OBITUARIES

Ramond Avilez

83, Heber

Alfredo Larios

43, Holtville

Martha Nuno

86, Brawley

Francisca Quijada de Mendoza

80, Holtville

Dr. Jose Rocamora

80, Imperial

Carmen Villa

89, Imperial

DR. JOSE MARIA ROCAMORA Apr. 26, 1937 - May 2, 2017

Dr. Jose Maria Rocamora, 80, of Imperial passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 of Cancer.

He was born April 26, 1937 in Buenos Aires, Argentina and later married Barbara Rocamora on February 3, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dr. Rocamora graduated from Buenos Aires Medical School in 1962. He then came to the United States where he took part in the Rotating Internship in Worchester City Hospital, Worchester, Massachusetts. He completed two years as a Resident in Internal Medicine one of which as Chief Medical Resident. Dr. Rocamora then became the Cardiology Trainee at St. Rafael’s Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1967, he moved onto as a Memorial Research Fellow with the New Haven Heart Association Department of Cardiology, Yale New Haven Hospital: Yale University School of Medicine. In 1970, Dr. Rocamora was asked to take a position as a Research Fellow at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation: Cardio-Pulmonary Division in La Jolla, California. It was in 1974, after making periodic medical visits to the Imperial Valley that Dr. Rocamora decided to move his family to the Imperial Valley and establish a medical practice to serve the many in need of a cardiologist and internist. Dr. Donald Ehman graciously welcomed “Rocky” into his OB/GYN office where he began his practice. This practice included offices in Calexico, El Centro, and Brawley. In May 1990, Dr. Rocamora opened an office in Holtville with the assistance of Efrain Guerrero, Nurse Practitioner. This office closed in 2014, and Efrain relocated to the current El Centro office. While building his career and family, he was also instrumental in establishing intensive care units in Calexico Hospital, El Centro Regional Medical Center and Pioneer Memorial Hospital. He also assisted in bringing about the first ambulance service to the Imperial Valley. More recently, he worked diligently with Linda Marrs, RN, owner of Hospice of Imperial Valley, to introduce hospice care to the Imperial Valley, a much needed service. He served as Medical Director at Hospice of Imperial Valley until his death.

Dr. Rocamora was a member of the American College of Cardiology, Imperial Valley Medical Society, Association of Hospice Physicians and National Hospice Organization. His licenses included both a Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine and a Diplomate American Board of Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Rocamora was published seventeen times over the years and served many positions which included, but are not limited to Governing Body Member HAS: Imperial County and San Diego, Director of Cardiology, Director of Intensive Care, Board Member-Imperial Valley College Fund, Chief of Staff, Chief of Department of Medicine, Utilization Review and Discharge Planning Chairman, Chairman I O P Council, Executive Committee IPA, Medical Director Home Health, Chairman of Licensing /Credentialing at Pioneers Memorial Hospital, and Medical Director at Imperial Heights and Valley Convalescent Hospitals.

After forty-three years, we say thank you and good-bye to a much loved and respected physician, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Doctor Rocamora leaves a legacy of great medicine, love, honor and pride in everyone he ever met. He loved is family, the Imperial Valley, and he loved medicine! In the words of his family, friends, colleagues, and patients, “Dr. Rocamora…. “Rocky”…. had a heart of gold, and his one fault was that he could not say “no.” Dr. Jose Maria Rocamora thank you and may you Rest in Peace.

Rosary will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 795 S. La Brucherie Rd, El Centro, CA 92243. Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 7 to 9 p.m. at Jimmie Cannon Theatre at Southwest High School 2001 Ocotillo Drive, El Centro, CA 92243 and will be officiated by Family and Friends. Burial will be private.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Maria and Maria Elena “Porota” Rocamora.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rocamora of Imperial, California, children, in-laws and grandchildren: daughter, Viviana Mabel Helmer of Escondido, California, son-in-law, Douglas Edward Helmer, grandson, Douglas Francis Helmer, granddaughter, Julia Marie Helmer; daughter, Giselle Rocamora Macalpin of Calexico, California, grandson, Gerardo Macalpin II, son, Martin Douglas Rocamora of San Diego, California, daughter-in-law, Gabriela Rocamora, granddaughters, Dallana Gomez, Melissa Gomez, Kayla Gomez, grandsons, Martin Gabriel Rocamora, Jose Carlos Rocamora, step-son, Matt Malcomb of Brawley, California, grandson, Graedy Malcomb, granddaughter, Kellsie Malcomb, stepson, Josh Malcomb or Brawley, California, daughter-in-law, Sarah Malcomb, granddaughter, Emma Malcomb, grandson, Reid Malcomb, stepson, Jeff Malcomb of El Centro, California, daughter-in-law, Tara Malcomb, sister, Maria Elena “Beba” Daeli of Buenos Aires, Argentina, nephews, Alex Daeli and Marcelo Daeli.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association Imperial Valley Chapter would be greatly appreciated.

