Jovita Arroyo Garcia

Jovita Arroyo Garcia

February 10, 1920 – February 28, 2023

Jovita Arroyo Garcia, a long time resident of Redlands, passed away peacefully at her son Daniel’s home, with her family by her side, in Moreno Valley on February 28, 2023.

She was born on February 10, 1920 to Dominga and Jose Arroyo. She was one of four children and grew up in Mentone and Greenspot and attended Cram Elementary School. She and her siblings later moved to Redlands to live with their aunt.

She met her husband, Joaquin Garcia, at a local dance and they were married on November 16, 1946. He built their home in Redlands where they lived for many years. Joaquin passed away in 1999 after 53 years of marriage.

Jovita had a full life. During WWII she worked on airplanes as a “Rosie the Riveter” at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino. She later worked as a housekeeper for many prominent families in Redlands.

She was a member of T.O.P.S (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) for more than 30 years and traveled throughout California and out of state to attend conventions and retreats.

Jovita had been a member of the Altar Society and choir at St. Mary’s Church in Redlands and a member of Sociedad Protectora Femenil. She had also been a Red Cross volunteer.

Over the years Jovita enjoyed dancing, family get togethers, arts and crafts, gardening and being a homemaker. She had enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Catalina and Mexico as well as camping at the beach.

Jovita was preceded in death by her parents Jose and Dominga Arroyo, her husband Joaquin Garcia, her sisters Modesta Loza and Carlotta Lujan, and her brother Lupe Arroyo.

She is survived by her sons Jack, currently of San Bernardino, and Daniel and his wife Eileen of Moreno Valley and many loving nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 at Emmerson Bartlett at 703 Brookside Avenue in Redlands. Viewing will be at 10am and Memorial Service at 11am. Burial will follow at 1pm at Hillside Memorial park in Redlands. Reception will follow.