Carlita Ongoy Riberal

Carlita Riberal passed peacefully away on Friday August 23, 2024 at the age of 88, surrounded by loved ones. She was born Carlita Ongoy in North Kohala, Hawaii, the fourth child to Antonino and Filomena Ongoy. She graduated high school at Waialua High, Oahu, HI. After spending her childhood on the island of Oahu, Carlita came to the mainland to attend Colorado State Teachers College (now Northern Colorado University) in Greeley, CO. In 1958, she graduated with a BA in physical education. She used that degree to teach at schools throughout California.

Carlita met her husband, Ronald “Alex” Riberal and the two were married in Stockton, CA on June 27, 1959. They had a love affair that lasted over 65 years. Freshly wed, the two set off on a new adventure, both unemployed, moved to and settled in Culver City, CA. She found work immediately and began working for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Carlita and Ron had two wonderful children, Sharon Adele and Gary Michael. After spending a few years in Southern California, they moved their family permanently to Red Bluff, CA in 1974.

Her love of travel was thoroughly explored on the many trips Carlita and her family took over the years. She was an avid skier and fisherman, often accompanying Ron on fishing trips off the western coast of Vancouver Island, BC. Her prized catch was an impressive 62lb halibut that was over six inches taller than her. Growing up eating mostly fish and seafood, Carlita was introduced to a new diet and became very fond of wild game and waterfowl. Carlita and Ron often enjoyed several hunting trips to Quebec, Canada, as well as Wyoming and Montana in search of caribou, mule deer, antelope and bison. She loved to take trips up the coast of Oregon and Northern California in their 5th wheel trailer. In town she loved going to the local gym for Zumba and enjoyed going weekly to exercise and visit her friends. She could always be found attending her grandchildren's school and sporting events, cheering the loudest.

Carlita is proceeded by her brother, Mancio, sisters Jeannie and Katie. She is survived by her husband Ron; daughter Sharon (Mike) Norton, Red Bluff; son Gary (Lisa) Riberal, OR; younger brother, Ernest (Femia) Ongoy, HI; grandchildren Shelby (Eric) Mayerhofer, Shyanne Riberal-Norton, Nash Riberal-Norton, Mitchell Riberal, Dayce Riberal, Chelsea Conrad, Brooke (Matt) Kelly and their children, Zain, Finn, and Ember;

great granddaughter Kanon Lanakila Mayerhofer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A service for Carlita will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, Red Bluff, with a reception at the Parish Hall.