Bobbie Jo Ayala

Bobbie Jo Ayala, of Rialto, CA, beloved wife, proud mother, devoted grandmother, loyal sister, cherished teacher, and best of friends, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, in San Bernardino, California, at the age of 73. She was born on September 20, 1951, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Mary Jane Rivers and Robert Talore Ross, both of whom preceded her in death.

Bobbie Jo was a loving, nurturing, and fiercely loyal middle sister in a family of five children. She supported her siblings throughout her life and is survived by her eldest brother, Larry Ross of Oklahoma, and her youngest brother, Harold Ross of Missouri. Her younger sister, Lana Ross, and older brother, Steve Ross, preceded her in death.

At 21, Bobbie Jo met and married her soul mate, Joseph Ayala, in Kansas. Shortly afterward, they moved to Southern California, where they built a full and joyful life together, ultimately retiring between two residences in Palm Desert and Rialto.

Bobbie Jo gracefully and wisely raised her three daughters— Julieannamarie McFarland, Juanita Marie Sandoval, and Lisa Jane Gilliam—who also considered her one of their very best friends. In her words, she had “the two best son in laws” —Daniel Sandoval and Joshua Gilliam. She was a proud and loving grandmother to ten grandchildren: Juan, Clay, and Marcus Gonzales; Taylor, Samantha, and Nathan Sandoval; and Karly, Isabella, Kaitlyn, and JJ Gilliam, as well as her great-grandson, Juan Gonzales Jr.

She is survived by her devoted husband, daughters, grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends, former students, and loved ones whose lives she touched with her warmth, strength, and unwavering support.

In her early adult years, Bobbie Jo worked as a waitress and later as a bookkeeper. Determined to grow and create a better life, she became the first in her family to earn a college degree—eventually achieving two master’s degrees in Business Administration and Counselor Education, along with both teaching and counseling credentials. Her accomplishments inspired all who knew her.

She dedicated over 30 years to education earning numerous accolades; beginning as a Business Education Teacher at Pomona Catholic Girls High School and Office Education Instructor at Chaffey Community College in Alta Loma before spending the remainder of her career at Alvord Continuation High School in Riverside. Mrs. Ayala made a lasting impact as a beloved continuation high school teacher known for her no-nonsense yet deeply caring and helpful approach. She taught business, economics, and computer classes, served as an ASB advisor, assisted with WASC committee and other administrative duties. She was affectionately regarded by many students as a second mom. Her classroom was a refuge—a place of encouragement and unconditional support.

Bobbie Jo was a devoted Christian who not only studied the word, she also lived the gospel in her daily life. She primarily attended Water of Life Church in Fontana, CA, both in person and online. She graduated from the School of Ministry and volunteered with the Cherish Ministry for a season.

In retirement, she split her time between Rialto and Palm Desert, where she enjoyed hosting dinners and playing cards with neighbors, shopping for the best deals, and occasionally golfing with her husband, family, and the Niners Ladies Golf Club. She loved to travel—Alaska, Bahamas, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Washington DC were among her favorite trips. She especially cherished visits to “the most magical place on earth,” Disneyland, often donning character ears and festive outfits that reflected her bold personality and joyful spirit.

Bobbie Jo was known for her intelligence, generosity, fierce loyalty, and deep love. She was an avid reader, participated in a long-standing book club with close friends, and indulged in true crime dramas and reality TV. She found joy in caring for her two beloved Frenchies, Kiwi and Toby.

When asked why she was always so willing to help others—whether with her time, wisdom, or resources—Bobbie Jo would simply say, “Because I can.” She lived by that motto with grace and quiet strength.

Bobbie Jo Ayala will be fondly remembered for her wisdom, warmth, generosity, and strength—a woman who taught, nurtured, protected, and loved without condition. Her legacy lives on in every life she shaped and every heart she held.

A Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 877 N Campus Ave, Upland, CA.

Following the service, a committal will take place at Green Acres Memorial Park Mortuary from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

A celebration of life reception and luncheon will follow at 1:30 PM at a location to be announced by the family during the services.