Ella Myrtle Melendrez
August 21, 1929 – January 29, 2025

Our Mom will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was a vibrant, fascinating woman who loved her family, her friends and her church. She was born in northern Saskatchewan to Frank and Myrtle Kroeker on their family farm. She learned how to make butter, milk cows and walk miles to school in the snow and cold. In 1941, her father moved the family to Whittier, Calif. for the great weather and ample opportunities for employment. There Ella went to school and thrived, and was the first person in her family to go to college — Whittier college — a small but prestigious school.

She graduated with a liberal arts degree and became an elementary school teacher at New River School. Later she returned to the University of Pepperdine for her masters’ in reading and education. While in college she met her husband, Julian Melendrez. They married in 1953 and had four children. They had many adventures, including motorcycle racing in the hills of Orange County on his Harley, mini car races in the streets of Los Angeles to Laguna Beach, plus travel across the United States in a Jag they bought just for that purpose. They divorced in 1962.

She then met the love of her life, Bill Lopez, while teaching school, and they enjoyed companionship for the next 50+ years.

She loved to travel and saw most of the world with her best friend Nancy Kuno and her sister Ina DeHart. They went to China, all of Europe, Russia, Tanzania, Ireland, Australia plus a few cruises through the Panama Canal and on the river Danube.

She was pretty athletic, loved to golf, walk with her little dog Ginger, play bridge and read ferociously and was independent up until her last days. She could do anything, one time we found her standing on a ladder, on top of her dining room table painting the peak in her ceiling, she was 80 at the time. A little crazy but that was mom.

She is predeceased by her parents, Bill, her daughter Lori, son Fell, grandson Philip Timek and great granddaughter Elizabeth Timek. She is survived by her daughter Cindy (Gary)Timek, son David Melendrez (Amanda), grandchildren, Sara (Alan) Harris, Adam Timek, Cecelia (Sam) Martarano, Rachel (Kevin) Morrill, Aysha and Malia Melendrez. She is also survived by five great grandchildren: Ella and Griffin Harris, Adam Timek Jr., Donovan and Sophia Martarano.

A celebration of life is planned for the later this year. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the animal shelter of your choice.