Rita Agnes Sanchez

Rita Agnes Sanchez passed away peacefully on November 6, 2011 at the age of 86 in Oxnard, CA. Rita was born on May 22, 1925 in Saginaw, Michigan. At the age 14, Rita moved along with her father to Guanajuato Mexico where then a few years later met the father of her six children, Salvador Estrada. After 20 years later, she decided to make the journey to move to Santa Barbara, CA, which she ended up loving and resided most of her life. Rita started to work at St. Paul’s cleaners and there for many years. Rita loved to walk thru the town, her walks kept her active she would say. She never learned or even wanted to drive a car. She held the same routine everyday of things to do and the people would know her by seeing and having conversations of all topics from her family too anything that was going on in the world. Rita had a very outgoing spirit, and an image of always looking her best! She always loved having a good time by dancing and hearing her Mexican music always being played at her home. Rita had the biggest heart by making food to those who would come by to visit. She did the best refried beans!! Rita is preceded in death by the father of her children, Salvador Estrada and three sons, Salvador (Chava) Sanchez, Javier Sanchez, and Jorge Sanchez. She is survived by her three daughters Yolanda Campos (Ramiro) of Penjamo, Guanajuato Mexico; Blanca Quinonez (Domingo) of Oxnard, CA and Alma Sanchez of Watsonville, CA. Also survived by grandchildren are Elizabeth, Patricia, Maria-Angelica, Andrea, Aldo, Marisol, Monica, Francisco, Angelica, Monica and Noah, including numerous great-grandchildren. As much as Rita loved to live on her own and lived her life independently, never to be a burden to anyone, it was time in the last year to be near family to watch over her. She resided her last year in Oxnard, CA, to be near her daughter Blanca, whom she watched over her mother among the years. We like to thank all those who visited her when she was in the hospital. Also special thanks to Nurse Chris of Country Villa Manor Health Center in Oxnard, for all you’ve done while under your care. We will all always and never forget the way we will remember you by mother, grandmother, great-grandmother—(started by your oldest son Chava) that is………………Rita “La Beautiful”!! Visitation will be Wednesday, November 16 at 10:00 AM followed by Rosary at 7:00 at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels, 15 E. Sola St. Funeral mass will be Thursday, November 17 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Rita Agnes Sanchez

May 22, 1925 - November 6, 2011