Obituary of Maria Bustamante

Maria Benicia Bustamante fell asleep in death on March 31, 2022 at the age of 86. She endured 3 months in a nursing facility from a broken hip and various illnesses before falling asleep in death. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses she looks forward to the hope of being resurrected to an earthly paradise. 

Maria was preceded in death by her brother Richard Castillo, brother Ray Mungia, sister Margaret Sanchez, son Robert Mercado, sister Katie Paredez, brother Armando Martinez and son Richard Mercado. 

Maria is survived by her children Christina Sheets (Damon), Judy Mendoza (Sam), Linda Morales, Molly Fuller(Daryl), Angelina Arguello, David Mercado (Katherine), Tommy Gonzales, Ruben Mercado, along with siblings Maryann Martinez, Erlinda Rodriguez, and Arturo Martinez (Penny), along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Maria was born in Virden, New Mexico on August 28, 1935 and raised in Duncan, Arizona. Maria was always a hard worker. At a young age she started working and helped raise her siblings. She enjoyed cooking and worked as a prep cook for many years. She raised 5 daughters and 5 sons. She was known for preparing delicious meals for her family. Gardening and watching hummingbirds fly around her porch gave her great joy. Her green thumb made every plant grow beautiful.

As she got older, her quick wit never slowed down. She enjoyed playing card games especially rummy. She would do a cute little dance every time she won. Mariachi music and Andre Rieu were her favorite. On most days you could catch her cooking a meal or watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. During her last days she was overjoyed meeting her newborn great grandson Kyle. He gave her extra sparkle in her eyes. 

Maria was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on March 14, 2009. Her love of Jehovah God gave her the strength, the comfort, and the hope she needed to get through many trials. As her health slowed down, her faith grew and helped her carry on. She talked fondly of looking forward to the hope of being resurrected and living forever on a paradise earth. Her favorite scriptures were Isaiah 35:5-9, Romans 10:13, and Psalm 37:29.

She will be greatly missed by all who met her.