Sophia Love

55 years old

April 22, 1951 to April 22, 2006

Her life began in Harlingen, Texas where she was born one of six children to Frank & Eloise Alvarez. The Alvarez family moved to Moses Lake in 1962. Sophia graduated from Moses Lake High in 1969. She married her high school sweetheart, William E. Love on Dec. 5, 1970. They continued to grow together for the next 36 years. During that time she attended Big Bend Community college where she received an associates of arts degree in nursing. During the years 1970 through 1975 they traveled as Bill attended Navy submarine training.

They later moved to the Moses Lake/Ephrata area in 1977. Sophia began her nursing career, which included the development of the Central Washington Home Health Services. Her last 18 years of nursing she was the Grant County WIC Coordinator. Sophia also enjoyed camping, skiing, hiking, sail boating and caring for her family

On Oct. 17, 1999 after two years of illness, she received a lung transplant. For the next six years, her focus of life changed dramatically. She continued her journey of changes and challenges with the support of the family.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 36 years, William E. Love, their daughter Ranessa Love-Ruiz and her husband Adrian Ruiz, their son Marlo E. Love, their lovely grandchildren and their joys of their life, Drake and Solia Ruiz, her parents Frank and Eloise Alvarez, her siblings include, Beatrice, (Steve Senn) Alma, (Emerson Smith) Fernando, (Rena) and Elsa, (David Gent). Nieces and nephews are Brent, Heath, Erika, Bobby, Jason, Chelsea, Brandy, Frankie, Nick, Kyndall, Justin, Anthony and Zachary. She was proceeded in death by her brother Frank Alvarez Jr. (Cindy).

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life and love with open arms from 2 to 5 p.m. on April 29 at the family home, 17213 Johnson Rd, Ephrata 98823.

In lieu of flowers her family requests donations to be made to the American Lung Association.