Mary Josephine Esquibel

Mary Josephine (Mary Jo) Esquibel lost her battle with cancer in Ogden, Utah, on March 2, 2011. She was born March 19, 1934, in Cheyenne to Paul and Mary Bernal Puebla.

At age seven, two months after her mother's death and upon advice of the parish priest, Father Denk, her father moved her and her siblings, to be cared for at St. Joseph Children's Home in Torrington. She attended elementary grades there.

After returning to Nevada with her father, she attended high school in Clarke County, then attended and graduated from Pelletier High School in Los Angeles, Calif.

In 1972, she received her associate degree in elementary education from Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, along with her husband Chris Esquibel. She worked in Torrington, as a tutor and waitress for several years.

Upon moving to Ogden, she attended Hollywood Beauty College and was employed by Sears Beauty Salon at Newgate Mall for thirteen years. Most recently, she worked ten years as a cashier for Maverick.

Mary Jo, the "Scrabble Queen," was a friend to all, known for her compassion, humor, quick wit and one-liners.

Her family was her pride and joy. They were her life! She is greatly missed by them and her many Maverick and Bingo Buddies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Joey Vargas, granddaughter, Marwa Ahlat and her true love, Chris.

Survivors include her children, Steve Vargas, Rita (David) Marquez; Loretta (Rudy) Sarceno, Madeline Ramirez, Christine (Nael) Ahlat, Melinda (Dave) McLean and Tammi Esquibel, 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters: Maxine Boles, West Covina, Calif.; Alice Howard, North Hollywood, Calif.; Margaret Puebla and brother, Paul Puebla, both of Torrington.

Special thanks to the McKay-Dee Hospital nurses, doctors and hospice staff in Ogden for their loving care.

On her birthday, March 19, a private family service was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ogden, Utah.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, July 2, 2011, at 10:20 a.m. in the St. Joseph Children's Home Chapel, 1419 S. Main, Torrington, WY with the Rev. Michael Carr officiating.

Cremation was under the direction of Aaron's Mortuary, Ogden