Karlene Edith Moya Ochoa

Karlene Edith Moya Ochoa, 76, passed away, Friday, June 27, 2025 in Chandler, Arizona. She was born April 27, 1949 in Springerville, Arizona, the daughter of Ted Pena and Irene Baca.

Karlene was the center of her family. She was the perfect mom, nana, nani and wife. She always had a house full of family and friends for holidays, birthdays and special occasions. She loved to cook her delicious food for her loved ones and always baked cookies and treats and made tamales and pozole every year for Christmas.

She was the epitome of beauty and grace. She never left her house without hair, makeup, jewelry and clothes looking perfect. She could literally take your breath away with her beauty. She was even more beautiful on the inside. She had such a huge love for her family and friends. You were truly blessed if you were lucky enough to be in her life.

In her professional life Karlene was just as gifted. She ran the Maverik store in Springerville for several years and made many lifelong friends. She moved to Tempe in 1997 and married her loving husband, Jimmy. In 2002 she opened Karlene’s Closet and in 2004 she purchased Back to the Rack. She successfully ran both stores for over 10 years. When she and Jimmy retired they moved back to Springerville and she purchased the Eagar Flower Shop and successfully ran that for several years.

Karlene was a devout Catholic and was one of the founding members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church Choir. She played guitar with them for over 50 years.

Karlene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Edward Pena, Ted Pena, Robert Pena, Sr., Pete Pena, David Pena, sisters, Mary Alice Jewel, Francis Michael, Thelma Jaramillo, Millie Chavez, and step-son, Carlos Ochoa.

She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Ochoa, son, Troy (Phyllis) Moya, daughter, Tammy Moya, step-son, David (Liz) Ochoa, grandchildren, Dwight Moya, Kenzi Moya, Blake Moya, Elijah Ochoa, great-granddaughter, Karsyn Moya, brothers, Jimmy Pena, Joey Pena and sisters, Virginia Long and Jackie Pena.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all her family and friends and this beautiful community for all the prayers and support we have received. Special thanks to Rick and Lorraine Alvarez, Danny and Tessie Maldonado, Ramon Gonzalez, Fred Baldonado and Nate Thurber.

Rosary will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow the services at the Springerville Cemetery.