Rudy Lopez Flores († 78)
December 5, 1944 to November 21, 2023
The Obituary
Rudy Flores († 78) of Casa Grande, AZ, passed away peacefully at his home on November 21, 2023.
He was born on December 5, 1944, in Coolidge, AZ to Severanio and Maria (Lopez) Flores.
Rudy's commitment to his country led him to pursue 22 years in the Army National Guard. During his military years, he embarked on a career in photography, where he traveled to many countries as part of the Army’s Stars and Stripes magazine.
He went on to work for Updike Studios Photography where he introduced and perfected the colorization process.
He also enjoyed working for Walgreens Photo Center where he became a neighborhood friend to so many patrons as well as other employees.
Rudy touched countless lives with his expertise and passion for his photography.
Outside of his professional life, Rudy had a variety of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed gardening, working on home projects in his backyard.
One of Rudy's greatest accomplishments was being an extra in the Elvis Presley movie “Charro!” which was filmed at Apacheland in Apache Junction, Arizona in 1969.
CHARRO! is currently available complimentary on YouTube. Rudy can be seen in various parts of the movie portraying a town person. His biggest scene may be viewed near the end of the movie following the explosion of the chapel. He and two others hear the explosion and come running out of a barn.
The barn and the chapel from the movie have been restored and are still standing to this day.
Inside the chapel - now known as the Elvis Chapel there is a television playing a video.
Near the end of the video you may view Rudy's scene as it is playing on a loop at the Museum daily!
You may visit the Apacheland movie set daily between 9:00am - 4:00pm. Be sure to tell the cashier that you know Rudy Flores, they will be happy to meet ya!
Superstition Mountain Museum
4087 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
In the mid 80's, Rudy enjoyed flying in which he went on to receive a pilot’s license in Huntsville, Alabama.
Rudy's greatest joy came from his role as a husband, father and grandfather. Rudy is survived by Lucia Cons Obregón Flores, who he married on May 20, 1967.
Their children, Renee Knop (Jonathan), Alisa Fierro (Scott) and Dominick Flores (Yolanda). Grandchildren: Dominick Jr. Dominique (Deonte), Anthony (Jazmin), and Elijah. Great-Grandchildren: Jeremiah Flores, Kaizhani Lunn, Deonte Lunn Jr., Saphire, Ocean, and Harmony.
Rudy is survived by his brothers William, Ed, Jesse and Raul; his sister Isabelle and preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margie Salcido and his brothers Herman, Ernesto, and Richard.
Rudy's legacy lives on in the hearts of his loving family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will forever be cherished, and the words he spoke in those last days will continue to bless and inspire others.
A memorial service to honor Rudy's life was held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11 am at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, AZ.
A second celebration of life was held at Scott and Alisa's home on January 13th. Eighteen guests were in attendance. Some were caregivers, Reiki practitioners, people who met him once or twice and a few that had never met him.
The service began with the playing of T.A.P.S. by Jacob Petersen, a volunteer bugler from Buglers Across America.
The somber sounds of Jacob's bugle echoed through the neighborhood as he played the iconic tune representing lights out" at the end of a military day (go inside the vault to watch it)
At the request of his daughter Alisa, the tune was played twice.
Once was facing west at the front of the house followed by another performance facing east.
Following the performance, guests enjoyed a Mexican themed dinner with Dad's favorite fajitas from Food City.
Bright colored bubblegum balls were placed on the table for guests to enjoy at Dad's request.
Then around 6:00 pm the fun began with a live performance by Mark Stevenz - Elvis Tribute Artist. The guests enjoyed an upbeat and very interactive Elvis Presley show that lifted everyone's spirits. Mark was the highlight of the evening as he sang one of Dad's favorite Elvis songs, "Poke Salad Annie" and closed with a very touching rendition of "American Trilogy".
After the Elvis show banana cream pie was served followed by a Sunkist Orange Soda toast. Both were Dad's personal requests.
I Am so grateful to all of my friends who have become family. Your attendance filled our home with love and laughter. Because of you, our home is happy again. Here are the names of attendees and how they knew my Daddy:
Alma Sigala • Angelina Sigala • Gloria Bianco • Susan Shine • Michael Phillips • Gerald Maragos • Lori Maragos • Fred Rankin • Pete Remondino • Glo Coffman • Ray Roqueni • Linda Tozier • Ted Tozier • Avril • Maria • Michelle Casciato
I will leave you with a few of his favorite phrases:
"There's no place like home" - "You better believe it!" - "Just do it!" - "Sometimes, silence is golden." - "Yatahey!"
