Sarah Ontiveros

Sarah Ontiveros was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Sarah will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Sarah was born on September 23, 1912 in Wilcox, Arizona. She was the daughter of Jose and Dolores Sandoval. Sarah grew up in San Joaquin Valley.

Sarah was raised with six siblings. She had Josephine, Aggie, Dolores, Lydia, Yolanda and Mercy. Sarah was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

A typical teenager, Sarah had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Woodlake High School. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

She earned her Cosmetology State License from the University of Beauty Culture in Los Angeles, California.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Sarah enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Dolores Munoz.

On December 31, 1934 Sarah exchanged wedding vows with Felix Ontiveros in Visalia, California. Empathic and loyal, Sarah was committed to making her new family happy.

Sarah worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Sarah was blessed with one child, one daughter, Gloria. Another blessing for Sarah was the gift of four grandchildren, Rozanne Pereyra, Veronica Foster, Tony Ramirez and Annette Norberg, ten great-grandchildren Sal, Anthony, Nick, Ryan, Taylor, Zachary, Cassandra, Sydney, Maddie and Shelby and five great-great-grandchildren Noah, Caleb, Mateo, Jayden and Syriah.

Fortunately, Sarah enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Sarah worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was hairdresser. She was self-employed for 25 years as a hair salon owner. Sarah always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Sarah enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were crocheting blankets, travel and she loved to exercise. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Sarah was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for her community and numerous civic functions, hosting banquets and parties in their home for many, many years as her husband Felix's companion for the City of Los Angeles during the 1960's and 1970's.

Sarah enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included traveling with her daughter Gloria to Europe in pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal and Our Lady of Lourdes in France and going to Acapulco and Mazatlan, Mexico.

Sarah was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Tippy, a Maltese dog. They were best friends for 15 years.

When Sarah’s retirement finally arrived in 1973, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Hacienda Heights, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in traveling. Even in retirement, Sarah continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Sarah was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Sarah passed away on November 25, 2012 at El Encanto Skilled Nursing in City of Industry. She is survived by her loving family. Services were held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Sarah was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

Simply stated, Sarah was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Sarah leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Sarah Ontiveros.

Sarah’s family and friends will all agree that she was perhaps the most devoted Catholic role model they knew. Always prepared to turn to her St. Anthony or St. Jude for comfort and guidance too. What an example she set for her family over all these years in so many ways.

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