With deep sadness we announce Hortencia R. Vasquez passed away on December 18, 2023, in Palm Springs, CA after a brief illness.  She was 94 years old.   Affectionately known as "Tita," she was born on February 7, 1929 in Blythe, CA to Edwardo and Luz Rodriguez.  Tita lived in Midland, CA during her early years and later moved to Blythe, CA with her family where she attended high school and lived the remainder of her life. There, she met her husband, Ray.  They married in 1951 and began a family of eight children.  They were married for 56 years.

During Tita's early childhood years in Midland, she discovered she had a beautiful voice and began singing.  She continued singing throughout her life having performed in clubs, weddings and public performances.  She sang in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church choir for over 50 years where she was also a member of the Altar Society.  She loved musicals and dancing and directed children in ballet folklorico performances for fiestas and celebrations in the valley.

Towards the end of WWII, as a young woman Tita worked at her parents' restaurant and then helped her parents establish the La Victoria grocery store in 1947 where she worked for many years.  Later, she worked for the school district for over 15 years as a teacher's assistant for migrant children.  She retired at age 62.

Tita was a caring wife, mother and friend who was loved and adored by all.  She had a deep faith in God and in human nature.   She loved dearly all those who came to visit her and she went out of her way to help others by sharing her life-long experiences and offering advice to those who sought it.  Tita believed she was very rich with family and love.  She will be deeply missed and will always hold a special place in the hearts she touched.

Tita is survived by her seven children: Elisa Camargo (Gilbert), Alma Slater (Roger), Ralph Vasquez (Jacqueline), Virginia "Gina" Vasquez, Victor Vasquez (Yvette), Maria Esquivel, and Louis Vasquez; her two brothers Leonard and Xavier Rodriguez; 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roman Vasquez; her son Arthur Adrian Vasquez; her four sisters Mary Goforth, Carmen Micalizio, Lucia Ojeda, and Ermila Rodriguez; and her brother Edward Rodriguez.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Viewing/Rosary/Sharing from 5 -8 PM on Thursday, January 25th at Frye Chapel & Mortuary located at 633 N 7th Street in Blythe, CA.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 26th at 11 AM at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 875 E. Chanslor Way with graveside service to follow at the Palo Verde Cemetery in Blythe, CA.

Flowers can be ordered from Albertsons grocery store located in Blythe, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:  Blythe Emergency Food Pantry, P.O. Box 789, Blythe, CA  92226.