Obituary of Danette Ann Santos

The month of December is the time for extreme weather in Troutdale/Gresham, Oregon, two communities east of Portland, Oregon. It is considered a suburb within the Greater Portland Metropolitan area. It is the coldest, cloudiest, rainiest, and snowiest month of the year. It was here under the Northwestern stars, that one minute before the beginning of a new day, at 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 that Danette Ann Santos transitioned from the earth, peacefully to God's eternal dwelling place of rest. As Danette closed her eyes, and began to exhale her last breaths, sitting near her bedside, her loving husband family grasped her hands as she was lulled into eternity. As she peacefully slipped away, they whispered to her and told her how much she is loved and how proud and thankful they are for her love, care, and grace. A miracle was given to us on the day...not the one we wanted, but the one she longed for...that eternal rest. Danette Ann Santos was born on March 24, 1968 in the City of San Jose, CA. She was born to Raul and Nancy Chavez. Danette is the oldest of three sisters: Shelly Soriano, and Deanna Mancilla. It was the tender age of 15 years old that Danette made her profession of faith in Jesus Christ, and was baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ on November 6, 1983, and in January 1984, she received her seal of redemption by receiving the Holy Ghost. In 1986 Danette graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School which is located below the east hills of San Jose. Almost immediately after her High School graduation, that she began her working career. Her career began in the Banking and Finance industries. Her skills and great leadership aptitude promoted her to management and leadership positions within the copier industry, working for organizations like Xerox and NACM companies. While Alex Santos, expanding his calling to the ministry had moved up to Northern California. He began to pursue a bright light-skinned girl, who eventually would become the love of his life. Alex and Danette began their courtship in November 1986. Soon after their 2-year courtship would become a reality with marriage. On a Saturday afternoon, on March 19th, 1988 in San Jose, CA, two young hearts met, two souls were forever intertwined for better or for worse. They were united in holy matrimony by Bishop Salvador Arias. Alex and Danette spent their honeymoon on Oahu and Hawaii, the Big Island. Unbeknown to them that years later, a seed of evangelism would be planted in their heart to return to Hawai'i nei" "this beloved Hawai'i." Her and her husband have two adult children, The Lord granted this couple with two arrows in their quiver. Arrows that have been tested and tried. God blessed them with one son, Alexzander Raul and one daughter, Alessa Nicole. Alexzander who is married to Tanya Santos, and they have two children Hadassah Raquel Santos and Judah Alexzander Ikaika Santos. Danette was very proud of her children's accomplishments, not only within the church, but as well in the secular world. Both of her children are intelligent, a driving force of "We can do this." Danette was always thankful for her children, Alex and Danette had their son; Alexzander born to them on April 17, 1989. From an early age, he had his mother's love and attention. He possesses one of her great skills of organization. And their princess, Alessa...who in many ways resembles her mother in her tenacity, out-going, no fear spirit. More than that, both of her children's love for God and where He has placed them both today...to enlarge His kingdom through their God-given talents and abilities. Her daughter in love, was also very giving and caring throughout their time together. Her granddaughter and grandson brought a lot of joy and comfort to her life. Their conversations were always full of life. There was never a dull moment. She loved planning and giving to them and seeing their reactions to receiving her love and gifts. From March 1993 to January 2003, they did life and served in ministry in Hawaii. November 1993 to June 1998, Danette alongside her husband and their children, served as Assistant Pastor for International Missions in Waianae, Hawaii. And next they served as the lead Pastors in Nanakuli, Hawaii for five years. In January 2003, the Santos family moved back to California, later that year they served as Assistant Pastor at The Apostolic Church in Ventura, California. In 2004, the Santos family transitioned to Southern California and Co-Pastored alongside Bishop Samuel Valverde at Fountain of Truth church in Fontana, California and served in various capacities. Danette's life is characterized by the way she has impacted others with her serving heart. She was a leader and had the privilege of serving in the local church as Secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary (Dorcas) in Morgan Hill, California, and also at the Sector level in the former Northern California District, as the secretary from 1990 to 1993. She has also had the privilege of serving as the National Convention Event Planner and Director of Operations and other capacities, during the years 2008-2013. More recently she served as the President of the Ladies Auxiliary (Dorcas) in the District of Oregon for two terms, 2015-2017 and 2017-2019. On September 15, 2013, they answered the call to serve in the beautiful state of Oregon and serve as Pastors of The Bridge Apostolic Church in Portland, OR. Each new title equipped Pastor Santos and Danette with a new set of tools and experiences. They just completed 7 years pastoring in Oregon with Danette by her husband's side. As many of you know, Danette was diagnosed with cancer on December 12th, 2017. Despite the diagnosis, her passion for her husband and family and her warrior tenacity along with a giving heart was no different. She was and will continue to be an inspiration to us all for her caring, transparent, and resilient attitude. Her selflessness was seen even after her diagnosis. She had her own way of communicating how much people were important to her, and their concerns. She was invested in every conversation and she cared about what you had to say. In this three-year journey, she has overcome many medical difficulties and physical challenges. With her faith and courage, she defied many expectations. God has been faithful and gracious to her. She was well aware of her worth and place in the eyes of God. While we know that no amount of preparation can truly prepare her family and friends in the upcoming days, we know that God will walk with them every step of the way. She led her life in the selfless ways that draws others to Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. Danette will forever be remembered by her husband and best friend Alex, and their precious children, Alexzander, his wife Tanya and their children: Hadassah, Judah and Alessa, her daughter, by her parents, Raul and Nancy Chavez, and by her sisters, Shelly and Deanna and their spouses. Danette will also be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends and her beloved church family.