Rudy Hernandez Espitia

Rudy Hernandez Espitia 89, May 1931 – August 2020, It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Rudy Hernandez Espitia, who passed away peacefully in his home, with his family lovingly at his side on Monday, August 10, 2020. His life was well lived, and he was well loved.

This gentle, loving, caring, and wonderful man, has left a permanent mark etched in our hearts, and will be immeasurably missed by all who loved him. Family was the center of his life, and he always made sure his family knew they were loved.

Rudy was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona. Born to Jose and Nicandra Espitia on May 29, 1931. He is a native Prescottonian, and was very proud to call Prescott his home.

He was the beloved husband of Helen Espitia. Rudy and Helen celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage, and were married February 13, 1955 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rudy and Helen met in junior high and instantly knew they were soul mates. They loved cooking together, and danced as if they were one. Rudy always showered his wife with roses for every anniversary, birthday, and all the just because occasions.

Rudy proudly served his country, willingly and lovingly. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War.He was the proud and loving father of his three daughters, Marcella, Priscilla, and Susan. There is not a single thing that he would not do for them.

Rudy spent 35 years working for the City of Prescott, and retired as the Sanitation department Supervisor. He took great pride in his work, and was very much loved by those who worked with him.

He enjoyed starting his morning with breakfast at The Apple Pan, watching The Price is Right (he always knew the price!) he enjoyed fishing, hunting, music, dancing, sporting his always clean truck, cooking (he was arguably the best chef in town, and through his cooking, he was able to raise many funds for various charities throughout the Prescott area) and any and all family reunions or parties (Which he usually created the best menudo for, hands down!)

Rudy is survived by his wife, Helen Espitia, Daughters Priscilla Suazo (Chris), and Susan Martinez (Shawn), Sisters, Jessie Poblano, Clara Tafoya, Esther Mendibles, and Mercy Lara. Grandchildren, Raquel Gonzalez (Samuel) Candice Nunez (Rudy), Susan Mora (Daniel), Thomas Martinez (Lyndsey), Paul Suazo (Rebecca), Ronnie Suazo (Amy), Christina Zingaro (Virian), Nicandra Sanchez, Andromeda Flanigan, Omega Lujen, and JayJay Allen. Great Grandchildren, Gabriel, Daniel, Cael, and Auriel Gonzales, Isabella Nunez, Christian, Elena and Abigail Mora, Selah Martinez, Joseph, Victoria, and Adam Suazo, Connor Riley, and Aiden Suazo, Bryce and Clavin Zingaro, Angelique, Saul, Marcella, Juan, Diego, Guadalupe, and Sulema Sanchez, Sadira and Adalee, Macdaleno, Javier, and Maya, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rudy joins his parents, Jose and Nicandra Espitia, Daughter Marcella Espitia, Brothers Frank, Walter, and Arthur Espitia, Sisters Irene Sanchez, Anita Acosta, Josie Gallegos, Sally Posos, and Jennie Duran, in heaven with Our Lord and Creator.

We find solace knowing Rudy was strong in his faith, and he died in a state of grace and peace.

Our family would like to Thank Kindred in Home Hospice Care for their loving support and care during such a difficult time.