Rosie was born in December 1930 to Josephine and Charles Ray in Pasadena CA, the fifth of nine children.
In 1938 the family moved to Pinedale. Growing up during The Depression, Rosie helped her family financially by working in many different capacities. She left school after completing her Junior High school year at Clovis High School, as she was needed to help with her younger siblings, and working in the fields. She often spoke of her experiences of having picked figs, peaches, and cotton in the Fresno area. Her childhood stories about growing up during the depression showed how tough things were. She would often talk about growing up, how poor they were, but their clothes were always clean.
As an adult, she returned to school and graduated from Clovis Adult School in 1972. Her philosophy was “it’s never too late to continue your education”, and provided everyone a role model for education, particularly her Kids. She retired in 1992 as a Supervisor for Wonder Bread-Hostess Company. She was extremely proud of the fact she was a member of the local Teamsters Union, and was always a strong Union Supporter.
Rosie was a dedicated Catholic throughout her life and a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church for over 40 years.
She had a passion for History, Art, Horse-Racing, salt-water fish aquariums, her garden, and travel. Of all her travels, she favored the Hawaiian Islands the most. She went annually to the Islands for over 25 years. She once rode a mule to Molokai to further appreciate the Island, from that point on she admired Father Damien for his devotion and his sacrifice to those who suffered from leprosy.
Rosie was known for her outstanding kindness; she never met a stranger in her life. You were always welcomed in her home with the warmest smile and a “Hello, (followed by your name)”. Her neighbors were all very close to her, and always kept an eye on her. Her favorite advise to everyone was, “Take care of number 1, yourself.” She exemplified the true meaning of what a lady should be, “walk with your head up high, be courteous, smile and no matter what have your lipstick on!”
Love of family was extremely important to Rosie, and she was not one bit hesitant in showing her affection and loyalty for her family. The biggest loves in her life were her four children, their families and her grandchildren. But it was Her Nephew, Aaron Bartlett, (who she raised and cared for 45 years), who was closest to her. Rosie was referred to as Mom, Abuelita, Grandma, The Matriarch, and GiGI. She loved family gatherings and they were always more than just holiday gatherings! She made it a point to visit with everyone individually and the joy it brought her can only be described as she would say, “I look at my family and I say this is my contribution to the world.” Her greatest success in life was her four children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought so much love to her life.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, her nine siblings, her eldest son, Jerry Herrera, and her Grandson Justin Garza.
She is survived by three children, Chipper Josie Garza, her husband Juan, Jack Herrera, his wife Traci, and Jill Chandler, her husband Gene. Her nine grandchildren, Jacy Garza, Jerry and Matthew Herrera, Jacquelyn, Samantha, Gabriella, Bailey Herrera, Kevin and Kirstyn Chandler. Her five great-grandchildren, Joaquin and Elena Garza, Logan Chandler, Ellie Sanders and Alexander Virgen. She is also survived by her nephew, Aaron Jimmie Bartlett. The Family wishes to acknowledge and thank Compassionate Care for their loving, professional care of our mom, Rosie.
Services are March 9, 2022, Sacred Heart Church, Fresno, CA. @ 10 a.m. then to Belmont Memorial Cemetery.
