Mary Villanueva Diaz-Gonzalez was born in Superior, Arizona on December 21, 1927 to Jose Villanueva and Maria Santa Maria. She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Joaquin (Kino) Diaz-Gonzalez, her sons Michael and Johnny (JD), her daughter-in-laws, Josie and Liz Diaz-Gonzalez, six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great, great-grandchild and one additional great-great grandchild expected this year. She is preceded in death by her mother, Maria, her father, Jose, and her brothers, Jesus (Chuy), and Jose (Chuckwalla).

Mary grew up in Superior, Arizona on the same plot of land in which she departed this life. As a child, she looked forward to summers where she would travel out to Avondale and Litchfield Park to help her family and cousins prepare the cotton fields. After a long day in the fields, Mary cherished the evenings with her family, playing music and dancing, enjoying one another's company. After meeting Kino and getting married, she moved to Sonora, only to return to Superior with her family in 1963 when the town of Ray/Sonora was closed to expand the mines.

A devout woman of faith, Mary was very dedicated to St. Francis Catholic Church where she regularly attended retreats, helped with the Cursillos, taught catechism and CYM, and helped at the fiestas where the town raved about her hamburgers. Mary had a passion for learning, asking her friends for rides to the valley to attend classes, and eventually serving as a teacher's aide and substitute teacher for special education at the high school. She also served as a secretary for the Superior Courthouse.

Those that knew her, know that Mary loved to dance. Her and Kino were always dancing, whether it was at a wedding, a New Year's Eve dance, or in their living room home. She taught all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to dance and was always convincing her friends to the dances in town. Mary treasured the holidays when her family would gather over her lemon fluff, wine cookies, tamales and music. Everyone knew they were welcomed in the house, as she often kept extra birthday cards and Christmas gifts on hand for anyone visiting. An avid storyteller, she loved telling stories of her past, growing up in Superior with friends and raising her family. Mary will be immensely missed by all, but she will be forever remembered as woman of faith and family, and for her big heart, and kind soul.