Korean War veteran Elfigo Ulibarri Pena, age 93, entered into eternal glory to join his beloved wife Dolores and son Paul Patrick on Sept. 14, 2022 surrounded by his family. It was his wish to be at home when his earthly life ended and the family honored his wishes. Elfigo was born to Manuel Ortiz Pena and Benina Moreno Ulibarri in McNary. He was one of four surviving children. He was preceded in death by nine other siblings who died during infancy or childhood. Elfigo knew his life partner since they were infants. The story goes that one snowy night in Concho, Elfigo’s family was returning from Holbrook. The incline on the hill to return to St. Johns was too slick for the Model A truck to climb. Elfigo’s parents knew Antonio and Rufina Perez (Dolores’ parents) and knocked on their door for help. The Pena family was welcome into the Perez home for the night. As both Dolores and Elfigo were infants, they were placed in the same crib for the night. Elfigo liked to say that baby Dolores reached over and held his hand throughout the snow night. Elfigo lived in both McNary and St. Johns. He attended grade school at Coronado Elementary School in St. Johns. At that time, the schools were segregated and Elfigo shared many memories of his time at the school. When he entered grade school, Elfigo did not speak English. He said he had to learn English quickly because they were not allowed to speak his Spanish during school hours and if they did, students had to stand along the fence line and miss recess or be punished in other ways. He also remembered that there was a pretty girl in his class named Dolores. As both Dolores and he remembered the incident, the fourth grade class was lined up to go back into school after recess. One of the other boys poked Dolores on the behind with the bat. Dolores would have none of that and turned around and slapped Elfigo thinking it was he who did the dastardly deed. The blow delivered both hearts and stars to Elfigo. Thus, the romance was forged to last the test of time. Elfigo and Dolores both attended Coronado Elementary School, Pioneer Junior High and St. Johns High School together. Dolores and Elfigo graduated from St. John’s High School in 1949 and were the only two Hispanic students who were able to complete their high school education that year. As a result of that experience, they both supported and encouraged each of their children in pursuit of bettering themselves though higher education. After high school graduation, Elfigo enlisted in the Navy with his best friend, Joe Salazar. Elfigo proudly served on both the USS Yorktown and USS Antietam during the Korean War. Elfigo remembered a shore leave in Japan when he was able to meet up with his cousin Cristobal Ulibarri, childhood friend Joe Salazar and another friend. The four servicemen had a night to remember (or forget) in Japan. They reconnected as friends, cousins and servicemen. Elfigo married Dolores Perez while he was active military and after he was honorably discharged, he attended Arizona Teacher College (NAU) on the GI bill. He had three additional children to add to the one, worked at a Route 66 gas station, and completed school all within three years. He started working for Winslow Unified School District after graduating with his teaching degree. He started his career at Roosevelt School and taught there until it was closed. He also taught at Bonnie Brennan, Lincoln and Washington schools. To many, many of his former students he was and always will be Mr. Pena. He was the teacher who whistled in the halls, taught them how to square dance, sang to the staff and students, played basketball with them, had a story to tell, and taught with dedication and compassion for each student. Mr. Pena enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. He discovered bowling and enjoyed bowling with other retired teachers. He also enjoyed camping in the White Mountains, fishing and spending time at the Rancho in St. Johns. Elfigo received such joy from his grandchildren and step-grandchildren in addition to his great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed video chats, pictures, catching up on how they were doing, and Marco Polo videos. If Elfigo was not out taking his daily walks, washing his car, or working in the yard, he would read his Kindle while sitting across the living room from his wife who was doing the same: reading her Kindle. Elfigo’s faith in God and the sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church kept him strong and sustained him during the 15 months without his beloved wife. He missed Dolores beyond words and he died a little each day he was without her. However, she taught him to trust in God’s will and in His divine plan. As Dolores would say, “Thy will be done.” He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Dolores Perez Pena; son, Paul Patrick; parents, Manuel Pena and Benina Ulibarri; sister, Emilia; brother, Gilbert; grandson, Manuel; and nine siblings. Elfigo is survived by his children Steve (Pamela), Thomas (Dee), Antoinette (Jim), Monica (Eduardo) and his sister, Cecelia Pena. He was blessed with eight grandchildren/step-grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren/step-great grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Elfigo leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, students and friends who loved him. He will always be remembered as Grandpa, Nino, Primo, Chapo, Uncle, Al or Mr. Pena. But he was and always will be a child of God. Now he has returned home. Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. followed by Holy Mass on Saturday, Oct. 8 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winslow. Interment will be at Desert View Cemetery. Reception will follow at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce building (Old Hubble Trading Post) located on 523 W. Second St. (Eastbound Route 66). Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow handled the arrangements.
