We are gathered here to celebrate the life of Rose Trejo Leon, a loving mother, devoted wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and caring friend. Born on April 1, 1932, in Ajo, Arizona, and raised in Tucson, Rose lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Rose's early life held both sorrow and blessing. She was born to Maria Carmelo and Angel Garcia, and at at the age of 5, lost her birth mother, who passed away at just 28 during childbirth. She was lovingly adopted and raised by Carmen and Florencio Trejo, whose strength, guidance, and faith shaped Rose into the resilient and loving woman she became.

Rose dedicated 15 years of her life to the University of Arizona. She took great pride in her work, and upon her retirement, Dr. Thompson, the President of the University, hosted a retirement gathering at his home in her honor. He also wrote a personal poem recognizing her dedication and service to the U of A. During her time there, Rose formed meaningful and lifelong friendships, including her dear friends Madelyn and Alex Cook.

Above all, Rose lived for her family. Her greatest joy came from caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love had no limits. Even last year, after the birth of baby Gianna, she lovingly told her grandson Adrian, "If you ever need a babysitter, I'll take care of the baby." That was who she was always giving, always ready to help, and always loving with her whole heart.

Rose was a woman of deep faith. No matter who visited her family, friends, or even someone stopping by briefly she would reach out, draw them close, and make the sign of the cross over them. It was her way of blessing, protecting, and loving everyone who entered her home, and it is how she will forever be remembered.

She also dedicated herself to her garden and had a remarkable green thumb. At one time, Rose cared for 28 "rose" bushes her favorite flower and keepsake name. Her garden reflected her own quiet beauty, tenderness, and grace.

Rose entered eternal rest surrounded by the love of her family.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesús Leon Leon; her son, Ralph Leon; her birth parents, Maria Carmelo and Angel Garcia; her adoptive parents, Carmen and Florencio Trejo; and her siblings, Alfonso Garcia, Leo Garcia, Norma Garcia, Armando Garcia, and Daniel Garcia (Christina).

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, David (Debbie) Leon, Alex Leon, Francis (Paul) Beegle, Rosella De Leon; her 8 grandchildren, David (Tracy) Leon, Angelica Leon, Richard Leon, Michael (Michelle) Leon, Joseph (Jennifer) Leon, Sarah (Daniel) Moreno, Stephanie Leon, and Adrian (Ronnie Grateron) Campoy,

Her 15 great-grandchildren, Angel Leon, Ricky and Angelo (AJ) Ayala, Braesen Leon, Jade and Jude Leon, Richard Graham, Sophia Ochoa, Matias and Salvador Leon, Pablo and Simone Moreno, Santiago and Emiliano Leon, and baby Gianna Campoy.

She is also survived by her sister, Helen Danley, Chris Burruel; Sister-in-law, Mercedes Leon; Goddaughter, Maricella (Tom) Tovarez, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and loved ones whose hearts she touched deeply.

Rose's loyalty, compassion, and unconditional love will forever be remembered. Her gentle hands, warm smile, and the blessings she offered with the sign of the cross will continue to live on in every heart she touched.

Mom/Grandma your love lives on in each of us. We will miss you dearly, and we will carry your heart, your strength, and your kindness with us always.