Ernestine Perez Gimbel

Ernestine “Cha Cha” Perez Gimbel was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She entered this life on January 17, 1944 in Blythe, CA to Manual and Enedina Perez. After 81 years filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, she peacefully passed away on June 10, 2025 with her children, Sam, Suzie, and her sister Elsie by her side and was escorted to heaven by the angels.

Cha Cha was a proud member of the class of 1963 of Palo Verde High School and married Albert “Buggy” White. She gave birth to Sam and Suzie White in Blythe, but her and Buggy eventually divorced and she moved to Alhambra, CA. Cha Cha then married Dale Gimbel and they moved to La Puente. They were together 11 years before divorcing. Cha Cha’s greatest love was being a Nana to her grandchildren. She also loved being the “favorite Tia” to many of her nieces and nephews.

Cha Cha worked for Bank of America for 12 years beginning as a teller and then moving on to become a payroll clerk. She then went to work for Johnston Pump processing their payroll and account receivables. Cha Cha moved to Las Vegas to assist Sam in raising her grandson Brandon, and she worked for a children’s medical clinic. She eventually moved back to Blythe and worked for a short time at the prison before going to work for the DMV. Cha Cha retired from the DMV in 2010. Upon returning to Blythe Cha Cha loved being a part of the class of 1963 homecoming organizing committee and treasured her lifelong friendships until her passing.

Cha Cha was a huge sports fan who loved the Dodgers. She was super excited when the Dodgers beat the Yankees in the 2024 World Series. She passed her love of sports and the Dodgers onto her daughter, Suzie. She and her son Sam enjoyed watching Nascar and she was heartbroken when Jimmy Johnson retired.

Cha Cha’s kind and loving spirit will live on in her children Sam White and Suzie White-Gomez, grandsons Brandon White and Steven Gomez, great grandson Seth Alexander, bonus granddaughters Jenny Dawson (Jake), Gaby and Katy Guerrero, sisters Elsie Urrea and Emily Leivas, brothers Steve Perez (Diane) and Micko Perez (Terry) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents: Manuel and Enedina, stepfather Victor Urrea, sisters and brothers Vangie Gallegos, Henry Perez, Nonie Ramirez (Andy), Eddie Perez, Helen Ochoa, and Ernie Perez.

Cha Cha’s legacy of love and cherished memories will live forever in the hearts of those who loved her.