Raymond Neptaly Nava

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we spread the word that our precious husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend Raymond "Ray" Nava has left us to be in a better place on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

Ray always enjoyed the little things in life such as: camping, fishing, doing his yard and sitting back enjoying the fruits of his labor because he knew no one could do better. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family and sharing a Bud Light or two with friends. Ray was a proud veteran who retired from the civil service at CBC Port Hueneme after 30 years of dedicated service.

He then began working for the Santa Paula School District for seven years before retiring to Arizona with his beloved wife Martha for the last eight years. Ray was also a well known lover of animals of all sorts including: farm animals, birds of every feather, and dogs, especially his beloved friend Maggie. Ray always said when it was his time to go he already had a job lined up. He was going to work herding sheep for the Lord.

Ray, you leave behind a big sad family. Your loving wife, Martha; beautiful daughters, Lisa (Steve) Molina and Elaine (Peter) Cervantes; brothers, Armando and Bernie; sisters, Irene and Helen; grandson, Steven Joseph Molina (miracle baby); stepson, Danny (Sofia) and Eddie (Tara); stepdaughters, Diane (Bill) and Dorothy (Mark); step-grandsons, Ray, Robert, Philip, Moans, and Eddie Jr.; step-granddaughters, Angela andAngelique, and numerous step-great-grandchildren. Ray we love you.

We would like to thank Julie Nishida, R.N., Michelle Clisby, M.S.W., and case manager Barbie Fedron, R.N. for their care and compassion for Raymond and the assistance they provided us. And also thanks to Dr. Alexander B. Meyer for his care.

Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Raymond Nava will be held at Saint Sebastian's Catholic Church, 235 N. Ninth Street, Santa Paula, beginning with the recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 24, with Father Thomas Dome C.R.I.C. officiating. Committal and Interment will follow at Santa Paula Cemetery.