Lydia Garcia Ramirez, a proud Marine Corp daughter, went to be with our Lord unexpectedly, but peacefully, on July 13 ^, 2021, at the age of 65, surrounded by her loved ones. Lydia was born September 22,1955, in San Antonio, TX to Genaro D. Garcia and Guillermina (Valdez) Garcia. Traveling extensively with her mother and father, she attended grade, middle and high school in San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, California and Zama Kanagawa, Japan. The family eventually settled in Oceanside, California, where she graduated with her Nursing Degree as an RN. While in Oceanside, she met the love of her life, Jack Ramirez, and they were married in 1972. Being very adventurous, they both loved riding motorcycles, fishing in the ocean, camping and surfing. Together they traveled the U.S. with their children while Jack was a pipeliner for Caterpillar. She spent 25 years in San Antonio, working as a geriatric nurse, then started her own business "Home Health ETC" in Streator, IL. Her first client was Mr. Mareta, of the famous Mareta Raviolis in Leonore, IL. She spent 28 years taking care of many families in The Streator, Ottawa, Grand Ridge, and Ransom areas. She loved her occupation so much that her clients became family. She continued to be adventurous, and obtained her small plane pilot's license in Peru, IL. Lydia loved to sit on her front porch looking out at her ranch in Adkins, Texas, where she had livestock and various animals. She also loved to travel the world and had visited Europe, Japan and the Islands. Most recently, she visited Jamaica and Paris, France. Some would say she had a lucky horseshoe when it came to enjoying time with her family at the casinos. She also enjoyed bingo at the Knights of Columbus in Streator, IL. She was also a member of the Moose Lodge and Eagles Club. She was a huge music lover. Her tasted spanned all genres and years. She even met her teenage crush, Gary Puckett, at a concert in Joliet, IL. She had often wished to meet David Cassidy before he passed. At special events, you would find her on the dance floor. She was also an avid reader and history buff. Lydia is survived by her parents, Genaro D. Garcia and Guillermina V. Garcia; brothers, David Garcia Jr. and Paul (Blanca) Garcia, M.D. of San Antonio, TX; daughters, Bella (Gary) Ramirez, Rachel Ramirez of San Antonio, Tx. Nicole (Donny) Leach of Streator, IL; son, Daniel (Ashley) Leach of Streator, IL; grandchildren, Marissa, Francisco, Sterling, Ethan, Savannah, Avah and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Raymond, Annabelle, Olivia, Lilah and Arlyss; nephew, Paul James Garcia; niece, Melissa (Justin) Proud; great niece, Madyson Proud. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Leonides and Lydia Valdez, Ramona Cantu Garcia; sister, Elizabeth R. Garcia, and her husband Jack Ramirez and Vincent J. Sternal Jr.; son, Jason V Sternal; aunts Connie Torres, Mary Abrego and Norma Prieto. Lydias last gift on earth was being an organ donor. She will be remembered for her giving heart, selflessness, her strength. her words of wisdom, which at times were quite humorous, and her Love for her family. May she rest in peace.

Visitation will be held on Sunday July 25, 2021, from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., with Rosary to be recited at 6 p.m. at Castillo Mission Funeral Home. Procession will depart from the funeral home on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment will follow at San Fernando II. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date in Streator, IL.