Simply CremationCleopatra 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
Aktas family, thank you for entrusting us to handle the arrangements for such a special lady! Wishing you peace, and comfort during this time of sorrow.
Mike and I are thinking of you at this difficult time. May your mom Rest in Peace 🙏. She was a beautiful soul. Praying for the family
My condolences to you and your family. It was such a pleasure to always see your mom. I’m sure she will be dearly missed by all. But have comfort knowing that she is with her departed loved ones now. My prayers are with you during this difficult time! Hugs and kisses! Matea and family.
My prayers are with the family.So sorry for your loss.
We love you aunt ,rest in heaven with goodheart uncle🙏🙏🙏
I had the pleasure of meeting this Beautiful/Wonderful women and I absolutely adored her. All I ever heard was good things about her and she was always smiling.
Rest in Peace Pat!
I had the pleasure of meeting Cleo and her husband. Every time we come over she would always greet us with a smile in her face and she enjoyed seeing people. May you R.I.P beautiful lady 🌹
I was just 14 when i met her. Although we had very short moments, i can remember her live soul’s sound and light. I could understand uncle Galip’s leaving his thrones. I am sure we will meet again and have more times 🙏🏻
Cleo,
Your Luau birthday party was the best! You looked so happy and we all loved sharing that day with you. I will always cherish the time shared and good ol’ movies with John Wayne back in September. Thank you for being kind and thoughtful.
Always with us and in our hearts.
Love,
Kevin and Patti Simeon
I am so sorry that I just heard about Aunt Cleo. Unfortunately, I only have a few but very memorable times with her. One of those was when my dad (Al Tamayo) took me Kemmerer and I was able to meet many of my cousins and spend wonderful times with all my Aunts. I remember Cleo as such a warm and loving Aunt. I know she is enjoying her new life in heaven with my dad. My prayers and love goes out the rest of the family.