Betalina Yanez Canela

Betalina Canela Yanez, also lovingly known as Doña Cata, was born on March 3, 1936, in El Paso, Santa María, Michoacán, Mexico. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that is the true definition of love, faith, grace, and dignity.

At a young age, Betalina emigrated to California in search of a better life for herself and her family. A strong, hardworking woman with a joyful spirit, she never feared hard work. While living in California, she worked in agriculture, always giving of herself with a generous heart that was evident to all who knew her.

Betalina was an exceptional cook, known for her ability to turn even the simplest ingredients into a delicious meal. After being widowed at an early age, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to what she loved most caring for her family and tending to her plants. In nurturing both, she found peace and joy, a reflection of her noble and loving heart.

A devoted believer, Betalina carried her faith with her through every stage of life. She was a loving wife, a dedicated mother of six children, and a deeply loving grandmother who adored her grandchildren. She found her greatest joy in watching them grow, caring for them, and surrounding them with the same unconditional love she gave throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Carlos Canela parents, Dionicia Zaragoza and Carlos Yanez, and by her beloved grandson, Alex Canela.

She is survived by her children: Juan Carlos Canela, Maria Guadalupe Chavez, Leticia Azano, Sergio Yanez, Martha Hill, Cynthia Gonzales and her sisters Leonor Oseguera and Eliza Maldonado. Betalina also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: John Canela Jr., Travis Canela, Daniel Canela, Brooklyn Canela, Mariecruz Ramirez, Jessica Cardenas, Carina Chavez, Erica Chavez, Adrian Chavez, Isabella Yanez, Josiah Yanez, Christian Yanez, Klesis Ramirez, Otto Ramirez, Luis Ramirez, Hephzibah Ramirez, Michael Hill, Danyelle Hill, Celeste Gonzales. Alyssa Gonzales and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of her life.

Betalina will be remembered as a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and endless love—someone who gave selflessly, loved deeply, and left an imprint on every heart she touched.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street Merced, California. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 260 W. Childs Avenue Merced, California. A reception will follow at Stratford Evans Reception Hall from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Yanez Canela Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger