On July 6, 2017, the family of Mary Avis Salvatierra gathered to say a last, "good night" to their beloved mom and grandmother. She passed peacefully in the morning hours of July 7, ending a life defined by a strong devotion to family, love for good company, a wonderful sense of humor, and a collection of great memories. Mary entered into life on September 8, 1935 in Pontotoc, Mississippi and was the third of seven children born to Chester and Eathel Taylor.

Mary grew up and spent her formative years in Pontotoc, MS. She attended school through the 8th grade, but stopped after that year to help care for her youngest siblings and mother's illness. In 1952, Mary married Joe White and moved out west to start a new adventure. From this union, she welcomed her first two children, Donnie and Betty White. A twist of fate would lead Mary to meet and fall for Joe Salvatierra, who was the love of her life. Joe and Mary married in 1958 and during their 43 year marriage, she welcomed four children, Linda, Denise, Joe (Pepe), and Danette.

Throughout her life, Mary was a devoted wife and mother to her husband and family. She stayed active in local clubs, played bingo, and loved going back to Mississippi most summers to visit her brother and sisters. She also spent much of her time caring for her many grand children. "Mema", as friends and family affectionately call her, was always willing to care for and entertain her grandkids with dice, cards, or a variety of other quirky games and activities. She was an excellent cook and passed a number of great southern and southwestern food recipes to her children and grandchildren.

Mary leaves behind sisters, Obine Turner (Amory, MS), Nancy/Bill Malone (Pontotoc, MS), Donna/Billy Harris (Okolona, MS), and Nedra/Charles Guyton (Pontotoc, MS). Surviving children includes, Donnie White (Parker, AZ), Betty/Mike Eberling (Bellevue, WA), Linda Sanchez/Junior Love (Blythe, CA), Denise Salvatierra (Blythe, CA), Joe "Pepe" Salvatierra (Blythe, CA), and Danette Salvatierra/Robert Figueroa (Blythe, CA). Mary also leaves 22 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mary in death are her husband, Joe Salvatierra, parents Chester and Eathel Taylor, sister Thelma "Skinner" Morris, brother Alton Taylor, and daughters-in-law Valerie Salvatierra and Jeanie White. Our "Mema" was a kind soul who taught us to appreciate the simple things in life and enjoy the gift of family. Her playful personality, kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit will continue to live through those she leaves behind.

Visitation for Mary will occur at Frye Chapel on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 9:00 AM. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM in the Frye Chapel. A celebration of Mary's life will occur at the VFW, located at 148 N. 1st St. immediately following the interment at Palo Verde Cemetery.