Joe Benitez

Joe Carbajal Benitez of Thatcher, passed away on August 30, 2020, at the age of 87. He was born on May 16, 1933, to Luiz Benitez & Corina Carbajal Benitez, joining his sisters Corina, Ida, Lucilda, and Priscilla. Joe graduated from Morenci High School in 1951. On January 1, 1955, Joe married his sweetheart Ella L. Vandruff in Clifton, Arizona. Joe then joined the United States Navy in Los Angeles, California, honorably serving until 1957. After being discharged, Joe began working for the copper mine in Morenci where he worked until retiring as a train engineer. Ella & Joe welcomed the births of their sons Bobby Joe & Ricky Benitez. Joe is survived by his son Bobby Joe Benitez, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Ella and his son Ricky Benitez. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Thatcher Cemetery.