Salvador Flores

J. Salvador Flores Sandoval, 73, of Newdale, Idaho, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer, at his home surrounded by his family. He was under the care of Homestead Hospice and Dr. Michael Packer.

Salvador was born on October 17, 1948, in Trujillo, Jalisco, Mexico, the first born of Emilio Flores and Paula Sandoval. Salvador was raised on his family ranch in Jalisco, Mexico, with his five brothers. Salvador loved living on the ranch learning from his father. As a young boy he traveled by himself, around 50 miles, selling eggs in neighboring towns with a string of 12 burros carrying 1,000 eggs each.

In 1970 he immigrated to America and worked in Arizona, California, Illinois, and Idaho. He returned to his home in Mexico and married the love of his life, Raquel Luna Godina on April 1, 1974. Salvador and Raquel left their families in Jalisco, Mexico, and made their American life in 1975. He and Raquel immigrated and worked in Florida, Nebraska, Oregon, Oklahoma, and South Dakota to earn enough money to buy their own land and build a home in Jalisco, Mexico. However, they sacrificed their plans to give their children a better life in America. After their many adventures, they ended up on the Rammell Brothers Farm in Teton Valley, Idaho. This was where they raised their four children, Belinda, Cristina, Antonio, and Amy. They later moved to Newdale, Idaho, and took pride in their home they made there.

Salvador was a humble and hard working man. The dedication he had for his work showed in his love of farming. Any task he performed, big or small, he did with pride. He loved animals, especially horses, dogs, and animals his grandchildren dropped off for him to care for. Salvador lived a simple life and was not drawn to life's luxuries. He was genuine and kind hearted to everyone, young and old alike. He was known for defending anyone who was being mistreated, friend or not. Salvador had a gentle demeanor, was not prone to anger, and taught through his example. He loved his family and lived for his children. He was also known for his strength and never lost an arm wrestling match. He was given a family nickname of "Oso" or Bear.

Salvador lived with a broken heart after his wife Raquel passed away last year. In true Salvador fashion, he was never late for anything. He said that he would be back with Raquel for their anniversary on April 1, because she would be upset if she spent it alone. He knew he would have work to do in heaven to mend Raquel's gardening messes because he claimed he was the true gardener.

Salvador is survived by his children; daughter Belinda Carrillo (Shay Plagmann) of Rigby, ID; daughter Cristina (Guadalupe) Alvarez of Roberts, ID; son Antonio (Maricela) Flores of Shelley, ID; daughter Amy (Vildo A.) Renova of Jackson, WY; 14 grandchildren, two great granddaughters, and two more great grandchildren on the way. Also surviving him are his brothers, Jose Rosa (Genoveva) Flores, Augustine (Carmela) Flores, Enrique Flores, and Santiago (Teresa) Flores.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Raquel; his parents; one brother Margarito Flores; his father and mother in law, Alberto Luna and Maria de Jesus Godina; and son-in-law Matt Carrillo.

A rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon with comments from Judge Mark Rammell and Santiago Flores. The family will receive guests until 9:00 p.m. following the Rosary. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1690 E 17th St., Idaho Falls, Idaho, with Father German Ruis Rebollo conducting. Burial will follow at Cache-Clawson Cemetery in Tetonia, Idaho.