Jovita Valentina Sanchez

Jovita Valentina Sanchez, born on Feb. 14, 1923, in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico, peacefully entered eternal rest on March 29, 2024, at the age of 101. She was preceded in death by her parents Emeterio and Aurelia Lopez, as well as her beloved husband Ray Sanchez, who passed in 2001. Together, Jovita and Ray shared 63 years of marriage and raised nine children in Wasco: Jessie Lopez, Raymond Sanchez, Jr., Rachel Martinez, Linda Sanchez Muniz, Pamela Venegas, Michael Sanchez, Dolores Gutierrez, Simon Sanchez and Isaac Sanchez.

Jovita also was reunited in heaven with her two eldest sons, Jesse Lopez and Raymond Sanchez, Jr.

Jovita leaves behind an incredible legacy of family distributed across multiple generations, so many that we lost count. She is survived by Jessie's three children and Raymond's six children. Her daughter Rachel had 10 children and a total of 91 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her daughter Linda had six children and a total of 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her daughter Pamela Venegas, along with son-in-law Gilbert Venegas, had six children and 13 grandchildren. Her son Michael had six children and 14 grandchildren. Her son Simon had eight children and 10 grandchildren. Her daughter Dolores had 7 children and 17 grandchildren. And her son Isaac had eight children and six grandchildren. All of Jovita's surviving children and grandchildren mourn her loss and cherish her memory.

Jovita is also survived by her sister Lupe Leal, who shares Jovita's longevity and legacy.

Jovita was raised in McFarland. When she met her husband, Ray R. Sanchez, they embarked on a lifelong journey together. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she was a very kind and loving person to all. Family and friends will remember her as a true prayer warrior. Her kindness, unconditional love for her children and unwavering faith characterized her life.

We remember Jovita as a beacon of love and strength. We cannot think of anyone who embodies her name, Valentina, given to her because she was born on Valentine's Day, or El Día del Amor y la Amistad, more honorably than our beloved Jovita.

We would like to invite our family and friends to our mother's Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 13. This is the schedule:

Celebration of Life for Jovita Valentina Sanchez with a viewing 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Rosary at 9:30 a.m.) at Peters Funeral Home, 1401 7th St., Wasco, 661-758-5144. Mass at St. John's Church, 1300 9th St., Wasco, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside service immediately following Mass at Wasco Memorial Park, 300 Leonard Ave., Wasco. Please join us for a good meal and good memories at the Elk's Lodge, 16694 Wasco Ave., Wasco, after the service.