Cleopatra Mary Tamayo – Aktas

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mrs. Cleopatra Mary Tamayo – Aktas, 95, of Surprise, Arizona. Cleo died on February 17th, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on June 28th, 1926 to Felix Tamayo and Lena Mestas in Cokeville, Wyoming Cleo was a fierce woman, holding fast to her beliefs, defending those she loved. A “Wild Child” growing up. Some would say she had a “Free Spirit”; hence her nickname “Butch.” Cleo grew up in Kemmerer Wyoming with seven siblings. She rode horses, played baseball & was known to beat up a boy or two for pulling her braids. After High School, Cleo moved to San Diego, CA where she studied to become a Cosmetologist, this was a trade she was able to use throughout her lifetime. Cleo was a mother to six children, a grandmother to five generations, & an aunt to four generations. Cleo enjoyed watching movies; a few of her favorites were “Gone with the Wind” & any westerns starring John Wayne. She had a love for music, she was always singing & tapping her toes. Cleo was known to participate in dance competitions with her older sister Ida dancing a jig. Cleo’s favorite saying was “That’s Life” she believed in not stressing over the small stuff. She was a woman of faith which made her a warrior. Cleo valued loyalty, honesty & authenticity. At 95 years old, Cleo was still witty throughout her battle with Dementia. She would always banter & laugh with you over silly things. Cleo loved her entire family, despite their quirks. She worried about them, cheered for them, protected them, prayed over them and forgave them. She loved unconditionally. Our beloved Cleo will forever be known to us as “Ms. Hollywood.” Much like one of her favorite artists, Frank Sinatra’s song “My way”, she lived her life “Her Way.” Cleo was one of a kind, full of grace and a beautiful soul. To be loved by her was to be “Truly Blessed”. Cleo is survived by her daughters Jeri Smith (Guy Smith), Ellen Derting, Sureyya Aktas-Gomes (Gary Gomes) her son James R. Derting (Teresita Derting), her sisters Celia Muniz, Julia Tamayo, twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and one great-great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband Galip Aktas, son Robert Earl Derting, daughter, Joan Stronjy, brothers Alfred Tamayo, Jerry Tamayo, sisters Mary Martinez, Ida La Bleu, and niece Cleo Louise Arvin. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 18th, 2022 at Thompson Funeral Chapel 926 S. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, Arizona 85338. The family suggests that donations be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association Nonie’s Remembrance Ceremony Time: Mar 18, 2022 01:00 PM Arizona Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86336154590?pwd=UXNaL3Vvb0dHN0ExVTA4d3B3TzhZQT09 Meeting ID: 863 3615 4590 Passcode: 380477

Cleopatra Mary Tamayo – Aktas

February 17, 2022