Rafael Ortiz Bañales

Rafael Ortiz Bañales, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family. Born to Miguel Bañales and Guadalupe Ortiz on October 20, 1938, in Durango, Mexico, he immigrated to the United States in 1958. After starting his new life in Santa Barbara, CA, he married Emma García in 1965, and together they formed and raised a family. Known for his strong work ethic, he was a landscaper for over sixty-five years, tending and beautifying gardens in Montecito and Hope Ranch. One of his proudest achievements was providing for his six children, all of whom attended trade school or college, resulting in an automotive certification, multiple college certificates and associate degrees, four bachelor’s degrees, five master’s degrees, and two doctorate degrees. He had a zest for life and enjoyed traveling, visiting Barcelona, New York, San Francisco, Mexico City, and many other places. Despite not having a formal education, he was a walking encyclopedia who could recite facts and dates straight from memory and had a strong passion for politics and history. He enjoyed listening to regional Mexican music, watching baseball games and Cantinflas movies, tending to his home garden, and caring for his cats and (late) dogs. His kind heart, generous spirit, eccentric personality, and wild sense of humor will always be remembered. He is survived by his spouse Emma; his children Leticia, Patricia, Victoria, Samuel, and Candice; his ten grandchildren Jacqueline, Adriana, Gabriel, Stephan Omar, Jonathan, Christy, Rafael Omar, Jr., Jeannine, Yan, and Emma; his three great-grandchildren Damian, Ines, and Isaiah; his siblings Dora, Guadalupe, Hugo, Osvaldo, and Berta. His beloved son Rafael, Jr. preceded him in death. A rosary will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Thursday, January 2nd (7 pm) followed by a mass on Friday, January 3rd (12 pm) and burial at Calvary Cemetery (after 1 pm).