Carmela Sanchez-Nevarez, 71, of Ottumwa passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025 in Tulare, CA.
She was born July 16, 1954 in Tumazula, Durango, Mexico to Julio Sanchez Ontiveros and Maria Nevarez Lozoya.
Carmela moved to California when she was 21 and worked as a farm laborer. In 2000 she moved back to Ottumwa where she later retired from JBS.
She was a member of St. Mary of the Visitation.
When she was younger she loved to dance and sew. Carmela enjoyed tending to her garden, cooking meals to share with family and friends, going to the casino, and playing the lottery. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Carmela will be remembered for her warm heart, strong faith, and dedication to her family.
Surviving are her children, David (Jessica) Rios of Minooka, IL, Anica Rios of Shreveport, LA, Lorena Rios of Tulare, CA, and Maria Esmeralda (Santiago) Morales Rios of Ottumwa; grandchildren, Mariah, David, Lilyana, Lizeth, Jose, Julian, Brian, Carmen, Daniel, Damian; 2 great grandchildren, Angelina and Daniel M.; siblings, Luciano, Dionicio, Antonio Sanchez Nevarez; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation with family present to greet friends will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday October 2nd at Reece Funeral Home.
Graveside service and burial will be 2 p.m. Thursday October 2nd at Ottumwa Cemetery.
