Gilbert “Beto” Estrada was born on August 24, 1928 in Douglas, AZ to Jose and Catalina Estrada. Beto passed away on February 5, 2009 at his home. Beto is preceded in death by his parents and the recent death of his daughter Yolanda Alvarado on February 7, 2009 in Silver City, New Mexico.

He is survived by his wife Mini Estrada of 12 years of marriage.  Surviving also are his sons Frank (Frances) Estrada, Globe, AZ., Gilbert (Celina) Estrada, Tucson, AZ, Rene (Bertha) Estrada, Tucson, AZ, daughters, Leticia(Nicolas) Medrano, Douglas, AZ, Terry (George) Lanes, Douglas, AZ, Estella (David) Morales, Tucson, AZ, Lydia (Dirk)Gibbons, Tucson, AZ, and Lucy Verovich, Tucson, AZ. He also leaves behind his brothers Ruben Estrada, Douglas, AZ, Jose(Pat) Estrada, Whittier, CA, Tony (Becky) Estrada, Carson, CA, and sisters, Carmen Rand, Douglas, AZ, Alicia(Ray)Larez, Douglas, AZ, Maria Elena Osborn, Douglas, AZ, Frances Rodriguez, Gardenia, CA and step children Marvin (Lisa) Shatto, Douglas, AZ, Gary Vincent, Douglas, AZ, Monica Taylor, Douglas, AZ, and Albert (Samantha) Esqueda, Baton Rouge, LA, 26 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.

Beto joined the U.S. Navy April of 1946 and was discharged in December 0f 1947. Beto served on the USS Piedmont (destroyer tender). In 1954, Beto started work with the Phelps Dodge Corp., at the smelter in Douglas, retiring after 33 years in 1987. Beto retired as a General Plant Foreman.

Beto was one of the original members of the Cuarenta Alborotados, a social club that was formed in the early 1970’s. The Cuarenta Alborotados would host former Douglas residents living in the L.A. area every Memorial Day weekend.

The receptions would be held at the Bushmasters Club in Douglas. Rosary for Beto will be Wednesday, February 11, 2009-7:00 p.m. in the main chapel of Adair Douglas Funeral Chapel, 1860-8th ST. Mass of the Resurrection will be Thursday, February 12, 2009-10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, with Father Gilbert Malu. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

 Pallbearers will be Monica Taylor, Raymond Larez, Isidorio Cabarga, Frank Estrada, Gilbert Estrada, and Rene Estrada. Care entrusted to Adair Douglas Funeral Chapel, 364-2121, Funeral Director Alex Espinosa.