Maria Mercedes Mota was born in Guanajato, Mexico on September 24, 1911. She was orphaned at the young age of 11. She married the love of her life, Bonifacio Mota at the age of 14. Together they raised 11 children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While they spent several years in El Paso, Texas, they lived most of their lives in Lompoc. After moving to Los Angeles for a time, Maria moved back to the Sana Ynez Valley to spend her later years wither youngest daughter Amanda Forsher, her son-in-law William Forsher, granddaughters Crystal Forsher, and Patricia Forsher Gonzales. Maria was called home to God on August 13, 2009 peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loved ones. Bonifacio, her husband of 63 years and her oldest son Manuel preceded her in death. She was adored and respected by all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She will be remembered most for her love of life, strength of character, dignity, and grace in the face of adversity, devotion to family, and her unwavering faith and belief in God. She had a good sense of humor and often got the last laugh. One of her proudest accomplishments aside from her big family was becoming a United States Citizen. She loved to sit in the sun, in her garden among the flowers, and relax in her rocker watching her favorite novellas. She was a beautiful woman with enormous capacity for love, kindness, and wisdom. Her smile would light up a room. She will be terribly missed, but we will forever hold her in our hearts.

Vigil services will be 7 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at La Purisima Catholic Church with Rev. Tom Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard.

Visitation hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary.