Katherine Marie Bufton
April 17, 1949 – August 25, 2025
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Katherine Marie Bufton, 76, on August 25, 2025, leaving a void that can never be filled. Katherine was born on April 17, 1949, to parents James W. Riley and Betty Jo (Riley) Turner. She is a lifelong Stockton Ca. resident graduating from Franklin High School. In her early years she was a candy striper volunteer, worked in a nursing home, then moved on to work in retail for a few years before she finally decided to stay home and raise her family.
Katherine was creative, she could paint landscapes and flowers, she liked to make Macrame plant holders for her friends and family (in the 8o’s) and she enjoyed the plants and flowers she had all around the house, especially her hydrangeas and roses. She also loved living on the farm and taking care of the animals. The experience of raising a new baby, feeding time, vaccinations and branding was all work, but it was also time spent with family.
Katherine was passionate about Antiques which she proudly displayed in her home. She spent many years at antique auctions and searching thrift stores to find meaningful pieces that will be passed down. She lived a life of compassion and caring for others as was evident in the many family members she took care of during her lifetime. However, the role she cherished most was that of being a mother to her 3 children and later a grandmother.
Katherine is preceded in death by her father, James W. Riley; her mother, Betty J. Turner; cherished sister Elizabeth ‘Janie’ Noonan; brother-in-law Mark Noonan; Mother-in-law Audry L. Bufton; brother-in-law Marvin (Carrie) Bufton and best friend, Pamela Martinez.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, James Bufton of Stockton, Ca; daughter Janel (James) Sansom of Linden Ca; daughter Shelly (Mark) RayRay of Wallace Ca; son James ‘Benjamin’ Bufton II of Stockton Ca; Her Grandsons Dillon (Elena) Sansom of Justin, Tx; Zachary Sansom of Lodi Ca; Wyatt Sansom of Linden Ca. and many nieces and nephews, sisters in law and cousins.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at
Waterloo Gun & Bocce Club
4343 N. Ashley Ln.
Stockton Ca. 95215
September 28, 2025 1:00PM to 5:00PM
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bufton family.