Rhonda Castagna

December 07, 1965 - September 19, 2021

After a short illness, Rhonda Castagna passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

Please be assured and comforted that Rhonda’s last thoughts were bright and positive; and that her last moments were with her caring and loving husband, David, holding her hand.

Rhonda was born in Omaha Nebraska on December 7, 1965, and she spent some of her early childhood in the Nebraska/Iowa area. She had very fond memories of her midwest family. Especially, her beloved grandmother. And her beloved father, James (Jim) Mercer, who she called “Pops” and “Poppy”. And her very loving and caring stepmother, Cindy. As mature adults, Cindy and Rhonda developed a mother and daughter relationship that will endure forever. Rhonda went back to visit as often as she could.

As a girl, Rhonda came to California and graduated from Linden High School. Most of her life was spent in Stockton where she acquired many friends with her warm heart and kind spirit. A long-time employee of San Joaquin County Public Works, she often said that they were her second family. Those that knew Rhonda will miss her wry smile and the twinkle in her eyes. For those that really knew Rhonda, practical jokes, big laughs and honest sincerity will be missed.

Devoted animal lover, especially cats, Rhonda will always be remembered for the very large number of stray animals that she fostered and adopted to good homes. She was a devoted San Francisco 49er fan even during the bad years. Many years of RVing with David always started with Rhonda pronouncing “On to the next adventure” with one of the little dogs sitting on her lap. She also enjoyed live events such as festivals, music concerts, theater, and sporting events. But Rhonda also enjoyed the quiet and calm times in her life: sunsets at Maui, the wind moving through the trees at Lake Tahoe, and walking the foggy streets of San Francisco.

Family get-togethers were the constant and looked-forward-to events that really let Rhonda shine. The Fourth of July family celebrations and fireworks at the Mercer’s lake house in Iowa. The family holiday meals at home or at others’ homes with always way too much food and way too much laughing. At a casual glance, sometimes Rhonda might have come across as private or reserved. As an example, taking a picture of Rhonda was very difficult as she was constantly trying to move out of the picture or trying to hide behind David. But with family, Rhonda worked very hard to make sure everyone had the opportunity to see her true spirit.

Rhonda was predeceased by her mother, Carolyn Gallatin, and her father. Rhonda is survived by her husband, David Castagna, who was her mutually agreed upon best friend, life partner and soulmate. She is also survived by her stepmother, Cindy Mercer; her brothers Mike and Alan Mercer; her daughter, Nichole (Hubbard) Lamberti and family; her nephew, Andy Mercer; and her stepsons Luke (Cathy) Castagna, Dane Castagna, and Nick Castagna. Rhonda was the adoring “Noni” to Luke and Cathy’s children and Rhonda’s “grandbabies”, Sophia and Nathan.

For Rhonda’s family and friends left with Rhonda’s passing, she and David spoke often. Rhonda was clear. She understood the grief and mourning process. But Rhonda wanted everyone to focus on the healing process. She wanted everyone to move forward to the best of their ability. And take whatever time is needed and talk among yourselves. Ultimately, Rhonda made it easier for all of us. Rhonda’s life provided us with great moments, stories and memories.

For David, please don’t be offended if you say to him “I’m so sorry” and he replies, “Me too.” His response is not meant in any way to be casual or insensitive. He really means it and it pulls on his heart and soul a little each time. But don’t stop. Please also tell David about one of your great Rhonda memories.

VISITATION
A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.

SERVICE
A later graveside committal will be private and family-only.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Castagna family.

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Edwin Ricketts

October 17, 1938 - September 18, 2021

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Edwin Garland Ricketts, 82 of Stockton, Ca., passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021.  Born on October 17, 1938 in Yuma, Arizona. He served in the Army in Fort Sill Oklahoma.  He was a Plasterer Journeyman for over 40 years and a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and loved by all in his Congregation.   

He was preceded in death by his parents Ewing Young Ricketts and Thelma V. Ricketts and his beloved wife of 42 years Kay Frances Ricketts.  Loving Father of daughters Pamela (Christopher) Lozano, Tamie Maynard, and Eddie (Dana) Ricketts.  Loving Papa to Jeremy (Ashton) Ricketts, Nicole (Tony) Zimmerman, Alyssa (Stephan Jamora) Lozano, and Arianna Lozano.  Loving Great Papa to Jamie Ricketts, Ember Kay Sandor, Evan Ricketts, and a soon to arrive Santana Frances Zimmerman.

Also, survived siblings William Ricketts, Patricia Meadows, Don Ricketts and Mike Ricketts.  Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

He was a handsome man with a “big heart” and smile and wanted everyone around him to know how special they were.  He enjoyed being with family and that was very important to him.  He loved to sing in baritone voice and enjoyed telling jokes.  Was an avid sportsman and loved to fish, hunt and to watch a Raiders Football game.  During his last days he dreamt of one day being able to do that again.  Now he can fish in all the best lakes and with our mom.   All his nieces and nephews felt his unconditional love and they always knew they had a special place in his heart when he said, “I love you sweat-heart.”

