Celia "Sally" Ochoa Lerma

Celia “Sally” Ochoa Lerma, our beloved matriarch, has departed this beautiful life, in the presence of her family members who loved her immensely. Sally lived a long and fruitful life following her birth 98 years ago in the great metropolis known as Rotan, Texas. Sally’s father was Domingo Ochoa, a handsome farm worker, and her mother was the stunning blue-eyed Rosa. Following her father’s death in a farming accident, Rosa and Celia found themselves in El Paso, Texas, where each lived the remainder of their lives.

Shortly after Sally arrived in El Paso she met the dashing Alvino “Chris” Lerma, also known as “Pempi.” They quickly fell in love and amazed all by remaining married for 77 years until Pempi passed away in November 2024. Sally and Pempi promptly started building their family starting with the enigmatic Norma, followed by sons Chris and Jerry.

Sally joined the Dallas Cowboys bandwagon in the early 1960’s and suffered for several years, as did many others. Sally’s other sports favorite was the San Antonio Spurs, a much easier team to love. She also enjoyed the musical stylings of Elton John, Chicago, Fats Domino and Chubby Checker among others.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa and Domingo, and her two younger brothers Raul and Porfirio “Papio” Fierro. She is survived by her children, Norma, Chris and Jerry, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Visitation for the public will take place on Monday, July 13 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a rosary to follow at 6:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home-East at 750 N. Carolina Drive. A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 14 at Our Lady of the Light Catholic Church, 4700 Delta Street. A graveside service will follow at Evergreen East Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-East.