Elodia Ibarra, age 77, a beacon of light and hope, departed this world on May 31, 2024, in her Fresno, California home, but her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. Elodia's life was a tapestry of love, encouragement, and service as she spent her life helping and caring for others in need.

Elodia is survived by her children Antonio (Tony) Garcia, Felica Garcia (daughter-in-law), and Celia (Sally Garcia), Grandchildren Alonso (Temo) Amezola, Andrina Rodriguez, Brittany Martinez, Camilla Mendoza, Merissa Klassen, Michael Johal, Jesse Molina, Julianna Molia and great grandchildren Judah Martinez,  Damian Klassen, Avarie Klassen, Nehemiah Klassen, Ariuelle Klassen, siblings Juan Ibarra, Isabel Ortiz, Julio Ibarra, Felipa Ibarra Trejo, Mary Ibarra, and Victor Ibarra, and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased in her death are Elodia's father and mother Victor and Rufina Ibarra, son Harvey Garcia, stepdaughter Jennifer Mendoza, brother Agapito Ibarra, Benito Ibarra, and brother-in-law Anthony Ortiz.

Elodia's journey began as she traveled to various states throughout the United States with her father and mother and siblings as migrant workers, working in agriculture, which laid a foundation of her strong work ethic. After graduating high school in San Benito, Texas, she started her family and raised her children.

While working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A) at Madera Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, she pursued her nursing license as a Licensed Verified Nurse (L.V.N.) and graduated Fresno City College. Elodia worked as a nurse, a combined 35 years at Madera Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Westgate Convalescent, sometimes working two jobs at once and taking on double shifts. Health problems forced her to retire from doing what she loved, yet she continued to be a worker bee despite this.

In the community of caregivers, she was a pillar. Being a single mother for much of her life, she managed to provide for her children, herself, and several others who sought her assistance during difficult times, making her self-sufficient and an example to many. She was adored and referred to as soul family and called mom, grandma, and tia.

Outside of working, Elodia loved to go dancing in her prime, travel to various places and found adventures as she shared memories with her friends. She enjoyed cooking, and baked delicious persimmon cookies, banana bread, and pumpkin rolls. She was known for expressing her love through feeding you with her homemade tortillas, tamales, and other comforting meals. Her hobbies were crocheting and coloring on her phone. She was a great listener and wise person.

Elodia was loved and esteemed by those as she welcomed a lot of people into her home for a warm meal to eat and shelter so they could get on their feet. Elodia was an exemplary human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family and friends. Elodia was courageous and strong until the very end. We will forever love you and miss you. May her memory be a blessing.

January 29, 1947-May 31, 2024