Stella Marie Rodriguez, age 76, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, surrounded by family. Born the oldest of three daughters to Alfred and Sarah Moreno, Stella was raised on the family farm in El Mirage, Arizona, alongside her beloved sisters, Ana Martinez and Esther Lopez.
In 1963, Stella met her future husband, Henry Rodriguez, and the two built a life together. Their union was blessed with five children. Stella became a certified beautician, a career she pursued with passion for many years before retiring in the early 2000s. Throughout her life, Stella’s vibrant spirit, warmth, and unwavering love for her family were evident. She spent her free time watching and cheering for the Arizona Cardinals and Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns. Her cheers for her teams could be heard throughout the house.
Stella was preceded in death by her husband Henry Rodriguez, and two sons, Henry Rodriguez, Jr. and Gabriel Rodriguez. She is survived by her remaining children: Suzanne Schneider, Steve Rodriguez, and Rick Rodriguez. Stella leaves behind a legacy of love and joy through her nine grandchildren—Melissa, Daniel, Sierra, Averie, Alex, Gabriel Jr., Jacob, Samarah, and Liviyah—and five great-grandchildren: Emmett, Elias, Lylah, Ibrahim, and Julian.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Thompson’s Funeral Chapel in Goodyear on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Stella will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, whose kindness and devotion touched the lives of all who knew her.
Stella’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to those who supported them during this time. She will be greatly missed, but her love will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
