Maria A. Villalovos Bell, July 9, 1926 - May 12, 2013. Maria passed away in El Centro, CA, at home with her family by her side. She is survived by two daughters, Christine Wilber and her husband Rob Wilber of Menifee, CA and Yvonne Bell-Parmelee and her husband Bobby Parmelee from El Centro, CA; Grandchildren, Teddy and Dak Eubanks, Melanie and Ryan Cruz and Eric Bell-Mendoza; Great Grandchildren, Carli and Teddy Eubanks; Nieces, Carol Morgantini, Olivia Carrasco, Betty Gonzales, Sally Oswalt, Becky Morin, Mona Vipkam and Alice Lomas. Nephews, Robert Ortega, Joe Martinez, Jr., Richard, Danny, Ellis and Johnny Villalovos; Close friend Becky Youngblood, and many other family members that she loved deeply. A native of the San Joaquin Valley, Maria was born in Visalia, CA. Her family moved to Buttonwillow, CA in 1930 where she resided until 1998 when she relocated to Bakerfield, CA. She shared her life and home with her sister and best friend Victoria, until moving with her daughter to El Centro in December 2012. Maria loved children and was the heart of her extended family, having helped raise many family members. Even though Maria was legally blind at a young age, she was a strong independent woman. She overcame obstacles and went to Berkeley to attend The California School for the Deaf and Blind; changing the perceptions of what a disabled person could achieve and inspiring those around her. Maria was always there helping anyone in need and it was not unusual to see her help someone that was sick or run errands for someone that was homebound. Maria loved to sing and dance and at age 86, was dancing at the family reunion and singing daily. She will be missed for her affection of dance and music, her compassion for animals, her green thumb, encouraging advice and counsel, friendship and unconditional love. She is preceded in death by her parents Rutillio & Eginia Cano Villalovos; Brothers, Ellis Villalovos, who she considered a father figure; Manuel and Paul Villalovos; Sisters Manuela Martinez and Victoria Ortega. The family extends a special thanks to staff from Hospice of Imperial Valley for their compassionate care; Heartfelt thanks to caregiver, Eleuteria Balderas for the love and care provided; and appreciation to her future grandchildren-in-law Dr. Tony Blain and Joanna Garcia, for the volunteer care given. Our deepest gratitude to Carol Morgantini and family members, for their help and support over the years; we are forever grateful. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 1, at 10am at Peters Funeral Home, followed by interment at Shafter Memorial Park.