Mary Conception Stayer

Mary “Lollie” Conception Stayer passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 17th at her daughter Christine and son-in-law Panch’s house surrounded by her immediate family in Phoenix.

Lollie was born on December 8, 1944, to Joseph Nunez and Chona Oviedo.  She was one of six siblings.  Lollie attended Immaculate Heart Grade School and Phoenix Union High School.  After graduating, she met Richard Stayer who at the time was serving in the military at Luke Air Force Base.  Shortly thereafter, they married and started a family.  Richard and Lollie had 3 children: Richie, Christine and Paul.  Their love and devotion to their children was unparalleled. They always made sure they had the best education possible while attending all their games, celebrating any and all events in their lives, and always finding a way to vacation in California.  Lollie’s care and support for her children was never any stronger then after the sudden passing of her husband, Richard, after 29 years of marriage.

Lollie was a friend to all but was especially passionate with her love for children.  She was a babysitter and caretaker for numerous friends and family members, including her grandchildren over the years. She volunteered her time serving in the cafeteria at both St. Mark’s and St. Agnes Catholic Church, always ensuring that no kid went unfed.

Lollie was an endearing mother, a devoted wife, and a best friend to all walks of life.  She loved to shop for others, seemingly on a daily basis, always looking out for deals and more importantly to brighten someone's day.  Lollie also enjoyed being in the kitchen whether it be cooking for family or friends or preparing tamales, laughing and spending time with loved ones around her.

Lollie was a very spiritual person driven by her faith in God. She only saw the good in others with her heart of gold. Lollie would never hesitate to give her last to someone in need.  She was loved, admired, and an inspiration to all who knew her. The impact of Lollie’s life will be felt for years to come, yet her journey has only begun as she now is able to join all of her family (soulmate Richard, Nana & Tata, Mom & Dad, Joey, Tessie, Stevie, Timmy and many others) along with friends in Heaven.

Lollie is survived by her partner Allen Ruiz, children Richie, Christine (Panch) Baratta, and Paul (Hanh), grandchildren Adam and Eric Baratta, brother Tommy (Mary Anne) Nunez and Julian De la Cruz.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. with the rosary prayers recited at 7 P.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. A Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 909 E. Washington Street, Phoenix. Burial to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix.