Alma M. Wagner

Alma M. Wagner
April 18, 1924 - July 17, 2025
101 years

Alma was born to Russell and Elna French in Oakland, California. She spent her early years in Albany and moved to Lodi when she was a senior in high school attending, Lodi High. Shortly after graduating, Alma met Harry Wagner. They married in 1943 and were together until his passing 72 years later. Their family grew with the addition of a daughter, Judy and a son, Jim. In 1950 the Wagners moved to Linden, to Alma’s grandmother’s ranch, where she remained until her passing.

Alma worked for Farmers and Merchants Bank for 40 years, 38 of those in Linden. She still found time to volunteer on various boards and committees in the community. She served on the Board of Directors for the Linden/Peters Chamber of Commerce and the Linden Cemetery Association. She was a member of San Joaquin Historical Society, the Linden Garden Club and the Cherry Festival Committee. Alma was also a member of the Opal Rebekah Lodge #73 and the Order of Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron, receiving her 50 year membership pin in 1999. One of Alma’s greatest delights was being called “Mom” by the many young women that she mentored in her role as Mother Advisor of the Linden Rainbow Assembly #120. In return for her dedication to their community, she and Harry were awarded the 1979 Citizens Achievement Award sponsored by the Linden Lions Club. Alma was also an avid San Francisco Giants and 49er fan. She always had the full rosters in front of her to follow her favorite players, never missing a game on t.v.

Alma would say that her family was her greatest joy. She was a loving and supportive Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to her son Jim and daughter-in-law Fran, granddaughters Dayna (Jason) Loeliger and Jamie Wagner as well as great-grandchildren Ethan and Paige Loeliger. The Wagner Ranch hosted several family get-togethers over the years, which included the many nieces, nephews and cousins of the Wagners. Alma is now reunited in Heaven with her parents, Harry, her husband of 72 years and their daughter Judy. We will miss her beautiful smile but her spirit continues in the love and memories she leaves behind. We are eternally grateful to have had her in our lives.

Our family extends a heartfelt thanks to her care giver Jimmy Perez for his compassionate and loving care for both Alma and Harry. He was our godsend for thirteen wonderful years and a true member of the Wagner family. We would also like to thank Yvonne Villarreal, Herminia Robles and Bristol Hospice for the love and care they provided to Alma and our family.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 23, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Linden United Methodist Church Mission Hall, 19147 St. Rte. 26, Linden California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LUMC, P.O. Box 693, Linden, California 95236 or a charity dear to your heart.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Wagner family.

Terry Spears

July 11, 1946 - July 14, 2025

Terry Roger Spears passed away in his home in Stockton, California, on July 14, 2025, at the age of 79. Terry was born on July 11, 1946, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Paul and Gwendolyn Spears. The family moved to California, where Terry attended Stockton Junior High and A.A. Stagg High School. During those formative years, Terry met the love of his life, Lyla Anderson, and the two developed a friendship that eventually blossomed throughout high school. Terry enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduating from high school in 1964. During his time in the Air Force, Terry served as part of the Air Police in Vietnam. He married his high school sweetheart, Lyla, on June 26, 1966. The couple shared a 2 ½ year honeymoon on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii, while Terry was stationed there, before returning to Stockton to start a family. After an honorable discharge from the military, Terry worked a dedicated 50-year career with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department. He began his service as a Deputy Sheriff in May of 1969, eventually being promoted through the ranks to Captain. In 2001, he “officially” retired from the Sheriff’s Department, quickly returning to work per diem for the same department as a bailiff with the San Joaquin Courts. He was very proud of his dedicated service to the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Department and was grateful for the many colleagues he met there and called friends.

Terry and Lyla’s life was full of love, fun and adventure. They shared a love of taking cruises and traveled the world, embarking on 14 cruises together, many of which were with their various “cruise pals” that they cherished so much. Their love of theater and the arts would lead them to attend plays produced by California Music Theater in Sacramento, of which they were Director’s Circle Members. This passion for theater was something that Terry continued to support and enjoy even after Lyla’s passing in 2013, enthusiastically sharing shows with his beloved grandkids and other family members and friends, especially his son Roger, with whom he spent a great deal of time in his latter years.

Terry continued visiting the second home that he and Lyla bought in South Lake Tahoe over 23 years ago, which they enjoyed spending time in, especially with their grandchildren. Terry and Lyla met many special friends and neighbors in Tahoe, with whom Terry continued to share cherished visits and fond memories. Terry coined his sweet cabin to be his “Happy Place” where he put in a lot of hard work and dedication, but also thoroughly relished the fruits of his labor. His plan was to move there full time, making Stockton his second home, but his busy schedule of season tickets to Sacramento Broadway Theater and Music Circus, Stockton Ports Baseball games, local ice hockey, and many other social engagements made it difficult to do. His life was full of people, places and entertainment, and he thrived in it. His truly was a life well lived.

Terry was married to Lyla for 47 years before her passing on August 26, 2013, and together they had three children. He is survived by his children: Roger Spears of Stockton, Jennifer Whitlock (Jeff) of Stockton, and Dan Spears (Tricia) of Gonzales; 5 grandchildren: Shania, Chantel and Joseph Spears, and Justin and Jackson Whitlock; sister Paula Peters of Hughson, and many beloved family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Lyla Spears and his parents Paul and Gwendolyn Spears.

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m., August 8 th , 2025, at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and East Harney Lane, Lodi, CA, with a viewing on August 7 th , 2025, from 11:00 am - 6:30 p.m., at the same location. A reception will follow immediately after the funeral services at a location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry’s memory to Hospice of San Joaquin or your favored charity.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 11:00am - 6:30pm on Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:000am on Friday, August 8th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Spears family.

Santana Lopez

April 11, 1996 - July 14, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 6:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, located at 3847 N Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lopez family.

Sone Xayabanha

May 5, 1921 - July 12, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 10:00am - 2:00pm on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, July 24th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Xayabanha family.

Josias Acosta Hernandez

September 6, 1987 - July 12, 2025

Josias Acosta Hernandez, age 37, passed in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday, July 12, at St. Joseph’s Hospital following a short battle with cancer. A longtime resident of Stockton, Josias (aka “Joe”) was born in Brownsville, TX. He was the middle child of Daniel Hernandez and Maria Hernandez. In addition to being survived by both parents, Joe is survived by his wife, Olivia Steele, his brother Jossue Hernandez and wife Landy Gonzalez-Hernandez, his brother Abraham Hernandez and wife Melissa Guadarrama Hernandez, and by two beloved nephews, Daniel Hernandez and Joaquin Hernandez and adored niece Elizabeth Hernandez. Joe was also sincerely devoted to his cats Scratch (passed in April of 2024), Rusty, and Zatara.

Josias attended Franklin High School where he made many lifelong friends as part of the IB Program and was part of the school’s band, and studied at San Joaquin Delta College. He then worked a variety of jobs, including Home Depot where he met Olivia, before landing at Sunrun.

Joe will always be remembered for his unwavering love of family and friends, his quirky sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable and safe. To know Joe was to love him. His playful nature was evidenced by the fact that Joe married Olivia on Leap Day, 2020. While husband and wife for 5 years, they had celebrated one true anniversary. Joe was a fan of sci-fi and B-horror and was an avid attendee of San Diego’s annual Comic Con. He loved having in-depth discussions about movies and music,as well as cooking and experimenting with new recipes and techniques. He also made special mention of his online group of friends known as Some Run Down Bar.

Joe’s cremation will be handled by Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi. At Joe’s request there will be no public viewing or funeral. However, a “Celebration of Life” event is scheduled for Joe’s family and friends on July 18, 2025 at Micke Grove’s Memorial Hall from 4 pm to 8 pm. Please contact a member of the family for an invitation and parking pass. Those wishing to share stories and mementos of their time with Joe are welcome to bring items that will be included in a memory book or on a special memorial table. In honor of Josias, guests are welcome to wear a favorite graphic t-shirt and beanie. The celebration will be capped by the viewing of a movie containing commentary from one of Joe’s favorite media personalities, Joe Bob Briggs.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made to Joe’s GoFundMe account at www.gofundme.com/f/fightcancer-savejoe. Funds will be used to defray the cost of Joe’s medical treatment and final arrangements.

Ramon Ochoa Diaz

April 16, 1953 - July 12, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 at St. Christopher's Catholic Church, located at 950 S Lincoln Way, Galt, CA 95632. The final committal will follow immediately 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 Ochoa Diaz family.

Fred Saltzman

March 11, 1953 - July 12, 2025

With great sadness we announce the passing of Fred Saltzman. He was born March 11, 1953 in Tracy, CA and passed away in a hospital on July 12, 2025 in Carmichael, CA.

He was a teacher for 35 years in Manteca School District.

He loved his dogs and gardening.

We will remember him for his positive spirit and great sense of humor.

He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his siblings, Howard and wife Susan, Roberta, Martin, and Freya.
Nephew, Mark and wife Danielle, and daughter Ella
Nephew, Michael and wife Danielle and son Aaron.
Niece, Kari and husband Jason, daughter Kiora and sons Dexter and Maddox.
Cousin, Len Saltzman and wife Sharon and cousin Rich Saltzman.

