Tommie Romero

Tommie G. Romero
May 12, 1936 - September 1, 2025

Tommie G. Romero, 89, is now at peace in the arms of Jesus. She went home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2025, in Show Low, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 12, 1936, in McNary, Arizona, to Joe and Duby Reyes. In her younger years, Tommie loved tap dancing and playing basketball. She grew up alongside three brothers and four sisters.

Tommie met the love of her life, Robert Romero, at the age of 17, when he came over to buy a stereo. It was love at first sight, and the two were married in 1953. Together, they raised four children, first in McNary and later in Lakeside, Arizona, where they moved in 1967.

For 30 years, Tommie worked at El Rancho Mexican Café, where she was known for her warm smile, kind spirit, and unbelievable work ethic. She gave her all to everything she did and took pride in serving others.

Tommie was a devoted member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in McNary and later St. Mary of the Angels Parish in Pinetop-Lakeside. In the 1960s, she was actively involved in the Cursillo movement at St. Anthony's, deepening her faith and inspiring others through her devotion.

Family was at the center of Tommie's life. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. To Tommie, her grandchildren could do no wrong - she loved each of them unconditionally and made sure they always felt special. She was preceded in death by two great-granddaughters.

Tommie enjoyed cheering for all Arizona sports teams, spending time with her family, and making sure every grandchild was cared for. She was best known for her delicious tamales at Christmas time - a family tradition everyone looked forward to each year. She also loved visiting the slots at Hon-Dah Casino. Whenever she was there her joyful spirit was so evident.

Tommie will be remembered for her deep faith, her love of family, and her remarkable strength and dedication. Her legacy of love, hard work, and devotion will continue to live on through everyone who knew her. Her family will continue her traditions, no matter how small.

The following poem was written for Tommie by her granddaughter Heather:

I Loved You to the Very End

Today, I sat on my porch. There is a light breeze that touches my face.

I watch the sunrise as it dances with the night's sky .....and my thoughts drift to you.....and me.

I have four beautiful children. They are the beginning of my family tree that outstretches into generations.

It all began from a little girl born in a little mountain town. I see all of you and a smile touches my inner soul, a scared place. A place my heart only knows of.

And in this moment, I can see my life. Yes there was sadness and struggle. And life was unfair sometimes....but something even bigger than all of this, was....you.

I lived a lot of different lives, through you all. I experienced innocence in a new beginning, marriages, divorces, love, and heartbreak.

I laughed with you and fought for you when you cried.

Together we celebrated life in all kinds of ways. I cherished every moment of you. Together we held onto each other through loss, waiting for healing, picking each other up.

We embraced our lives together. We are family.

My destiny was to fall in love with you. And in love I fell. I have no regrets.

I have walked this path before you and I know how much inner strength you have to carry on. Knowing the "Big" secret that will unlock all doors.

Is allowing yourself to LOVE and be loved. And having forgiveness.

I LOVE YOU.

-I Loved you to my very end-

Mom.