A group funeral was held Tuesday for 10 family members who were killed in a flash flood near Payson on July 15. Three generations of family had been celebrating a birthday at a popular swimming hole when a wall of water swept through.
At St. Patrick Catholic Community church in Scottsdale, Father Eric Tellez described the Valley family’s kindness, their work ethic and their love of food. Almost all the pews were filled, many with people wearing white shirts bearing photos of the loved ones they lost. Father Tellez spoke of the grace of the surviving family members, who have made a point to thank the community and search and rescue crews.
“This family reminds us to be grateful, even at the saddest part of our lives,” Tellez said.
At the ceremony’s end, people clapped and cried as each white casket rolled by. They clapped for Selia, Maribel, Erika, Javier, Jonathan, Maria, Hector Miguel, Daniel, Mia and Emily.
