Our dad Ramon Morales was born May 6th, 1915, in Hayden, Arizona. As a child, he lived in Tempe, Arizona. Our mother, Sofia Baldenegro Morales, was born in Casa Grande, Arizona, on July 10, 1919. She lived in Chandler all of her life. Mom and Dad got married on June 10, 1941. Dad joined the Army in 1942, and served his country till February 5, 1944. He was a very proud veteran. After Dad’s return from the Army, he mostly worked as a farm laborer. He worked at the Dobson Ranch, which was off Alma School Road and Baseline. He also worked for the Ellsworth family here in Chandler. Later in life, Dad worked as a janitor at Chandler Regional on McQueen Road. He also worked at Williams Air Force Base. In 1950, Mom and Dad bought their first and only home, which was at 372 S. Washington Street. There, they raised nine children. All of the kids went to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Chandler. Some, but not all, went to Seton High or Chandler High.

Mom worked awhile at Steel’s Bakery. She also worked at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital and at the Peacock Restaurant. After that, she became a full-time homemaker. Dad retired from J.C. Penney’s store, located on Ray Road and Arizona Avenue, at the age of sixty-five. They owned their home from 1950 to 2006. Before Mom and Dad died, thirty-five grandchildren, seventy-five great-grandchildren, seventeen great-great grandchildren were born.

Mom died at the age of 87 years. She passed on March 25, 2007. Dad died at the age of ninety-five years; he passed on August 10, 2010. Dad was a volunteer fireman under George Knight, Sr. He also was an emergency patrolman in 1954.

• Photo: Morales2.tif

My brothers are Ramon Jr., George, Mariano, Mike and Ernie. My sisters are Gloria Santa Cruz, and Maria Susie.

• Photo: Morales5.tif