Patricia Arata

April 11, 1955 - July 9, 2017 Patricia Gayle Arata (Patricia Armstrong) passed away at her homein Stockton on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the age of 62, after a courageousbattle with cancer.Patricia is predeceased by her father, David Armstrong.

Patricia is lovingly remembered by her husband Nicholas Arata Jr of 23 years; her mother Irene Armstrong; her daughter Dawn Dorville (John); step children Aimee Dubois (Gary) ; Nicholas Arata III (Darcy); Jason Arata (Krista); five granddaughters, Lindsey, Audrina, Vianna, Kensington, Emarie,  and her very special pets, Sammie, Pumpkin, Callie, and Brownie. Patricia is also survived by her brother Rodney Armstrong (Cindy); her sister Brenda Blythe (Don); and many nieces and nephews.

Patricia loved her friends, she believed you could never have too many. Patricia loved trips to Bodega Bay, she loved her swimming pool, she loved her cats and dogs and could never have too many. She loved frozen yogurt (vanilla with almonds) and she loved her vacuum. Everyone that knew her knew she loved to vacuum sometimes twice a day.

Patricia worked at California Cedar Products for 26 years and then for Farmers & Merchants Bank for the past 12 years. Patricia was known for having the best laugh and the biggest smile.

A very special thank you to AseraCare Hospice and the angels they sent to care for our mother, Dee, Margaret, Kristi, Deborah, Lynette, Felicia, Michelle, Carolee, and Chris. You are all truly special.

To Pastor Jon Hathorn at First Baptist Church of Linden, thank you for your many many visits to pray and share the scriptures with us.  It gave us peace and comfort.

SERVICES

A funeral service will be held July 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240. A Celebration of her Life to follow immediately afterwards.

Alice Kidd

December 28, 1928 - July 9, 2017 On July 9, 2017 at 4:15 a.m. Alice Kidd, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, returned to her Heavenly Father to receive a much deserved peace. Her valiant and courageous spirit was born to Grace and Lee Preston in Orange City, California in 1928. At the age of 16 during WWII, she and the love of her life, Mardee Kidd, eloped to Reno, Nevada to begin their 65 year marriage. Two years later, they had their first child, Sandra, followed by Mark four years later.

Mom was an amazing woman with a wonderful sense of humor who rose above the trials of her youth to become an elegant, refined, educated woman.

She loved music. She was a golfer, a tennis player, a decorator, a flower arranger, an avid reader, a world traveler, a scriptorian, and an airplane pilot. But the role she cherished most was that of a wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a special love of children and a talent for teasing. She was devoted to service of her husband and family. She was unselfish.

She taught us to love the Savior, and to try to be like Him. She taught us the difference between the beginning and the end by the way she lived her life.

She taught us you get out of life what you put into it, and the world does not owe you anything. She was an intelligent, hardworking, fast moving woman. She ended her life loved by all who came in contact with her.

She is survived by Sandra Kidd Lowe (Don) and Mark Kidd (Vicki); 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother; and son-in-law.

The family wishes to thank Brighton Hospice and all the helpers at Cottonwood Place. They took care of our treasure beautifully.

SERVICES

Mom’s Utah funeral will be on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, in Murray, Utah: Viewing at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m.

Mom’s California funeral will be on Monday, July 24, 2017, at the LDS Chapel, 731 North Ham Lane, in Lodi, California: Viewing at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT

Interment will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240.

Elsie Mae Perkins

Elsie Mae Perkins was born on October 14, 1943 in Arkansas to the late Honey and Mack George. She was called home on July 8, 2017. She met and instantly fell in love with Dallas Perkins Jr. and they made their love eternal and wed on December 19, 1959. The Lord continued to bless them with two daughters; Sandra and Greer.

Elsie was a pure and true woman of God whose inner warmth and light touched everyone she knew. As a blessing to so many people, she will be remembered for her generosity, kind-heartedness, and dedication to her faith and her loved ones. She served as a Church Mother in churches in Indiana, California, and Nevada and was an active member in her final church Christian Embassy Worship Center in Henderson, NV.

Elsie was employed as a Certified Surgical Technologist for over 30 years and served in hospitals in Indiana and California. In her role as volunteer and activist in public schools, she fought for the rights of children, parents, and teachers.

