Marcella Anaya, a loving wife and mother of six children, passed away at the age of 98.

Marcella was born in Mesilla, New Mexico. She is one-of-eight siblings born to Juana and Santiago Salvatierra. Marcella Salvatierra married Joe Anaya January 6th, 1945. Even through all of the challenges of raising six children, they were happily married for 70 years. Marcella is survived by her sister Mary Lou Hayes of Sacramento California, five sons (Anthony, Richard, Joseph, Stephen, and Lawrence), and daughter (Cynthia). She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Marcella and Joe were truly devoted to each other and life-partners in every sense of the word. Supporting an entrepreneurial husband and raising six children required an incredible amount of versatility. Her careers and talents ranged from accountant/book-keeper for Anaya Farms, bus driver for the school district, and court Spanish translator for many years. She was an avid golfer who loved to compete, and did win several tournaments. Marcella had a passion for painting and was an accomplished photographer. She often used desert scenes she captured in photographs to create beautiful paintings.

Singing was also a joy for Marcella. In their twenties Marcella and her sisters (Ruth, Mary Lou, Paula and Ramona) would sing Mexican ballads on the local radio station. Those close to her will miss the beautiful ballads that that were performed on Christmas Eve and for family gatherings.

Marcella rejoins her loved ones Joe Anaya, and the rest of her family and friends.

Rest in peace Mom. You will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at Frye Chapel on Thursday, August 13th with Visitation at 10:00 a.m., Rosary at 10:30 a.m. with Graveside service following at 11:00 a.m. at Palo Verde Cemetery.