Manuel V. & Martha S. Rojas

Martha passed away on March 8, 2023, and Manuel passed on March 11, 1923, due to age-related health issues.

Manny was born on August 2, 1931, in Tucson AZ. to Manuel and Mercedes Rojas. Martha was born on January 17, 1932, in El Paso, TX. to Esteban and Ramona Soto. Both attended Austin High School in El Paso where they met and fell in love, marrying later, on July 21, 1948. Together, they raised six children. Both were devout and active parishioners in various Catholic Parishes throughout their lives. Dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he later became the first Grand Knight in the St. George Parish. Mom was a member of the Legion of Mary and other ladies’ groups. Both were involved in planning and organizing church activities and functions from fundraisers, to parties, dances, and other special events. Both served as Eucharistic Ministers. They always supported and volunteered in their parishes as needed.

Manny was a career Federal Government employee for 33+ years, retiring as the Chief of Administration Services for the Bureau of Land Management. He held many job titles throughout his career and was always looking for opportunities to strengthen his abilities and provide a better life for his family. In his younger years, he worked for Southern Pacific Railroad at Fort Bliss, TX, and Roswell, New Mexico. His ambitions took him and his family from Texas to Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah in 1962. He worked as an Engineering Draftsman. From Dugway, they relocated to Salt Lake City for several years. His career endeavors also led them to live in various other places from California, Nevada, and Arizona, until he and mom finally retired in St. George, Utah where they lived for approximately 27 years. They eventually moved back to SLC to enjoy their final years with their loving family.

While raising his family, he was involved in community services such as little league baseball. He was instrumental in building a four-plex baseball/softball facility for Granger South National Little League. The field was named "Manny Rojas Park" in honor of him until West Valley City incorporated and it is now known as West Valley City Park. He was named "Man of The Year" by the Granger Rotary Club in 1972.

Mom was fortunate enough to stay at home to raise six children and fulfill her responsibilities as a mother, homemaker, and wife, which she did with love, pride, and joy. She took pride in all she did and made every house she lived in, "our home". Mom had many talents, hobbies, and interests but her extraordinary cooking and famous tortillas are what she was best known for. Whatever this woman did for anyone, she did with love from her heart and it always showed. Mom was loved by all who knew her, for her sweet, caring, and loving ways. She will be greatly missed…there is no other love quite like your mother's. She was a wonderful example of what a lady should be. We admired her for fighting and beating cancer several years ago. Mom and dad faced many health issues in the last few years, but both never gave up on their will to live. They fought long and hard, but their 91 years finally caught up to them. May they rest in peace!

Mom and dad were inseparable. If they were apart for any length of time, one couldn't function without the other. Mom's hospital stays these last few months took a toll on dad. Life's journey took them through many exciting adventures, proud moments, trials, and tribulations but their strong bond and love for each other always endured whatever came their way. They shared many interests but the one they enjoyed most was traveling to spend time with their children and grandchildren. They always tried to be there each time a baby was born. Their family was their life. We are blessed to have had them share their lives with us. They built a beautiful life for themselves and their family in their 75 years of marriage. They leave behind a memorable legacy that will live forever in our hearts. We will miss their love, fine examples, conversations, dad's sense of humor, and witty remarks. So, after almost 75 years of marriage, it seems fitting that they would want to go together. We are thankful for that...it is a perfect ending to a beautiful love story.

They are preceded in death by their son Daniel, both their parents, mom's sister and brother, and countless loved ones whom they loved dearly in their lifetime.

They leave behind five children, Mona Wilde (Wayne), Yvonne Earlewine (Mark), Patricia Wolff-Gamangasso (Brent), Manny Jr. from Phoenix, AZ., Martha Wilding, and two special daughters-in-law Jannice Rojas and Terri Rojas, 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, and many loved ones who loved them dearly.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at IMC for the care they provided for the two of them throughout the last few years. Thanks to the Legacy Rehab nurses and therapists who tried to make mom strong again and for always being patient and kind. A very special thanks to the amazing staff at Crescent Senior Assisted Living for taking such good care of our parents. We are thankful for your kindness, gentleness, and patience with them. For the staff who felt our pain and shed tears and hugs with us during this time, God bless you! Thank you, Makell, the hospice nurse for all you did to make their final days comfortable. You are an angel! Thank you all for being so incredible during this difficult time.

A mass for them will be held in the very near future. We are respecting their final wishes to have their ashes and urn placed in a vault at Valley View Cemetery in West Valley City where their family resided as they were growing up. We have chosen to wait until their 75th Anniversary, July 21, 2023, to proceed with their final resting place. We thank all our friends and family for the love and heartfelt sympathy you have expressed to us during this difficult time! We are blessed to have you in our lives. God bless.

The Rojas Family