1956 - 2025

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Maria De La Luz Milke, also known to many as 'NaNa Luz' our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Maria passed away on October 29, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, at the age of 69.

Maria was born on April 30, 1956, in Chicorato, Sinaloa, Mexico to Sipriana Ramirez German and Manuel A. Milke. At a young age, she moved to Blythe,and was raised by her father Manuel and stepmother Isidra Milke. Maria attended local schools and graduated from Palo Verde High School. Driven by a strong sense of purpose and determination, she went on to earn an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Throughout her life, Maria was known for her unwavering dedication to her family and friends. She worked tirelessly to provide for her loved ones and always offered unconditional love and support to everyone around her. Her resilience and strength left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Maria's greatest joy was her family. She found immense happiness in cooking for them—her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aromas of meals prepared with love. She is survived by her four children: Luis Manuel Murillo, Sergio Murillo, Maria Annel Manzo (Lorenzo Manzo), and Imelda Holbrook (David Holbrook). Her legacy continues through her fifteen grandchildren: Ellie, Ethan, and Eze Sanchez; Marleyna, Demitrio, Deviny, Delliny, D'siyana, Diovanni, and Davian Murillo; Christian Hernandez; Cesar, Alonzo, and Caleb Quintero; and Olivia Murillo.

She also leaves behind her brothers and sisters; numerous nephews and nieces; and her beloved dog 'Pinky 'who brought her companionship and comfort, and who she also loved to spoil.

Maria was preceded in death by her cherished grandchildren Esmeralda Gabrielle Sanchez and Sergio Rey Murillo; as well as her brothers Nicholas Wiley Milke and Gregorio Nunez.

Maria embraced life with vibrant energy. She enjoyed music that lifted the spirit and also like to sing along. She found peace in sewing and crocheting intricate patterns with care. Puzzles challenged her mind while traveling opened new horizons. One of her favorite pastimes was visiting casinos with friends and family—where laughter echoed late into the night as she often stayed for double or even triple shifts at the machines —forgetting fatigue and pain in favor of fun. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her—as a woman whose strength carried generations forward and whose love bound them together.

May Maria De La Luz "Nana Luz" Milke rest peacefully, and in love. Her spirit remains ever-present in the lives she touched so deeply. A Viewing will be held on November 20, 2025, from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Frye Chapel & Mortuary of Blythe 633 N 7th St. Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on November 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church  875 E Chanslor Way. Followed by burial.