Gilbert Santistevan Flores

Gilbert S. Flores, 89, of Nyssa, OR, sadly passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on Nov. 15, 1934, in Colotlan, Jalisco, MX. Gilbert was the first son of Fernando (Colotlan, Jalisco) and Lucinda Flores (Costilla, NM).

A devoted husband and father, Gilbert is survived by his wife of 49 years, Feliciana; and his six children: Beto Jr. Flores (Lilly), Lali Flores, and Deanna Flores- first marriage. David Flores, Esmeralda Bohmker and Sara Comer (Dustin) -second marriage. His siblings include Helen Hernandez, Lucy Sifuentes (Juan) Emma Bach, and Fernando Flores (Patty).

Gilbert was preceded in death by his sisters Jovita Mendoza and Yolanda Flores.

In the small town of Adrian, Oregon, he met the love of his life, Feliciana Flores. They married February 6, 1975. Together they had 3 children, David, Esmeralda, and Sara. They raised their children in a home filled with love, song and laughter.

Known for his punctuality, industriousness and protective nature, Gilbert was every bit the strong family man with a soft side. A lover of the Spanish “época de oro” music, he could often be heard singing to Javier Solís at his residence, bringing joy and happiness to his home.

The Flores family moved to Nyssa in the mid 1980’s. Gilbert worked at the Amalgamated Sugar Factory for close to 33 years before retiring in 1996. He preferred walking to work and made walking for miles a regular part of his daily routine into his mid 80’s.

He was able to spend his golden years enjoying many hobbies. You could often find Gilbert fishing for rainbow trout and then sharing his homemade smoked fish. Always keeping busy, he’d plant a yearly garden and take good care of the roses, often cutting and gifting to his girls. When he was done with yard work, he’d often sit to watch the many birds that visited the yard. In his later years, Gilbert was bit by the travel bug. Together with his family, they had many fun adventures.

Gilbert was also an avid reader. One of the books he enjoyed reading the most was the Bible. On July 4, 2009, he was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness. There, he made many friends that became like family. He served as a ministerial servant since 2010, enjoying fellowship, attending meetings and the ministry. Gilbert also enjoyed volunteering as a minister at the Snake River Correctional Institute.

Gilbert left a lasting impact on all of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, the 22 of June, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1746 NW 4th Avenue in Ontario, Oregon.