Our dear Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother & Great-Great Grandmother, Sophia Arambula passed away on April 21, 2018 at the age of 96. Sophia came from humble beginnings, born August 1, 1921 in a small village, San Jose, Jalisco, Mexico to Marie Gonzalez & Santos Martin. Her family immigrated to the US August 26, 1926.
She was 5 years old. Sophia met and married the love of her life, Val Arambula, on October 14, 1939. They shared 49 years of marriage until his death in November, 1988.
They raised five children in the small coal mining community of Sunnyside Utah. The family enjoyed many years and made lifelong friends in Sunnyside. Sophia had many accomplishments in her 96 years.
A few to mention: She became a US citizen November 5, 1954. She graduated from high school June 5, 1991 at age 69 and was valedictorian of her class. Sophia received Salt Lake County’s Vital Volunteer July, 1992, Sandy City Senior Citizen Volunteer of the year 2004, United States President’s Call to Service Award 2005.
Sophia was a Charter Member of the Sandy Senior Center. She was actively involved for over 25 years at the center. She taught the “Chair & Stretch” Fitness Class three days a week until age 90.
Sophia had many dear friends at the Sandy Senior Center. Sophia volunteered two days a week at Silver Mesa Elementary School for over 25 years. She worked with Special Needs Children and in the library.
Many of the Children called her “Grandma”. Sophia was an avid sports fan. Her favorite teams were the Denver Broncos, the Utah Jazz, the Utah Utes and the Colorado Rockies.
We all knew to never call her during a game because she would not talk. Please join us for a celebration of our Mother’s life on Thursday, April 26th at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, Utah, from 6 to 8 pm. A viewing and comments from family and friends are welcomed.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 27th at 11 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 9757 S. 1700 E., Sandy, Utah. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah. Sophia is survived by: brother David (Eileen) Adair, Denver, CO, children: Pat (John) Wingert, Golden, CO, Mike (Linda) Arambula, Sandy, UT, Rick (Susan) Arambula, West Jordan, UT, Gerry (Kaye) Arambula, Seattle, WA, Nori (Ron) Jones, Herriman, UT.
She is also survived by: 9 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. The family would like to thank Sunrise of Sandy Staff for the years of excellent care of our Mother and Solstice Hospice Care, especially Jolene, Our Angel of Caring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Alzheimer’s or Cancer Foundations.
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