Consuelo Flores Yturralde

We lost a most precious soul on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 when our beloved mother, Consuelo Flores Yturralde peacefully entered into eternal life. She was 94. Consuelo, also known as Connie, was the second eldest daughter of Trinidad and Amelia Flores. Connie was born in Jalpa, Zacatecas on October 8, 1922 and immigrated to the United States at a young age along with her parents and siblings.

Connie attended schools in the Tulare area graduating from Tulare Union on June 1, 1942. She was employed at Models Department Store in Downtown Visalia where her creative skills were put to good use embellishing many ladies fashion hats. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Alex Yturralde. She almost broke off the engagement when she found that she was two years older but he was persistent and they were married on August 31, 1947. They made their home in Visalia and together they raised five daughters. She worked for the Visalia Unified School District in food production in the late 1960s to 1970. Her husband died unexpectedly in 1980 leaving her with an olive orchard that needed tending. Being of strong will and great determination, she took on the task of running the orchard, becoming one of the few women olive growers in the area. Connie retired from farming at the age of 89. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She also became a member of St. Mary's Altar Society where she found much joy participating until she could no longer drive to church. Connie enjoyed being outside working in her garden and mowing the lawn herself until the lawn mower broke down forcing her to abandon that activity. She was an excellent cook and was famous for her homemade tortillas and sweet tea. Family and friends of all ages enjoyed dropping by for some sweet tea and conversation. Connie quickly acquired another title when the grandchildren started arriving into her life and was affectionately known as Gooma. Connie touched many lives and was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her. She never met a stranger and could start up a conversation with anyone.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alex and daughter Doreene Stevens, her son-in-law Samuel Osorio, her sisters Lupe Arechiga and Bertha Rodriguez, and her brothers Paul and Jesse Flores. She is survived by her daughters Carol Osorio of Visalia, Lisa Hughes and husband Allan of Visalia, Kathy Peterson and husband Bruce of Springville, Belinda Gonzalez and husband Salvador of Lancaster and her brother Gilbert Flores. Connie also leaves behind her grandchildren Samuel and Melanie Osorio, Jason and Marty Hughes, Tim Dysart and Melissa Wilson, Salvador and Darci Gonzalez, David and Mike Stevens; great grandchildren Alexis Boggs, Jovi and Melody Hughes, Andrew and Brian Wilson, Alyssa, Laney, Lauren, Lilly and Lean Stevens as well as Pablo and Antonio Martinez. Special friends Jacinto and Angelica Lemuz and their daughter Daphne who she loved as family also survive Connie.

No matter what name you knew her by; Connie, Consuelo, Momma, Gooma or Teha, she will be greatly missed. May we honor her memory as she makes this final journey to be with the Lord in Heaven.

A Visitation (closed casket) will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 from 4-8pm with Rosary (open casket) at 6:00 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 608 N. Church St., Visalia on Wednesday August 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. followed by Interment at Visalia Public Cemetery District.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com. Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.