Teresa Lopez Flores was born on March 2, 1923, in Indio, California and died peacefully with her family in Mesa, AZ on August 9, 2024. She was 101 years old. It was a life well lived, a life of service, faith, gratitude, and a giver of love and joy to all those she came in contact with — an amazing Mother and Friend!

Teresa was 2nd of 5 children, 2 of which died at birth. At 6 the depression hit, and her father lost his job with the railroad. Rather than depend on welfare, he moved the family to Sandias, Mexico where his family had property. Unfortunately, her father passed away a year after leaving for Mexico – which left her mother to raise Teresa and her two brothers on her own. It was not an easy life, but a joyful one. It was there that she was educated, went to college, and became a schoolteacher. She returned to the United States in her 20’s to re-connect with family in California. It was during this visit that she met her husband, Ralph Flores. She first saw his picture on a storefront advertising some boxing matches to take place at a 9/16 celebration — Mexican Independence Day. At first glance, she said “I have to meet that guy!”, and she did! In December 1945, they were married in Santa Maria, CA. They remained married for, just short of 52 years. They had 6 children together, Twins, Clara & Jeannette, Sheryl, Ralph Jr, Frank, and Lisa. Plus 2 children from Ralph’s previous marriage, Celia and Andres. During those 52 years they made their home in Santa Maria, , South San Francisco, San Bruno, San Mateo, CA, Fairbanks, Alaska, St Louis, Springfield Willard, and Ozark, MO. After her husband Ralph passed away in 1997, she spent her time between her children in CA, AZ, and MO, finally settling in Mesa, with her AZ family.

A convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at age 38, she dedicated her life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its teachings. She never passed up the opportunity for service both in an out of the church — always the first to volunteer a meal to the sick or otherwise afflicted. She was a rock of faith, never wavering. That faith carried her thru two major ordeals — the death of her dear daughter Sheryl in 1981, and earlier in her life in 1963 when her husband, Ralph, was in a plane crash in the Yukon Territory. Ralph was lost for 49 days, in the dead of the coldest winter on record. There was little hope that anyone could survive past 48 hours in those conditions, but she never lost her faith in Ralph or in GOD that he would be found. A friend of hers was quoted as saying – she was a rock to us all (Rita). Planes and the Flores Family have an interesting connection. Teresa was in a (successful) belly landing – skidding all over the runway — at the SF International airport in 1980? And in 1983, her son Frank – a pilot for Rio Airways at the time– was hijacked by an Iranian militant mid-flight to Texas which was diverted to Mexico. Offering himself as a human shield, all passengers were successfully released which allowed the Mexican federalist to capture the Hijacker and release Frank. Definitely no shortage of adventures in her life!

Always good natured, Teresa was always up for a good time! An amazing cook – their house was always open for entertaining and parties. And she loved her Mariachis! Traveling until her 90’s, her response to any potential destination was always, “when are we going?!”. She loved the ocean, and she loved swimming- which she was able to enjoy to the end. “My family is my life” was her biggest motto and focus. She kicked COVID twice. Once at 99, and again at 100 yrs old! Even until the end, she would never pass up the opportunity to say I love you and show her gratitude for the service rendered to her when she was no longer able to do things on her own. She loved all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends … and they loved her back! She will be greatly missed, but her love will continue on in all of the hearts she touched.

She is survived by her 5 children + spouses, and over 30 grand – great grandchildren.  A celebration of life will be held in Willard, MO.