Ysidora Sotelo

Ysidora Sotelo, 96, of Odessa, TX, passed away on September 29, 2025 in Odessa, TX. 

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 1:00pm - 5:30pm followed by a Rosary from 6:00pm - 7:00pm.

 Funeral services will be held at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 2:00pm with Father Frank Chavez officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Arrangements will be made by Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, TX. 

Ysidora Sotelo’s life is a testament to strength, love, and unwavering dedication. Born on April 4, 1929, in Chisos, Texas to Petra Vizcaino Vizcaino and Lucio Puentes Cerda, Ysidora grew up rooted in the rich culture and traditions of her family and community. In 1945 she married Jesus Sotelo in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, and together they had seven children. Tragically widowed at the young age of 34, Ysidora faced a daunting challenge. Yet, she met it head-on with resilience and hard work, determined to provide for her family and keep them united. Her strength became the foundation upon which her children and loved ones relied. 

Ysidora was a strong and caring woman, deeply devoted to her family. She was the steady pillar at the heart of her loved ones - a source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her presence grounded those around her, and her legacy of kindness, resilience, and devotion will live on through everyone she touched. Ysidora created a family that kept her at the center of everything, not out of obligation, but out of deep love and respect. Her presence brought comfort, her wisdom brought clarity, and her love held everyone together. Her legacy will live in the lives she nurtured. 

Ysidora had a special place in her heart for all her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Wita,” short for “Abuelita.” To them, she was more than a grandmother, greatgrandmother and great-great-grandmother; she was comfort, joy, and unconditional love. Her presence lit up every room, and her legacy lives on in the laughter, strength and unity of the family she so carefully nurtured. 

Ysidora is preceded in death by her parents, Lucio Puentes Cerda and Petra Vizcaino Vizcaino; her husband, Jesus Sotelo; her sons, Miguel Angel Sotelo and Francisco Sotelo; her daughters, Gloria Isela Sotelo, Manuela Sotelo and Maria Chandler; her grandson, Fernando Zaragoza and her sons-in law, Howard L. Chandler Sr. and Fernando Zaragoza. She is survived by her daughters, Maria de Jesus Sotelo and Marisela Sotelo; her son-in-law, Ismael Martinez; and her daughter-in-law, Maria Luisa Sotelo. 

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gina Zaragoza & Juan Sauceda; Francisco Javier Sotelo; Janet Chandler; Howard & Carolina Chandler; Edith & John Aguilar; Johanna Sotelo; Ismael Martinez; Miguel & Jennifer Sotelo; Jesse & Anneliese Martinez; and Marisela Martinez & Abel Sanchez, along with twenty-two great-grandchildren and five great-greatgrandchildren. 

Pallbearers will be: Francisco Sotelo Jr., Howard Chandler Jr., Ismael Martinez, Jesse Martinez, Fernando Zaragoza, and Bryan Aguilar. 

Honorary Pallbearers: Miguel Sotelo, Phoenix Lara, Sebastian Cox, Ismael H. Martinez, and Juan Sauceda. 

The family of Ysidora Sotelo wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Madhava Agusala, Dr. Nam Kim, Dr. Ramakrishna Thokala, Dr. Scotty Ortega and nurses and staff from Odessa Regional Medical Center