Ernestine Ramirez Velasquez

Ernestine R. Velasquez, 81, of Taylor passed away peacefully Monday October 19, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on November 11, 1938 in Laneport, Texas to Porfirio and Maria (Ybarra) Ramirez. Ernestine grew up with her four brothers, Pete Ramirez, Big John Ramirez, Little John Ramirez, Andrew Ramirez and one sister, Mary Ruiz.

Ernestine graduated from Thorndale High School in 1959. She began college in the Spring of 1978 and attended Austin Community College and received a certificate in child development. In 1990 Ernestine attended McLennan Community College in Waco where she received a one-year certificate. Ernestine became a certified Human Service Provider on May 13, 1996. She married Jose Jesus Velasquez on April 4, 1970 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor. Ernestine and Jose have two children together, Gilbert and Gabriel Velasquez.

Ernestine began to work at sewing factory and later worked for H.E.B. In 1976, Ernestine began her career working as an aide for the Head Start program when it was in a small building. In 1995, she became the Director of the Head Start program and held the position for nine years. Ernestine recalls the children from the program coming back and thanking her for helping them make the right choices and taught them the correct steps to take so that they could achieve what they accomplished. During her career at Head Start, Ernestine loved to work with children and the kids loved her too. She saw many children benefit from the program and that made her feel good. Ernestine retired from Head Start on May 28, 2004 after having worked there for 28 years.

Ernestine was loved by her family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews. They can all recall memories and stories they remember of her helping, caring, or encouraging them. Some of her nieces would even say they considered Ernestine like a second mom because of the way she really and truly cared for them. You might even say that Ernestine had a hand in raising most of her nieces and nephews in some way. Ernestine was someone known as being the one to encourage you to do the right thing. Above all Ernestine was treasured by her family and friends and will be dearly, missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Andrew Ramirez. Ernestine is survived by her loving, husband of 50 years, Jose, children; Gilbert (Tiffany) Velasquez of Thrall, Gabriel (Amy) Velasquez of Taylor, five grandchildren; Gilbert, Mikayla, Sierra, Gabriel, and Mia, sister; Mary Ruiz, brothers; Pete Ramirez, Big John Ramirez, Little John Ramirez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020 with Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm at Providence Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Alberto J. Borruel officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Providence Funeral Home-Taylor. Due to social distancing and seating on every other pew, seating is limited. Mask are required in the church and funeral home. Pall bearers will be Billy Ramirez, David Velasquez, Gilbert Allen Velasquez, George Velasquez, Salvador Robles, and Emilio Ramirez.