BIO
Nellie Escobedo Plasencio was born in Solomonville, Arizona in 1925. She was married to Mike Plasencio for over 40 years. At 22 years of age, she had four children to raise. She began work at 17 and retired at 75. Her first job was as a stenographer for the County Attorney in Safford, Arizona. At one point in her career, she was not hired at a telephone company because she was Mexican-American, although she was educated and experienced.
After working for twelve years at the courthouse, Nellie pursued an Associate’s Degree in Office Procedures at Eastern Arizona College. She worked for 33 years for her favorite employer, Emil Crockett, who owned an insurance agency. She became an insurance agent and part owner. After retiring, Nellie was elected to three terms as County Treasurer. She was the first Mexican-American elected to this position. She served her community for many years through her work on the Safford School Board, Eastern Arizona Alumni Board, and for the Graham County Association for Children with Disabilities.
Nellie Escobedo Plasencio was born on February 27, 1925 and passed away on November 2, 2014.