Simon Lopez

Fred, who was 104 at passing, was known to many as “Mony.” He was born on October 28, 1921, in Santa Paula. Fred married Rachel (néé. Ramirez, d.1989) in Los Angeles, CA, in 1948.

In his youth, Fred helped out in his family’s grocery store (open from 1919-1960’s), Lopez Grocery, formerly located on North Tenth St. Lopez Grocery was said to be the first grocery store to cater to the Mexican families of Santa Paula. According to some family members, it was this very place where Fred was born. Fred served in the United States Army until 1943, as a private in the 815th anti-aircraft artillery battalion (Battery C). He was a retired gardener who worked for Mrs. Duval, Mr. Toomey and at the old McKevett Mansion.

Fred was a devoted father to Gloria Ramirez (m. Francisco, d.), John Lopez (m. Ellen), Frank Lopez (m. Anita), and a proud grandfather to Carlos Ramirez (m. Jeanette), Johnny Lopez, Joy Goeller (m. Rhonda Goeller), Frankie Lopez, Theresa Padgett (m. Chuck), Elizabeth Lopez.

Fred was an adoring great grandfather to Lilly Lopez, Simon Lopez, Roxxy Lopez, Drake Padgett, Raven Padgett, Mary Lopez, Joseph Lopez, Seth Horner Stella Marie Horner, Alijah Horner, Riot Vescio, Scarlette Horner, Stevie Horner, Olive Searfoss, LJ Searfoss, Samantha Horner, Katie Gandy, Bridget Searfoss, Luna Horner, Able Gandy, Draven Gandy. And finally, Fred was blessed enough to have great-great grandchildren, Xavier Lopez and Alisse Lopez.

Fred was the sixth born of a bountiful 11 children, and was preceded in death by his father Faustino Lopez, mother Tranquilina Raudalez Lopez and siblings as follows; Lilliana Torres, Selso Lopez, Joe Lopez, Aurelio (Shorty) Lopez, Roberto Lopez, Francisco Lopez, Francisco Ramirez.

He leaves behind his beloved siblings Alice Lopez, Stella Lopez, Albert Lopez (m. Carmen) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred will always be remembered as a loving father and devoted family man who lived a full and meaningful life. His warmth, steadfast encouragement, and unwavering presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family is humbly grateful for the kindness and support of Hospice caretakers and a personal thank you to Rose Gomez and Trish Wisenbaker for taking excellent care of our beloved Grandpa Fred and Uncle Mony.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 27th at 9am at Church of Christ, 275 W Santa Paula St., followed by a burial at Santa Paula Cemetery at 11am. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate.