Esther Cruz Lara of Lompoc passed away Monday, January 29, 2007 at the age of 78. The visitation will be on Thursday, February 1, from 3-5:00 p.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will be on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, at the corner of Rucker Road and Burton Mesa Boulevard in Lompoc. Monsignor John Fitzgerald will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, February 2, at 10 a.m. at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, followed by interment in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

Esther was born July 13, 1928 in Lompoc to Rogaciano and Cecilia Cruz. She was a member of the Lompoc Moose Lodge Auxiliary #1036. She enjoyed camping at Yosemite and Sequoia and spending time with her family. She loved cooking and being with her grandchildren.

Esther is survived by her sons, Joaquin R. Lara of Lompoc, Robert C. Lara of Lompoc, Daniel C. Lara of Lompoc, Peter J. Lara of Los Angeles, and Michael J. Lara of Lompoc; daughters, Judith L. Lara of Lompoc and Pauline V. Lara of Lompoc; sisters Josephina Regalado of Santa Maria, Cecilia Ramos of Nipomo, Lucy Alvarado of Lompoc, and Maryanne LaBelle of Lompoc; brothers, Pete Cruz of Lompoc, David Navarro of Santa Ana, Fausto Navarro of Lompoc, Joe Navarro of Lompoc, and Raymond Navarro of Lompoc; 11 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Pilar Lara in 2000, her parents, her sisters, Cora Maldonaldo and Sally Guerra; her brothers, Roger Cruz and Tony Cruz; and her granddaughter Crystal Jude Lara.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.