Rene O. Mejia

Rene Mejia is preceded in death by grandchildren, Rene Gerardo Mejia and Adriana Victoria Cardenas. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ramona Mejia and 6 Children: Rene Jr. and spouse Lupe Mejia; Marisela and spouse Stan Penner; Joe and spouse Yolanda Mejia; Maggie; Lorena and spouse Francisco Soledad; Patty and spouse Jesse Hernandez. 13 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren

Life Story:

Rene was born in Mexicali, Mexico on July 13, 1939 to Apolinaria Ortega and Ismael Montoya. He started working at the age of 8 years old selling newspapers and various other odd jobs. At a very young age, he worked as private security and chauffer to the Mayor of Mexicali and various other political dignitaries. He was also Director of the Mexicali Casa de la Juventud (Youth Center). At the age of 19 he married the love of his life, Ramona, whom he had known since he was 6 years old. While living in Mexicali, Rene and Ramona had 5 children. Knowing he wanted to provide a better future for his children, he decided to immigrate to the United States in 1966 and settled in the Los Angeles area. He worked in various jobs until securing a position in the Garment Industry, eventually rising to Supervisor. In 1969, they had another child. Through the years, in search of better opportunities for their family, Rene and Ramona moved to Baldwin Park, Pomona and eventually settled in the city of Chino. Despite having started with health issues at the young age of 45, Rene was always disciplined about his health care and was very valiant in fighting all that came his way until the day of his passing. Rene loved doting on his grandchildren and great grandchildren and had a passion for airplanes and was an avid reader of the Los Angeles Times. Despite growing up in Mexico, his knowledge of American History was impressive, especially given his limited formal education. He was an elegant man who loved a good joke. He had a generous heart who dedicated his life to his family. He will be missed by his family and so many other people that loved him dearly.