In love
and light, Alisa
He was born on December 5, 1944, in Coolidge, AZ to Severanio and Maria (Lopez) Flores.
Rudy's commitment to his country led him to pursue 22 years in the Army National Guard. During his military years, he embarked on a career in photography, where he traveled to many countries as part of the Army’s Stars and Stripes magazine.
He went on to work for Updike Studios Photography where he introduced and perfected the colorization process.
He also enjoyed working for Walgreens Photo Center where he became a neighborhood friend to so many patrons as well as other employees.
Rudy touched countless lives with his expertise and passion for his photography.
Outside of his professional life, Rudy had a variety of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed gardening, working on home projects in his backyard.
One of Rudy's greatest accomplishments was being an extra in the Elvis Presley movie “Charro!” which was filmed at Apacheland in Apache Junction, Arizona in 1969.
CHARRO! is currently available complimentary on YouTube. Rudy can be seen in various parts of the movie portraying a town person. His biggest scene may be viewed near the end of the movie following the explosion of the chapel. He and two others hear the explosion and come running out of a barn.
The barn and the chapel from the movie have been restored and are still standing to this day.
Inside the chapel - now known as the Elvis Chapel there is a television playing a video.
Near the end of the video you may view Rudy's scene as it is playing on a loop at the Museum daily!
You may visit the Apacheland movie set daily between 9:00am - 4:00pm. Be sure to tell the cashier that you know Rudy Flores, they will be happy to meet ya!
Superstition Mountain Museum
4087 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
In the mid 80's, Rudy enjoyed flying in which he went on to receive a pilot’s license in Huntsville, Alabama.
Rudy's greatest joy came from his role as a husband, father and grandfather. Rudy is survived by Lucia Cons Obregón Flores, who he married on May 20, 1967.
Their children, Renee Knop (Jonathan), Alisa Fierro (Scott) and Dominick Flores (Yolanda). Grandchildren: Dominick Jr. Dominique (Deonte), Anthony (Jazmin), and Elijah. Great-Grandchildren: Jeremiah Flores, Kaizhani Lunn, Deonte Lunn Jr., Saphire, Ocean, and Harmony.
Rudy is survived by his brothers William, Ed, Jesse and Raul; his sister Isabelle and preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margie Salcido and his brothers Herman, Ernesto, and Richard.
Rudy's legacy lives on in the hearts of his loving family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will forever be cherished, and the words he spoke in those last days will continue to bless and inspire others.
A memorial service to honor Rudy's life was held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11 am at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, AZ.
A second celebration of life was held at Scott and Alisa's home on January 13th. Eighteen guests were in attendance. Some were caregivers, Reiki practitioners, people who met him once or twice and a few that had never met him.
The service began with the playing of T.A.P.S. by Jacob Petersen, a volunteer bugler from Buglers Across America.
The somber sounds of Jacob's bugle echoed through the neighborhood as he played the iconic tune representing lights out" at the end of a military day (go inside the vault to watch it)
At the request of his daughter Alisa, the tune was played twice.
Once was facing west at the front of the house followed by another performance facing east.
Following the performance, guests enjoyed a Mexican themed dinner with Dad's favorite fajitas from Food City.
Bright colored bubblegum balls were placed on the table for guests to enjoy at Dad's request.
Then around 6:00 pm the fun began with a live performance by Mark Stevenz - Elvis Tribute Artist. The guests enjoyed an upbeat and very interactive Elvis Presley show that lifted everyone's spirits. Mark was the highlight of the evening as he sang one of Dad's favorite Elvis songs, "Poke Salad Annie" and closed with a very touching rendition of "American Trilogy".
After the Elvis show banana cream pie was served followed by a Sunkist Orange Soda toast. Both were Dad's personal requests.
I Am so grateful to all of my friends who have become family. Your attendance filled our home with love and laughter. Because of you, our home is happy again. Here are the names of attendees and how they knew my Daddy:
Alma Sigala • Angelina Sigala • Gloria Bianco • Susan Shine • Michael Phillips • Gerald Maragos • Lori Maragos • Fred Rankin • Pete Remondino • Glo Coffman • Ray Roqueni • Linda Tozier • Ted Tozier • Avril • Maria • Michelle Casciato
I will leave you with a few of his favorite phrases:
"There's no place like home" - "You better believe it!" - "Just do it!" - "Sometimes, silence is golden." - "Yatahey!"
In love
and light, Alisa