Virginia Valle Lopez

Our beloved, Virginia Valle Lopez went to be with her heavenly father on October 23, 2018. She passed away at home surrounded by the love of family and holding the hand of her daughter Ruth. Virginia was 88 years old. She was born on January 11, 1930 in Corcoran, CA. Her family relocated to Hanford, CA when she was 10 years old and she enjoyed a wonderful life here for the next 78 years. She attended local elementary schools, Woodrow Wilson and Hanford High School. Virginia married the love of her life John N. Lopez on April 25, 1947 in San Diego, CA. Together they lived a happy, wonderful life and had five children, Diana Velo, John Larry Lopez, Ruth Villagran, Raymond Cruz Lopez and Joseph Lopez. In April 1997 they renewed their wedding vows, celebrating their 52 years of marriage together among family and friends.

Virginia worked at various jobs; while living briefly in the San Fernando Valley she worked at Knickerbocker toy factory. Moving back to Hanford she worked at the Chinese Pagoda and Imperial Dynasty where she made long lasting friends. In addition she did house cleaning and field work to help provide for her family.

Virginia loved to go camping, sitting by the campfire and going to the beach to listen to the ocean waves. While her son Raymond and family lived in Arizona she made various trips while sightseeing along the way. Her son Joseph took her on a Disney cruise where she was able to experience Disney World. An especially memorable trip was to Texas to attend her grandson’s wedding.

Virginia was a member of La Hermosa Assembly of God for over 47 years, attending faithfully. She also was a Deacon of the church and Sunday School teacher for many years and made so many children a part of her family. In addition, Virginia was a member of the Women’s Ministry where she would travel to conventions and retreats. She traveled to Oregon, San Francisco, Hartland Christian Camp and various other towns along the west coast. As her health declined she looked forward to her visits from the Women’s Ministry prayer group.

Virginia was loved by her family and friends and she loved them all dearly. Her family is so blessed to have had her as a mother, grandma and wonderful role model. Her heart and home was always open to her extended family, never judging only loving them. Her true happiness was having her family together. She would always make you feel at home by cooking and having something ready to eat for you. You could always count on her having a warm pot of beans and rice ready for any visitors. She loved Christmas and making her delicious tamales and special Atole’ for her family and friends. Virginia enjoyed being surrounded by her family, telling stories and listening to all the laughter from her family members. Even the simplest act of having a piece of pie, cup of coffee or tea or just watching TV with her is a memory her family will hold onto forever.

Throughout the years Virginia could be described as an Angel on Earth. Now she is in heaven reunited with her loved ones. Her faith was so strong in God which saw her through the loss of her husband and two sons whom she cherished. She will be missed dearly by her three living children and all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends. Her family will miss her beautiful smile, sparkling green-blue eyes and embracing hugs.

Surviving family; Daughters: Diana Velo (Ben) and Ruth Villagran (John) and Son: Joseph Lopez, all from Hanford. Daughter-in-law: Karen Lopez in Paso Robles. Sisters: Inez Cruz in San Jose, Lucy Garcia and Linda Morales both in Hanford. Brothers: Cecil Valle (Mary) and Steve Garcia both in Hanford.

Virginia enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren throughout their childhood. She loved them unconditionally and created many wonderful memories and bonds that they will always have. Virginia has 11 grandchildren; Vincent Velo (Sonia) in Hanford, Melissa Velo in San Diego, Jamie Arevalo (Drew) in Paso Robles, Gabriel Lopez in Hanford, John Lopez (Erica) in San Antonio, Virginia Pina (Gregg) in San Diego, John R Villagran Jr. (Tiffany) in Hanford, Monica Stanphill (Ryan) in Hanford, Raymond C Lopez (Amy) in Hanford, Reeana Canseco (Eddy) in Hanford and Sheila S Charbonneau (Gary). In addition she was blessed with 28 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.

Virginia has been reunited in Heaven with her husband, John N. Lopez ”1999”, sons John Larry Lopez ”2010” and Raymond Cruz Lopez “2003”, father, Cecil Valle”1937”, mother, Ruth Valle Garcia “1971”, step father, Steve Garcia “1981”, brothers, Martin Valle “2014” and Daniel Valle “1937” and sister, Mary Valle Navarrette “1996”.

Virginia’s family would like to thank Kings Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Hospice Adventist Health for the wonderful care of their mother.

Special thank you to Lucy Garcia, Linda Morales and Jeffrey Nicklas for being near and dear to Virginia and always taking care of her and to her son Joey for his love, devotion, and special care he gave to her.

In lieu of flowers the family would like you to donate to the La Hermosa Building Fund; 700 S. Harris St., Hanford, CA 93230.

A Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 5:00 pm with an Evening Service beginning at 6:00 pm at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty St, Hanford. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Latin American Assembly of God Church; 700 S. Harris St., Hanford with burial following at Hanford Cemetery.