Helen Espitia

Helen Granillo Espitia, 91, January 1931 – January 2022. It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Granillo Espitia, who passed away peacefully in her home, with her daughters lovingly by her side, on Monday, January 24, 2022.

Helen leaves behind a beautiful legacy, and one she was most proud of. She loved The Lord, and her family above all. Because of her beautiful 65-year marriage, there are 46 direct descendants that are here today!

Helen was born in Jerome, Arizona. Born to Romaldo and Aurora Granillo on January 17, 1931. Helen's brother Romaldo Jr. moved her, and her siblings to Prescott, Arizona to keep them all together after their parent’s death when Helen was just 10 years old. She learned to cook, and take care of her siblings, and did so unconditionally out of love.

She was the beloved wife of Rudy Espitia. Helen and Rudy celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage, and were married February 13, 1955, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rudy and Helen met when they were 13 years old and were inseparable from that point forward. They loved cooking together and danced as if they were one. Helen loved roses and would always arrange them throughout her home when her sweetheart would bring them home for her for any and all occasions.

She was the proud and loving Mother of three daughters, Marcella, Priscilla, and Susan. She was so proud of her girls and would always tell her grandchildren how thankful she was to have her daughters taking care of her, especially after losing Rudy in 2020.

Helen graduated from Prescott High School in 1948. She spent many years working at the Canario, and the Aquarium Pump. Though her real passion was volunteer work. She spent many years volunteering and raising money for many different causes and charities through Sacred Heart Parish, and The Eagles- where she was elected Madame President for many years. She was honored to be a member of the VFW & The Moose Lodge, alongside her Husband.

Helen enjoyed her family very much. She looked forward to phone calls with her sisters, and children. She also enjoyed cooking and making sure to always have fresh homemade tortillas on hand for her family. Sunday visits with her children and grandchildren. Going to Church every weekend, and a really great telenovela.

Helen is survived by her Daughters Priscilla Suazo (Chris), and Susan Martinez (Shawn), Sisters, Carmen Smith, Josie Nodal, Olga Urias, Brother, Richard Granillo, Grandchildren, Raquel Gonzalez (Samuel) Candice Nunez (Rudy), Susan Mora (Daniel), Thomas Martinez (Lyndsey), Paul Suazo (Rebekah), Ronnie Suazo, Christina Zingaro (Varian), Nicandra Sanchez, Andromeda Flanigan (Corey), Omega Lujen, and J.Jay Allen. 31 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Helen joins her Loving Husband Rudy Espitia, Parents, Romaldo and Aurora Granillo, Daughter Marcella Espitia, and Brother, Romaldo Granillo Jr., in heaven with Our Lord and Creator.

We are comforted in knowing Helen was strong in her faith, and she died in a state of grace and peace. She will be missed beyond words can say but know she will be smiling in heaven watching her legacy grow.