With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rudy (Sonny) Luis Bustillos, who passed away surrounded by his children on August 14, 2026, at the age of 91.

Sonny was born in Lincoln Heights, East Los Angeles on October 12, 1934. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and began his life-long career as an Auto Mechanic.

Sonny married the love of his life Nellie on June 26, 1959. Together they built their home and family in Lincoln Heights, and in 1973 moved their family to Tucson. In 1975, Sonny began his 21 year career at the City of Tucson, as a Fleet Mechanic. He developed many long lasting friendships over the years, until his retirement in 1996.

Sonny found joy in taking his children on camping trips during their childhood and to the beach where he loved swimming out into the ocean. At home he loved having family barbecues that were famous for his charred beef ribs. He enjoyed parties with friends and family, and his yearly hunting trip. Born and raised in Los Angeles close to Dodger Stadium, Sonny was an avid Dodgers’ fan and took his family to many games. His son Rudy continued taking him to games into his eighties. He loved the game of baseball so much, he coached several teams in Los Angeles, La Puente and Tucson.

Upon retiring, Sonny became a full-time chauffeur for his grandchildren who attended multiple schools around Tucson. He loved taking them to school, picking them up, providing rides to sport events, practices, and field trips.

Sonny and Nellie purchased a recreational vehicle (RV) and began traveling around the United States, seeing many sights. There were also many exciting RV trips with the grandchildren, which they still reminisce about. He was their strong Tata who could do anything, even fix the RV if it broke down.

Sonny loved his children, but his grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and he made sure they knew it. His relationship with each one of them was unique and special, and they all loved him so much. He was blessed to watch them grow into young adults and have families of their own. His 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, will cherish the beautiful memories he created and the love he showed them throughout their lives.

He will be deeply missed. 

Sonny is preceded in death by his loving wife Nellie, and survived by his children: Suzette (Tony) Pesqueira, Annette (David) Romero, Rudy (Tammi) Bustillos and Christy Ann Bustillos. Grandchildren: Stefanie (Ryan) Murphy, Tiffanie (Richard) Gradillas, Tonie Pesqueira (Joseph Trujillo), Desiree Romero (R.J. Harding), Rudy Bustillos (Taylor Popish), Rhiannon (Austin) Campbell, Braedyn Bustillos, Nicole Chavez (Mario Hernandez), Alfred Bustillos Chavez, Jr. (Melina Gutierrez) and Alfonso “Fonz” Chavez. Great-grandchildren: Connor Murphy, Caylee Murphy, Rudy Rios, Mia Gradillas, Kyla Trujillo, Andreas Harding, Nathan Aguilar, Matthew Aguilar, Luna Salcido and Yaretzi Chavez.