ROJAS, JR., AMBROSIO “AMBROSE” SANCHEZ

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ambrosio “Ambrose” Sanchez Rojas Jr., 84 years old, of Phoenix, AZ. He died on March 27, 2023 in Phoenix, AZ.

On March 16, 1939, Ambrose was born to Ambrosio Sr. and Refugia Rojas in Tolleson, AZ. As a young child, Ambrose helped provide for his parents and siblings by working in agriculture. Beginning at the young age of eight years old, he worked in farm fields picking cotton, cantaloupe, and potatoes. On weekends he worked as a shoeshine. When he turned sixteen years of age he made the bold decision to self-enroll in high school to pursue an education.

Ambrose entered the U.S. Army in 1957 as Private First Class. In December 1964, he received an Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

In his earlier years, Ambrose worked as a Phoenix meat cutter. For nineteen years, he operated diesel trucks for various diesel trucking companies. He married the love of his life, Dolores “Lolie” Vila, on December 2, 1977, and they had three children: Anthony of Buckeye, AZ, Catherine (Philip) of Litchfield Park, AZ, and Amber (Keith) of Phoenix, AZ. From a previous marriage, he was father to: Marlene, Sofie, Ambrose, and Jennifer.

Ambrose’s greatest love was spending time with his wife of forty-five years, Lolie. They enjoyed time eating at their favorite restaurants, dancing, traveling to northern Arizona, and attending their grandchildren’s various school events and performances. He was a loving husband, father, and “Tata”.

He enjoyed various music genres including his favorite artists: Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Augustin Lara. He was an avid sports’ fan. He enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams: the LA Dodgers, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Cardinals.

Ambrose often shared his faith in God. He read his Bible daily, and he shared that his wife and daughters were his “blessings from God”. Ambrose volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Through St. Augustine Catholic Church, he served as a parish usher and attended a weekly prayer group.

Ambrose was truly “one of a kind”. He had a vibrant personality that was infectious. His family often joked about how he knew everyone. Throughout his life, Ambrose maintained the virtues of dependability and dedication to provide for his family. Often working two jobs to ensure that his children attended the best schools and had a different upbringing from his own. He always instilled the importance of hard work and higher education.

Ambrose is survived by his wife, Lolie, and his seven children. Ambrose created many wonderful memories with his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two remaining siblings, Ruth and Jennie. Although he will be truly missed, may he rest peacefully with Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrosio Sr. and Refugia, and siblings: Jose, Frank, Carmen, Ricki, Raymond, and Ralph.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 P.M., immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 2:30 P.M. that will begin with Military Honors, all will take place at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix.

Gallery