Florence Michael Garcia, 85, of Grants, New Mexico passed away suddenly on March 7th, 2021.
Florence was born on May 1 1 th, 1935 to Merhage and Tameme Michael in San Mateo, New Mexico. She graduated from Grants Union High School in 1953. From there she moved to La Junta Colorado where she met Albert Garcia and they wed in 1957, going on to have three children, Roxie, Ruben, and Russell. She worked many years as a Mary Kay consultant, waited tables, and worked in cafeterias for Grants Municipal Schools until her retirement.
Florence was a dedicated, wonderful mother, grandmother, and wife. She fiercely loved her family, supporting them through all of life’s ups and downs. Everyone who knew Flo could always depend on her for a smile, a laugh, conversation, and probably a “grandma” pie or two (or three). Oh how she loved to cook and bake for family and friends - Flo and Al’s Christmas Eve parties were legendary! She was a prankster too and got a kick out of telling a joke to anyone willing to listen. Spending time with friends playing bingo and video poker were some of her very favorite pastimes. Flo loved to dance! She was especially known in her day for tearing up a dance floor dancing the jitterbug with Albert.
Through the many years we were lucky enough to spend with her, Florence lived a kind, generous, always joyous life, and encouraged us all to do the same.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents Merhage and Tameme, brothers Mike, Aziz, Albert, Merhage Jr., and Ernest Michael, and sisters Zelfa Sandoval, Mary Louise Michael, Lorraine Baird, Lillian Grigg, Katherine Tillman, and her grandson Cassidy Elkins.
She is survived by her devoted husband Albert, her daughter Roxie Elkins and spouse Roy Mark Elkins, Ruben Garcia and spouse Jeannette Garcia, Russell Garcia and spouse Chayne Avery, and her sister Betty Cordova of Espaflola NM. Florence also leaves behind grandchildren: Kristin Luna and spouse Marcos Luna, Chase Elkins and spouse Stevy Elkins, J.D. Garcia, and Clint Elkins and spouse Riley Elkins. Also great-grandchildren Kaylin Luna, Jase Elkins, Axl Elkins, and Eloy Luna, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
There will be a Rosary at St. Theresa’s Church Thursday March 1 1 th at 9:30am followed by a mass at 10:00am. Pallbearers will be: Chase Elkins, JD Garcia, Clint Elkins, Marcos Luna, Chayne Avery, and Jimmy Michael. (Honorary pallbearers Florence’s greatgrandchildren Kaylin Luna, Jase Elkins, Axl Elkins, and Eloy Luna.)