Catherine Leggitt

April 04, 1949 - April 24, 2021

Catherine Clara Leggitt (Williams) born in April of 1949 in Oakland, CA passed away April 24, 2021 in St. Louis, MO. Cathy was a woman who loved the Lord and loved her family dearly.

An adventurous, beautiful, creative, kind, and generous Wife, Mother and Grandmother, Cathy saw every day as a precious gift not to be taken for granted. Raised in Oceanside, CA on a farm, she always had a love for learning and had the gift of music. Singing in her church for Sunday services as a teenager was commonplace. Married after high school, she raised two daughters and helped raise a step-son. She pursued her teaching degree and earned a Masters in Education in 1980. She then taught 2nd grade and was treasured by her students. She left teaching to care for her parents, and after they passed, she began to write and excelled at it. She published 5 books in Christian fiction, ghost wrote one book, and was included in a compilation of writings from many authors.

Having a lifelong love for God, she used her teaching gifts for His purposes and was a Children's Supervisor and Discussion Leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Always seeking to improve herself, she made a dietary commitment to improve healthy eating and joined Food Addicts. Her dedication, love, and service to other food addicts was a resource and inspiration. Cathy loved traveling, reading, and spending time with family. She resided in California most of her life, having moved to Missouri to be close to her family in 2020. She was an awesome woman and we are so grateful for time with her.

Predeceased by her adoptive parents Richard and Dessie Williams of San Luis Rey, CA, and her birth mother Deloris Rogers of Eatonville, WA, and her half-brother Wayne Walker of Cocoa, FL. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Robert Leggitt of Eagle Rock, MO; children Jule Doodnath and Deborah Anderson of Columbia, MO, and Jason Leggitt of Woodbridge, CA; seven grandchildren: Kathleen Wright, Joseph Anderson, Olivia Anderson, James Anderson, and Remi Doodnath of Columbia, MO; Luke Leggitt and Jolie Leggitt of Woodbridge, CA. She is also survived by siblings Florenza Krnich of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, Toni Deaville of Newcastle, OK, Robert Walker of Norman, OK, Patricia Little of Eatonville, WA, Daniel Walker of Marlow, OK, and David Jaggers of Barstow, CA.

Memorial service will be held May 8, 2021 at 1pm at GracePoint Church, 801 South Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi, CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Leggitt family.

Zelma LaFever

October 14, 1935 - April 24, 2021

Zelma passed away peacefully in Stockton at the age of 85.

She was born in Texas before her family moved to Lodi California when she was a child. She graduated from Lodi High School in 1952 and went on to marry the love of her life Marshall in 1955. They built a life together in Linden California where Zelma was homemaker for over 50 years. Zelma enjoyed vacationing in Arizona with her dear friends in the winters and having family dinners often with her children and grandchildren.

Zelma is preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Stella, her husband Marshall, and her son Tracy.
She is survived by her children: Curtis (Kathy), Vince and Steve Sr.; grandchildren: Steve Jr, Amanda, Duane, Desiree, and Ryan and 8 great grandchildren.

She was an amazing woman with a kind spirit, and will be missed dearly by all who loved her. A celebration of life will be planned for a later time.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the La Fever family.

Linda Goff

March 26, 1944 - April 23, 2021

Linda Jane Goff, beloved wife, mother and Mimi passed away peacefully with her daughters and grandchildren by her side on April 23, 2021. She was 77 years old. Linda was born in San Jose, California on March 26, 1944 to Lily Irene Gentry and Webster Leo Morrison. Her mother later married Charles R. Smith (Chuck) who became a loving father to her and her siblings. 

Linda grew up in Manteca California and attended Manteca High School with her best friends Donna, Karen and Darlene. She graduated high school in 1962. Shortly thereafter she met Bernard Jay Goff (Bernie) while he was in the Navy. They married in 1963 and lived for a short time in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They left Michigan and moved to Lathrop California where they purchased their first home. Bernie was working at the local glass plant and later became an electrician. Linda was a dedicated wife, homemaker and stay-at-home mother to Kimberly and Kathleen. The couple moved to Stockton and lived there for several years where they made many real estate investments. Linda became widowed in 2005 and later moved to Lodi where she resided at the time of her passing. 

