Isabel Castillo

Isabel (Chavela) Ramirez Castillo "Sanchez" Born July 8, 1916 in Hondo, Texas went to meet our lord on September 15, 2019. Married to Jesus Ernesto Sanchez , they had 9 children. Isabel, best known as "Chavela" came from humble beginnings. As a baby, because of her mother's health, she went to live with her grandparents on her father's side. This was the beginning of her identity as an independent young girl. Her grandfather spoiled but allowed her to grow, while instilling good family values. Passing them on to her family for generations to come. Chavela lost her husband in 1953 to a farming accident in Toppenish. Having 8 children and pregnant with one on the way, Chavela's life changed instantly. Not knowing what would come next, several community family members would lend a helping hand. Chavela spoke highly of them to her children any chance she could. Her father Lucio, would ask her to come home with her children to Mexico, but Chavela's response was to stay to be near her husband, allowing her children to visit their father's grave. As a single parent in the 1950's, with hard times ahead, Chavela would push through though and becoming a trailblazer for her children and children's children. Chavela lived a long and happy life (103 years) Enjoying her family, friends and flower gardens. She once was watering her flower beds as she was approached by the City of Toppenish officials and presented her a citation for landscaped yard of the year, then again the following year. She would later say, I didn't even enter a contest. Chavela left a legacy of love, compassion for others and a wonderful humorous side that will be missed and unmatched. Her children Pedro Sanchez, Lazaro Sanchez, Pablo Sanchez, Juana Ortega, Mary Landeros, Antonia Briceno, Jesus Sanchez, Rudy Sanchez and Marylou Briceno and many grandchildren will miss her and enjoy her with wonderful amazing stories. A Rosary will be held on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 6pm at Resurrection Catholic Church (704 Schooley Rd, Zillah, WA 98953). There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11am at St. Aloysius (213 N. Beech St, Toppenish, WA 98948) a reception to follow at the Middle School (104 Goldendale Ave, Toppenish, WA 98948) Family and Friends are welcome to attend. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Isabel Castillo, please visit our flower store.