Emma Jean Yarbrough

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, Emma Jean Yarbrough, on December 22, 2024, in Ventura California after a lengthy illness.

Emma was born in Arkansas on February 4, 1939, to Leroy and Stella Griffin. She met the love of her life, Ernest Lee Yarbrough, and was married at the age of 14 when Ernest was called to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and later, serving in the Vietnam War. Emma raised their family of three children until Ernest retired from the Air Force and then their fourth child was born.

Emma worked at Dover Downs raceway in Delaware for many years and later helped run their family gas station while raising their four children. Emma and Ernest moved to California in 1980 and worked in the mini storage business. Emma managed and trained personnel to manage storage facilities throughout the nation until Ernest's passing in 1997.

Emma later met her life partner and love, Frank Lopez, whom also lost his spouse at the same time as Ernest's passing. Emma and Frank became inseparable, and he was a godsend to Emma and the entire family. Emma and Frank were later instrumental in building and opening Saticoy Self Storage in Ventura until she retired in 2012. After retiring, Emma and Frank enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents Leroy and Stella Griffin, her beloved husband Ernest Lee Yarbrough, son Ernest Ray Yarbrough, daughter Terrie Wadkins, life partner Frank Lopez, and brothers Lee Roy, Harold (Bo) and Fred Griffin.

Emma is survived by her son Harold Yarbrough, daughter and son in law Susan and Gil Castañeda, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, as well as numerous nephews and nieces that she loved dearly. Throughout her life, Emma was a loving wife, mother, Mom-Mom and friend. She devoted herself to caring for those she loved, and her home was always a place of comfort and hospitality. Emma will be remembered as a strong woman that taught her family the importance of hard work, professionalism, and her unwavering love for her family.

A celebration of Emma’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12pm at Funeraria Del Angel Santa Paula, 128 S 8th St, Santa Paula, with a Committal Service to follow immediately at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Rd.