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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | APRIL 2025 | 73 Friends we will miss Manases "Manny" Soto, a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great- grandfather, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 14, 2025. He was born in Atwood, California, on April 25, 1926, to Emeterio and Mecedes Soto of Hermosillo Mexico. Emeterio attended a congregational school in Mexico where he became a minister, and moved to the United States where he established small Spanish-speaking churches in the southwest. Emeterio, his wife Mercedes, and their 13 children finally settled in Redlands. Manny was a graduate of Redlands High School in 1945, where he excelled in football, track, and basketball. He also loved singing in the choir and was the lead in some of the school plays. Manny was drafted before graduation ceremonies and received his diploma by mail in Saipan in the South Pacific, where he and his fellow comrades fought in the "Great War." Before and after the war, he worshiped at Divino Salvador Church, where he met Anita Cortez, the love of his life, and they were married there 75 years ago. They attended that same church, now named Community Presbyterian Church, for over 80 years. Manny was employed at Santa Fe Railroad, Norton Air Force Base, and finally Redlands Unified School District until his retirement. After many years in Redlands, Manny and Anita moved to Sun Lakes, and continued their active lives with the Chorale, Barbershoppers, Bocce Ball, Friendship Club, and golf. Manny's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife of 75 years Anita Soto, his children Greg (Carmen) Soto, Dennis (Terri) Soto, Corrine (David) Gonzales and his grandchildren Salvador Soto, Antonio (Genesis) Soto, Brian (Valerie) Andrews, Shana (Kevin) McDonald, great grandchildren Leo Soto, Dylan Andrews, Andrew McDonald and his siblings Eleazar (Debra) Soto, Priscilla Marron, and many nieces and nephews.