Obituary

John Ventura Lopez, age 70 of Avondale, AZ died October 23, 2019, in Goodyear, AZ. He was born September 15, 1949, in Phoenix, AZ the 2^nd youngest in a family of 7 children born to Tomasita Ventura Lopez. John grew up in Tolleson and graduated from Tolleson High School. He served in the US Army. He worked as a window clerk in the Maryvale branch of the US Post Office.

John was a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Genuine and caring, your heart was always full after visiting him. John enjoyed engaging in conversations with just about anyone. He spoke the truth and gave advice freely, but his compassion for everyone was always obvious. John loved the Lord. His desire to live the gospel led him to become a new man in Christ. He put the Lord first in his life, read the Bible daily and praised God both in word and deed.

John loved sports – all sports. It didn’t matter whether he was watching professional athletes, college athletes, or kids playing recreational sports, he took pleasure in watching the competitions. He volunteered as a coach for baseball and softball when his children were growing up and enjoyed taking his grandchildren to all of their sporting events.

John was never happier than when he was with his family.   Each family member had a special place in his heart. When his children were young, he would take them to Disneyland and other local amusements that they loved. He wanted them to enjoy life, but he also encouraged them to become educated and self-sufficient. As a result of his encouragement, every one of his children, as well as his wife, graduated from college. John retired early, and through this, he was able to care for his grandchildren. Often the family activities revolved around food. John was a good cook. From green chili to tamales and even breakfast, he enjoyed providing food for the family to gather around.   Family mealtime remained a loving gathering time for John and his family.

John is survived by his wife, Juanita Lopez; daughters, Angela Lopez, and Aleta Preciado; son, Juan Lopez; grandchildren, Danielle Lopez and Aliana Preciado; son-in-law, Junior Preciado; sisters, Mary Melendez, and Frances Algaray; brothers, Jose Lopez, Raymond Lopez, and Ernie Lopez. He was preceded in death by Gavina Ventura Lopez Ayala, Sandra Ayala, Rudy Melendez, Abel Melendez, and Johnny Ray Lopez.

A visitation will be held at 11:00 am followed by a funeral service at 12:30 pm, Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338.