Socorro Amaya

Mrs. Socorro (Sifuentes) Amaya, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 21, 2008. Born on August 31, 1928 in Crystal City, TX to Juan and Virginia (Castano) Sifuentes, Socorro married her beloved husband of 60 years, Juan (John) Amaya on March 9, 1948. In 1950, they moved to Muskegon, MI, where they made their home. Mrs. Amaya lead a full, compassionate and rewarding life. She previously attended Grand Valley State University and Muskegon Community College, and then held the position of Teaching Assistant with the Muskegon Public Schools, from which she retired in 1990. Socorro enjoyed photography, scrapbooking, ceramics, sewing, social dance, creating personalized computer greeting cards, and spending time with her large, extended family. Her other interests included studying animal wildlife, watching novellas, and adding to her jewelry collection. Survivors include her husband, Juan (John) Amaya, Sr.; seven children, Maria Elena Amaya (Pete Garza), Lydia Amaya, Chris (Gary) Gilchrist, Yolanda (Mark) Ruhstorfer, Eva Amaya, John (Sheila) Amaya, Jr., Theresa Amaya (Kyle Amadon); ten grandchildren, Andrea DeLong Amaya, Lisa Amaya, John (Elysia) Amaya, Kerry (Dave) Bell, Staci Gilchrist, Jennifer Amaya, Austin and Mason Ruhstorfer, Brad Fitzgerald; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Jocelyn Bell; and her brother, Hector Alonzo Sifuentes. She will also be greatly missed by her large community of family and friends, including the Golden Girls Club. Mrs. Amaya was preceded in death by her parents and her two children, Carlos and Lydia "Lileen" Amaya. Visitation will be held at Ever Rest Funeral Home & Chapel, 1783 E. Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral Services: Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 1:00pm at Ever Rest Chapel. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that donations be sent to the Disabled & Paralyzed Veteran's Association. Dignity Logo