MARTHA C. NUNO July 18, 1930 - May 3, 2017

Martha was born on July 18, 1930 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Maria Lomeli and Francisco Covarrubias. She attended an all girls school with her 3 sisters, Margarita, Mercedes, and Carmela in El Faro Viejo Cabo San Lucas where she went on to graduate. 52 years ago she immigrated from Mexico to her favorite little town in Southern California, Brawley eventually becoming a United States Citizen. And although life brought her to Brawley, she shared fond memories of living in Cabo San Lucas fearlessly swimming in the ocean or rowing out to an island with her sisters to gather dates off the palm trees. She assured her family that she lived a long life because of the fact that she swam in the ocean as an adolescent. Filled with pride she explained that daily drops of ocean water in her nostrils allowed her to live a long and healthy life.

Martha’s family believed she should have purchased stock in the Mars Company since she ate, at minimum, one Milky Way a day for as long as her family could remember. She credited Milky Way for her superb energy and sharp abilities. She’d often boast that she had more energy than that of her children and grandchildren. Martha’s energy allowed her to travel both internationally and domestically and she was always eager to know, “A donde apunta el guarache?” Martha’s loved ones knew that no matter where Martha went she was certain to be impeccably dressed and wearing only her finest jewelry.

Above all, Martha’s biggest pride was knowing that through her, a legacy of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remain. Loved ones who will miss her tremendously, but who will carry the memory of her in their hearts until the time comes when they meet again.

She was preceded in death by husband Federico Nuno; granddaughter Valeria Ruvalcaba- Carrillo; sister Mercedes Covarrubias; brothers Manuel Cesena and Roberto Covarrubias; daughter in-law Maria Ruvalcaba and nephew/son Juan Bell.

Martha is survived by her children Eliza Ruvalcaba, Roberto Ruvalcaba, Kirina (Salvador) Ruvalcaba, Maria (Santos) Ruvalcaba- Carrillo, Maria (George) Sanchez, Norma (Albert) Contreras, Juana (Juan) Diaz, Luis (Shino) Nuno, Linda Nuno and numerous grandchildren and great- children.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary. Service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10 a.m. with Father Manuel Gutierrez officiating at St. Margaret Mary Church. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, CA.

RAMOND AVILEZ Jan. 27, 1934 - May 6, 2017

Ramond Avilez, 83, of Heber, CA. passed away on May 6, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Ramond was born on January 27,1934 in Andrade CA.

He joined the United State Air Force on January 1955. He completed boot camp at Parks Air Force Base in California. He was then sent to Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois where he completed his training in aircraft jet engines on April 1957. He then was sent to Nellis Air Force Base Nevada, where he completed a power plant specialist course on the F-100 A airplane building jet engines . He completed his tour of duty at Nellis Air Force Base.

Immediately upon leaving the Air Force Ramond was hired by Corral Motors in 1958. In 1964 he went to work for El Centro Motors, in 1968 he moved to Dold Auto and Equipment Company. In 1974 he went to work for Denson Toyota.

Ramond continued to receive diplomas and certificates of achievements as an accredited Carter Carburetor serviceman in January 1961 and Gas Engine Tune-up in April of 1973

He graduated from Imperial Valley College in 1977, receiving an Associate of Science degree. He also received certificates in Thomas built buses in October of 1991, and from All American Rear Engine chassis service school.

All the previous years of training and experience let Ramond to be hired by the El Centro Elementary School District as a head mechanic. After 21 years of service Ramond retired with many fond memories and treasured friendships.

Ramond enjoyed baking bread and birthday cakes for his family and friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved spending time with his miniature pincher Petunia. He enjoyed woodworking and painting.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to Sacred Heart Mission, 40 E Main St, Heber, CA 92249.

Ramond is survived by his wife of 49 years, Maria Avilez of Heber; daughters, Mona Avilez Kirchhof ; husband (Mark), Alma Flores Glazner; husband (Kevin); sons, Hector Carranza, Jose Carranza, Martin Avilez and Johnny Avilez; wife (Sandra); grandchildren; Jennifer, Emily, Frankie Glazner; Thomas John Kirchhof, Samantha, Ashley and Kayla Avilez; great grandchild; Dominique Borjon; brother, Gabriel Avilez; sister; Guadalupe Perdomo and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 7 p.m. with rosary from 8 to 9 p.m. at Sacred Heart Mission Church in Heber, CA. Service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Mission Church in Heber, CA. Burial will immediately follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Calexioc, CA.

