Yvonne Morales, longtime Little Bear Produce employee, dies

Yvonne Morales, a longtime Little Bear Produce employee, died on June 20. She was 70.

Morales, who joined the Edinburg, Texas, grower and shipper of onions, vegetables and melons in 1988, played an instrumental role in the company’s daily operations, serving as a trusted right hand for Jimmy and Diane Bassetti, according to a news release. Jimmy is J&D Produce/Little Bear Produce’s co-owner and president.

“She was widely known and loved by many in the produce industry, especially by J&D’s customers, growers, vendors, and suppliers,” Jimmy Bassetti said in the release. “She was well-known and respected in her local community.”

Born in May of 1953 in Laredo, Texas, Morales was raised in Monte Alto, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, where she lived a full and busy life, according to the release.

“My wife Diane and I are truly heartsick over the sudden loss of Yvonne,” Jimmy Bassetti said in the release. “She has been part of our Little Bear family for 35 years. She was with us nearly every step of the way, not only as we built our business, but as we raised our family. She was a wonderful person and had a unique way of making people feel very special. Our hearts are hurting, and we are praying for Yvonne’s family and loved ones. Although she will be dearly missed, we find solace in knowing that she is at peace with our Lord above.”

Morales died at McAllen Medical Center after a brief illness.

Morales is survived by her husband Daniel Morales, two stepchildren, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, two brothers, three nieces, a nephew, three great nieces and one great nephew.

Visitation and a rosary are scheduled for the evening of June 25 at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg, Texas. Services are scheduled for June 26 at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas.

Morales “loved God, family, music, and friends,” according to the release, and was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa, Texas.

Little Bear grows a large number of vegetables and melons, including sweet onions, a variety of leafy greens and herbs, broccoli, cabbage, root vegetables and hot peppers.