Erlinda Figueroa Carranza

Erlinda F. Carranza, age 97, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. She was born on December 2, 1928, in Tanque Verde, Arizona, where she was raised on a ranch alongside her many siblings. She was preceded in life by her brothers Jose Jr., Ramon “Wero,” Edwardo, Ernesto, Alvino, Arturo, Alfred, and Ramon “Hito,” and her sisters Isabel, Maria, and Anita. Survived by Enrique.

Erlinda married the love of her life, Ramon Carranza, and together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and family. They were blessed with two children, Hector Carranza, who preceded her in death, and Norma Carranza.

She was a proud grandmother to Raven and cherished her great-grandchildren Rene, Raymond, and Joseph, as well as her two great-great-granddaughters, Jadynn and Jocelyan.

Erlinda was known for her quiet strength, humble nature, and loving heart. Though shy and simple in spirit, she left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. To her family, she was much more than a mother and grandmother — she was a best friend, a guiding light, and the heart of the home. Norma lovingly called her “the Energizer Bunny” because she always kept her going with her endless care and energy.

A devoted homemaker for many years, Erlinda later chose to enter the workforce and spent 10 dedicated years working in housekeeping at Arizona Mail Order Company. She truly enjoyed the people she worked with and took great pride in her job, missing only one day of work in an entire decade.

Erlinda will always be remembered for her incredible cooking. Her kitchen was filled with the comforting aromas of homemade tamales, fresh salsas, chili con carne, arroz con leche, soups made from scratch, menudo, and her famous beans. She cooked the traditional way — without recipes or measurements — and every meal was made with love.

To the Carranza family, she was lovingly known as “Tia Erlinda,” and to the Figueroa family, “Tia Chata.” Her love, kindness, and devotion to family touched generations.

She now reunites in peace with her beloved husband Ramon and her son Hector. Though deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is surrounded by love in heaven, just as she surrounded others with love throughout her life.

“Mom, don’t worry. I have lots of earth angels around me. Rest in peace with Dad and Hector. I will miss you, and I love you always.”

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the West for the compassionate care provided to Erlinda and for their outstanding service, kindness, and support during this difficult time.