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Ernestina Ernie Salas
Oct. 3, 1917 Feb. 19, 2010
PhotoSalas3
Ernie passed away on Feb. 19, 2010, at age 92. She was born in Superior, Arizona to Pedro and Margarita Obeso. At an early age, the family relocated to the Imperial Valley, where she later met and married Joseph M. Salas. She was blessed with nine children. She and her husband lived in Merced County for many years. In 1975, they moved to El Centro for a short period. They moved back to Crows Landing in late 1970s, where they owned and operated the Bank Club. Because of health reasons, they moved to Niland in 1981. Missing family and friends, they relocated back to the area settling in Turlock in 1984, where they both remained until their passing.
Ernie was very hard working and very attached to family. She treasured her children and looked forward to their visits. She was an avid gardener who loved her rose bushes and the many variety of flowers and plants in the yard. She was described by all as a “great” cook. Her many grandchildren loved gathering at the family home to talk, laugh, eat and share the many stories of the past. She was lovingly known as “gramma,” “grams,” and “gramita.” She knew no strangers. She had a generous nature and was always ready to prepare a meal to share for those stopping by for a cup of coffee or just a visit. She was very proud of being an American Legion Auxiliary Star Mother, Bombay Beach.
Ernie had a deep catholic faith and was especially appreciative of the weekly Holy Communion visits from Sacred Heart parishioners. She was an inspiration to her family and to her many friends, who became like family.
Ernie is survived by her children, Angie Schildts of Fremont, Calif., Richard Arellano of Rio Rico, Ariz., Helen Magana of Imperial Valley, Doris Felix of Modesto, Patty Courtright of Carson City, Nev., Josie Phinney of Alameda, Calif., Ernie Fleece of Anchorage, Alaska and Marion Harmon of Merced, Calif.; sisters, Josephine ”Jay” Urtuzuastgui of Somerton, Ariz., Gloria Urias of Corona, Calif. and Lilly Johnson of Garden Grove, Calif.; 24 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and 21 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Salas; son, Joseph “Joey” Salas, Jr., who died in the service; three brothers; and four sisters.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28 at Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, at Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main St., Turlock. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Monday, March 1 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1301 Cooper Ave., Turlock.
Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service.