Anonymous
Reverend Anita Soto, 92, of Santa Barbara, California, passed away on December 20th, 2020, in Ventura, California. She was born on June 17, 1928, in San Patricio, Texas, to Juan Rodriguez Olivo and Catarina Pena Olivo. In1965, Anita and her family moved to California, first settling in Santa Paula and eventually moving to Santa Barbara in 1979.
It was in Santa Barbara that Anita Soto fully lived out her passion to “win souls for the Lord” by devoting her life to ministry. Ordained and credentialed in 1983, Pastor Anita Soto served with the Southern Pacific District of the Assemblies of God denomination for over forty years. She pastored Templo Calvario church in Santa Barbara, serving and caring for the Hispanic immigrant community. She also served as Presbyter for her district, and with her church, supported missionaries in various Latin American countries.
She will be remembered for her love of God, devotion to her congregation, and her love and prayers for her extensive family. A faithful woman of prayer even in her final days. The legacy she leaves behind will live through the people whose lives she touched. Through her extensive commitment, she has blessed her family with a Godly heritage.
She is survived by her sister Teresa Olivo, brothers Moises and Juan Olivo Jr., children Robert & Esther Soto, Rene & Rose Rangel, David & Janie Rios, John & Mary Gallardo, Joe & Julie Soto, Maryann Soto, Rachel Gonzales, Jesse & Esther Soto and Odelia Soto, 29 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mario Soto, mother and father Juan and Catarina Olivo, daughter Elda Gibson, sister Angelita Olivo Guerrero, and brothers Joe and Antonio Olivo, son-in-law Rev. Conrad Gonzales, grandson Joseph Soto, and son-in-law Steven Sanchez.
A viewing will be held at the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Drive Ventura CA. 93003, on Wednesday December 23, 2020. Please contact the funeral home if you would like to attend. The funeral service will be privately . A public celebration of life to follow later in 2021. Arrangements are under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.
