Henry Andazola, a former resident of Safford, AZ entered eternal rest Monday, May 8, 2023 at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM. He was born on November 28, 1942 to Adelina Holguin Zapata in Silver City, NM.  

Our grandpa was a firm believer in education. He received his undergraduate degree at Western New Mexico University, his masters degree from New Mexico State University, and was a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University. He instilled in his children and grandchildren that, “education is one thing no one can ever take from you.” He will be remembered as a pioneer, being the very first Mexican American Superintendent in Graham County, Arizona, opening the door for many others to pursue their educational dreams.

Henry is survived by, Charlotte, his wife of 60 years; his children; Deborah Villalba (Diego), Greg Andazola (Denise), Monica Andazola (Steve Grijalva) and his grandchildren Stevi Dominguez (Randy), Antonio Andazola, Andrea Andazola (Dustin Provencio), Andres Villalba (Kimberly), Luke Villalba (Lottia), Sabrina Villalba (Johnny Marquez), Noah Villalba, Ezekiel Villalba (Brianna Aragon), Rhyker Grijalva; his great grandchildren, Isis Dominguez, Jay Dominguez, Austyn Dominguez, Kameron Dominguez, Dakota Provencio, Dusti Rose Provencio, and Duke Provencio, Vayda Rae Villalba, Zia Lynn Villalba, Sophie James Villalba, Taaliyah Arsola, Beau Villalba, Diego Marquez, Olivia Marquez, and Cyborg Marquez. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adelina (Holguin) and Tony Zapata; his sister, Maria Luisa Lopez.

Henry truly believed himself to be a blessed man, Psalm 128 reads, “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD and may you live to see your children's children.” Out of all his achievements he said living out this psalm was his greatest.

He will be truly missed. 

The Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, May 19 at 10:00am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Deacon Bill Holguin reciting. The Funeral mass will immediately follow at 10:30am with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Pallbearers are Andres Villalba, Luke Villalba, Noah Villalba, Ezekiel Villalba, Antonio Andazola and Rhyker Grijalva. Honorary Pallbearers are Sabrina Villalba, Stevi Dominguez and Andrea Andazola.  

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.