Maria Miranda Duarte, 99, died peacefully in her sleep on June 28, 2017 in her home in Blythe, California. Born December 19, 1917 in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, and predeceased by her parents Atilano Miranda and Luciana Negrete Miranda and her late husband, Alejandro "Chino", Robles Duarte. Over the span of 70 years, she and "Chino" raised their family in the Palo Verde Valley also creating long lasting friendships along the way.

Survivors include 6 daughters and a son: Alma Angelina Duarte of Blythe, Celia Hernandez of Rancho Cucamonga, Irma DeForest of Blythe, Maria Gloria Holler of Blythe, Grace Taylor of Blythe, Racheal Duarte of Blythe and Alex Duarte of Vista. Blessed with 7 grandchildren she was fortunate to be "Nana" to all of them and "Nanagrande" to her 6 great-grandchildren, and "Tia Maria" to many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass was held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Blythe, CA, on Thursday, July 6, at 10 a.m. Father Alex officiated. Graveside services took place at Palo Verde Cemetery immediately afterwards. Family, relatives and friends gathered at a reception held at the VFW Post 2987, 148 No. 1st Street. All may visit www.fryechapel.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family.