Dora Beatriz (Pena) Saldana

Dora Beatriz Pena Saldana, 72, passed away peacefully in Yuma, Arizona on Monday, November 11, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family. 

Dora was born on October 21st, 1947 to Max and Frances Pena.  She was a long-time resident of Burley Idaho where she lived since leaving her childhood home in Del Norte Colorado in 1955.  It was in Burley where she married the love of her life Florencio Chapa Saldana.  They shared 23 years of marriage together and had five beautiful daughters before he passed away on July 31st, 1990.   

Her love for helping people was reflected in her work as she enjoyed many years as a Teacher at the Head Start in Burley and Aberdeen looking after young children as if they were her own.  She also spent many years as a Head Cook at the Senior Citizen Center in Aberdeen Idaho sharing her love of food for the elderly.

Dora loved her grandchildren deeply.  When she wasn’t making her famous cherry chip cookies for them, she was dancing or watching movies with them.  She would call and pray for grandchildren each morning prior to school and before all major events such as sporting events or school tests to give them confidence.  She loved reading books, completing word searches and taking long walks.  She also enjoyed watching her weekend football games, especially cheering for the Denver Broncos.

Family and friends were Dora’s passion and delight.  She was known as a “prayer warrior” because she always took the time to pray for people in their time of need.  Her love of God ran deep, and she would share the word of God to anyone who wanted to listen. 

Dora loved having her family around for Christmas celebrations.  Her home was the family center where everyone gathered on holidays to share their togetherness. She was happiest when her family were all there with her.  Her family will miss her greatly but also rejoice in the happy memories of these many happy years she spent with them.

Dora is survived by her five children:  Rose Palacios (Toribio), Irene Garza (Jorge), Linda Saldana, Flor M Castanon (David), Crystal Hipolito (Christopher), 12 grandchildren:  Isaac Polanco (Eva), Hope Ortega (Chuy), Jorge Garza Jr, Rudy Frez Garza, Cassandra Castanon, David Castanon Jr, Elizabeth Castanon, Alex Hipolito, Xavier Hipolito, and Charlotte Hipolito and four great grandchildren: Divina Ortega, Serena Ortega, Geovanny Polanco, and Omar Polanco. She is also survived by a sister Judy Maestas and brothers Max Jr Pena (Maxine), Tony Pena and Andy Maestas. Both her brothers, Ross and Don Bobby predeceased her in 1959 and 2017. She is also survived by friends and relatives in Idaho and Arizona who will miss her kind spirit.

The viewing for Dora will be held on Friday November 15th from7-9pm at Yuma Mortuary 775 S 5th Ave, Yuma Az.  A Celebration of Life service will be on November 16th at 11am at the Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church 150 West 28th St, Yuma Az. 

Flower Arrangements can be made by the Flower Mine in Yuma Az.  For donations, please contact Crystal Hipolito at crystalaxhipolito@gmail.com. 

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