Ernestine Mary Villarreal January 6. 1946 – August 3, 2015 Ernestine Villarreal, 69, entered into the kingdom of Heaven on Monday, August 3, 2015. She passed away peacefully at San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield, CA. Born on January 6, 1946, in Bakersfield, CA, to Jose and Cecelia (Bernal) Villarreal, she was the youngest of three children. Ernestine attended St. John's the Evangelist Catholic School in Wasco from Kindergarten to 8th grade years (1951- 1960), and Wasco Union High School (1960-1964). She began her career in education in 1969 with Wasco Elementary Schools as an Instructional Aide for 11 years, and continued this love for children and teaching in 1978 as an employee with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools – Child Development Program. Many knew her as Miss Ernestina. Ms. Ernestina retired as a Preschool teacher in 2002 from KCSOS –Wasco Child Development Center. Besides working in education, she really believed in education. She was that one parent who would volunteer for many school or outside activities for her only child. She was a co-leader for a Brownie/Girl Scout troop, she sewed all of her daughter's folklorico dresses, and she was always willing to volunteer and attend the school band trips. A woman of unshakeable faith, Ernestine volunteered as a Catechism teacher at St. Johns Catholic Church. This love for her Lord was the center of her happiness….she would attend the Religious Education Congress and Southern California Renewal Communities (Charismatic conventions) in Anaheim, CA, annually until her health began to diminish. Although she was unable to attend the conferences, she continued to attend daily mass and Sunday mass. She was excited to let us know that she received the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, the day before she passed. She is preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Sara Elizabeth Munoz; niece, Julee Maree (Villarreal) Turpin, and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Arismendez of Wasco; Granddaughter, Katheryn Virrey of Wasco; Great-grandchildren, Joseph Bermudez and Mia Aleman of Bakersfield, and Jonathan Munoz and Olivia Rincon of Wasco; Honorary daughter, Cheryl Bayley DelRosario of Chula Vista, CA; Sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Matt Carrasco of Bakersfield, CA; Brother and sister-in-law, Ruben and Ann Villarreal of Olympia, WA; Niece, Christina (Carrasco) Tennison and nephews, Joe Villarreal and Michael Villarreal of Olympia, WA; and Matthew Carrasco, CO, and their families; Aunts Connie (Hector) Montemayor, Nellie Serda, and Tony (Connie) Bernal and her many numerous cousins and friends. Viewing was held on Monday at Peters Funeral Home. Rosary was held on Monday, August 10, 2015, at St. Johns Church with Nellie Sierra leading the prayer. Funeral was held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, with Father John Fleutsch officiating. Internment followed immediately at Wasco Memorial Cemetery.