Mirtala V. Calix, lovingly known as “Mama Tala” went home to be with her Heavenly Father on October 11, 2018 at the age of 88. She was a resident of Emerald Coast Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Born February 23, 1930 in Gracias, Honduras, Central America to Manuel & Otilia Villela. She graduated from Colegio Ramon Rosa in 1950 and later became a teacher. After her marriage to Arturo Gustavo Calix on December 26, 1953 she moved to the United States and proudly became an American citizen and an Air Force spouse until they retired in 1974. After many military changes of assignment with her husband and family from one side of the United States to the other and back to Central America she finally settled in Bob Hope Enlisted Widows Village, which she affectionately called “The Village” until the day she took up residence in Emerald Coast Center.
Mama Tala as affectionately called by her grandchildren truly embodied a loving mother and grandmother. Her love for the Lord was also very evident in her life. She loved to read her Bible and praise her God. As quoted from her journal “This is the gift from God and the joy of life for me; His love, my faith, my marriage, my children and grandchildren” “You are my God, They are my Joy”. She lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, like her love of birds, flowers, plants, singing and telling stories of the past. Like when she played on her high school basketball team and how she played the guitar, a talent both her sons learned from her. Her most cherished moments were spent with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Arturo Calix, her sisters Marina & Elsy, her brother Armando and her grandson Timothy. She is survived by her sister Olga Villela, brother Manuel Villela, daughter Gladys O. Calix of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, her son, Arturo G. Calix Jr (Tara) of Metarie Louisiana, and son, Thomas A. Calix (Deborah) of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Ann R. Calix of Hialeah, Florida; 5 grandchildren Dennis, Cynthia, Daniel (Danielle), David & Stephen and 2 great-grandchildren Nadia & Adriana and many nieces and nephews. She was loved by so many and she will never be forgotten!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Spirit of Christ Church located on 206 Jonquil Avenue NW Fort Walton Beach, Florida with Interment following at Sunset Cemetery Valparaiso, Florida. Arrangements are entrusted to McLaughlin Mortuary in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
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