Annette Elizabeth Kyes
June 22, 1937 - February 20, 2026
On February 20, 2026 at 88 years old and with her family by her side, our beloved mother Annette Elizabeth Germann Kyes was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.
She was born to Willis and Nettie Germann in Sisseton, South Dakota May 22, 1937 The family then moved to Valley Springs Ca when she was about four years old. There, she loved playing out on the hills, climbing large rocks pretending they were her stage, singing and dancing around. The family then moved to Stockton Ca. She attended Franklin High School enjoying art class, choir, drama and was a cheerleader her Senior year.
In 1955 she married Donald (Jay) Kyes (deceased). She was beloved mother to 5 children, Gretchen Kyes Shelby, Donald J Kyes Jr, Greta Vollbrecht, David Kyes Sr (Sue) and Gwendolyn Kazemi. She was a cherished grandmother to Annette Byrne, Richard Mason Jr, Donnie Kyes III, Dawn Kyes, Dawnielle Kyes, Dale Vollbrecht Jr, Halie Wood, Hannah Galli, David Kyes Jr, and Amanda Kyes. Adored by many great and many great great grandchildren who loved her very much. Also loved by brother Willis (Melanie) Germann Jr, sister Joann Eaton many nieces and nephews and the many kids/teens that came to her home just needing a place to stay. Annette was preceded in death by Jay, her parents and brother Glenn.
Annette’s faith was very important to her. She was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Stockton Ca as a young teen. Then later in life became a member of Delta Nazarene Church Stockton Ca. There, she was a member of the choir, sang many solo’s, participated in the church plays and was also on their softball team. Annette loved music, singing and dancing. She had a beautiful soprano voice, almost operatic. Music was on in the house a lot, always a variety. Everything from Ray Price, Roy Orbison to her favorites, Patsy Cline and Timi Yuro. Thank you for our love of music momma. Along with singing and dancing, Annette also played the piano beautifully. We loved hearing her play while coming up the driveway home from school. She was also a hobbyist painter and sketcher. She had a passion for poetry and knew many by heart and loved reciting them to her children and grandchildren. Especially her two favorites, “Little Orphan Annie” and “The Children’s Hour”.
Annette was a huge A’s and Giant’s baseball fan. Attending many games with one of her children or her grandchildren at any given time. She got the baseball bug from her dad while attending Stockton Ports games any chance they got. She was sporty and adventurous. Her adventures mostly came in the form of travel. Annette was the Travel and Recreation Coordinator for the Senior Service Agency in Stockton for several years where she would take seniors on cruises to the Caribbean or Bahamas. A trip to New York, day trips to Reno and many other places. She also a trip across the country with her sister and brother in law, visiting almost every state in the union looking up family genealogy. Annette was definitely the “where and what time do I need to be there” kind of person. But mostly she loved Europe. She took many trips there, even going to Romania just to babysit a great granddaughter. She would often say “Oh, the many beautiful sights I’ve seen”. She was a great travel partner taking everything in stride and never complaining. Even when her body didn’t want to cooperate. Annette had Multiple Sclerosis, diagnosed in her 30’s, so although she looked amazing, sometimes her body didn’t want to work but she pressed on. Even taking her seated walker on every trip she took to Europe just in case her legs didn’t wanna work on certain days. She never complained about not feeling well although sometimes you would know it.
That’s just the kind of person she was. She had this unwavering strength and resilience. She had a heart full of love, grace, positivity and kindness. Lots of head back somewhat loud laughter. She loved fiercely and most importantly unconditionally. All though she will be deeply missed and our hearts are broken, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 9:00am on Monday, March 2nd, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
GRAVESIDE
A graveside service will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Kyes family.