Linda Villarreal

Herlinda "Linda" Villarreal

December 1, 1947 - November 2, 2025

Herlinda Villarreal, lovingly known as Linda, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the age of 77. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Linda was a cherished member of the Ripon, California community, where she resided for 48 years.

Linda was born and raised in Texas and moved with her family from Houston to Stockton, California in 1964. That same year, she met the love of her life, Cipriano Villarreal, while they were both working in the vineyards-Cipriano pruning grapes and Linda and her sister tying the grape branches. They married in September 1965 and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

Throughout her life, Linda worked hard and cared deeply for others. She spent several years working in the canneries before finding her true calling in education as a teacher's aide. She first worked with English as a Second Language (ESL) students for about ten years and later continued as a teacher's aide for the remainder of her career, touching many lives along the way.

Linda had a creative spirit and a warm heart. She loved to crochet and craft, especially making special gifts for her sisters to share during their annual "Sisters' Club" vacations, a tradition they cherished for many years.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Cipriano Villarreal; her daughter, Liz Ayala and husband Mike Ayala; her son, Francisco Villarreal; and her grandchildren, Alex Villarreal, Miranda Ayala-Mouat and husband Brandon Ayala-Mouat, Michelle Ayala, and Shelby Villarreal.

A viewing will be held at Deegan Memorial Chapel on November 13, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Graveside services will take place at Ripon Cemetery on November 14, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

Linda will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and deep love for her family. Her presence will be profoundly missed but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.