Mother Elsie Perkins is preceded in death by: her loving husband Dallas Perkins Jr. and her siblings Estella Deloney, Minnie B. Hunter, Mary Villa & Mary M. George. Mother Elsie Perkins leaves to mourn her passing: her loving and devoted daughters Sandra Perkins Millender (Ronald Millender), Greer D. Perkins, Greer A. Perkins & Jessica Fenwick Perkins; her great grandson August Perkins-Lynch; her siblings Mack George Jr. (Laura George), Marjorie Thomas (Robert Thomas [deceased]), Viola Washington (Tony Washington [deceased]); her brother in law Haywood Perkins Jr., and many other family members and friends.

SERVICE

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bear Creek Community Church, 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Road Lodi, CA 95240.

INTERMENT

Burial to follow at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240

Deanna Vaccarezza

February 13, 1946 - July 7, 2017 Deanna Jean Vaccarezza was born on February 13, 1946 and peacefully entered eternal rest on July 7th, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Stockton, CA for most of her life and loved to study her Bible, spend time with family, cook, and go out to eat.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Vaccarezza, her parents, three sisters, seven brothers, two children, and three step-children.

She is survived by her daughter Beverly Winchester (husband, Ken), her grandson Edward (wife Molly), who she adopted and raised as her own, and step-children Mike Vaccarezza, Vonnie Bloom and Derl Flagg, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, three brothers, and many nieces and nephews that all loved her dearly.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Friday July 14th from 10am to 8pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd in Lodi.

SERVICES

A celebration of life will be held in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd in Lodi., on Saturday, July 15th at 1:00 PM.

Douglas Larsson

August 10, 1949 - July 5, 2017 Doug was the son of Albert & Bertha Larsson of Turlock, CA where he was born and spent his childhood.  He would say he “gave it a good run” for 67 great years.

After achieving his AA degree in Literature, he worked 13 years at Diamond International Lumber as the manager of the Galt, Ukiah and Lodi locations, and following he started his own company, Doors Plus in 1982 that he proudly ran for more than 30 years.  An avid golfer, he was a member at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club for 25 years where he made many cherished friendships.  His involvement in the community was also expressed through his membership with the Kiwanis Club and Odd Fellows of Lodi and the Rotary Club of Ukiah. He enjoyed frequenting Calvary Church and learning more of the richness of faith.  In his retirement years, he and his wife split time between Lodi in the summers and Yuma, Arizona in the winters where they enjoyed being ‘snowbirds’ with a wonderful community of friends, making unforgettable memories together.  Among his favorite interests were his R.C. planes, Jeep-ing, RV-ing and travel, rooting for the SF Giants, woodworking and family.

He is survived by his wife Susie, at his side for 37 years; his step-daughter Jennavave and her husband Barnaba; his step-son Doug, grand children Dominic, Natalie & Dillon and their mother, his daughter-in-law Christy; his older brother Gary; his younger brother Dennis and wife Tammi.

SERVICES

A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, July 21st at the Faith Community Church in Acampo.  There will be a short ceremony, followed by a time of fellowship, dress will be casual.

Maria Estela Borjas

Maria Estela Borja, known as Estela by most, 54, died Sunday July 2nd, 2017.  She is preceded in death by her parents Alfredo Campos and Juana Borja Gaona, her siblings Nicolas, Alfredo, and Ofelia Campos and her grandchild Emiliano Ambriz.  She is survived by her brother Raul and sisters Carmela and Chuy; her children Cinthia Campos, Jenny Rios, Sylvia Ambriz, Daisy Lopez and Pedro Lopez Jr; her grandchildren Eduardo and Juan Carlos Garcia, Ashanti, Gianni and Jade Ambriz, and Emerie Lopez; and her great grandchild Melany Garcia.

Estela’s greatest love and joy were her children. She was not only their Mother but their best friend.  She will be greatly missed.

 

FUNERAL SERVICES

Funeral Service and Rosary will be held Friday July 7th, 2017 at 12pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd. Lodi, CA. Burial following services.

