Maria Ayala Rodarte, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 22, 2008. She was born in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico and came with her family to Arizona in 1928. She married Severiano Rodarte in 1932 and they settled in Chandler. They had been married for 56 years when Severiano passed away in 1987. They had five children, Mary Esther Shipe (John), Margaret Jimenez (Ramon), Severiano (Rosa Elena), Lucia Madrid (Al), and Rosa Stevinson (Scott); Nana had 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Maria was a selfless and loving mother who, together with her husband, sacrificed to make a better life for her children and grandchildren. After raising her children, working in the fields with her husband, she worked at San Marcos, ASU, Williams AFB and Rosarita Mexican Foods. She cared for her husband during his extended illness. She enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo, talking to friends, reading the editorial pages, following politics and especially watching Meet the Press. She will be missed by her family, who will cherish her memory forever. She had an independent and strong sprit which inspired all those around her.