Rachel - Melendez

Rachel Melendez was born August 27, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, to Apolonio and Rosa (Martinez) Santana. She passed away on December 6, 2018, in Whittier, California, at the age of 79.

Rachel grew up and went to school in East Los Angeles, California. She married her first love, Manuel Marquez, and they settled in Montebello, California, where they were blessed with three children, Debbie, Darlene, and Martin. Unfortunately, Manuel passed away at a young age. Rachel later married Ray Melendez and together they raised Rachels youngest child, Isabel. Though their marriage ended in divorce, Ray has remained a part of the family.

Family always came first for Rachel. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, as well as an adopted grandmother to many other children she often babysat. Rachel was a skilled crafter, as well as a wonderful cook. Gardening was another of her great skills. She truly had a green thumb and was known for the beauty of her flower garden. More importantly, she loved the Lord and was a devout Christian. Most recently, she attended Good Shepherd Church in Whittier.

Rachel is survived by her children, Debbie Tiznado, Darlene Rojas, Martin (Ronnie) Marquez, and Isabelle (Sean) Roache; her sisters, Emelia Alfaro, Ruby Pedroza, and Rosa Santana; 11 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Viewing will take place from 5-6pm on Monday, December 17, 2018, with an evening service to follow at 6pm, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 Philadelphia St., Whittier, California. A funeral service will begin at 11am the next morning, Tuesday, December 18, 2018, also at White Emerson Mortuary. Interment will immediately follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.