Linda’s greatest passion was caring for her five grandchildren and attending all their sporting events and music concerts. She also loved to spend time gardening while surrounded by her many wind chimes and hummingbirds. She was an avid reader and enjoyed going to the movies, shopping, listening to Elvis Presley, along with taking trips to Jackson and Reno to gamble with her friend Maria. She loved spending time with family and hosting holiday gatherings and birthdays. 

Linda is survived by her daughters Kimberly Goff and Kathleen Quijalvo (Frank), her brothers Joseph and James Morrison, grandchildren Victoria Garner (Charles), Emily Ludwig (Ryan) Sarah Ahlqvist, Ryan Quijalvo, Haley Quijalvo, and her great granddaughter Liliana Garner. 

Linda is preceded in death by her husband Bernard Goff, parents Lily Irene Smith, Charles R Smith and Webster Leo Morrison. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Michael Smith and Gene Morrison, and her sister Judy Evans. 

Services will be at 1pm Friday May 7th at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a donation in Linda’s name to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204, hospicesj.org.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Goff family.

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Robert Ballenger

August 26, 1932 - April 22, 2021

Robert Lee Ballenger, at the age of 88, peacefully left this world, surrounded by love in his home, on April 21, 2021.

Bob was born in Dewar, Oklahoma, on August 26, 1932, to Jesse Clay and Nora Vetters Ballenger. He was raised with four siblings: Betty, Alice, Bill and Kenneth. They moved to this area in 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression.

He graduated from Stockton High School in 1950. The following year, on July 4, 1951, he married Mildred Pauline Blake. Together, they lovingly raised five children: Johnny, Steve, Jack, Timothy, and Mitzi.

Bob was a very well respected arborist, cabinet maker/carpenter, brickmason and ‘fisher of men’. He was a pillar of the Old Country Church on Mariposa Road. Always, he had a heart to help someone in need. In his latter years, he volunteered singing at nursing homes, working at local food pantries and the Gospel Rescue Mission. He will be remembered for “A Beautiful Life” that he lived.

Bob was preceded in passing by Mildred, his loving wife of 63 years; sons: Johnny and Jack; parents: Jesse Clay and Nora; and siblings: Alice, Bill and Kenneth. He is survived by three children: Steve (Wanda), Mitzi (Richard), Timothy; sibling: Betty; six grandchildren: Jacqueline (Richard), Steven (Regina), Robert (Pauline), Jeremiah (Stacy), Alison (Jonathan), Richard; thirteen great-grandchildren: Robert, Micah, Austin, Barry, Blake, Hannah, Zach, Camryn, Calyb, Isybella, Abigail, Stevie, Moriah; three great-great-grandchildren: Silas, Reagan, Everett; and numerous other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob by making donation to operationsmile.org, a charity he supported to help children in need of surgical correction of cleft lip/palate.

VISITATION

Viewing to be held on Wednesday April 28, 2021 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday April 29, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ballenger family.

Matthew Stephen Kuhn

November 24, 1980 - April 21, 2021

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Matthew S. Kuhn, 40, loving son, brother, Unky, grandchild and friend to many, passed away April 21st, 2021. Matthew was born in Lodi, CA on November 24, 1980 to Rick and Sandy Kuhn. He was the oldest of 3 children including two sisters who loved him dearly. Matthew attended Tokay High School. Matthew's greatest loves were Jesus, family and baseball. Matthew grew up playing baseball at a very young age, starting with Lodi youth baseball and went on to play in the Cal-Mex league. Those who knew Matthew, know that he was the SF Giants biggest fan. He also loved being around the playfulness and laughter of his nieces and nephews. We will greatly miss his tender heart and loving soul. We take comfort in knowing that he is with our Heavenly Father.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Rick and Sandy Kuhn, sisters; Erin (Andrew) Livengood, Amanda (Matthew) Teresi, nieces and nephews; Olivia, Lucca, Drew, Gianni, Giuliana. Grandmothers; Ida (Grandma) Kuhn and Jacqueline (Nanny) King. His loving Aunts, Uncles, cousins and great friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers; William (Bumpa) King and Leo (Grandpa) Kuhn.

