Obituary of Edward Ballesteros

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edward S. Ballesteros, bid him a final farewell on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby, and son Mitchell, along with his parents and all his siblings. He is survived by his children, Charlotte (Samuel) Gutierrez, Roberta (Philip) Garcia, Arnold (Stephanie) Ballesteros, Zenida (Jess) Perez. Five grandchildren, Adrianna, Arnold Jr., April, Jessica, and Alyssa, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Ed grew up in Los Angeles, California where he attended elementary school, middle school, and graduated from Garfield High School. As a teen, he pleaded with his mother to allow him to work for the Youth Conservation Corp in the summers. She finally relented and from that work experience came his love for the outdoors, especially Yosemite National Park, where he took his family on annual trips. He also loved spending summers with his uncle in Santa Barbara, California. When his uncle and family moved to Hollister, California he followed them. While living in Hollister, Ed met and married his wife, Ruby. Ed was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, serving in active duty in Korea. He received numerous medals for his service, including the bronze star. After the military, Ed worked in Lompoc, California and with the U.S. Forestry Service for several years. He also worked with the San Benito Joint Union High School, where he retired after 28 years. Ed and Ruby enjoyed traveling, taking several trips to Hawaii, British Columbia, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Las Vegas. He and his family members attended many annual military reunions, and a highlight was spending time in Branson, Missouri with fellow Army buddies for several weeks. After the passing of his wife Ruby, Ed continued his love of travel with his children, always saying, "Well, I'll have you take me one last time." There were countless one last times. Ed had been an active member of the Hollister Senior Center for the last twenty-two years. He loved the camaraderie of re-establishing old friendships, as well as making many new ones. He served as a board member for the senior center for many years, retiring in November 2021. It was also there that he began a long-term companionship with Sadie Hernandez and met a fellow good Christian friend, Adan Perez. He enjoyed special events, especially those occasions when he would be serenaded by Lupe Castaneda. He was a devoted long-term member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He touched many lives with his generosity and friendly spirit. Ed lived a very full life, sharing many captivating stories of his youth and family life with his children. He was an avid reader of books and daily devotional to the Bible. Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito Street, Hollister, California 95023. Visitation 9:30-10:30 am and Services 10:30-12:00 pm. Burial to follow at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California 95322 at 1:30 pm. Celebration of Life will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito Street, Hollister, California.