Jose C. Ybarra

Jose C. "Chon" Ybarra, a pillar of strength and faith in his community, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on July 24, 2025, in his birthplace of Edinburg, Texas. Born to Concepcion and Ysidra Ybarra on January 22, 1930, Chon was a man who embodied the virtues of hard work, dedication, and the love of family.

Chon's journey was marked by perseverance from an early age. Despite leaving school in the third grade to help provide for his family, he never let the circumstances dim his spirit. His industrious nature led him to craft a shoeshine box, not only to support his loved ones but to save enough for small joys like going to the movies on the weekend. Chon's work ethic was the foundation upon which he built a life of service and commitment, first as a farm laborer traveling to Washington, then as a lumber delivery driver at Matt's Cash & Carry Lumber Yard, and after other jobs finally, dedicating many years to Tide LPG Company until his well-deserved retirement.

Chon's heart was always with his family. He was a devoted husband to his "muchachita," Valentina, until her passing in 2018, and a loving father to his sons Ricardo (Sylvia), +Armando (Celia), Roel (Hilda), Rene (Yolanda), Reynaldo, Homer (Mary), and Herman (Marissa). For years, he carried the cherished memory of his son Armando, his beloved wife Valentina, his parents Concepcion & Ysidra Ybarra, and his siblings Paula Y. Ochoa, Concha Y. De Leon, Maria Y. Rosales, Domitila Y. Rios, and Juan Alberto Ybarra, who all preceded him in death. His brother Juan Jose "Pepe" Ybarra remains, along with a legacy of 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, each a testament to the love and values he instilled.

A devout Catholic, Chon dedicated himself to his faith and his church community. Every Sunday, without fail, he could be found at Holy Family Catholic Church with his family. His commitment to his faith was evident in the way he lived his life, always striving to embody the Christian virtues of charity, hope, and forgiveness, which guided him through life's trials and triumphs. His daily habits reflected the simplicity and consistency of his beliefs. He found joy in the simple pleasures, like watching his favorite westerns, particularly "Walker, Texas Ranger," taking his routine 2-mile walks, meticulously caring for his truck, and unwinding on the porch with his wife at the end of each day. His advice to "pórtense bien" (be good) was a gentle reminder of his expectation for integrity and kindness.

Described as handy, faith-filled, and courageous, Chon lived a life that was a living sermon of the well-known biblical quote, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23). His hands, which were never idle, fixed what was broken and built what was needed. His faith-filled heart trusted in the Lord's plan, and his courageous spirit never wavered, even in the face of adversity.

As we remember Jose C. "Chon" Ybarra, we celebrate a life that was rich in experiences, love, and faith. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide his family and all who knew him. We take solace in knowing that Chon has been welcomed into eternal rest with the same words he lived by: "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master.”

Visitation for Mr. Ybarra will be Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm with the recital of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 pm at Rivera Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations, 1300 N. I-69C in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be Friday, August 01, 2025 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow to Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements and services are being handled by Rivera Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations of Edinburg.

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