Feliz Lovato passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Merced, California on Sunday, February 20, 2011. She was 87.

Feliz was born on May 7, 1923 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the youngest and the last surviving sibling from a family of 14 children. Feliz married David Lovato on February 21, 1939. Her husband David died on the same date, February 20, eleven years ago. Feliz and David initially lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cedar City, Utah, Miami, Arizona and in the greater Los Angeles area. In 1949, the family moved to the San Quentin Valley farming community of Firebaugh, California and then to Los Banos several years later. Then in 1952, the family moved to the Planada area, then the Plainsburg area, and eventually to Le Grand. The family finally moved to Merced in 1967 where Feliz lived the remainder of her life.

Feliz was preceded in death by his husband, David Lovato, Sr., and by her sons Frank Lovato, Albert Lovato, Raymond "Hollywood" Lovato, and her infant sons Francisco Lovato, Robert Lovato and Samuel Lovato. Her grandsons Ruben Lovato, Jr., and Richard Lovato, Jr. also preceded Feliz in death.

Feliz is survived by her son Ruben Lovato from Petaluma, California, daughter Mary Flores from Merced, son David Lovato, Jr. from Merced, daughter Sylvia Lovato from Clovis, California, son Richard Lovato from Merced, and son Alex Lovato from Merced. Feliz is also survived and will be greatly missed by 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

Services are schedule for 12 Noon, Friday, February 25 at the Chapel of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, California. Burial will follow immediately next door at Evergreen Cemetery. A viewing is also scheduled at the Chapel for Thursday, February 24 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.
Published in Merced Sun Star on February 24, 2011