Obituary: CORDOVA, RUFINO

Rufino Cordova"Rudy"Rufino Cordova passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 1, 2012 at the age of 84. He was born August 20, 1927 in Chamisal, New Mexico to Epemenio Cordova and Ruperta Cordova. He married the love of his life, Mary Elsie Lopez on May 27, 1954 in Bingham Canyon, Utah. They were married 57 years. He served his country proudly during the Korean War in the Army of the United States from September 28, 1950 to August 3, 1956. He received two Medals of Honor. He was employed at Kennecott Utah Copper for 37 years and retired at the age of 55. Rufino is survived by his loving and caring wife, Mary Elsie; daughters, Rose Elkins and Betty (Mike) Clarke; sons, Rudy (Sandra) Cordova, and Ron (Rebecca) Cordova; nine grandchildren, David Elkins, Robert (Brooke) Elkins, Michael (Marian) Clarke, Trisha (Chad) Deveraux, Justin Clarke, Rudy Cordova, Rachel Cordova, Makayla Cordova, and Rufino Cordova Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Maria Elkins, Anthony Elkins, Jayce Clarke, Hayden Clarke, Elsie Deveraux, and Cade Deveraux; siblings, Ernesto (Bertha) Cordova, Frumencio Cordova, Raymond (Barbara) Cordova, Matilda (Ernesto) Cordova, Timmy Cordova, Joe (Shirley) Cordova, Lilian (Frederick) Diel, Lawrence Cordova, Maxine (Joseph) Martinez, and many loving nieces, nephews, godsons and goddaughters. He joins his parents, two brothers, and a daughter, Jane Cordova, who preceded him in death. Dad, we will always love you and we will never forget you. Rufino loved working in his garden and raising cows, pigs, sheep, etc. on his farm. He truly loved and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the sunshine of his life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7405 So. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. The family will receive friends and relatives at a viewing Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. and again Monday from 10-11 a.m. There will be a Vigil service Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 So. Redwood Road, where graveside ceremony will include military honors. www.goffmortuary.com