Obituary of Melecio Alejo Flores

Melecio Alejo Flores was born on February 24, 1947 in La Zavila, Michoacan, Mexico from Luis Alejo Campos and Maria Guadalupe Flores Fuentes. He is a husband, father of five children,16 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. His siblings are Maria Alejo, Abel Alejo, Jose Alejo, Ismael Alejo, Salvador Alejo, and Pascual Alejo. He grew up a strong Catholic; celebrating the Vispera de La Fiesta de La Zavila and showed devotion to La Virgen de La Zavila with lots of fireworks and more festivities.

Melecio was a farm worker whose travels took him to Nicholas Romero, Michoacan; a place he would never regret visiting as he would meet his future wife, Maria Socorro Barocio Medina. Seeking a better life in the United States, he and Maria left Mexico in 1973 and moved to Oxnard, CA. His life would ultimately lead him to Gridley, CA where they decided to call their home away from home. Melecio worked for many farmers including Marvin Stone and Kimura Ranch, ending his career with Charlie Wheeler at Wheeler Ranch. After many years of being such a consistent employee, his relationship with Charlie flourished to the point where Melecio would call them his second family. Melecio was a provider for his wife and kids and always helped his siblings, nieces, nephews and neighbors. His care and compassion had no boundaries as he always had a heart for his community.

Melecio was a caring man and could talk your ear off when given the chance. He always showed concern for his grandchildren; asking where someone was when they weren’t on time. A jokester at heart, but could be hard headed and always loving in his own way. He always made sure he was dressed for any occasion, having his razors and cologne readily available to ensure proper grooming and that he smelled his best.

One of his grandchildren recalls a time when he had accidentally left to work wearing a pair of their sage green skinny jeans. After the long day, she approached him telling him what had happened. He exclaimed, “No wonder the workers were staring at me while I climbed the ladder! They felt so tight!”

Melecio’s dream was always to go to Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. His family sought out to make it an experience of a lifetime. As an early birthday celebration, all of those who could and were closest to him, to include his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren came out to spend New Year’s Day. An exclusive, elegant dinner was arranged to honor the momentous occasion the day prior to everyone’s departure.

Melecio is survived by his daughters Sylvia, Griselda, Veronica, his son Daniel and preceded in death by his son Luis Alejo Barocio.

Melecio’s grandchildren, starting at the oldest, are Vianey Santillan-Alejo Asbury, Luis Sergio Santillan-Alejo, Karen Aimee Salcedo-Alejo, Carla Ruiz-Alejo, Daniela Aidee Santillan-Alejo, Monserrat Elizabeth Alejo-Fuentes, Kristen Xitlali Salcedo-Alejo, Victoria Kate Salcedo-Alejo, Natassja Elle Alejo-Fuentes, Daniel Alejo-Figueroa, Adrianna Ruiz-Alejo, Alexandra Ruiz-Alejo, Natalie Alejo-Figueroa, Vicente Santillan-Alejo, Isabella Alejo-Figueroa, and Sophia Alejo-Figueroa.

Melecio’s great-grandchildren, starting at the oldest, are Italia Santillan-Ramos and Irina Gabriela Gamboa-Alejo.

A visitation will be held on Thursday January 23, 2025 from 4-6pm at Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, with a Rosary at 7pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A mass will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Gridley Biggs Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 530-846-2138.