Cell Carcinoma or Oat Cell Cancer", so writes her
precious son Issac.
Sally has been through extensive radiation and
chemotherapy...and she still has the fight in her to
defeat this disease!
Doctors have given Sally about a year to live.
Issac disagrees and would like for his mother to be
treated at a place called Issel's Treatment:
Comprehensive Immunotherapy for Cancer
located in Santa Barbara, California. Treatment is
costly and not covered by their insurance.
Please keep Sally and her family in your prayers
and if you feel able to contribute financially to bear
part of the cost of this treatment look at Issac's
website for how you can help:
http://www.savingsally.com.
Sally with her sons & husband
Bobby and the dogs she loves so
much.
Bobby and the dogs she loves so
much.
Sally
April 15, 2009
Family Reunion 2009
Thought everyone would enjoy a video of some photos from this
year's reunion at Pine Top rather than posting still shots. I had a
fantastic time and it was so good to see everyone again. Eventually I
will write a few words about our gathering, but until I get around to
doing that, enjoy!
Many thanks to Harvey Provencio for some of these photos. He is an
extraordinary and generous photographer.
year's reunion at Pine Top rather than posting still shots. I had a
fantastic time and it was so good to see everyone again. Eventually I
will write a few words about our gathering, but until I get around to
doing that, enjoy!
Many thanks to Harvey Provencio for some of these photos. He is an
extraordinary and generous photographer.
Sonoran Jackrabbit,
The Graveyard Rabbit of Southern Arizona
The Graveyard Rabbit of Southern Arizona
Must be nuts to start a blog, but I ran across the Graveyard Rabbit
Association a few months ago and liked the idea of what they do.
Namely, they are all about sharing research in the way of photos,
stories or videos that have to do with grave markers, cemeteries, &
burial customs. Obviously the people who would have this type of
blog through this association are very involved with genealogy in
some form or fashion. Just thought that this would be another tool
for me to connect with other researchers or those specifically
looking for the Robles name. Check it out....not sure what will end
up on the blog and everyone of you is welcome to contribute to the
blog. By the way, this is a photo of the Solomonville Cemetery
where my great-grandmother Margarita is buried under the rocks.
Association a few months ago and liked the idea of what they do.
Namely, they are all about sharing research in the way of photos,
stories or videos that have to do with grave markers, cemeteries, &
burial customs. Obviously the people who would have this type of
blog through this association are very involved with genealogy in
some form or fashion. Just thought that this would be another tool
for me to connect with other researchers or those specifically
looking for the Robles name. Check it out....not sure what will end
up on the blog and everyone of you is welcome to contribute to the
blog. By the way, this is a photo of the Solomonville Cemetery
where my great-grandmother Margarita is buried under the rocks.
Thanks to Merlinda
Dodge Provencio for
letting us know about the
Arizona Pioneer society.
It is an organization open
to anyone who can prove
their direct lineage from a
relative born in the
Arizona Territory (before
statehood) in 1914. Think
this is a cool idea for a
couple of reasons. One,
though it's no big deal to
belong to a society, it is
important for any society
Dodge Provencio for
letting us know about the
Arizona Pioneer society.
It is an organization open
to anyone who can prove
their direct lineage from a
relative born in the
Arizona Territory (before
statehood) in 1914. Think
this is a cool idea for a
couple of reasons. One,
though it's no big deal to
belong to a society, it is
important for any society
to be meaningful, that it have qualifying participants. That's us in this
case...the Robles, the Provencios, the Munoz, et al. If we don't submit our
info the society does not know we are entitled to belong. We owe this honor
to our pioneer ancestors to have their names on the society's roll. Two, a
society can exist long beyond the natural lifespan of any one of us. Future
researchers of our families might be able to find the missing link in their
research, but only if we take the time to join.
Perhaps some of you are already members. Please send me a copy of your
certificate so I can put it on the website. If not, the url below will take you to
their website. There's a couple of forms to fill out and a nominal fee (they are
running a special through 2010). Many of you can find copies of the
birth/death certificates that you will need to provide proof of lineage on this
website or at
case...the Robles, the Provencios, the Munoz, et al. If we don't submit our
info the society does not know we are entitled to belong. We owe this honor
to our pioneer ancestors to have their names on the society's roll. Two, a
society can exist long beyond the natural lifespan of any one of us. Future
researchers of our families might be able to find the missing link in their
research, but only if we take the time to join.
Perhaps some of you are already members. Please send me a copy of your
certificate so I can put it on the website. If not, the url below will take you to
their website. There's a couple of forms to fill out and a nominal fee (they are
running a special through 2010). Many of you can find copies of the
birth/death certificates that you will need to provide proof of lineage on this
website or at
My application is already in the mail.
A faded copy of a copy does not
make for a decent viewing of a
photo, but it's all I've got and I'm
pleased to have this. On my
most recent visit to Tia Maggie's
in Phoenix in March 2010 she
had this copy amongst her
many, many photo albums. Tia
Maggie is a genalogists
absolute dream because she
saves every graduation,
wedding, and funeral
announcement arranged
methodically in albums. I dare
say she has kept every photo
ever given to her over her many
years. It's the reason we have
this wonderful photo to the left
to appreciate.
