Eva C. Saldana

BURLEY – Eva C. Saldana, age 82, of Burley, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Newton, Mississippi.

Eva was born July 20, 1941, in Uvalde, Texas, to Francisco Sr. and Eva Chapa Saldana. Eva had a twin brother, Adam Saldana. They were known as the 'Twins' among the family. She attended schools in Uvalde, Texas, and Wapato, Washington. She later moved to Idaho along with her parents and siblings where they made Burley their home.

She loved being at the 'farm' and cooking for everyone that came over. Eva made the best homemade tortillas and made them daily. She was a very hard-worker and known to work just as hard if not harder than her brothers on the farm. She took pride in her strength and work ethic.

She began working at Ore-Ida Foods in 1966 alongside her sister, Rosie Saldana. Eva obtained many positions during her employment. She retired from Ore-Ida/McCain Foods in 2013, with an achievement of completing 47 years of employment.

In July 2021, Eva moved to Mississippi to be cared for by her great niece Hope Ortega and Hope’s family. Hope tended to Eva and provided her with amazing care as she battled with dementia. Eva enjoyed the weather in Mississippi and loved all the trees. She would attend Footprints adult center where she enjoyed family functions with the Ortega family. Eva was everyone's favorite no matter where they went, she would tell them 'shake it, not break it'.

Eva was known for her selflessness and compassionate heart. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. At the age of 44, she became a mother to her daughter, Sabrina, who gave her five grandchildren whom she deeply loved. Eva was a mother figure to many of her nieces and nephews who she loved as her own. Her grandchildren have many memories of her making them homemade tortillas, walks along the canal bank, happy meals from 'Happy Donalds', late nights with all the snacks grandma had, and trips to the dollar store. She dedicated herself to ensuring that everyone around her was cared for and supported. She provided care to both her sister Rosie and her twin brother Adam during their battles with dementia. She provided them with the best care that she could until their passing. Her legacy is one of strength, dedication, and selfless love that will resonate throughout eternity.

Eva is survived by her daughter, Sabrina (Joey) Vail of Idaho Falls; five grandchildren, Kayla Vail, Ryker Vail, Rydge Vail, Kayzha Vail, Ryatt Vail of Idaho Falls; two brothers, Frank Saldana (Lois) of Heyburn, Adolfo Saldana (Leticia) of Burley, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco Saldana Sr. and Eva Chapa Saldana; twin brother; Adam Saldana, brothers, Saul (Pompella) Saldana, Abel (Ethel) Saldana, Florencio (Dora) Saldana; sisters, Rosie Saldana, Maria Saldana; and longtime companion, Gary Rasmussen.

Rest in peace Eva, we love you and you will be greatly missed. We will live one day at a time until we are together again.

The funeral will be held at 11a.m. Thursday, May 30, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 East 16th St., in Burley. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Family and friends will be received at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Thursday, prior to the service at the funeral home.