Little Bear Produce mourns the loss of longtime employee
Yvonne Morales, a longtime employee of Little Bear Produce, died on June 20 after a brief illness, according to the company.
“My wife Diane and I are truly heartsick over the sudden loss of Yvonne,” Jimmy Bassetti, co-owner and president of Edinburg, Texas-based J&D Produce/Little Bear Produce, said in a news release.
“She has been part of our Little Bear family for 35 years. She was with us nearly every step of the way, not only as we built our business but as we raised our family. She was a wonderful person and had a unique way of making people feel very special," he continued. "Our hearts are hurting, and we are praying for Yvonne’s family and loved ones. Although she will be dearly missed, we find solace in knowing that she is at peace with our Lord above.”
Morales had played an instrumental role in the daily operations of J&D Produce since 1988, serving as a trusted right hand for Jimmy and Diane Bassetti, according to the release.
She was widely known and loved by many in the produce industry, especially by J&D’s customers, growers, vendors, and suppliers, Bassetti said.
Born on May 24, 1953, in Laredo, Texas, Morales was raised in Monte Alto, Texas, and lived a full and busy life in the Rio Grande Valley. She loved God, family, music and friends. She was well known and respected in her local community and was a deeply devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa, Texas.
Morales is survived by her husband, Daniel A. Morales; stepchildren, Antonio (Monica), Daniel A. Morales Jr.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her brothers, Jose Samuel Benavidez Jr. (Irma), Jefferey Lee Benavidez Sr. (Josie), her nieces Laura Benavidez-Diaz (Jorge), Samantha Jo Benavidez, Georgina Lee Benavidez-Sauceda (Paul); her nephew, Jefferey Lee Benavidez Jr., “Elo”; and great-nieces, Destany Coronado, Heavenleigh Coronado, Eleanor Jolee Diaz; and great-nephew Matthew Coronado.
Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg, with visitation planned for Sunday, June 25, from 5-8 p.m., with a rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. Monday, June 26. Entombment will occur at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas, immediately following the funeral.
