MONA SUE ANACLETO

MONA SUE DOWDY ANACLETO

August 17, 1939 – June 25, 2024

Passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Mona was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard "Philip", sons Monty and baby Joseph. She is survived by her children: Frances (Lisa), Tim, Albert (Sherie Bartron) and Sarah (Clint). Many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mona was the youngest of twelve children and is survived by her sister Clay Wallen. Mona was born August 17, 1939, on a small farm in Welty, Oklahoma to Joseph and Bertha (Godwin) Dowdy. At the age of five Mona moved to Armona, Ca. with her family and lived in the area for the remainder of her life.

Mona was a proud homemaker. She always had a garden and would harvest her fruits and vegetables to be canned and put away for the winter months. She would bottle feed the calves and irrigate the pasture before going in to begin her daily household chores. She loved to cook and said she was lucky to have a family who would eat anything she made for them. She and Philip raised five children. As a family they enjoyed camping, fishing, walking on the beach and other outdoor activities. Mona and Philip square danced with the Square Eights. They were active at the Lemoore Senior Center participating in potlucks, bingo, and music. They were members of the California Bluegrass Association. They traveled to numerous Bluegrass festivals throughout the state where they worked as volunteers. Mona loved the gypsy lifestyle, getting to meet people and make new friends. They spent several winters camping in the desert with their Bluegrass friends playing music and sharing stories of their lives. Later in life Mona enjoyed crafting, reading, visiting local casinos, and looking for a good deal at yard sales and thrift stores. Mona loved traveling with family and friends. She traveled to many states in the U.S. to include Alaska and Hawaii. She also traveled to Canada, Mexico, and to England twice. Throughout Mona's life she was a collector of many things, decorative chickens, cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, succulent plants, and all things sunflower.

Mona loved a good party and any reason to get dressed up. She would ask her caregiver, Diane Sanchez, who she loved and called her friend, to help her pick out an outfit including jewelry and shoes. They would head downstairs at the Remington, where she lived, in search of fun and excitement. She often colored her hair pink or blue just to add a little spice to everyone's life. Mona was born during hard times and even though she came from modest beginnings, she enjoyed giving gifts more than receiving as a way of showing her love and appreciation for others. Mona's thoughtfulness and kindness will be missed but she will never be forgotten.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Diane Sanchez, our mother's caregiver, and friend. We prayed for someone special to come into our lives to help us care for mom and our prayers were answered. We will never forget Diane's loyalty, love, and commitment to our mother.

A special thanks to all the caregivers and staff at the Remington who went out of their way to help mom and make her life better. We will always be grateful to you.

Graveside Service will be held at the Grangeville Cemetery 10428 14th Avenue, Armona, Ca. on July 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at First Missionary Baptist Church, 10649 Railroad Avenue, Armona, Ca.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.