Melbert (Mel) Lehr

May 21, 1922 – July 1, 2017 Melbert Lehr, age 95, of Acampo, CA passed away July 1, 2017. Mel was born in Alfred, North Dakota. Mel graduated from Gackle High School and later attended Valley City State University. Mel retired as a supervisor from Goehring Meats, He was a member of the First Baptist Church for over 60 years where he was a deacon, taught Sunday school, and sang in the church choir. Mel loved to fish and go to garage sales

Mel is survived by his children Connie (Garry) Caskey, JoAnn (Glenn) Wasden and Diana (Jim) Wolff. Grandchildren Kris Weible, Dawn Lehr, David Lehr JR, Joshua (Dawn) Caskey, Eric Wolff and Jonathan Wasden. Mel has four great granchldren and two sisters Nora Gums and Sally Grosz. Mel is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Bertha Lehr, wife Ruth (Zimmerman) Lehr and son David Lehr, grandchildren Shannon Weible and Jacob Wasden, also brothers Art and Ray Lehr, sisters Pearl Lehr and Dora Austin.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the First Baptist Building Fund.

VISITATION

Visitation will be at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240 on Friday July 21, 2017 from 12- 8 pm.

SERVICES

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, 267 N Mills Ave, Lodi.

INTERMENT

Burial will be private.

Joy Schmidt

Joy Schmidt passed away after a short illness. She was born in Connecticut in 1929. She lived in 4 states until moving to California.Joy atttended North Park University & San Francisco State Taught in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. She retired from Stockton Unified after teaching for 34 years. Joy was preceded in death by her husband Ralph of 48 years. They had two daughters and four wonderful grandchildren who she loved spending time with. She had a wonderful relationship with her brother, sister, many nieces and nephews who brought her much joy. She was active in church and youth groups. Joy enjoyed traveling the world.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Giant Step or Quail Lakes Baptist Church Youth Scholarships.

Katherine Johnson

September 30, 1931 – June 24, 2017

Katherine Johnson, age 85 of Nice, California passed away on June 24, 2017. She was born on September 30, 1931 in Iron river, Michigan. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Stockton as well as Christian Life Center. Katherine’s passion in life was her church, her family and all children. After raising her 5 children she worked as a day care teacher for 25 years. Katherine dedicated her life to the lord and the care of children. She enjoyed time spent with her family. She loved to embroider and make personal gifts for her family and friends.

Katherine was married to William Robert Johnson, Sr. who preceded her in death. As well as a son William Robert Johnson, Jr. also preceding her in death. She is survived by three daughters, a son, two son-in-laws, 7 grandchildren, 15 Great-grandchildren and 4 Great-Great grandchildren.

SERVICES

A private family service was held.

Frances McNeal Gardley

The Awesome Life of Frances Gardley

Frances McNeal Gardley completed her final transition from earth on June 23, 2017 in Stockton, California.

Frances was born on September 30, 1945 in Berkeley, CA to Ethel Gary and Robert Gardley Sr. Frances was raised by her father Robert and her 2nd mother Irma Gardley in San Francisco, CA with her four brothers and eight of her nine sisters. Frances completed her early education in the San Francisco Unified School District despite having narcolepsy (a sleeping disorder). She graduated from Balboa High School in San Francisco, CA. Frances was a lover of learning and continued her education at Laney College in Oakland, CA in the fields of nursing and culinary arts.

Frances received God as her Lord and Savior at a young age and in the late 80’s became a member of Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland, California.

Frances truly loved people and always had a word of encouragement or words of wisdom for all those she came across. Her home seemed to always attract neighborhood children and school friends of her daughters. She instilled a heart of compassion in her three daughters which they have also passed down to their children. Frances was a great cook that often created tasty meals and treats from the most unusual ingredients. You could always find Frances manning the grill at holiday cookouts or baking goodies.

Frances had a wonderful sense of humor. She would have you laughing and laughing until you couldn’t speak. She could entertain a room with her stories and comedic spin on all things. She especially liked sharing stories related to her many adventures working for the Girl Scouts of America; especially the one about being chased by a bear in Yellowstone National Park.

Frances really loved family. Being one of the older children, she often cared for her younger sisters and brothers and was honored to have cared for many of her nieces and nephews.

Frances was very astute in world affairs, even in her latter days. She enjoyed discussing politics, world news and current events. She was an avid audiobook reader when they were on cassettes.

Her children remember her as a driven, brilliant woman and a patient mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Her grandchildren will hold onto the great memories they shared and the things she taught them, like how to walk to school on their own, how to catch the bus, how to cook, and how to have respect for themselves.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Elaine Morrison, Lynn Gardley and Paula Gardley-Barnes, brother Fred Madkins and grandson Daniel Youngblood.