SERVICE
Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Church of Latter Day Saints, located at 8806 Don Ave, Stockton, CA.

Donations can be made in honor of Fred to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, at 7495 Natomas Road, Elverta, CA 95626.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Saltzman family.

Michael Angelo Jimenez

June 25, 1967 - July 10, 2025

Michael Angelo Jimenez was born on June 25, 1967, at San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp, California to Pete and Jessie Jimenez. He was a proud graduate of Edison High School class of 1985 and lived a life marked by service, loyalty, and love for his family.

On August 9, 1986, Michael married his high school sweetheart Annmarie Miranda Pagal. Together, they built a strong and loving home, raising their children with care and devotion. In 1986, he also enlisted in the United States Army. He answered the call of duty during the Gulf War, serving as a helicopter door gunner in Operation Desert Storm. For his service and bravery, he was promoted to Sergeant and received numerous medals and honors.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Annmarie; his children—daughter Erica and her husband Ramiro, and sons Michael Jr. and Vicente. He also leaves behind seven adored grandchildren, his devoted mother Jessie, his sister Rebecca and her husband Raul, his brothers Peter and Henry, sisters- in-law Monica and Lisa, and numerous nieces and nephews. In his final days, he was surrounded by the family he cherished.

As he entered eternal rest, Michael was welcomed home by his father Pete, his brother Tony, his mother- in-law Yolanda, his nephews Nico and Marlin, his niece Kristian, and many other dearly missed relatives who went before him.

A funeral service honoring Michael’s life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 14165 Beckman Rd., Lodi, CA 95240. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall Ed Post 803, 3110 West Lane, Stockton, CA 95204, from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Michael will be remembered for his strength of character, his dedication to his country, and above all, the deep and enduring love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in every life he touched.

SERVICE
 A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, August 1st, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

RECEPTION
A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall Ed Post 803, 3110 West Lane, Stockton, CA 95204, from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Jimenez family.

Rosa Sanchez

September 19, 1927 - July 10, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Friday, August 1st, 2025 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, August 1st, 2025 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sanchez family.

Frederick Van Valer Vincent

Frederick Van Valer Vincent
March 20, 1942 – July 9, 2025

Fred was born March 20, 1942 to his parents Bruce and Lois Vincent. He was raised in Santa Maria, Ca until he was four years old and then the family moved to Turlock, Ca. He attended local schools and graduated from Turlock High School. While he was in high school, he met the love of his life, Linda Youngquist. Fred attended Modesto Junior College and joined the Navy in 1963. Fred and Linda were married on January 30, 1965, while he was home on leave. In December of 1967, Fred graduated from Stanislaus State University.

While in the Navy, Fred was aboard the USS Currituck 7 where he was a Yeoman and court reporter. He made several trips to Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam before being honorably discharged.

After graduation from Stanislaus State, he worked for Tillie Lewis in Modesto before moving to Stockton, where he was promoted to plant manager. Following the closure of Tillie Lewis Foods, he went to work for New York Life where he worked for 25 years before retiring in January 2010.

In 1973, they were blessed with their son, David.

He and Linda enjoyed traveling around the world and making new friends. Fred loved his family deeply and unconditionally, and most of all, he loved God. He was honest, considerate, and respected in the community. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Linda and his son David. He also leaves behind his brother George Vincent and brother-in-law Albert Tornquist. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and numerous friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church; 4910 Claremont Ave. Stockton, Ca. 95207
Hospice of San Joaquin; 3888 Pacific Ave. Stockton, Ca. 95204

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A celebration of life will be held on July 25th, 2025 at 11:30am at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church on 4910 Claremont Ave. Stockton, Ca. 95207.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Vincent family.

Tamra Zeyen

March 11, 1946 - July 8, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Friday, July 18th, 2025 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, July 18th, 2025 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Zeyen family.

Reverend William Plath

Reverend William “Bill” Plath
March 15, 1940 - July 7, 2025

Reverend William “Bill” Plath—a pastor, youth leader, teacher, basketball champion, farm boy, brother, husband, father, and beloved papa—passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, in Lodi, California, with his children at his side. He was 85.

Born on March 15, 1940, in Woodlake, Minnesota, to Arthur and Edith Plath. Bill was the youngest of five siblings: brother Art Plath, and sisters Elaine Bruss, Lalah Bahn and LaDonna Benson who all preceded him in death. Raised in a loving Lutheran home and shaped by the values of small-town farm life, he grew into a man whose faith, humility, and warmth touched generations.

Bill attended Concordia University, St. Paul, and Concordia University, River Forest, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. After many years of youth ministry, he responded to the call to pastoral ministry and completed the colloquy program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1985.