Four different Robles lines are
represented in the photo.
Refugio to the far left is the
daughter of Francisco Luna
Robles.
make for a decent viewing of a
photo, but it's all I've got and I'm
pleased to have this. On my
most recent visit to Tia Maggie's
in Phoenix in March 2010 she
had this copy amongst her
many, many photo albums. Tia
Maggie is a genalogists
absolute dream because she
saves every graduation,
wedding, and funeral
announcement arranged
methodically in albums. I dare
say she has kept every photo
ever given to her over her many
years. It's the reason we have
this wonderful photo to the left
to appreciate.
Four different Robles lines are
represented in the photo.
Refugio to the far left is the
daughter of Francisco Luna
Robles.
Francisco was the brother to the other three adults in the photo. Gertrudis,
Rafael, and Eulogia. The child was a granddaughter of Gertrudis belonging
to her son Oscar. Her name is Dorothy Buttner. I don't know, but I imagine
this photo was taken in the Douglas/Pirtleville area where Gertrudis & Rafael
lived ca. 1937 because Dorothy was born in 1935 and she appears to be a 2
or 3 years old. I'm grateful that Tia Maggie is a pack rat in the best sense of
the word.
Rafael, and Eulogia. The child was a granddaughter of Gertrudis belonging
to her son Oscar. Her name is Dorothy Buttner. I don't know, but I imagine
this photo was taken in the Douglas/Pirtleville area where Gertrudis & Rafael
lived ca. 1937 because Dorothy was born in 1935 and she appears to be a 2
or 3 years old. I'm grateful that Tia Maggie is a pack rat in the best sense of
the word.
Finally! I found a
way to make the
genealogy flipbook
available so
everyone can see it.
This is an
abbreviated version
of the flipbook. The
longer version
includes more
photos and stories.
Hope your computer
is capable of viewing
the book.
The longer version
has to be printed. If
you would like a
printed copy call me
at 501-529-7603.
way to make the
genealogy flipbook
available so
everyone can see it.
This is an
abbreviated version
of the flipbook. The
longer version
includes more
photos and stories.
Hope your computer
is capable of viewing
the book.
The longer version
has to be printed. If
you would like a
printed copy call me
at 501-529-7603.
Click on the book to view it 'full screen'.
Is your family surname listed on
this collage? If not, it's not an
oversight....could only include so
many names on it for it to still be
legible. But it does bring me to an
update for all of us to let you know
that our data base now includes
information on close to 4,000
(count 'em) descendants of
Francisco and Rita Luna Robles.
Simply amazing. In late 2008 we
were at 1,500. Thanks to all
who help with putting our
genealogy puzzle together.
this collage? If not, it's not an
oversight....could only include so
many names on it for it to still be
legible. But it does bring me to an
update for all of us to let you know
that our data base now includes
information on close to 4,000
(count 'em) descendants of
Francisco and Rita Luna Robles.
Simply amazing. In late 2008 we
were at 1,500. Thanks to all
who help with putting our
genealogy puzzle together.
2011 was a good year for genealogy
| Wow, I don't know where to start, it's been so long since we've chatted. Here we are in the year 2012. A couple of years flew by me with good intentions of writing but, time got away from me. And we all know about good intentions. I resolve here and now, even though I am not one to make resolutions, that I will get my act together this year and write, |
| write and write some more until the pads of my fingers become calloused. So much has happened within the family and in the course of researching our genealogy that I have been beyond remiss not to keep us all informed. I will confess that when I seem to have slacked off on updating this infinitum newsletter was when I received the onslaught of death notices of beloved family members. Just kinda got to me. Sad news to me, always....got to me, got to my heart when I thought about so many loved ones passing. Felt like I was the obit editor for our local paper. Not a fun job. But it goes with the territory, so to speak. Here's how you can help keep me from the doldrum of depression....SEND ME SOME HAPPY NEWS, please. Weddings, graduations, current school photos of your kids, bar mitzvah invitations. quincenera photos, baby announcements (what could be happier news than that!). You get the picture. Now, let's all get off to a great start in 2012. As I write this we have 345 days to go this year. Let's make them count! My love to each of you, ~Susan |
Iliana Sylvia Severson
October 5, 2011
9lbs 8 ozs
Congratulations to Kitty & Dean Severson
Proud Grandparents are
Rey & Sylvia Robles Vasquez
of of Douglas, AZ
October 5, 2011
9lbs 8 ozs
Congratulations to Kitty & Dean Severson
Proud Grandparents are
Rey & Sylvia Robles Vasquez
of of Douglas, AZ
Abigail Grace Melvin
January 20, 2012
7lbs 7 ozs
Congratulations to
William & Victoria Robles-Melvin
Proud Grandfather is
Frank Robles of Phoenix, AZ
January 20, 2012
7lbs 7 ozs
Congratulations to
William & Victoria Robles-Melvin
Proud Grandfather is
Frank Robles of Phoenix, AZ
