Salud Luna Cortez

Salud Cortez was born to Antonia Luna and Salud Cortez on March 17, 1931, in Acuitzeramo, Michoacan, Mexico. He was the youngest of 15 children: Guadalupe, Maclovia, Ruben, Virginia, Leobijildo, Benjamin, Soledad, Maria, Salvador, Consuelo, Catalina, Leopoldo, Refugio and Amalia. His youth was defined by the simple pleasures and hard work of rural life. He shepherded his familys flock of goats, served in the local militia and sparked a life-long passion for baseball when he played for the local Acuitzeramo team. He also shared a very close bond with his paternal grandmother “Madrecita Guadalupe”. At the age of 18, he ventured to California for the first time. He stayed with the family of his oldest sister Guadalupe in Corona, and he harvested citrus crop for the Foothill Lemon Company. After returning to Mexico in the late 1940s, he married Esperanza Serrato on March 19, 1952. They had three daughters: Ortensia, Irma and Martha. He returned to California in the late 1950s, and, in 1961, his young family joined him in Santa Ana. They lived there for 10 years, and the family grew with the births of daughter Sandra and sons Saul and Gilbert. He began working for Mission Clay Products in 1960 and continued his employment with that company until his retirement after 52 years of service. In 1971, he and his family moved to Corona, where he lived until his death. He was an avid dove hunter, a passionate fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a dedicated student of history, political news and current events. He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter Ortensia Sandoval and youngest son Gilbert Cortez. He is survived by his wife Esperanza; his children Irma Corts (Miguel), Martha Ruiz (Gustavo-deceased), Sandra Ruiz (Rufus) and Saul Cortez (Donna); 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his sisters Consuelo Heredia and Catalina Espinoza. Visitation St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 951-277-1801 | Monday 7/25, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Service St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 951-277-1801 | Monday 7/25, 7:00 pm St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 951-277-1801 | Tuesday 7/26, 10:00 am