Ofelia Cortez ArriolaDecember 07, 1925 - January 20, 2017TulareOfelia Cortez Arriola was born on December 7, 1925 in Durango, Mexico. In 1927 she emigrated to the US and, together with her family, established her life in Tulare, CA. On December 12, 1999, Ofelia became a proud US citizen. Ofelia will be most remembered for her unwavering faith and deep devotion to God and our family. She was known for her reverence toward Santo Nino de Atocha and spent her evenings reciting the rosary. This nightly ritual is just one reflection of her unfaltering faith, while also serving as an example and inspiration to our family. Ofelia was the matriarch and pillar of strength for our family. Wise and loving, she spent countless precious moments with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating invaluable lifelong memories. Whether watching her favorite telenovelas, making her prized empanadas or sharing her "words of wisdom," she will be forever engrained in the hearts of those who loved her. Surrounded by our family after a brief battle against thyroid cancer, Ofelia peacefully passed the morning of January 20, 2017. She is survived by her five children: Raymond (& Annie) Yniguez, Antonia "Toni" (& Gene) Chavez, Marta (& Russ) Bassett, Ramon "Sonny" Arriola (& Helen Saenz) and Ricardo "Rick" (& Marieta) Arriola. She leaves behind her nine beloved grandchildren: Raeleen, Antoinette, Brian, Rebecca, Russell, Amber, Matthew, Alexia and Elysia, and ten extraordinary great-grandchildren: Noah, Adam, Ashton, Evan, Carmen, Mia, Tysen, Massimo, Rachel and Marco, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ofelia was preceded in death by her husband Antonio Yniguez, her grandmother Loreto Enciso Cortez, mother Carmen Cortez and sister Ninfa Vargas. Ofelia's witty phrases, memorable gestures and outspoken honesty will be greatly missed, often repeated and forever remembered by our many family and friends.Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017 starting at Noon until 6:15pm, followed by a Rosary at 6:30pm at Sterling & Smith Funeral Chapel in Tulare, CA. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, January 27, 2017 at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Tulare, CA. Our family greatly appreciates the profound love and support we have received, especially from those who took the time to reach out to our family or visit Ofelia in these most recent weeks. We would also like to commend and express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Jon Miyakawa and the amazing staff and medical team at the Tulare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their exceptional care of our beloved Ofelia.