A gifted preacher and a spirit-led servant of Christ, Pastor Bill served with grace and dedication in several congregations: Grace Lutheran, Modesto, CA (1963–1969), Trinity Lutheran, Burlingame, CA (1969–1970), St. Peter Lutheran, Lodi, CA (1970–1983), Mission at Mokelumne Hill, CA (1985–1989), Green- haven Lutheran, Sacramento, CA (1989–2006)

Throughout his ministry, Pastor Bill was known for his approachable style, compassionate heart, and unwavering belief in meeting people exactly where they were. He shared God’s love through thousands of baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and celebrations of life. A frequent theme in his preaching—and his personal walk—was the assurance that “God’s grace is bigger than our sin.”

Before entering the ministry, Bill was a standout college basketball player and a proud member of an NCAA championship team—an achievement he rarely spoke of, but quietly treasured. He brought that same sense of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance to his family life and his calling. Throughout life, he loved cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Sacramento Kings, working in his garden, and enjoying a round of golf whenever he could. Bill and Joy en- joyed many wonderful trips around the world, especially their Holy Land trips.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joy Plath, who passed away on December 3, 2024. He is survived by their three children: Grant Plath (Brenda), Greg Plath (Heidi), and Janee’ Plath Gaffney (Michael); and by eight grandchildren who brought him joy: Katherine Gaffney Miller (Doug), Megan Gaffney, Chad Plath, Ben Plath, Preston Plath, Eli Plath, ClaraGrace Plath, and Andrew Plath.

SERVICE
 A memorial service celebrating Pastor Bill’s life and legacy will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, July 20th, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, located at 2400 Oxford Way, Lodi, CA 95242.

In gratitude for a life rooted in Christ, filled with faith, laughter, and love, we remember and give thanks for Pastor Bill Plath. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to LWML Greenhaven Lutheran, Sacramento, or LWML St. Peter Lutheran, Lodi.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Plath family.

Steven Cromwell

May 1, 1957 - July 7, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am on Wednesday, June 16th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 16th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Cromwell family.

Gay Walters

Gay Gilliam Walters
December 20, 1929 - July 5, 2025

Lucretia “Gay” Gilliam Walters, born December 20, 1929 passed away July 5, 2025.

Born in Spiro, Oklahoma to James and Burnie Gilliam, Gay was the first of two children. She is predeceased by her sister, Ida Sue Gilliam Dean. Gay lived in Oklahoma and Arkansas graduating from Northeastern State College until moving to Stockton, California in 1952. During her years in Arkansas she spoke fondly of being the Rogers High School Band Leader.

Next Gay followed her adventurous Native American spirit and pursued an ad in the newspaper seeking public school teachers in Stockton, CA. This ended up being the passion of her life spending 60 years in education. She especially enjoyed her time at Edison High School with her Special Education classes, training and supervising upcoming educators, and earned a Masters Degree in Education from the University of the Pacific.

Gay was the loving mother of two children, James William Walters and Linda Ann Walters DeBonis. She loved laughing and playing and acting silly with her three grandchildren: Camden William DeBonis, Taylor Ann DeBonis and Megan Elizabeth Walters. She is also survived by her loving nieces, Julie Dean Bond and Jennifer Dean, steadfast cousins, Bonnie Falconer Anglin, Gay Lynn Dickerson, Pam, Dickerson, Sarah Redwine, and son in law, Steven DeBonis.

Gay’s most treasured childhood memories were of going on “house calls” with her granddaddy, Doctor Willard C. Gilliam, the beloved Spiro town doctor. She also spoke fondly of living on the family “hill” with horses and cattle and having all her extended aunts, uncles and cousins nearby for daily visits.

Gay was the ultimate people person and loved nothing more than sitting outside and chatting the day away listening to people’s stories. She was the most loyal and generous friend, fun- loving, and young at heart always enjoying the company of young people. She loved her dogs, coffee, being part of the Choctaw Indian Tribe, nature, water, music, the color cobalt blue, and sticking up for the underdog. Gay was known for an untamed adventurous spirit loving fast cars, boats, horses and even flew solo in her small aircraft. She spent many miles on Route 66 between Oklahoma and California.

Gay, you will stay loved and remembered every day. Your legacy lives on in the love, authenticity and values you instilled in all you touched. You were a true giver and lived gratefully without regrets.

The family will hold a private service and ask kindly in lieu of flowers, for all who are called to do so, donations may be made to any local public school or teacher.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Walters family.

Noemi Herrera

July 20, 1949 - July 5, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm with a rosary starting at 5:30pm on Monday, July 21st, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Herrera 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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