Sarah B Ayala

Sarah “Sally” Botello Ayala of El Monte, was born on September 26, 1929, and passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by family on January 15, 2024, at 2:26 a.m. She was 94 years old. Those who knew Sally, will remember her as a resilient, sassy, elegantly dressed, faith-driven, adventurous and loving lady. She enjoyed betting on football games, taking trips to the casinos, art exhibits and plays; she enjoyed bowling, watching Lifetime movies, attending fashion shows and numerous family events.

Sally was always up for an adventure somewhere, or content with staying home to watch a Dodger game and cook her delicious tostadas and enchiladas. If you were looking for a competitive game of Yahtzee or cards, look no further than Sally. Just be prepared, she was pretty darn good at winning. Sally was the backbone of her family; the pillar of strength and boy did she show it. Her character was a whirlwind of fortitude, and she could banter as much as the day is long.

Born in Los Angeles, California, by her mother Anita and raised with the assistance of her grandmother Josephina, Sally was the oldest of 10 children. She had five brothers and four sisters. As a young girl, Sally lived in Alberhill, California, where she once described her days as strenuous because she had to walk miles on a dirt road from home to the school bus, and back home, again. Her stay in Alberhill didn’t last long before moving back to Los Angeles County, where she grew up spending time with friends, singing in her parish’s church choir, and attending local dances. On one New Year’s Eve in her 20s, Sally attended a dance at the Roger Young Dance Hall that would change the course of her life indefinitely. That was the day she met Anthony “Louie” Ayala, who she would later marry. Louie’s extroverted personality won over the rather private and pensive Sally, and they tied the knot in 1951. Sally and Louie built a wonderful life together that included their four children: Vivian, Lorraine, Philip and Cecile; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Sally was not only a wonderful Mom, but an amazing Grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed and kept in the hearts of all who knew her.