Sophie C. McIlwain 85, born April 30, 1929 in Pueblo, Colorado left to be with Jesus on May 6, 2014. Survived by her seven children, Pat Tuttle (Bill) of Gilbert, Arizona, Bill Robles Jr. (Louise) of Pueblo, Colorado, Linda Herrera of Fairfield, California, Kathleen Hunter (Terry) of Florence, Arizona, Brenda Robles of Avondale, Arizona, John Robles (Linda) of Vacaville, California, and Louis Robles (Sandra) of Chula Vista California. Brothers Joe Diaz of Pueblo, Colorado, Leo Diaz (Hope) of Pueblo, Colorado, Richard Diaz of Abilene, Texas and sister Irene Carillo (Fred) of Northglenn, Colorado. Sophie has 18 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Numerous loving nieces and nephews, who lives she touched ever so deeply. Proceeded in death by her parents Conception and Leo Diaz, Brothers Luther, Manual, and Joaquin, and Sisters Elaine Cruz and Vera Apodaca and Son-in-law Paul Herrera. Sophie was a licensed Psychiatric Technician in the state of Colorado and California, and a certified Physical Therapist Assistant. Sophie retired from the State of California in 1991. She moved to Arizona in 2005. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, shopping at Wal-Mart, and having dinner at Denny’s. She taught her daughters to be strong and independent, her sons to be caring and kind husbands. Her grandchildren to sing songs, love music, and to be happy, and encouraged them to be creative and loved them, she taught them “sometimes life was going to be hard but in the end everything will be alright.” Services for Sophie are on May 12, 2014 at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home, in Queen Creek AZ. 21809 S Ellsworth Rd. At 11:00 am, reception to follow.