Restituta Janguen Ragay was born on June 10th, 1934, in Siaton, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Although she had a difficult childhood, Resti was full of life. She enjoyed telling her grandchildren stories of how she climbed trees, swam in rivers, rode the backs of carabaos, and survived WWII. In high school, Resti excelled in her studies and was an athlete, sport of choice being discus throwing. As Resti grew older she acquired several passions in life such as sewing, dressmaking, gardening, and cooking. Her skills as a dressmaker were highly desired - some of her masterpieces included business attire, professional dresses, elegant gowns, and wedding dresses. She was always proud to see her family wearing her creations. As time passed, Resti’s passions also included traveling and babysitting. She enjoyed traveling to vibrant places and having the opportunity to experience new things. Most recently, Resti was able to travel to the Philippines to revisit her family and also travel to New Jersey to meet a new grandchild. Resti loved children. When babysitting, Resti treated each child as though they were her own grandchild. She was so full of love that she became known as “Mamang (Mom)” or “Lola (Grandma)” to nearly everyone she met.
She met the love of her life, Arturo Salabao Sr, early in life. They married and together they made a family that grew to include 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. When Resti immigrated to the United States on May 29th, 1991, her dream was to provide her children with an opportunity to join her in the states. She studied daily for her citizenship test and passed without question. She shined bright with pride on her oath-taking day, exhibiting love for both the Philippines and also for America. If anyone asked Resti what her top priority was in life, she would have picked her family. Up until the time of her death she had made her home with her daughter Concepcion and son Ludovino. She looked forward to every visit and phone call with each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Arturo Salabao Sr, daughter Elsa Salabao, son-in-law Robert Dye Jr, and granddaughter Uriel Salabao. The family is comforted knowing that those who passed before have now joyfully reunited with her.
Resti’s family was blessed to celebrate one last Christmas with her. She was joyful to be with her children, proud of her grandchildren, and excited to meet her newest grandchild. She will always be remembered for her love, wisdom, humor, fashionable style, incredible smiles, and limitless love.
Her memory lives on with her children, Arturo (Easter) Salabao of Wichita, KS, Concepcion Dye of Wichita, KS, Rita (Ricky) Sta Ana of Blackwood, NJ, Vicky (Audie) Centeno of Calgary, Alberta, Lorelie (Albert) Manalansan of Calgary, Alberta, and Ludovino (Edith Belencio) Salabao of Wichita, KS; her grandchildren, Nina (Eduard Salvador) Salabao of Pampanga, Philippines, Restituta (Andrew) Truong of Wichita, KS, Abraham (Sheila Villamor) Salabao of Pasig City, Philippines, Dasma Manalansan of Calgary, Alberta, Kevin Centeno of Calgary, Alberta, Im Manalansan of Calgary, Alberta, Elisha (Ryan) Quiambao of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Casey Centeno of Calgary, Alberta, Red Manalansan of Calgary, Alberta, Harvey (LorieAnn) Sta Ana of Blackwood, NJ, Keigh Manalansan of Calgary, Alberta, and Kerr Salabao of Wichita, KS; and great grandchildren, Jehieli Salvador, Ashley Salabao, Gaddiel Salvador, Adiel Salabao, Abram Salabao, Julian Sta Ana, and Aurora Truong.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 10, 2023, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. US-54 Highway, Wichita, Kansas, with Visitation following until 7:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am, Thursday, January 11, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford Lane, Wichita, Kansas. Interment will follow Mass at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Wichita, in the Garden of Christus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated in Restituta's honor to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford Lane, Wichita, KS, 67206, American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202, or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
