Christina Vila

Christina Vila passed away peacefully on December 18, 2022 in her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 89.

Christina was born on March 24, 1933, to Susano and Trina Armola. She spent her childhood years in Tempe Arizona, attending Tempe’s grammar and high school. Christina is preceded in death by the love of her life and Husband Manuel. They met while attending a football game, and it was love at first sight. They were inseparable, as they were always together as they raised their family. They always put their children first as they ensured that their children were well taken care of and happy. She was very proud of her two children Manuel Jr and Alicia, and truly adored her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Christina worked in the restaurant industry and she also worked serving her community as a teachers aid at Ann Ott Elementary School, where she enjoyed working with children. She helped many needy families by reaching out to local community organizations and connecting them with student’s families whom were in need of assistance. Christina served her community in other ways including successfully leading a petition to have the street paved, where she and other family members resided on in the inner-city of Phoenix. Soon after she became a Grandmother, Christina retired so that she could spend more time with her grandchildren and provided child care. She eventually provided care for all of her grandchildren and truly enjoyed being a big part of all their lives. She always put her family first, above all else. She was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching her grandchildren play and attended all of their games, practices and school performances. She was a big fan of St. Mary’s High School athletics and spent many Friday nights attending their football games.

She is survived by her children Manuel Vila Jr (Yolanda), Alicia Arellanes (Dan) , six grandchildren: Joseph, Manuel lll, Dominic, D’Angelo, Luciano and Arielle; and great grandson Raymond. She was 1 of 8 children: sisters Mary Huguez (Michael ✝️), Charlotte Chavez, Esther Ayala ✝️ (Charles ✝️); brother’s Raymond Armola ✝️, Robert Armola ✝️ (Mary), Richard Armola (Barbara) and Alex Perez. She had numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. She was a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday December 30, 2022 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix with a Visitation from 10:00-11:00AM, a Rosary and Scripture Service at 11:00AM.