Frances Ramona Maestas

Our sweet Mom/ Grams got her Christmas wish this year and was reunited with her loving husband Gilbert. She passed away at home Saturday December 10th with loved ones by her side.

Frances was born to Daniel and Helen Salazar in Durango Colorado on March 9, 1935. She was the oldest of 4 and the only girl. She went to Park school elementary where she met the love of her life in the 3rd grade. She later graduated from Durango High school in 1954. During her High school years she worked on the Silverton Train, and at the Strater Hotel. She would often tell us stories of all the different people and Celebrities she was able to meet and see while working there. On September 13th, 1954 Frances and Gilbert were married in Durango Colorado. The following year they welcomed their first Son Floyd. In the late 50’s they moved to Salt Lake City to start a new adventure. October of 1962 they welcomed their 2nd son Mark.

Frances had worked some waitressing jobs for a few years but eventually found her place at Litton’s. She loved playing for their soft ball team and met so many wonderful friends there. She worked at Litton’s until she retired in the early 90s. Frances’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t her work, it was her family, her Sons and most of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gilbert and Frances would spend most of their retired years going to sports, dance recitals/pageants, plays and musicals trying so support their grandkids however they could. They would do anything for any one of them, they lived for that. When she wasn’t busy running around you would find her in the kitchen, she loved to cook, bake and entertain. She would never let anyone leave with an empty stomach. She loved so deeply and so fiercely you couldn’t help but feel the love when you were with her.

Most would tell you how innocent and sweet she was, but those who were close enough to her also knew she had a very playful side and was mischievous when she wanted to be. She was a very independent lady and sassy in all the right ways. Once her dementia set in that didn’t go away, she was still very quick witted, oh so funny and had people laughing so hard all the time because she loved picking on people and making them smile.

They had a love for music; you would often find Gilbert twirling his beautiful bride while they listened to the old country music as Frances sang to her Viejo. They loved playing dominoes, card games and going to Wendover, any reason to have a good time with family and friends. They also loved to travel and spend time with family, she had so many close relationships, her brothers, her cousins who were like her sisters, many brother and sister in-laws, daughter in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who she thought of as family and who loved her like another mom or grandma, and it filled her heart with so much joy. We were so lucky to have her, love her and be loved by her.

Frances is survived by her brother Johnny Salazar, 2 sons Floyd Maestas (Barb), Mark Maestas and daughter (her Rouka) Vickie Maestas Goodro. 7 Grandchildren: Brandon Maestas, Frances (Tyler) Heaton, Matt (Leslie) Maestas, Ashley (Chris) Singer, Melissa Maestas, Jackson Maestas and Cooper Maestas. 7 Great Grandchildren: Delyla, Oliver, Madden, Claire, Savanna, Gianna and Chloe.

We want to give a special thanks to Everest Hospice, especially Misty, Peggy, Karly and Kaily for taking such good care of her and the family during these last few months and supporting us in so many ways, we will be forever grateful to you. Thank you to Kira (Brandon) for introducing us to the Everest family.

Thank you to everyone who called, visited, texted, sent love, prayers and supported us in anyway these last few years we love you all.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents Dan and Helen Salazar, husband Gilbert and brothers Danny and Jerry.

Services will be held at Redwood Memorial Estates on 6500 s. Redwood Rd. Viewing will be on Sunday December 18th from 6-8pm and Monday from 9-10am. Funeral will be Monday December 19th at 10 am.