SERVICES:

Matthew's service will be held Thursday April 29th 2021 at 1:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park with committal immediately following at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hurting Moms/mending hearts or the 180 Teen Center if you feel led to do so.

hurtingmomsmendinghearts.org

180Lodi.org

Robert Lee Ballenger

August 26, 1932 - April 21, 2021

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Robert Lee Ballenger, at the age of 88, peacefully left this world, surrounded by love in his home, on April 21, 2021.

Bob was born in Dewar, Oklahoma, on August 26, 1932, to Jesse Clay and Nora Vetters Ballenger. He was raised with four siblings: Betty, Alice, Bill and Kenneth. They moved to this area in 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression.

He graduated from Stockton High School in 1950. The following year, on July 4, 1951, he married Mildred Pauline Blake. Together, they lovingly raised five children: Johnny, Steve, Jack, Timothy, and Mitzi.

Bob was a very well respected arborist, cabinet maker/carpenter, brickmason and ‘fisher of men’. He was a pillar of the Old Country Church on Mariposa Road. Always, he had a heart to help someone in need. In his latter years, he volunteered singing at nursing homes, working at local food pantries and the Gospel Rescue Mission. He will be remembered for “A Beautiful Life” that he lived.

Bob was preceded in passing by Mildred, his loving wife of 63 years; sons: Johnny and Jack; parents: Jesse Clay and Nora; and siblings: Alice, Bill and Kenneth. He is survived by three children: Steve (Wanda), Mitzi (Richard), Timothy; sibling: Betty; six grandchildren: Jacqueline (Richard), Steven (Regina), Robert (Pauline), Jeremiah (Stacy), Alison (Jonathan), Richard; thirteen great-grandchildren: Robert, Micah, Austin, Barry, Blake, Hannah, Zach, Camryn, Calyb, Isybella, Abigail, Stevie, Moriah; three great-great-grandchildren: Silas, Reagan, Everett; and numerous other family and friends.

SERVICES:

The viewing will be held Wednesday 4-7pm, and the graveside service on Thursday 10am, both at Cherokee Memorial. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob by making donation to operationsmile.org, a charity he supported to help children in need of surgical correction of cleft lip/palate.

Melvin Harvey Buhrkuhl

August 20, 1930 - April 20. 2021

Melvin Harvey Buhrkuhl was born in a log cabin in New London Missouri on August 20, 1930 to Edwarn Carl Buhrkuhl and Laura Ruth Harvey. He grew up outside of Hannibal, Missouri. His family were sharecroppers during the Great Depression. At age 12, he made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ at the Olivet Christian Church in Center, Missouri. The family moved to Yuba City in 1948 where he completed his senior year of high school. In 1952, he was drafted into the army and served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1953. After returning to Yuba City, he served as a youth leader in the Marysville Christian Church. He started working for Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 1954 and worked there primarily as a journeyman carpenter for the next 37 years in Fresno, San Francisco, and Stockton.

He met Mathilda Janzen Warkentin in 1960 at the Fresno Gospel Rescue Mission where they were both volunteering, she as a nurse, and Mel as handyman. They married April 8, 1961 in Reedley, California. After a short time in the Bay area, they moved to Stockton in 1962. Over the next five years they welcomed Beverly, Timothy, and Laura. Church was a priority and Mel led his family by serving faithfully in a variety of ministries at both Stockton Christian Missionary and Alliance and Quail Lakes Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School, served as an elder, volunteered on international missions trips, taught Eager Beavers preschool class and supported various ministries financially. Mel was quick to build something, volunteer to help serve in whatever capacity he could with his hands. 

Mathilda preceded Mel in death in 2012. Mel leaves behind his three children (spouses) Bev Hathorn (Jon), Tim Buhrkuhl (Brenda), and Laura Stone (John); ten grandchildren (spouses), Christi Journagan (Casey), Heidi Verheyden (Eric), Caitlyn Wheeler (John Mark), Zachary Stone (Mandy), Marcus Olivares-Perez (Katie), Emily Buhrkuhl, Nathan Buhrkuhl, Jared Stone, Kaylee Buhrkuhl, and Matthew Buhrkuhl and three great grandchildren, Riley, Hunter and Emmaline Verheyden, and additional great granddaughter due in June. He also leaves behind his siblings, Vernon Buhrkuhl and Buena Ravenscraft. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Buhrkuhl.

Mel passed into glory on April 19, 2021.

