Aurora "Junior" Ramirez
August 5,1944-January 17, 2016
It is with great grief we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother, Junior Ramirez. Junior entered into eternal rest, in the early morning hours, of Sunday, January 17, 2016, at home with her family after complications, due to a seizure.
Junior was born to Carlos and Felicitas Marquez, August 5, 1944. Junior was the youngest of 12 children, hence her nickname, which she is most known by. The Marquez children were born and raised in Ventura, and lived in the well-known, Tortilla Flats, until it's demise in the late 1950's.
Junior attended Ventura High School where she met John Ramirez, Sr., whom she married, soon after high school. Junior and John were married 28 years, during which they had a son, John, Jr., and they spent many years participating in sports with Saticoy Little League and Ventura High School organizations. Seventeen years later Junior and John had a baby girl, Kaci, and many more memories were created, including much anticipated trips to the Sierras.
Junior loved her children until her last breath, and often said, they were her greatest accomplishment. When Junior's children had babies of their own, she was ecstatic. She loved her grandchildren almost as much as she loved her Pepsi. Her greatest joy was having her family around her. She hosted every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter holiday, at her home, where she resided for 42 years. Her table was always beautifully adorned, food delectable, and her appearance beautiful.
Junior is survived by her daughter, Kaci Fredell and son-in-law, Gordon Fredell, Sr., Reno, NV; grandson, John Ramirez III, Murrieta, CA; granddaughter, Lauren Houck and grandson-in-law, Trenton Houck, La Habra, CA; granddaughter, Brooke Ramirez, Santa Paula, CA; grandson Gordon Fredell, Jr. and grandson, Grason Fredell, Reno, NV; great-grandson, Cameron Ramirez, Ventura, CA; great-granddaughter Jonella Ramirez, Murrieta, CA; and her siblings Charles Marquez, Lake Havasu, AZ; Rudy Marquez, Santa Barbara, CA; Emily Beavers, San Jose, CA; Julia Ramirez, Santa Barbara, CA; Pal Marquez, Nikiski, AK; Bill Marquez, Santa Maria, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
Junior began her career in the Teamsters Union in 1975 as a secretary in the Oxnard office of Local 186. She was soon promoted to Office Manager. She became an elected officer - Recording Secretary and later a business agent. She worked for 4 different administrations in her nearly 20 years. She walked many picket lines and fought in the trenches with her members and colleagues at 186. She was very popular with Teamster members and her word was her bond.
Years after Junior found herself single, she began what turned out to be a wonderful, long-term partnership, with, Dennis Shaw, whom she spent her last years traveling and enjoying life with. Dennis proved to be a tremendous support for her while she struggled with her recent diagnosis of MS, and he served as a great friend and confidant for many years.
Junior was an avid sports fan; and at this time of year she would be looking forward to the beginning of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball season. She enjoyed watching her favorite team alongside her great-grandson, Cameron, and Junior's family knew not to bother them while the Dodgers were playing; and if her favorite team lost, Junior's response would be, "Darn Dodgers".
There were a great number of family and friends who loved, Junior, and whom Junior loved dearly. She was willing to listen to someone in need, and she was willing to help in any way that she could. She has been described by her nieces and nephews as, a bright light, a very special lady, and as having held a special place in their hearts.
This special person will be missed tremendously by many; and especially, by her daughter, who has vowed that, the sun will not set without a whisper of, goodnight, Mom and we love you, Grandma Jube.
Junior is predeceased by her beloved son, whom she lost 11 years ago, John Ramirez, Jr.; parents Carlos and Felicitas Marquez; sisters Hope Page, Vera Silva, Esther Diaz, Emma Olivera, and Elsie Peterson; former in-laws Cruz and Mary Ramirez; and Dennis' parents Bob and Mary Shaw.
The family of Junior Ramirez, would like to thank the following: Father Dominic, of Our Lady of Assumption Church, for his support and guidance; Assisted Hospice for their care, especially Steven, Melanie, Margarita, Kim, and Michelle; Sacred Heart Church and JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME, for their services; and the family and friends who visited Junior, with gifts, edibles and love. We are forever grateful.
Junior will be laid to rest, Friday, January 29, 2016, at Sacred Heart Church; with a Rosary, at 9:30am; Mass, at 10:00am; and a short service, at Ivy Lawn Cemetery, at 11:30am. A reception will follow, at Elks Lodge, Ventura.