Racine – Eileen M. Avila, age 71, passed away unexpectedly at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee on July 29, 2026. She was born on September 16, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas to parents Manuel Ramirez Salas and Manuela Esquivel Salas. Eileen spent her early years in Texas before moving to Racine, where she spent the rest of her life.
Eileen was such a loving, kind, compassionate and thoughtful person. She cared deeply for all of her family and was known to make a huge impact on anyone she met – she had a true heart of gold. Eileen had a variety of interests including reading books, trips to Dollar Tree, and finding deals at rummage sales. She had a large variety of collectibles. She also enjoyed using her Alexa daily. Eileen loved listening to the Oldies and Elvis Presley.
She took many trips to visit her siblings in Illinois, which also included shopping. Eileen had a strong faith in God and loved attending church regularly. More than anything, spending time with her children, grandchildren and siblings was her most treasured moments and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Julio Ocanas, Jesse Ocanas, Susan (Elias) Canales, Margarita (Joe) Pedrosa, Mary (Jeff) Ludwig, Angelita Avila, and Crystal (Sean) Hanson; siblings, David (Lori) Salas, Mary (Saul) Luna, Georgia Salas, Trino Salas, Elizabeth (Jose) Morales, Paul Salas, and Bobbi Jo Salas; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; her beloved dogs, Dixie, Chiquita, and Lola; many other relatives, family and friends.
Eileen was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband, Richard; brother, Manuel Salas; and sister, Anna Vargas.
Visitation for Eileen’s family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Thursday, August 6, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Funeral services will begin at 11:00, officiated by Pastor Manuel Lozano. Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.