Stella Reyes, age 96 of Eureka, died peacefully in her sleep on February 15, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, following a brief illness. Stella was born on September 1, 1928, in Los Angeles, the daughter of Rupert Martinez and Mercedes Gonzales, both born in New Mexico. Stella had four children — Edward, Ray Anthony, Jo Ann, and Carol; grandchildren Eddie, Jr., Aimee Vanessa, Leslie Ann, Morgan, Dominic, Brianna and their children, and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings — Josephine, Lucy, Sarah, Eva, Lee, Tony, Ray; her eldest son, Edward; and her granddaughter, Leslie.

Stella lived for much of her life in Los Angeles, and moved to Eureka in 1993 to be near her daughter, Jo Ann. She adapted easily to the small-town character of her new home, and thrived here, with a rich life in her church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and with the love of many friends and the countless young students she cared for as a foster grandparent for nearly 20 years at Worthington Public School, Lafayette Public School and Washington Public School, where the children called her “Nana.”

Stella lived a long, full and healthy life, all the way until her final weeks. She lived independently in a cozy apartment and kept in close touch with family and friends. Her wits were sharp to the very end. Her sense of humor unmatched, her body strong and resilient. Her interest in political affairs always keen and engaged. Her abiding faith in a loving God never abandoned her. She prayed the rosary constantly in her final days, and if anyone ever was a candidate for sainthood – in the opinion of her children – Stella deserves this consideration.

Stella embodied the power of the human spirit and of resilience in the face of adversity. She loved God and her family deeply, and faced life’s challenges with an indomitable ‘can do’ sense. She rarely complained. She accepted life at face value and always made the best and the most of it. She taught her children the vital importance of good nutrition and was a walking testament to it; her longevity is an affirmation of this. Stella will be deeply missed by her family and by everyone who knew her and loved her. We love you, mom. Thank you for everything.

A memorial service for Stella Reyes will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2085 Myrtle Avenue in Eureka. Private interment at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Eureka, will take place at a future date.