Helen Tapia, age 83, passed away on April 7, 2011 in Flagstaff.She was born on March 3, 1928 in Flagstaff to Porfirio and Lucille (Greening) Montoya.Mrs. Tapia enjoyed old movies, embroidering gifts for her family and she was a huge John Wayne fan.

Mrs. Tapia is survived by her children, Laura Fajardo of Aurora, CO, Yolanda (Ernie) Valdovino of Flagstaff, Andrew (Linda) Tapia of Flagstaff, Richard (Sophia) Tapia of Flagstaff, Frances (Art) Tafoya of Albuquerque, NM, Joanne Tapia of Flagstaff, step daughter, Candy Chavez of Albuquerque, NM, sisters, Margaret (Emilio) Lopez of Litchfield Park, AZ, Virginia (Robert) Baca of Albuquerque, NM, 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.She is preceded in death by her husband Pelajio "Tony" Tapia, sister, Barbara Mireles, brother, Joe Montoya, stepson, Pelajio Tapia, Jr. and son-in-law, Paul Fajardo.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, 2545 N. Fourth St.The holy Rosary will be on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 10:00 am followed by memorial mass at 11:00 am, both at St. Pius Catholic Church, 2257 E. Cedar Ave.Burial will follow at Citizens Cemetery, 1300 S. San Francisco St. where Mrs. Tapia will be buried with her husband in the Veterans B section.