Ophelia Yturralde, 94, of El Centro died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, September 16. She was born on August 12, 1922 in Calexico to Pablo and Ventura Medina. She grew up in Calexico and graduated from Calexico High School in 1940 and from Imperial Valley College in 1983. She married her husband of fifty years, Ismael Yturralde, also of Calexico, on November 27, 1942 just days before he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Ismael soon left for overseas duty in England. Ophelia was later notified that Ismael was declared missing in action as of November 4, 1944 after his B-17 bomber was shot down near Rostock, Germany. She later learned that he became a prisoner of war for a little over a year and had been liberated by American troops near Poland after the war. Upon Ismaels return from Europe, the couple re-united and raised a family in Calexico. Little did she know that almost fifty years after Ismael was shot down, she would travel to Rostock, Germany for their sons wedding. Ophelia was active in many local organizations including the Red Cross during WWII. She later became its local director. She also held various titles within the Calexico Womens Improvement Club, Calexico Neighborhood House, Calexico Chamber of Commerce and Calexico Little League. She also served as a Senior California Congresswoman and traveled to Taiwan numerous times representing her District. As a member of a Valley Pioneer Family, she was often interviewed and quoted by the Imperial Valley Press on topics ranging from life in the Valley during WWII to life without air conditioning. She will be missed by her family and community. Ophelia was preceded in death by her husband Ismael Yturralde on February 26, 1993 and her son Fred Yturralde on March 13, 2010. She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Guy Yturralde of El Centro and Chris Yturralde of San Diego and daughters- in-law, Toni Yturralde, Sonja Yturralde, Jennifer Yturralde and Benedicte Yturralde. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Lara Yturralde of Imperial, Lisa Yturralde of El Centro, Dr. Fred Yturralde of Sarasota, Florida, Dana Yturralde of Brawley, Ty Yturralde of Burleigh Heads, Australia and Catalin, Philippe and Annika Yturralde of San Diego. She is also survived by her eight great-grandchildren, Nikolas Leon of San Diego, Giovanni Leon of San Diego, Cristian Leon of San Diego, Alexa Leon of Boston, Massachusetts, Jadyn Yturralde of Brawley, and Dyson, Kasyn and Addyson Cara Smith of Brawley. Mass will be celebrated Friday, September 30 at 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro. Reception to follow at the Parish Hall. The Yturralde family would like to specially thank Vintage Village caregivers Lourdes Razo, Lourdes Vega and Aria Hospice for their exceptional care.