Mary “Tillie” Quintana-Melgares of Sun City, Calif., passed away on July 19, 2022, in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Born in Cerro, New Mexico, on February 23, 1931, to Jose Eufresio Quintana and Crestina De Leon.

Mary met and fell in love with her husband of 49 years, Nash Melgares in Alamosa, Colo., who preceded her in death in 1999. Together they had seven children, with the first-born son passing at eighteen months of age. They considered their first grandchild Natasha as their daughter whom they raised and cherished.

Mary in her younger years loved to sew outfits for her daughters, crochet doilies and watch Jimmy Swaggart Ministry on television at night before she went to bed. She was a fun Mom, that was quick-witted, humorous, and loved to tell stories about her experiences. Mary was a proud member of the Seventh Day Adventists Church in Sun City, Calif. She made many friends and enjoyed a special group of girlfriends she called her “posse”.

Her children spoiled her as much as they could and loved her beyond words. Mary always enjoyed the attention of her children and would look forward to their phone calls and visits. She was especially happy when she would go to the beach. She had a lifelong love for the ocean.

Surviving are daughters and sons, Marjorie Melgares-Cosgrove (James) of Sacramento, Calif., Steven Melgares of Temecula, Calif., Karen Melgares-Gordon (Derek) of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Brenda Melgares of Hemet, Calif.., Linda Melgares-Jaramillo (David) of Alamosa, Colo., Brian Melgares of Hemet, Calif., and Natasha Birdsell-Mahurien (Jon) of Lake Elsinore, Calif. She is also survived by her seven other cherished grandchildren, Jeffery Penn, Adrian and Steven Jaramillo, Rachael and Buddy Melgares, Cody Gordon, Danny Sharpe, thirteen great-grandchildren. Mary also leaves sisters Florence Naranjo, Carolyn Bandelaria (Ed), Dorothy Knight, Fidela Gibbs (Terry) and Rosalie Palomino (Sal). She had many nieces and nephews as well. Her brothers, Gilbert and Joe Jr. preceded her in death.

Mary’s last 6 years were lived in the home of her daughter Karen and son-in-law Derek Gordon as they lovingly cared for her after the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Mary was 91 years of age.

Memorial service and burial will be September 30, 2022 at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, Calif., 92518.