In the early morning hours Saturday June 3, 2017 Lupe Villalobos, 49 unexpectedly passed away. Lupe leaves behind the love of his life, Alina Stringham, his daughter Taily, and two sons, Tyler and Tanner; Mother Olga, brothers Carlos, Frank, Jose, Jesse, Juan, and sisters Susan and Cindy; Father and Mother-in-law Orlin and Karen Stringham; Brothers and sisters-in-law Warren and Shelie Cook, Curt and Kristina Hunt, and Derek Stringham; and many neices and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Guadalupe Villalobos, sister-in-law Jenny Villalobos, and close family friend Shirley Powers.
Lupe was a compassionate, honest, and respectful man, not only with family and co-workers but every person he encountered. He was always able to bring some brightness in their day and make them laugh. That is a gift and he was good at it. Lupe had a way about him that he could talk to anyone, the gift of being a smooth talker. Even a daily, seemingly mundane topic what's something he could discuss at length until you found yourself 30 minutes late for whatever you were doing. Thanks! But I really got to run now! These interactions were valued equally by Lupe. He sincerely wanted to know how your day was going and if he could help in any way. He surely had a gift of making you feel so welcome and at ease.
Lupe lived a very fun and exciting life. He was keenly aware of family, when given a chance to explore and create together, they will Forge special bonds for life. He adored all and encourage this constantly. Camping, fishing, being The Grill Master, and spending time with his family is where it's at. This is where we learn from him, how in the midst of nature with his family by his side.
The void created by the sudden death of someone as beloved as Lupe it's still hard to grasp. He is someone we took for granted would be around for much longer, his laughter, his life lessons, his help, and mostly his smooth-talking skills are all going to be truly missed. Do what's right and do what's good. Always stay humble and kind. The world can always use one more kind person.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Alma. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 7. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at bardenfuneralhome.com.