Ellie (“Don’t call me Eleanor”) Cobarrubia of Davis, CA died peacefully on May 1.
Ellie Evelyn Santa Cruz was born on Halloween, 1930, in Oakdale, CA. Raised by a widowed mother, she grew up with three siblings. She graduated from Oakdale High School in 1948, then worked as a secretary enjoying time with friends and going to local rodeos. In 1954, she married Tony Cobarrubia after he returned from the Korean War. They had known each other their whole lives as their mothers, both first generation Mexican immigrants, were dear friends. Apparently, it took years, and infantry experience, for Tony to find the nerve to ask this spicy latin debutante with a unique and loud laugh out on a date. They settled in Turlock and raised 3 kids until 1999 when they moved to Davis to be closer to their daughter, Amy, and grandson, Kiernan.
Ellie’s entire life was committed to community service in some form or fashion—to list them would be too long and woefully incomplete. This service was second only to the love and generosity she gave to her family and friends. She truly was the matriarch that made sure everyone stayed connected by sending birthday cards to extended family and friend’s, singing Happy Birthday on the phone to her kids and grandkids, and routinely hosting holiday get–togethers or arranging ladies teas which were the highlight of the year. She was the constant anchor that kept us tethered in the changing weather of our lives.
Her personal passions were sewing, traveling, and hiking. From a young age she had the talent, confidence, and creativity to fabricate her own clothes. People were constantly impressed by her flashy and unique outfits. Each Halloween brought an opportunity to create custom made costumes of their choosing for all the kids, no matter what age. Oh, the memories!! We have overflowing bins of these outfits that will hopefully live on for more generations.
Traveling…boy, did she see the world. Let’s just say she filled multiple passport books. Stamps on top of stamps on top of stamps. With this came a more global open mindedness than her small town upbringing might suggest. She didn’t let moss grow on her and was always learning, changing, and growing. Starting in her 50s, she began hiking with the Sierra Club and trekked hundreds, if not thousands, of miles throughout the Sierras, Alps, and even the Himalayan mountains.
Her passing has left a hole in the hearts of so many people. May we fill it with kindness, courage, generosity and grace towards all people in memory of her.
It has been said “Service to others is the rent you pay for space on Earth.” It is safe to say Ellie Cobarrubia is paid in full.
With eternal gratitude and love.
RIP Ellie Cobarrubia.
Service: TBD
