At the age of 97, Robert G. Zazueta passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the University Medical Center in Tucson, AZ.  Robert was born in Pirtleville, AZ on October 12, 1911.  He lived in Douglas until 1999, when his beloved wife, Barbara, passed away and he moved to Sierra Vista to live with his son and family.

Robert was an honorable, knowledgeable and loving man. He enjoyed reading and had a true love for books, baseball, western movies and playing games with his grandchildren. In his younger years you would often find him sitting on the floor in the den with them, playing a game which he had made. He was great with numbers and often made up number games to help his grandchildren learn their math. He always had a story to tell them or a project to share with them. This man never drove a car and would walk the distance of the City of Douglas on a daily basis to pay his bills, get his groceries and visit with his friends along the way.  Many times his walk would extend to Pirtleville to visit his sister or to Agua Prieta for a haircut. When his grandchildren would join him on his walks, they would play the “Lucky Penny” game and the first one to find the penny was the winner.  In Sierra Vista, Grandpa Beto would often be seen walking down Foothills Drive until he would reach his favorite shady spot, where he would sit on his walker for hours greeting people with a friendly wave as they drove by. 

Robert served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941-1945 and was proud to be a Veteran. In the late 1940’s, on a humble little baseball field in Pirtleville known as Estrada/Nevarez Field, Robert’s voice would echo through the area as he boldly announced all the activity of the game.  The team was the Pirtleville Tigers and to those lifelong friends, Robert was fondly known as  “Kacharka.”  In 1951, Robert met and married Barbara Rivera. They were married for 48 years.  In 1973, Robert retired from Phelps Dodge  where he worked for 25 years.  He then started a little side job as The Taxman to friends and the elderly. Showing his compassion and love for others, his fee was usually a simple $10.00.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his parents, Juan and Maria, his brother Juan, two brothers who died as children, both named Alejandro and a step-daughter, Carol Garcia-Lara.

Our dear Grandpa Beto is survived by his sons, Robert (Tina) of Sierra Vista, and Ronnie (Gloria) of Tucson; five grandchildren Brian(Sarah) Zazueta, Rob(Marnee) Zazueta, Audra Jo Zazueta(Carlos Moreno) and Christopher Zazueta as well as Elyssa Zazueta of Tucson.  He was adored by his great-grandchildren, Erich, Nico, Myranda, Anthony, Ethan, Alexia and James and  leaves four loving sisters, Aida Alvarado of Douglas,  Herminia Lopez, Teresa Cordova, and Lucy Martinez all residing in California.  Family members also include Robert and Linda Aguilar, Patricia Casey, Matt Robertshaw, Caterina Zazueta, three step-children, twelve step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, January 21st at 1:00 p.m. at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Buffalo Soldier Trail in Sierra Vista.  Following the services, the family will gather at the home of Robert and Tina Zazueta, 900 Verde Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ.  Cremation provided by Hatfield Funeral Home.

Grandpa Beto was a man who never possessed or desired worldly possessions but lived his life richly and fully. He became the king of our home in Sierra Vista and has left a huge emptiness in our lives. We were very blessed to share many years with him, but sharing the last ten years with him in our everyday lives are priceless moments which his family will always cherish. We will miss you dearly Grandpa and We Love You very much.