On Tuesday, April 9, Ernestina Salas, mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of 6, passed away. Tina, as she was known, was a vivacious woman. Although her life was not easy, she made it her mission to make the most of it.

Tina was born Ernestina Leos on May 19, 1951 in San Juan, TX. One of five children, her family made their way from Texas to Buttonwillow, California eventually settling in Sanger, CA. Tina attended Sanger High School for a short period before meeting Lee Salas her husband, who preceded her in death. Together the pair had three daughters: Dianna Salas, Dora Salas-Mireles, and Kristy Salas-Corral.

After Lee's passing, Tina found love again with "her hunny," Manuel Rodriguez. Although the two never married they shared 40 years of romance. The two dated like teenagers spending time on the phone chatting and attending Rodriguez family parties. She treated the family as if they were her own, as was her nature. Tina welcomed anyone into her life with open arms and a warm tortilla to fill their belly.

Tina spent many years working in the area's fruit-packing plants where she made several life-long friends. Her co-workers at Riverbend Packing said she was the fastest, and funniest, woman on the line. Tina later left the packing plant to work at the Save Mart bakery in Sanger until it closed. There she made many more friends from throughout the town. Never one to shy away from an off-color joke, she made even the worst days some of the best, customers and co-workers alike came to rely on her sense of humor.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in her later years, she continued to light up any room she entered. Throughout her battle with Alzheimer's, she continued to enjoy life visiting both Disneyland and Disney World with her daughters and grandchildren, attending several Rainbow Pride festivals, dancing the night away at weddings and Quinceneras, frequenting local music festivals, and making a yearly batch of tamales with her loved ones.

A lover of Ramon Ayala's music, Tina held onto the songs and dances of her youth, singing along with unwavering enthusiasm. Her memory might have faded, but she never forgot the words of a good song or how to order a margarita. True to her nature, Tina forged new friendships to the very end, turning her nurses into cherished dancing partners who shared in her joy and laughter.

Tina will be remembered for her bright smile, quick-witted humor, and her loving spirit. She is survived by her daughters Dianna, Dora, and Kristy and grandchildren Angela, Michelle, Johnny, Bobby, Ashley, Sienna, and Ellie as well as 6 great-grandchildren. Tina is also survived by her twin sisters, Ignacia Valverde and Santos Blanco, and her brother Carlos Leos.

A memorial service will be held on May 1, 2024, at 9 am at St. Mary's Church in Sanger, CA. Burial and reception to follow.