Isabela Varela was born in Spain, but her childhood was spent near Guadalajara, Mexico where her father was a teacher and local judge.

At the age of fourteen she married Anselmo Herrera, a rancher, and by l925 had four children, the youngest being her daughter Maria (Mary) born in 1922 when Mexico was in a state of civil strife. At the center of the controversy was Pancho Villa, known for his skirmishes along the Mexican and United States border.

One afternoon a thirsty troop of soldiers arrived at her ranch asking for water. Her husband obliged them and they proceeded on their way. The following week another troop arrived at the ranch. The soldiers asked if water had been given to the group of the previous week. Herrera responded that he had indeed provided water to the soldiers and asked if this troop also needed water for their men.

Unfortunately Senor Herrera did not know that the troops of soldiers were enemies. By his act of kindness he had unknowingly helped his present visitors' rival. Herrera was shot by the soldiers. He died from the gunshot wound leaving Valera Herrera a widow.

Determined to start a new life for herself and her young family, Isabela decided to leave Mexico for the United States. She moved to Idaho, where she believed her children would be safe, and found work as a cook in a boarding house for Mexican workers. She taught herself English and moved to Albany, Oregon in search of further opportunities for herself and her family. Daughter Mary attended the local Catholic elementary school. Isabela met and married Benito Garnica, a laborer for the Southern Pacific Railroad Lines.

In the early l950s the Garnicas divorced and she moved to Salem to be near her daughter Mary, son-in-law Pablo Martinez, (a native of Peru) and their three children.

Isabela Varela (Herrera) Garnica married John A. Ott, a widower. They resided in a small bungalow on SE 21st Street. in Salem. Ott was transferred to Portland in his job with the Southern Pacific but eventually returned to Salem where he retired. The Ott's last home was on University Street in South Salem.

Isabela had a strong work ethic and wanted her children and grandchildren to have the same. In summer she took the youngsters out into the fields to pick beans and hops. She also worked in local canneries. She was proud to be an American citizen and considered it a privilege to be able to vote. She did so at every opportunity. She also respected the people and culture of Mexico and stayed in contact with her son Luis who lived with his wife and family in Guadalajara.

As the wife of a railway worker, Isabela had access to a Southern Pacific pass that authorized her to travel to Mexico free of charge. She went to Mexico every other year, making her last journey in 1971 at age 76. Her grandson, David Martinez, made the trip with her twice.

Isabela made it very clear that her American family should never forget their Mexican relatives. Although her family was one of only four Hispanic families in Salem, those who knew who her said she never felt different or inferior. Always outgoing, she was attractive, affectionate, humorous, and caring. Her Salem neighbors enjoyed being with her.

Isabela liked going to movies, listening to country western music, and attending professional wrestling matches which were a primary source of entertainment in Salem during the decades following World War II. She also enjoyed dancing and often attended the Crystal Garden, a Salem dance hall. And, although her own education was limited, she encouraged her grandchildren to seek college education.

She and her daughter, Mary Martinez, were inseparable. They shopped for groceries at Pade's Market on State Street or at Nameless Market on Mission Street, purchased shoes at Marilyn's, lunched at The Cupboard at the corner of State and High Streets, and saw movies at the Capital, Elsinore, and Grand theaters.

In l973 her husband, John A. Ott, died. Four years later on April l, l977 Isabela Ott passed away at the age of eighty-one. She is interred next to her daughter, Mary Herrera (Martinez) Riffe, at Restlawn Cemetery near West Salem.

Written by Virginia Green

Bibliography:
This profile was written from information supplied by Dr. David Martinez, Isabela Varela Ott's grandson. It is used with his permission.