Alfredo Santellana Jimenez

Mr. Alfredo Santellaña Jimenez, 78, born on August 9, 1945, in Taft, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family.
Alfredo was the cherished son of Matilde and Victoria Jimenez. A proud attendee of Taft High School-"Go Greyhounds!"-he embarked on a journey of service and dedication. On March 30, 1967, he married Maria Garcia Saldivar, whom he affectionately called his Cinderella. Alfredo honorably served in the United States Army between 1967 and 1970, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam and earning an Army Commendation Medal for his valor. He spent 37 years working at the Eisenhower Medical Center before retiring in 2017. Alfredo was a committed member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Bill Huntington Post 3699. In 2010, the California State Assembly awarded him the Veteran's Recognition Award for his exemplary service and dedication to both his post and community.
Alfredo is survived by his loving wife, Maria Saldivar Jimenez; his children, Marlene Montoya, Alfredo Saldivar Jimenez, Jr., Rebecca Dastagne; his sons-in-law, Michael Montoya and Henry Dastagne; his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Cory Jimenez; his grandchildren, Victoria Montoya, Michelle Gutierrez, Paulino Gutierrez, Michael Montoya, Jr., Matthew Dastagne, Ethan Jimenez, and Noah Jimenez; his great-granddaughter, Rosa Gutierrez; and his siblings, Maria Elena Ramirez, Maria Burgess, Sofia Bruner, Geraldo Jimenez, Ermlinda Oliveira, and Irene Jimenez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Matilde and Victoria Jimenez; his grandmother, Martina Contreras; and his brothers, Agapito Jimenez and Eliodoro Jimenez.
A Funeral Service will be held on August 7th, 2024, at the Apostolic Church of Indio, 46601 Vargas Rd, Indio, CA 92201, with a viewing from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Alfredo will be laid to rest on August 8th, 2024, with military honors at 10:00 a.m. at the Coachella Valley Veterans Cemetery, 82-925 Ave 52, Coachella, CA 92236.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported them during this difficult time, especially his children Marlene & Michael Montoya, Alfredo Jimenez Jr., Rebecca & Henry Dastagne, his grandchildren Michael Montoya Jr and Matthew Destange and his beloved wife, Maria, for their unwavering love and care as he walked the path to heaven.
Alfredo was a man passionately devoted to God, who embraced and respected all, regardless of color, creed, or orientation. He fell deeper in love each day with his Cinderella, led and shepherded his children with dedication, and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He regarded his sons- and daughter-in-law as his "children of the heart" and was known for his quick forgiveness and choice to love. His legacy is one of redemption, faith, love, honor, courage, and commitment. As we reflect on his life, we find comfort in knowing he now rests in the arms of his Heavenly Father, having fulfilled the purpose he was meant to achieve.