Thelda Rubalcava

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Thelda Jean Rubalcava (Nana), 83 of Miami, Ariz. passed away Dec. 20, 2019 in Mesa, Ariz.

Thelda was born Jan. 9, 1936 in Mesa, Ariz. to Carmen Dean Hamlet and Vada Mae Johnston. She attended Miami High School where she played volleyball. She married her high school sweetheart and eternal companion Johnny M. Rubalcava.

Thelda was a great caretaker, whether it was taking care of Johnny, her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. Her love and care for her family often led to passionate advice. If you didn’t heed her advice she teased she would haunt you and pull your toes.  Her advice was always given because of her love and concern for her family.

She loved working in her yard. You would find Thelda and Johnny working together in the yard and then sitting quietly together enjoying their work and each other.   

Thelda was an amazing cook. Her attention to detail in her tamales, bread, and especially cinnamon rolls is legendary.  The memory of her standing at the huge counter in her home cooking and chatting with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will last for eternity.  Many relatives, friends, and neighbors enjoy the same memory.

Since Johnny’s passing Thelda’s neighbor, Vicki Holguin, became a wonderful friend and help to her.  She looked forward to Vicki’s visits and depended on her help.

Thelda was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She attended the Miami Ward all of her life. She served in countless positions, her favorite was Primary chorister.  Many primary children learned the children’s hymns from Sister Rubalcava.

She is survived by her children Cherie Rubalcava (George Rodriguez), Timothy Rubalcava (Karen), Mark Rubalcava (Brenda), Edie McBride (Jim), Kevin Rubalcava (Megan), 22 grandchildren, and 45 great-grandchildren with two on the way.  She is also survived by her brothers Verdell Hamlet and Wayne (Geri) Hamlet.  Thelda was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter Kathy Jean, parents, and sister Carma Eckbloom.

Services were held on Sat. Dec. 28, 2019.