SERVICES

A memorial service will be held at Lincoln Presbyterian in Stockton at 10:00 on May 22, 2021.

The service can also be viewed using the following link: https://youtu.be/PXcUDu5cuVU.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Stockton Gospel Rescue Mission’s New Life Program, 445 S. South Joaquin St. Stockton CA 95203.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Buhrikuhl family.

Bernard L. "Bernie" Wagner

May 09, 1938 - April 20, 2021

Bernie passed away on April 20, 2021 at home with his wife Donna by his side. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was born in Sacramento, CA to Samuel J. Wagner and Lydia Wagner. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna Wagner, daughter, Sandra Mallisham (Lincoln), son, Leland D. Wagner, Grandson, Leland P. Wagner, and Granddaughter, Selena Wagner. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Gloria Erickson (Jack), Norma Scharborough (Buster), Geraldeane Sartini (Jean) and Brothers, N. John Wagner (Helen), Harvey Wagner (Beverly), and Lester Wagner (Thelma). He will be missed by his brother Jim (Gayle) Wagner and sister Kathie (William) Gavia.

At 17 Bernie started his first adventure as a Sailor in the U.S. Navy, riding the waves from Long Beach to Japan (many times) on the U.S.S. Tolovana. Bernie began writing letters to Donna on those long voyages. In 1959 he began his carpentry apprenticeship building the Rice Mills in West Sacramento. He worked many years as a Journeyman Carpenter. In 1975 he started a business partnership and opened The Door Factory, Ltd., retiring in 1995. He built and restored homes throughout the years, including his own home of 45 years.

Bernie enjoyed horseback riding with donna, friends and family. His favorite spot was Schneider's Cow Camp on HWY 88. He also enjoyed working cattle on Dick Harry's Ranch, McDermitt, NV, with his friend "Bub" Waddell. He was a member of the CA Cattleman's Association and raised his own cattle (Donna's selling the herd soon)! His most recent hobby was restoring a 1958 Chevy Apache Pick-up and a 1955 Dodge C-1 pick-up with his good friend Jose Flores.

Bernie valued hard-work and treasured his friendships. He was preceded in death by his close friends Jack Cole (Helen), Charles Pearson (Gaye), Leonard Cole (Marlene), John Bozich (Jean), and Wendell Nordquist (Joan).

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at the Cherokee Memorial Cemetery at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA on April 28, 2021 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers a donation in Bernie's name to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org is appreciated.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Wagner family.

Carol Eldridge

June 02, 1943 - April 19, 2021

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Monday April 26, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way in Lodi, California.

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday April 27,  2021 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Eldridge family.

Elmer Fowler

August 16, 1932 - April 19, 2021

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 4:30pm on Sunday April 25, 2021 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Monday April 26, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Fowler family.

Ruth Jones

July 08, 1929 - April 18, 2021

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 12:00pm on Monday April 26, 2021 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

A graveside service will follow at 12:30pm on Monday April 26, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Jones family.

Steven T. Islas

April 11, 1965 - April 18, 2021

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Steven T. Islas, 56, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 18, 2021. He was born April 11, 1965, in Stockton California, the son of Michael and Lydia Islas.

Steve attended Annunciation Grammar School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School.  He received his Bachelors degree in Sociology from California State University, Chico.

Steve married his college sweetheart, Valerie, with whom he shared twenty-nine years of marriage.  Steve and Valerie were blessed with three daughters: Sarah (27), Aimee (25), and Julia (21).  They were his pride and joy and he instilled in them a love for music and concerts, having attended many together.

Steve worked for the California Youth Authority for twenty-eight years, where he made life long friends.  He was a member of Grace Point Church in Lodi, where he celebrated a faith in Christianity that he carried in every facet of his life. Steve was a lover of all sports and was a life long fan of the Boston Red Sox. 

Steve’s legacy continues through those who loved him most:  His wife Valerie, their daughters, Sarah, Aimee, and Julia, his mother, Lydia, and his siblings:  MaryAnn Fry (John), Ceci Sallee (Gary), Michael Islas, Danny Islas (Diane), Veronica Jackson (Mitch), and Matthew Islas, as well as his many nieces and nephews that he adored.

 SERVICES:

Services will be at Cherokee Memorial Chapel, 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi.  Visitation will be on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 4-7 pm and funeral services on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to your local Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

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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