Manuel Ybarra Rodriguez (91) passed away on March 2, 2022 in Palm Desert, California.  He was born on March 27, 1930 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., California to Casimiro Gonzales Rodriguez and Eloisa Ybarra.  Dad enjoyed being the third child but the first boy of 14 children born to Casey and Elise.  He met and married Barbara Jean Scott on March 29, 1951.  They had seven children together.  He spent his life in Borrego Springs, California but mostly commuted supplying farm labor to fruit growers in the Imperial and San Joaquin Valleys of California.

In 1985, Manuel and his wife Barbara, were called to serve by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a Mission President in Trujillo, Peru.  As a mission president Manuel would be responsible for the health, well being and success of 300 missionaries spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the area.  Upon returning from Peru, Manuel would spend his remaining years running De Anza Ready Mix, a business he had established in Borrego Springs with his son Joseph.  He retired at the age of 86.

Manuel leaves behind his wife, Wilma Matlock, six children - Cynthia (Rand) Robbins, Sherri (Hayden) DuBay, Melani (Norman) Guith, Valeri Rodriguez, Joseph (Tracy) Rodriguez, Eric (Stacy, deceased) Rodriguez, sister-in-law Diane Dixon, brother-in-law Malcolm Scott, six siblings - Ruth Paca, Casey Rodriguez, Johnny Rodriguez, Rachel Shadee, Rebecca Rodriguez, Cindy Bartolomeo, 63 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara of 63 years, Stacy Rodriguez (daughter-in-law) Jesse Kochel (grandson) parents Casey and Elise Rodriguez, 7 siblings - Virginia Villeges, Robert, Eddie, Richard, Rueben, Paul and Henry Rodriguez.

Manuel will always be remembered for his generous heart, love of his Savior Jesus Christ, family, work ethic and willingness to help anyone in need.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1:00 pm at 597 Cahuilla Road, Borrego Springs, California.