RALPH “LITO” FERNANDEZ
Aug. 7, 1930 - Aug. 21, 2018
Ralph “Lito” Fernandez, born August 7, 1930, passed away on August 21, 2018, in Palm Desert, California, surrounded by his family.
Ralph, known as Lito by family and friends, was born in Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, and moved to Brawley with his parents and two sisters when he was about 16 years old. Lito started working as a truck driver at about age 17, working for local trucking firms and ultimately became an owner operator. He loved trucking. He hauled sugar beets, cotton, tomatoes, peaches, and hay.
Lito is suivived by his wife of 34 years, Betty of Indio; children, Gracie (Bill), Ralph, Jr. (Ida) of Brawley; Ernest of Dixon; Ruben (Ely) and Frank (Lupe) of Imperial; Dolores (Carlos) of Chula Vista; stepchildren, Randy, Debbie, Phil and Lorna; sister Alicia of Holtville; 25 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. His parents Carmen and Dolores; and sister Irma preceded him in death.
He retired in September 2007. He became a wood craftsman making birdhouses, rocking horses, rocking dinosaurs, airplanes, miniature birdhouses, southwestern wall plaques, window boxes, flower boxes and many other items which he gave away to children, grandchildren, close family, friends and acquaintances. He made each one painstakingly with love. He would say each one was different but only he knew what the difference was. He was so proud of each project. Each project was a true labor of love made for the people he loved.
His bucket list included one wish, to meet his great-great granddaughter, Maycee of Wyoming. His wish came true on July 27. He loved her before he met her. He proudly showed her picture to everyone and anyone he came in contact with. His eyes swelled with tears when they met and she instantly fell in love with her great- great grandpa. She looked forward to daily visits to see him for the 3 weeks she was in California.
Lito also become a gardener in his leisure. He tended to his lawn and potted outdoor plants. He changed flowering plants as the seasons changed. He looked forward to daily trips to the market. Chatting with the employees with whom he was acquainted. He loved going to family functions. Always showing up with capirotada, barbacoa, cachetes, cabezas, or other tasty dishes. He also became a baker. His specialty was Kahlua cake, among other favorites. After a doctor’s appointments he loved going out to lunch. His favorites were tacos de cabeza at El Tapatio, grinders from Andy’s, hamburgers from Farmer Boys, and his favorite steakhouse was The Town Pump.
Lito was a diehard Raiders fan (is there any other kind). He will now be watching and cheering for Raiders from Heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents Carmen and Dolores; and sister Irma.
Lito is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty of Indio; children, Gracie (Bill), Ralph, Jr. (Ida) of Brawley; Ernest of Dixon; Ruben (Ely) and Frank (Lupe) of Imperial; Dolores (Carlos) of Chula Vista; stepchildren, Randy, Debbie, Phil and Lorna; sister Alicia of Holtville; 25 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.