Esther Ovando
Tribute
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Esther Ovando, born on February 8, 1936, in French Camp, California, passed away peacefully in her home on November 19, 2023, in Manteca, where she had been a resident for 80 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Valentine Ovando and Esther Herrera, and three of her children, Edward Ramos, Cynthia Ramos, and Esther Ramos. She leaves behind her beloved children Rose Ortiz (Al), Rebecca Ramos, and Carlos Ramos (Eloisa), five grandchildren, Christine Cox (Alan), Melissa Ortiz Gray (Dr. Doug Gray), Carlos Ramos Jr., Lisa Shortridge (Daveon), and Tina Ramos, and seven great-grandchildren, Mara and Piper Gray, Emma and Nora Cox, Arieon, Jayden and Izaiah Shortridge. She is also survived by her siblings Teresa DeRuiter, Mary Harms, Alfred Herrera, and Angie Montanez.
Esther devotedly served her community working in the medical field at the Delta Blood Bank for several years before moving on to San Joaquin County Hospital. She had a passion for the arts and was a talented crafter, even starting her own business, Esther’s Ceramics, where she sold ceramics, taught classes, and also hosted lively “Paint to Faint” nights on Friday evenings. Her clients soon became friends, drawn to her warm and welcoming personality.
Esther's hobbies included knitting, gardening, and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers. She had a radiant spirit, always fun-loving, and she cherished moments spent with her beloved family. She was known for her strong character and the simplicity with which she approached life. Esther was an exceptional mother, and a wonderful cook of treasured family recipes. She was the matriarch of the family and her home was the family hub. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.
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