CARMEN ESQUER VILLA July 10, 1927 - May 1, 2017

Carmen Esquer Villa of Imperial, CA passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017.

A celebration of life service will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Imperial Community Church, 300 W. Barioni Blvd. in Imperial, CA 92251.

Mr. Esquer was born on July 10, 1927 in Puertecitos, Sonora Mexico. He met and married the former Rosa Valdez of El Centro.

Mr. Esquer is survived by 2 sons, Carmelo Esquer and his wife, Cristina Wimer of La Mesa, CA and Gilbert Tijerina and his wife Patricia Real Tijerina of Imperial, CA; 2 daughters, Ramona Martinez and her husband, Joe Martinez of El Centro, CA and Susana Esquer Quevedo and her husband Melchor Quevedo of Chula Vista, CA.; his 95 year old sister, Guadalupe Esquer of Cananea, Sonora Mexico; as well as 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

FRANCISCA “PANCHITA” QUIJADA DE MENDOZA May 9, 1936 - May 2, 2017

Francisca “Panchita” Quijada de Mendoza, 80, of Holtville, CA went home with the Lord on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 in La Jolla, CA.

Francisca was born on May 9, 1936 in Sonora, MX. She married Armando Mendoza on April 19, 1959 in Mexicali, MX. Francisca was a dedicated loving mother and wife. She was always smiling and laughing. She will be missed dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband Armando Mendoza in 2006.

She is survived by her daughters, Lorena (Mike) Irvin of Reno, NV, Malu (Alan Lee) of Holtville, CA, Ana (N.J.), Brenda (Clint Beasley) of TX; grandchildren, Ivan Mendoza, Melissa and Christopher Irvin, Adrian and Andres Cisneros, Daniel and Elizabeth Mendoza, Connor Beasley.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 6 to 9 pm with rosary at 7 p.m. at Hems Brothers Mortuary in Calexico, CA. Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 9 a.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Calexico, CA. Burial will immediately follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Calexico, CA.

ALFREDO LARIOS Jan. 4, 1973 - May 11, 2017

Family, chili peppers roosters, wrestling an friends. If you knew Al fredo Larios, you know these are the things h loved the most in thi world.

He loved his girls abov all. He is survived by th love of his life, Kath Mayberry, his oldes daughter Olivia Starke (Chris Starkey) an daughters Laney an Lucy Larios. He is als survived by his parent Ismael and Virgini Larios, his sisters Vikk Carr (Michael Carr), Glo ria Larios, Oralia Larios brother Hector Larios (E rica Larios), and hi nephews Xavier Soto an Noah Larios. Lastly, he i survived by many niece and nephews from Kath y’s family that he consid ered his own.

He was known as Fre or Fredo to some, bu GUERO to most of us Guero was born to Ismae and Virginia Larios o the early morning of Jan uary 4, 1973. He was bor with jet black hair tha turned blond for som years, green eyes, and a extraordinary spirit When he passed, he stil had green eyes and a extraordinary spirit. Hai not so much.

Alfredo grew up i Holtville most of his life a town he always too pride in telling peopl about. In town is where vast majority of his child hood adventures an subsequent noteriet took shape. Highlights in cluded: Hanging with al the neighborhood friends fighting, visiting the Hig ginbottoms and Cerro families, more fighting crawdad hunting, fishing and having the fastes wildest pitch in littl league.

Sometime later th family moved out of tow to Hartshorn Rd. His lov of everything countr flourished here. H raised roosters, goats dogs, turkeys, pigs an rabbits. He planted tree of all varieties, chilis, an countless nopales. H fished canals went hunt ing and won several arm wrestling competition when Holtville used t hold them. He was al ways the strongest guy i the room. He took prid in that. He went to Holt ville High School an Sam Webb then subse quently graduated wit over a 3.0 from Holtvill High School. He wa proud of that also.

The world of roosters peppers, wrestling, an smiles lost one of its big gest champions on Ma 11, 2017, but heaven jus gained an extraordinar spirit. We will all mis him.

All services to be hel at St. Joseph’s Catholi Church in Holtville. Vis itation/Rosary to be hel Thursday, May 18, 201 from 6 to 9p.m. Mass t be held Friday, May 19 2017 at 9 a.m.