Elizabeth Ann Aguilar

Elizabeth Ann Aguilar, lovingly known as Betty, ascended into Heaven on December 28, 2025, peacefully at home with her loved ones by her side. We know she fought as long as she could, but God knew she was tired.

Betty was born on November 8, 1954, in Santa Paula, California. As a young girl, she enjoyed playing softball, babysitting, and going on family trips. She attended Santa Paula High School, where she met the love of her life, Ismael Joe Aguilar Jr. They married on June 1, 1974, and shared 51 beautiful years together. Betty enjoyed spending time on the slot machines in Las Vegas and at Chumash Casino. She made lots of family memories taking her kids to Disneyland and camping at Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, and we can’t forget those baseball games: “It’s time for Dodger baseball!”

Betty was a devoted wife and mother who put 110% into everything she did. She worked endless hours as a CNA at Santa Paula Convalescent and at CMH, where she also assisted in case management.

Betty had four children who meant the world to her, just as she did to them. She is survived by her husband, Ismael Joe Aguilar Jr.; her children Ismael (Rosie) Aguilar, Jaime (Quinlyn) Aguilar, Raquel Aguilar, and Elizabeth (Max) Guerrero; her sister Barbara Ayala; and her brother Junior (Kerri) Vega. She is also survived by her grandchildren Daniel Aguilar, Karina Aguilar, Anissa Corona-Aguilar, Max Guerrero III, Jaime Aguilar, Avah Guerrero, and Amaya Aguilar, along with multiple nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Adolfo and Catalina Vega; her sister Helen Amaro; her brother James Vega; and her grandson Ismael “Joey” Aguilar IV.

Elizabeth was truly one of a kind and left an irreplaceable void in our hearts. She always told her children to appreciate, respect, and love one another, reminding them that once she was gone, we are all we've got. Family meant everything to her, whether she was physically present at gatherings or not, her love was always felt.

A special thank you to the Santa Paula First Responders who were first on scene, as well as the caring staff at VCMC and Wesley Home Hospice. To all the family and friends who have sent their love and condolences during this difficult time, we thank you.