Ramona M. Hernandez
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Ramona M. Hernandez (nee Orosco) on November 16th at Lompoc Valley Medical Center. A native of Lompoc and a member of one of the largest families in Lompoc, the Macias-Becerra Family, mother was born on March 14, 1922 to Jesus and Maria Louisa (Macias) Orosco. Raised in Lompoc, she started her family of six children with first husband, Martin Perez. She later moved to Santa Barbara in the early 1950’s where she continued to raise her family, adding two more children with second husband, Antonio Hernandez.
Mom worked in the local electronics industry at companies such as Penta Labs, Renco, Infomag and Santa Barbara Research. Later in life, after the birth of her special needs grandson, Scott Marquez, she made use of her bilingual skills as an interpreter with the S.B. County Early Intervention Program. With her quick wit and fun-loving nature, she made friends wherever she went.
In addition to her wonderful sense of humor, Mom will be remembered for her Mexican culinary skills. Her tamales, menudo and “Lompoc Enchiladas,” were legendary. Fortunately, she shared her recipes, so they will live on!
She raised eight children and leaves a legacy of 95 grand, great, great-great, and great-great-great grandchildren. Spending time with family was her greatest joy, feeding them was just icing on the cake. We were so fortunate to have had her in our lives for so long. She took great pride in the fact that she was 95 years old – no need to lie about it!
In addition to her grandchildren, she is survived by her husband, Antonio Hernandez; sister, Virginia Sanchez; children: Robert (Rosemary) Perez, Martin (Mary) Perez, Theresa Schweri, Marge Romero, Mary Ellen (Richard) Chacon, Norma (Bobby) Marquez, Elizabeth Hernandez Reavill, and Anthony L. (Josie) Hernandez. She was predeceased by her parents, her infant son, Anthony Richard Hernandez, and her brothers: Richard Vargas, Joe, Ernie, Clyde and James Orosco. The family wishes to thank her son, Anthony and daughter-in-law, Josie Hernandez; and grandchildren Vincent Hernandez and Christina Ramirez, for the loving care they provided for mom on a daily basis.
The viewing, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and rosary at 7:00 will be held on Friday, 11/24, at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A Street, Lompoc. The funeral mass will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Queen of Angels Catholic church, 3495 Rucker Road, Lompoc; reception immediately following in the church hall. Interment will be on Monday, 11/27 at 10:00 AM at Lompoc cemetery.