MADERA - Former Madera County Supervisor Jesse Lopez passed away last week after a brief illness. Born Jesus H.'Jesse' Lopez to Sara and Marcelino Lopez on April 30, 1929, in Sonora, AZ. He married Sally Ramirez in 1950, and they raised six children. Sadly, Jess passed away on November 15, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his son David Lopez, his grandson Ricardo Lopez, his siblings Alvaro Lopez, Marcelino Lopez, Mary Arriola, and Sara Rodriguez, and his parents. He is survived by his children Hope Lopez (Raul Alejo), Jesse Lopez Jr (Gloria), Virginia Salas (Candelario), Alvaro Lopez (Bertha) and Sally (Becka) Marmolejo (Louie). He is the brother of Robert Lopez, Amapola Houk, and Grace Romero. Jesse had 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 13 great, great grandchildren.

Jesse’s greatest joy was his family, friends, the outdoors, and his horses. Jesse founded Madera Charros Unidos, a Mexican equestrian organization that instills the Mexican Charro tradition. He was also the first Hispanic elected to the Board of Supervisors of Madera County in 1982.

A joint Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the Madera Elks Lodge at 3 p.m. on December 4th for Jesse and his son David, who sadly passed 12 days prior. Public viewing will be held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The Rosary and Vigil will be held at Jay Chapel, 1121 Roberts Ave, at 1 p.m. 

Remembrances may be made to Bristol Hospice.