Hortencia “Tenchi” Sandoval Sanchez

July 26, 1940 – August 6, 2026

Hortencia “Tenchi” Sandoval Sanchez, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Tempe, Arizona, on August 6, 2026, due to organ failure. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.

Tenchi was born on July 26, 1940, in Hayden, Arizona, to Felix and Jesus Sandoval. She graduated from Hayden High School in 1958. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gabriel Sanchez; her sisters, Enedina, Carmen, and Oralia; and her brothers, Alfredo (Lou), Francisco (Lucy), and Raphael.

She leaves behind her loving daughter, Anna Cruz-Lichner, and son-in-law, Christopher; her sister, Mary Castillo; her brothers, Fernando and Randolfo (May Lou); her sister-in-law, Mary Rose; many nieces and nephews; and her three beloved grandchildren, Mya, Zane, and Mia, who brought her immeasurable joy.

From a young age, Tenchi was known for her strong work ethic and willingness to do whatever was needed to care for herself and others. She pumped gas at Mage Howard’s Gas Station in Hayden, worked as a cashier at Louie’s Drug Store, Polly’s and Flonnie’s clothing store, and later cleaned homes before retiring and marrying Gabriel.

Tenchi was a faithful Christian woman who loved Jesus deeply and lived her faith through kindness, service, and love for others. She embodied the spirit of Jesus by loving God and loving her neighbor. She had a heart of gold—gentle, generous, and always willing to help someone in need.

Throughout her life, Tenchi served others in quiet and meaningful ways. She volunteered to clean the church, drove others to appointments, taught many nieces and nephews how to drive, and showed up whenever someone needed a ride, a helping hand, or a steady presence. To many, she was a second mother or a true friend.

Above all, Tenchi was deeply devoted to her family—both her blood family and her church family. Later in life, she lived with her daughter and cherished the years spent watching her grandchildren grow. She found joy in simple, faithful moments—reading her Bible, working on puzzles, and completing word searches.

Tenchi’s legacy is one of faith, love, humility, and service. Through the way she lived, she showed others that Jesus is real, that He loves each of us, and that He desires a personal relationship with everyone.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date at San Pedro Valley Baptist Church in Dudleyville, Arizona.