Frances leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Levetta Hill (Charles), Frances Mims, and Juanita Saffold (Randy). Grandchildren: David Laury (Rose), DeAnte Hill, Frances Collins, A’Londa Hall, Andrea Hill, David Hill, Eric White-Saffold, and Jaden White-Saffold. Great Grandchildren: Jazmine Harris, Gabrielle Marshall-Laury, and Kamilah Laury. Sisters: Clarice Baldwin, Esther Madkins, Irma Montgomery, Phyllis Green, Charlyene Scott (Leon), Beverly Streeter (Jessie), Charolett Gardley Brothers: Robert Gardley (Hattie), Paul Gardley (Gail), Martinique Gardley and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

VISITATION:

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017  from 12pm- 8pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way Lodi, California 95240.

FUNERAL SERVICE:

Funeral services will be held 11am on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the Progressive Community Church on 2820 South "B" Street Stockton, California 95206.

INTERMENT

Interment will follow service at Cherokee Memorial Park on HWY 99 and Harney Ln in Lodi.

 

 

Cohen Guthrie

Cohen Joseph Guthrie

April 28, 1994 - June 20, 2017

Cohen Joseph Guthrie, beloved son of Rick Guthrie and Sherry Dieckmann, passed away Tuesday morning as a result of a traffic collision. Cohen was born in Stockton on April 28th, 1994. He grew up and attended schools in Galt, graduating from Estralita High School in Galt. From an early age Cohen loved a multitude of outdoor sports. He played Little League baseball and Youth Football. Football was his favorite team sport. Cohen was an avid Oakland Raiders Fan. He loved Snow Boarding, Boating, 4Wheeling, Fishing, Snow Mobiling, Camping, and trips to the ocean. He loved music and was an accomplished Guitar Musician. Other hobbies included his household pets that included a Frilled Desert Lizard, a cat and a dog named Copper. He also enjoyed video games, competing against other players on the internet. Since 2012, Cohen was employed in the family business, J&D Autobody in Lodi, as the lead estimator and customer service representative. His outgoing personality and his quick learning ability made him stand out as a future leader in the Collision Repair Industry. Cohen is survived by his father Rick Guthrie and mother Sherri Dieckmann. He is also survived by his brother Ryan Guthrie and sister in-law Lorelei, nieces Kameron and Rose, brother Jeremy Santini, niece Meadow and nephew Anthony, sister Marina Ziegler. Grandparents Dick & Jeanette Guthrie, Bob & Rochelle Teitz, Uncle and Aunt, Nelson Guthrie and Jessica Avalos, Aunt Lynette Haro, Uncle and Aunt, Kevin and Sandy Goehring, cousins Devin and Jordon Haro, David, Katy, Alandra, Emilio and Marisa Goehring.

 

 

SERVICES

A Memorial Service will be held in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, California on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 2:30 P.M.

Harry Nitschke

February 4, 1942 - June 19, 2017 Harry Gene Nitschke, 75, of Lodi, passed away on June 19, 2017 at Lodi Memorial Hospital.

Harry was born in Lodi, CA to Theodore and Lydia Nitschke on February 4, 1942. He graduated from Lodi Union High School and enlisted in the Army where he served for 6 years.  He met the love of his life, Soon Ja, while stationed in Seoul, Korea. He married Soon Ja Nitschke on September 18, 1962 in Seoul, Korea. He worked for Pac Bell and AT&T for a combined 25 years before starting his own business Harry Nitschke Telephone Systems. Harry operated his business for 27 years finally closing the doors this year.

Harry G. Nitschke is preceded in death by mother Lydia, father Theodore and sister Frances Nitschke. Harry is survived by wife Soon Ja Nitschke, daughter Katherine Nitschke and son Harry Nitschke Jr, brothers Clifford, Willys, Larry, and Dennis Nitschke, grandchildren Christina Aguila, Johnnae Gamble, John Gamble, and great-Grandchildren Cristian Brown, Jeremy Brown, Jett Williams and niece Diana Furukawa. You will truly be missed.

SERVICES

Funeral services will be held 10am on Friday, June 23, 2017 with a visitation an hour prior in the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Ln, Lodi CA. A reception and celebration of Harry’s life will be held after the funeral services at the Moose Lodge on 3824 Woodbridge Rd E., Acampo, CA.

 

Cherokee Memorial Park is a 501(c)13 non-profit company, owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of the community, serving Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Manteca and the San Joaquin Valley since 1940.

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