Teodolinda "Bebita" Ayala

Teodolinda Socorro Ayala, age 97, of El Mirage, Arizona died July 8, 2024. She was forever known as Bebita.

Born July 17, 1926 in Panama City, Republic of Panama, Bebita was the 2nd of four children born to Eduardo Antonio Morales (1893 – 1981) and Maria Teodolinda Morales (1896 – 1958). She moved to Los Angeles, California in 1955 with her two children and husband, where he worked as a civil engineer. A daughter was born in 1957.

A homemaker for many years, Bebita went to work for Bank of America in Whittier, California after the death of her husband Agustin. Bilingual, she enjoyed a successful career with Bank of America, retiring in 1991.

Bebita very much enjoyed traveling and counted Greece and China among her foreign visits. Eventually she moved to Why, Arizona where she applied her artistic passion and was active with the Desert Artists Guild in Ajo, Arizona.

Bebita was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Agustin as well as her son Armando (Louie) and daughter Sandra, two brothers and one sister. She is survived by her son Agustin (Gus) and wife Marlene, grandchildren Tawnya, David and wife Patrice, Jennifer, Ginelle, great-grandsons Sammy and Augie, as well as nieces and nephews in Panama.

Menke Funeral Home is assisting with services and a celebration of life is planned for the fall.