William Contreras

William "Bill" Contreras, a longtime resident of Watsonvile and Corralitos, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday June 19, 2013. William was born "Guillermo Tirado Contreras" on February 7,1922 in Tarimoro, Guanajuato, Mexico to Ambrocio and Mariana (Tirado) Contreras. He emigrated to the United States in 1944 and began a long career in farming and agriculture. William worked over 60 years in the apple farming industry, most notably with Mann's Apples and with John & Laura Adams of Corralitos, CA. William lived and worked in the Corralitos/Watsonville area until 2007. From 2007 to his passing, William lived with his son Johnnie and his family in Clovis, CA.

William married Clara Martinez of Tucson, Arizona on Januray 11, 1953. Together they raised five children Christina, William Jr., Joe, Gloria, and Johnnie.

William obtained his U.S citizenship on July 31, 1996. He treated others with respect and kindness, touching many lives along the way. He enjoyed time with his family, helping others, farming, gardening, fishing, hunting, his pets and being outdoors.

William was preceded in death by his father Ambrocio, his mother Mariana, Clara his wife of 21 years, and his oldest son William, Jr. William, a truly special, humble, gentle, and loving person is loved and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his children Christina Gonzalez of Salinas, Joe Contreras & wife Marilyn of Atlanta, Georgia, Gloria Contreras of Denver, Colorado, Johnnie Contreras & wife Heidi of Clovis; grandchildren Shawndy Linquist of North Carolina, Jacob Castillo of Watsonville, Joey, Michael and Matthew Contreras of Santa Cruz, Enrique, Gerardo, and Jose Luis Gonzalez of Salinas, Selena Villalpando of Colorado, Parker Allen and Jaxon Contreras of Clovis; 7 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends.

Friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from 5 - 9 pm at the Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main Street, Watsonville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 10:00 am at Valley Catholic Church in Watsonville. Interment will follow at Valley Public Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Patrick and Debra Molina Carroll.