Willa Mae Olivas

Willa Mae Olivas, who passed away at age 84, was a larger-than-life personality with her signature red lipstick and spunk beyond words. She had a zest for life and adventure and an immeasurable love of her family, friends, and beloved Rancho Bernardo community. She was a guiding light, pillar of strength, and support to her children Cheryl, Kathy, Cindy, and Robert.

She entered the world June 1, 1938, in Hartshorn, OK. Willa was the first born to Elmer and Ruth Price. They moved to Boron, CA when she was a young girl. She graduated from Desert High in 1956 where she honed her skills as a head Majorette and cheerleader. Roles that served her well later as she cheered the lives of those who brought her so much happiness, her treasured nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Willa loved serving her community where she was a real estate agent for over 40 years. Numerous times winning top producer awards. She found immense joy in finding the perfect homes for cherished clients and friends. Once you met Willa you were her friend for life and had a great story to go with it.  She was a member of numerous organizations over the years including Soroptimist, Red Hat Society, Kiwanis, San Diego Association of Realtors and participated in many Rancho Bernardo Chamber of Commerce events.  She so enjoyed her real estate peers who became her golfing buddies, traveling companions, sounding boards and lifelong friends.

A devoted Christian, she loved to spread the word and share the bible to a willing ear. Most mornings she could be found starting her day with an “extra” hot cup of coffee and pouring over her bible. Serendipity, her prayer group brought her great happiness and comfort.

She enjoyed life with her second husband, Edward Olivas, for close to 30 years. Gaining three wonderful stepchildren Eddie, Jill, and Andraya. Willa and Ed shared a love of travel, meeting her brothers, Tom, Ray, and sister-in-law, Cindy in Primm, and Las Vegas, going on cruises, visiting friends and places all around the US, Mexico, and Europe.  Their favorite place being Hawaii where they married and visited numerous times.  They were often seen in matching t-shirts from their favorite locations.

Willa had two speeds, fast and faster. Whether it was family, friends or work she always gave her best effort and at full throttle!  
 

She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Ruth Price, the brother’s she adored Thomas and Ray Price and her husband Edward Olivas.  She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Edward) Sparks, Kathy Harn, Cynthia Mancini and Robert (Karen) Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Christina Asmus, Sara Strebel, Robert Reddick, David (Cassi) Strebel, Tiffany Ramirez, Sunday Mancini, Tanya (Mathew) Maddox, Heather (Sean) Williams and Justin Fitzgerald and eleven great-grandchildren Anthony, Vincent, JJ, Benji, Sophia, Caine, Brodi, Lars, Ryker, Sterling and Penelope.  Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Cindy Price and nephews Thomas, Robert, Daniel, and niece Becky.

Willa Olivas, what a legacy and a life well lived!

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at RB Community Church located at 17010 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA 92128.

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