Jesus Rosales Bonilla. With family by his side, Dad/Tata passed away at home on August 18, 2010 due to complications from a massive stroke in February 2009; he was 85. Born on February 15, 1925 in Colima, Mexico, he came to California in 1951 and became a railroad worker north of Sacramento. He soon moved to Santa Paula where he met his wife Erma Rocha. They were married in Las Vegas on November 9, 1957 and made Ventura their home, where together they raised 7 children. By 1961 he had established himself as a respected construction foreman. Later he worked tending to lemon trees in private orchards, last employed by Hadlen Ranch Ventura, where the families have remained close personal friends.
In his leisure you would find him tending to his yard work, watching televised futbol, fixing a lawnmower or anything motorized, vending at the Ventura Swap Meet or playing seven-card stud ‘nothing wild’ with the family.
To cherish his memories he leaves behind his children Diane Shirley (Bill); Ralph Bonilla; step-child Lynda Baca-Hall (Jess); son-in-law Howard Hall; grandchildren Kimberly Lyons (Dominick); Stacy Marshall (Ed); Melissa McCauley (David Dultz), his primary caregivers; Steven Bonilla (Melissa); Robert Bonilla; and great-grandchildren Charlie and Victoria Marshall, Arianna Dultz, Ryan and unborn Baby Girl Bonilla, and many extended family and friends; especially Sheila Raives.
Jesus was preceded in death by his wife Erma; children Ronald Bonilla and Annette McCauley; and step-sons Robert and Richard Baca.
The family wishes to especially thank his granddaughter and primary caregiver, Melissa McCauley, for her enduring love, care, and devotion in seeing that his wish to pass in the comforts of his home was fulfilled.
We know our Dad/Tata is in a better place, free of suffering and reunited with all of his family who has preceded him. We miss him tremendously with all our hearts but rejoice in knowing we too will reunite one day.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 28 @ 10:00 a.m. Sacred Heart Church 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura. Graveside burial will be private at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura. Phone 805-642-8134. For additional information and to leave tributes or condolences go to: [www.charlescarrollfuneralhome.com]
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