STERLING – Ambrose M. Vargas, 90, of Sterling, began his eternal life with his Lord and maker on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at his home.

He was born on Dec. 7, 1919, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Anselmo and Pascuala (Munoz) Vargas.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps., with the 6th Marine Division from 1944 to 1947, in the South Pacific.

He married the love of his life, Delia Saenz, on Dec. 19, 1953, in Sterling.

Mr. Vargas was employed by the former NWSW as rod machine operator, retiring in 1982 after 35 years of service.

He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, where he was a volunteer of St. Vincent de Paul Society. He also was a fundraising volunteer for both St. Mary School and Newman Central Catholic High School, and served as past president of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

He had traveled to Italy, where he and his wife met Pope John Paul II, and also visited Holland, Switzerland, and Germany. In his younger days, he played baseball and soccer. His great love was the ability to mentor his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Delia; two daughters, Linda Martinez of Sterling and Mary (Steve) Ramos of Sterling; one son, Eric Vargas of Sterling; nine grandchildren, Amber Hansen, Tedra Mewhirter, Denise Hansen, Cari Halverson, Steve Ramos, Jason and Julia Martinez, Daniel Ramos, who is stationed in the Middle East, and Nadia Melvin; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Veronica White; two sisters, Angela Fernandez and Angela Rios; and two brothers, Pete Ortega and Jesse Vargas.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Donald Ahles, celebrant, officiating.

Burial with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, 505 First Ave., Sterling.

Memorials in his memory have been established to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sterling.