Otila Estela Quiroz

Otila Estela Quiroz was born on September 19, 1943 in Tijuana, Mexico. She came to the United States as a young child.Otila attended school in the Los Nietos and Whittier Union High School District. She was in the first graduating class at Pioneer High School in 1961. She later earned her A.A. Degree from Cerritos College. During this time, she studied to work as a dental assistant.Otila married John Quiroz on April 11, 1964 at St. Pius X Church in Santa Fe Springs, California. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Rosalind, John III, and Maria Elena. After several years as a homemaker, Otila was employed as a health office aide at South Whittier Middle School. She later became the test data technician at Pioneer High School, before working as their registrar for 20 years. Otila was always interested in politics, serving in the CSEA, actively lobbying for human rights, and cherishing her status as a U.S. citizen. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, reading and most all, spending time with her family and many friends.Otila is survived by John, her husband of 47 years; their children, Rosalind Quiroz Knapp(Dean), John Quiroz III, and Maria Elena Hulting (David); her grandchildren, Aiden Knapp, Ryan Knapp, Lindsey Quiroz, and Alexander Hulting; her parents, Lilly R. Valle and Victor Manuel Valle; her mother-in-law, Maria Elena Quiroz; siblings, Lilly Hernandez (Luis), Victor Manuel Valle (Mary), Christina V. Duran (Arturo); twenty nephews and nieces, and many great-nephews and nieces.Otila V. Quiroz will be remembered by her family and friends for her positive outlook and unconditional love she extended to everyone around her. During the years that she spent battling cancer, she maintained this same positive attitude toward life, displaying poise and grace. Throughout this time, Otila continued to give of herself to those around her. Her openess and love for others was rooted in her deep faith, which allowed her to thank God for everying living minute while she struggled with her cancer. Her love and faith continue to inspire her family, providing strength and comfort.The Quiroz family would like to thank Otila's numerous friends and family members for their unwavering support and kind words during this difficult time.A reception will follow the burial service at Maria Elena's home, 13703 Valna Drive, Whittier, California.Friends may, if they wish, donate in Otila's memory to the Hospice of Presbyterian, 15050 Imperial Hwy., La Mirada, CA 90638.