Celia M. Chavez, 81, of Visalia, went into the arms of our Lord and Savior on Friday, July 5th, 2019 at the Barstow Community Hospital. Celia passed away from a massive heart attack. Celia did not go through pain, nor did she suffer in her final moments.
Celia was born on January 2nd, 1938 in Indio, California to Daniel Mendez and Ruth Chavarria. She grew up in Salinas, California with her parents and siblings. She moved to Visalia, California in her early 20’s where she met her husband Richard Chavez of Visalia, California.
Celia and Richard had 4 children, Abigail Chavez, Arlene Grijalva, Richard Chavez Jr., Steve Chavez, 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren
Celia loved the Lord with all her heart and did her very best to treat everyone with kindness. Celia loved to laugh, she always opened her doors to family, friends, and friends of her children. Her passions were cooking for others, spending quality time with friends, and family. She also loved to garden. Celia loved her plants, almost as much as she loved her children.
Celia also enjoyed spending quality time with her best friend and partner, Henry Grajeda. They were life partners for 9 years.
Her biggest achievements were her children, sharing an abundance of unconditional love, and was extremely supportive of her children through the good and bad times.
Celia was preceded in death by her husband Richard Chavez. Those left behind to cherish her memory include her two daughters, Abigail Chavez, and Arlene Grijalva, and two sons, Richard Chavez Jr., and Steve Chavez. She also leaves behind her sisters, Lilly Chavez, Mary Montanez, Connie Pena, and brother Roy Mendez, all 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. Also, the relatives of the Chavez family, Mendez family, and friends of Celia.
The family would like to thank the First Responders of Barstow, the Doctors and nurses of the Barstow Community Hospital, and Millers Memorial Chapel.
A special thank you to Connie Pena, Gabriel Chavez, Efren, the off duty nurse that helped Celia during her last moments with us, the Jaramillo Family, and all the friends and family who have been supportive to Celia’s children.
