Ralph “Jackie” Nava passed away peacefully on Nov. 8th 2011, at Stanford Hospital after a brief illness with a lot of family by his side.
He was 56 years old. Surviving family include Mother Frances Nava of Hollister, Brothers George (Regina) Nava of Hollister, Tom (Elizabeth) Nava of Tracy, David Nava (Linda McFadden) of Los Banos, Sisters Isabelle Nava and Margaret (Mario) Salinas of Hollister. He was preceded in death by his Father (Louie Sr.) Sister (Ellen), Brother (Louie Jr.) Nava and Niece Nicole Salinas.
He attended Sacred Heart School and San Benito High School, He worked as a manager for a local gas station in the 80’s then moved back to Watsonville for a few years then moved back to Hollister. In the early 90’s Ralph became a Healthcare Worker. He was an advocate for the Healthcare union, a member of the Nuestra Federacion Mariana Guadalupanas, and he also worked at the Community Pantry.
Ralph was a great friend to all. He loved to cook, bake, decorate, dance and listen to Disco music. Because of his love in helping people, his tissue, bone, skin and corneas were donated to help others.
A beautiful memorial service too place at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church on November 19th, 2011. Fr. Rudy Ruiz, (a longtime family friend) officiated. There were lots of family and friends in attendance, maybe to fulfill a wish of his for a Harvest Feast Potluck that he had discussed with other family members for this year. Niece Autumn Salinas sang “Testify to Love”. Readings were by his Nino, George (Bobby) Munoz and family friend Cecilia Rodrigues. Speeches of wonderful memories by his Sister Margaret Salinas, Niece Annette Serna and longtime friend Judy Martinez.
A special thanks to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and Stanford Hospital staff for your loving care of our brother. Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home (Tom, Marchel and Joe) and to all of our family and longtime friends for your love, support, and prayers. A great big thanks to our Sister, Regina Nava who was also Ralph’s caregiver till the end.
