OBITUARIES

1926 - 2020

Ana Arevalo

94, Calexico

John Sassie

77, Brawley

It is with heavy hearts that we accept the departure of our beloved Ana Estrella Arevalo (Mother, Mother- in- law, Grandmother, Great- grandmother, Aunt, and friend) to be with our Heavenly Father on December 30, 2020.

Ana E strella was born to Alejandra and Bernardo Rodriguez in Calexico, California on July 9, 1926. She was a loving and devoted daughter who checked on the wellbeing of her parents on a daily basis. She grew up in Calexico and attended both Catholic and public schools. She married Anthony B. Arevalo on August 3, 1947. They were blessed to have shared 63 years together and had three children.

Ana E strella was both an extremely devoted wife and mother. Most of her day was spent creating and providing her family with a loving home. She loved being in her home cooking and cleaning. She made it her priority to see that her children were properly fed, had a clean home and clean clothing. Somehow, as much as she had to d o, Ana managed to successfully accomplish what her heart and mind told her she must do for her beloved family. She would awaken at daybreak to prepare her husband, Anthony, ( Tony) fresh coffee, a warm breakfast, and pack his black lunchbox. Each morning she would drink coffee with him as he had breakfast and tell him about her daily intentions

Once she sent him off, she would awaken her children, feed them breakfast, and make sure each child was as neat as a “pin” from head to toe. Then she would watch them as they walked away from home to school. Anthony and Ana both emphasized t o their children that education was essential to succeed. Throughout her life, Ana Estrella put the wants and needs of her children before her own. Sacrifice is synonymous with her vision of what a mother should do. Ana willingly made sacrifices for her children. She went without countless times to provide them with what they needed, and often simply just wanted.

Ana and Tony enjoyed visiting their grandchildren, t aking little excursions to San Diego, eating out once in a while, and were t hrilled a t the opportunity t o gamble a bit at a nearby casino. Those who loved Ana Estrella and were dear to her saw different traits in her. She was a fighter who was sincere, caring, smiling, and easy going, sweet, talkative, petite, inquisitive, loving, funny, supportive, strong, a good listener who was good at giving advice, and my friend.

Ana E strella is survived by her daughter, Santita Arevalo Mendenhall; son, Gregory Anthony Arevalo and Stella Gonzales; grandchildren, Antwenette ( Toni) and Shelby Ragland, Anthony and Gina Arevalo, Bernardo Arevalo, Andrew Arevalo and Stephanie Vizcarra, Chantilee D. Mendenhall, Roberto Arevalo, and Lisa Arevalo; great- grandchildren, J acob Houghton, Mirella Mendenhall, Michael Mendenhall, Samuel Arispe, Ila Ragland, and Isaac Ragland; nephews and nieces include the sons of her brother Jose and Dora Rodriguez and the sons and daughters of her sister- in- law Christina and Ramiro Quezada.

Ana E strella was preceded in death by husband, Anthony B. Arevalo; son, Jimmy ( Jim) Anthony Arevalo; son- inlaw, Lonnie R. M endenhall; brother, Jose Rodriguez; sister- in- law’s Dora Rodriguez and Christina Quezada.

There will be a private viewing for immediate family on January 10, 2021 at Garden of Eden Mortuary, 384 W Main in El Centro, California.

May she rest in peace in the presence of our Heavenly Father.