Maria Spilky, 79, of Escalon passed away in Riverbank on Jan. 6, 2013 following a battle with cancer.

She was born in Roswell, New Mexico and had lived in Escalon for 13 years.

Mrs. Spilky was a nurse and also a Catholic. She was well known for her artistic gifts in paining, jewelry making, costume design and sewing then. She loved people, was very good with animals and especially had a close connection with birds.

Survivors include her husband of 16 years, Richard Spilky of Escalon; children, Raymond Burns of Albuquerque, New Mexico and James Stewart of El Paso, Texas; siblings Julio, Frank, Albert, Bea, Lilly, Katie and Gertrude; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Maria Sanchez, and seven siblings.

Services were held in February, with burial at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.