Frances Olivas Amaro

Frances Olivas Amaro, 90, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona. She was born on February 27, 1935, in Guadalupe, Arizona a town she loved deeply, believed in fiercely, and served with her whole heart.

Frances was the beloved daughter of Sebastiana Flores and Fransisco Olivas, a devoted wife to Pablo Amaro, and a loving mother of two children, Carlos Olivas Aguilera and Christina Amaro Macias. She was preceded in death by her son, Carlos, whom she loved deeply.

She was also a cherished grandmother to six grandchildren. To some, she was a second mother; to many, she was a safe place a home where her grandchildren grew up, spent countless hours, and where some lived with her, surrounded by love, guidance, and care.

Frances was a proud Pascua Yaqui tribal member, and her heritage was an important part of who she was. She carried deep pride in her people, her culture, and her community, and this pride guided her lifelong commitment to justice, service, and advocacy.

Born and raised in Guadalupe, Frances dedicated her life to the betterment of her town and its people. She served on the Guadalupe Town Council from 1977 to 1979, during a pivotal time in the town’s early incorporation. She was also deeply involved with the Guadalupe Organization, serving on its Board of Directors and advocating for the fair and just distribution of land, particularly for the Yaqui people and for the betterment of the Guadalupe community. She played a meaningful role in the efforts that established the town hall, helping ensure Guadalupe could govern itself with dignity and independence.

Later in life, Frances found a deep and personal Christian faith and became known as a true prayer warrior. She faithfully served in children’s ministry as a Sunday school teacher, and in her later years, she continued her ministry by leading prayer at the senior center, offering comfort, hope, and encouragement. Frances carried a prayer list not written down, but held in her heart—and she never forgot a single person on it. If you were on her mind, there was no need to worry; between her and God, you were being prayed over and anointed.“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Frances leaves behind a legacy of faith, advocacy, service, and love. She believed deeply in her people, served her community with courage and humility, brought many souls closer to Christ, and lived with a forgiving and generous heart. Her prayers, her work, and her love will continue to live on through her family and the community she loved so dearly.“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4