SERVICES:
A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday October 1st, 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 Ricketts family.

Vester Martin

January 30, 1944 - September 17, 2021

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VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Tuesday September 28 , 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday September 29,  2021 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The graveside service will follow at 11:15am at the 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 Martin family.

Sarom San

November 17, 1980 - September 16, 2021

Sarom San, of Stockton age 40 years, passed away on Thursday, September 16th, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born on November 17, 1980, in Thailand. Sarom is survived by two sons, Ethan San Men and Jayden San of Fair Oaks; father Chamroeun San; mother Saram Chhin; four sisters Sokha San, Phalla San, Sophal San, Jenn San; and brother Thavarry San of Stockton, California. Sarom will be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 8th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Service will be held on Friday, October 8th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm followed by Cremation at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

A Closing Prayer will be held at Wat Khmer on Friday, October 8th at 4:30 pm and Saturday, October 9th at 8:00 am located off 11300-11384 N. Pearson Road, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the San family.

Dolores Briseno

December 02, 1962 - September 16, 2021

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Thursday September 30 , 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240. The rosary will begin at 6:00pm.

SERVICE

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Friday October 01, 2021 at St. Joachim’s Church, 13392 E. Lockeford Ranch Dr. in ​Lockeford, CA 95237.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The graveside service will follow at 11:30am on Friday October 01, 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         family.

Darlene J. Ruse

July 09, 1939 - September 13, 2021

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Mrs. Darlene J. Ruse of Lodi passed away on September 13, 2021 in Lodi at the age of 82. Mrs.Ruse was born July 9, 1939 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Gordon and Hilda Howard. Mrs. Ruse worked as a waitress for the Tokay Bowl and the Woodbridge Golf and Country Club for many years before retiring in 1998. Mrs. Ruse attended Lodi Emanuel Lutheran Church for many years and most recently became a member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church of Lodi. Mrs. Ruse was a member of the Lodi Women of the Moose Lodge for 59 years, Order of the Eastern Star for 46 years and the Lodi Women’s Club for 29 years. Mrs. Ruse enjoyed traveling, gardening, attending bible study and watching basketball games. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends-.

She is survived by 1 daughter, Janelle Frederiksen and husband Mark of Stockton, 1 brother Gerald Howard and wife Jean of Visalia, Sister in-law, Lois Howard of Redfield, South Dakota, 1 grandson, Michael Frederiksen of Stockton, 1 step-grandson, Chad Frederiksen of Lodi, and 1 step-granddaughter, Amanda Frederiksen of Stockton. She is preceded in death by her late husband Arthur Ruse in 2016 and first husband, Wilmer Lang in 1977 and 1 brother, Roger Howard in 1995.

VISITATION

Visitation is scheduled on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Cherokee Funeral Home from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi.

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ruse family.

Patricia Mettler

April 28, 1947 - September 13, 2021

Patricia Mae Mettler passed peacefully at home on September 13th after a long difficult struggle with A.L.S.. She was 74. Pat was born on April 28th , 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Elmer and Opal McGinty. Her family subsequently moved to Wichita, Kansas. While attending Wichita State University she joined Angel Flight, an Air Force ROTC auxiliary. During this time she met Dave who was a US Air Force pilot stationed at McConnell AFB in Wichita. They were married on September 4, 1971. After several different assignments to other Air Force Bases, Dave separated from the Air Force and the couple settled in Lodi and entered Dave’s family farming business in late 1979. Pat was an avid reader and loved to research subjects, in particular nutrition. She received a degree in Nutritional Education from Bauman College. In 1995, Pat was one of the organizers and founders of the Lodi Crisis Pregnancy Center (now named Directions Medical Clinic). She was the first Board President and oversaw the conversion of the Center to a medical clinic. She served as the President of the Board until 1999 and has made a lasting life giving contribution to our community by her service with the Center.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister Donna, and her brother Michael. She is survived by Dave, her husband of 50 years, a sister Cheryl Shaver of Wichita, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat loved to travel and her favorite place was Disneyland. She was a Mouseketeer as a child and an avid Disney fan all her life. The family would like to thank the wonderful people who ministered to and cared for Pat during this difficult past year. In particular Raj and the people of A Plus Hospice, Lucia from Visiting Angels, and Famiza and Raashida who provided loving and compassionate in home care to Pat during her last months. She wouldn’t have been able to stay at home without their love and care.

SERVICE

A grave site service is being planned at Cherokee Memorial Park Freedom Urn Garden on October 7, 2021 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to the Directions Medical Clinic of Lodi, to the ALS Society, or to IamALS.org.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mettler family.

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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