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Rudolph Avalos, 85

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Rudolph “Rudy” Avalos, 85, went home to the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, surrounded by his loving family just four days short of his 86th birthday. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Miguel and Josefa Avalos. He was raised in Miami, Arizona where he spent most of his life and where he met his wife of 60 years, Alicia Esparza Avalos. In 1980 he and Alicia moved to Tempe, Arizona with their 2 daughters.

Rudy was one of 11 children. He was known and loved for his kindness and generosity to his family and friends. Everyone he met, he called a friend and he always had time to lend an ear, a helping hand or just have a beer. Rudy had the patience of Job. He rarely showed anger or anxiety over anything.

After graduating from Miami High School, Rudy served in the U.S. Army then returned to Miami to continue working at the Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company for 30+ years. During his career with the copper mine, he received an apprenticeship in electrical instrumentation and the skills he learned would help him in his future jobs. In the 70’s Rudy took advantage of the G.I. Bill and attended Gila Pueblo Community College, taking classes in history and photography. Rudy was a voracious reader and never stopped learning. He shared the love of books with his grandson who would bring Rudy books to read so they could discuss the content. After retiring from the copper mine, Rudy was not content to be retired so he attended refrigeration school and received a certificate to repair and maintain refrigeration units. Rudy and Alicia also purchased and operated a cleaning company for several years before selling the business. Then Rudy got a job with the State of Arizona as an electrical inspector for about 10 years.

Rudy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Rudy was always looking for ways to help his family. He would send home money to help his family while in the army and even gave his sisters a car, so they did not have to ride the bus. Rudy was blessed with 4 grandkids. He, along with Alicia, cared for their grandkids while their parents worked. Each grandchild had a special relationship with Rudy. He spent time with them, taking them to the park every afternoon, attending all their activities and teaching them about life.

Rudy was preceded in death by his wife, Alicia Esparza Avalos; his parents, Miguel and Josefa Avalos; his sisters, Esperanza Avalos, Maria Avalos and Margie Rodriguez; his brothers Miguelito Avalos, Alfred Avalos and Pris Avalos Sr. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Louisa Pedraza (Russell), and Alicia Thompson (Eric); 4 grandchildren, John Pedraza, Elisa Pedraza, Marisa Thompson and Jenalee Thompson; as well as his siblings, Julian Avalos (Suzy), Globe; Angie Alvarez, Phoenix; Vickie Encinas, Phoenix; and Mike Avalos (Susanna), Globe and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Lakeshore Mortuary in Mesa, Arizona. A small Celebration of Life will be held at Chapel at the Farm (The Farmhouse Village), 397 S. Gilbert Rd. Ste. 110, Gilbert, AZ 85296 on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 at 1 p.m. The service will be available through livestream on Lakeshore’s Facebook Page for those who are unable to attend. The service will observe Covid-19 protocols; social distancing and masks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Rudy’s memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or online at www.HOV.org.