Savan Bunma

Savan Bunma

March 10, 1957 - November 1, 2025

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025 in the Merlot Visitation Room at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, November 16, 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 Bunma family.

Jesse Sotelo

January 16, 1948 - October 29, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 10:00am - 1:00pm on Friday, October 7th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, October 8th, 2025 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 Sotelo family.

Robert Merrill

Robert Willms Merrill
July 17, 1934 - October 29, 2025

Robert Willms “Bob” Merrill passed away on October 29, 2025. Bob was born on July 17, 1934 to parents Lyndall and Dorothy Merrill. He and his older sister Janice Merrill Coates were aways very close.

Bob was an adventurous young man growing up and was always involved in sports. During high school he played basketball and baseball and was in student government. After graduating from Modesto High School, he entered UC Berkeley as a scholar athlete where he pitched and played first base on the baseball team. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, making many friends and creating lots of stories. It was at UC Berkeley that he met the woman of his dreams, Marcia Montgomery, on a blind date. After that date Bob always said that he never went out with anyone else. Bob and Marcia were married in 1959 and celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Bob graduated with a degree in Horticulture and worked for Diamond Walnut Growers for 32 years ending his career as Vice President of Member Services, where he was responsible for grower relations. Bob always enjoyed his time out in the field talking directly with the growers.

Bob continued to farm his walnuts and grapes in Lockeford for over 60 years. Aside from spending time with his family, there is nothing more that he enjoyed than the Saturday morning breakfasts with his farming buddies from Linden and Lockeford. They ate and solved the world’s problems, or maybe they made more problems, listening to their stories.

Marcia passed away in 2022. Bob is survived by sons Monty (Lauri) and Mike (Rhonda), five grandchildren Jeff (Lindsey), Lyndsey (Ben), Hannah, Bryson (McKenzie) and Bryn. Four great grandchildren Logan, Harrison, Elliana and Lainey. Niece Laurie Coates and Nephew Bill Coates (Karen).

No services at his request. Memorial donations to Haggin Museum, Children’s Home of Stockton or a charity of your choice.

Angel Okeafor

June 21, 2016 - October 28, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Friday, November 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 Friday, November 21st, 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 Okeafor family.

Jerry Lee Coit

December 11, 1945 - October 27, 2025

Jerry Lee Coit was born in French Camp, Ca on December 11, 1945.
He was proceeded in death by his infant son Michael Anthony Coit and infant daughter Brenda Lynn Coit, Grandmother Henrietta Griswold, father Rex Weldon Coit of Oklahoma,mother Elsie Quilon, stepfather Milling Quilon,and brother Paul Anthony Quilon. He survived by his wife Anita Coit of 61 years, His son Gary Coit, his granddaughter Shannon Coit, and his soon to be great granddaughter, his sister Beverly Deal, and brother Rex Coit, Nephews Richard and Chris Deal and numerous nieces and nephews. He graduated high school in 1963 from Edison High School, then he attended welding classes at Delta college. He then attended an apprentice Iron worker program for local 118. Jerry was a lifetime member of the Lodi Cycle Bowl and served as the president in the early 70s. He retired from the iron workers in the early 90s. Then he turned his sport in a business and opened Jerrys Archery in Stockton Ca for 25 years. Jerry married his childhood sweetheart Anita Young, they recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching NASCAR with his dog buddy on his lap, target archery, and hunting with friends Bob,Mark,Jim, and Dan.7

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Coit family.

Inez Schamber

Inez Jean Schamber
1927-2025

After 98 wonderful years, the Lord welcomed Inez Jean Schamber home on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Inez was born in Stockton on October 11, 1927, to Ray and Verona Normington. She was raised and lived in Stockton and Lodi.

Inez attended Trinity Lutheran School in Stockton, Lodi High School, and San Jose State, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and a minor in music. Music was central to her professional and personal life. Inez was an accomplished pianist, having been taught by Mary Amelia Fuller of Stockton, the same piano teacher that taught her four children to play the piano. For more than three decades, she served as the organist at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Stockton and taught piano lessons to scores of students. Inez was the musical accompanist and later the director for the choir at Immanuel Lutheran Church and sang in the choir at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Lodi. She played the piano for social hours at Valley Gardens in Stockton. Pleasurable hours were spent playing her spinet piano at home, often making guests wait at the door to ring the doorbell until she finished playing a hymn or a sonata.

Inez was a devoted mother to her children. She nurtured her children to value the importance of education and celebrated their academic milestones and successes. All of her children acquired graduate degrees or credentials. She encouraged them to explore a variety of interests that would round out their personal development, from mastering the piano and participating in the school band to engaging in science competitions, memorizing lines for school dramatic performances, delving into family history, and taking part in speech and debate tournaments.

For many years, Inez volunteered as a Braille transcriber for the Lutheran Braille Workers and taught Sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Her hobbies included gardening, golfing, traveling, reading for pleasure, and playing bridge. During the 1980s and1990s, she spent many hours playing pinochle with her mother and aunts at Lodi Lake Park on warm spring and summer days. After living in Stockton for 70 years, Inez moved to Lodi in 2021, and enjoyed walking her dog, Abbie, to the house in Woodbridge where her grandmother, Nora Rouse, lived for many years.

Inez was married to Arnold Robert Schamber for 58 years, until Arnold passed away in 2007. Her brother, George Normington, died in 2013. She is survived by four children, Dr. David Schamber (Denise) of Lodi, Dr. Jon Schamber (Dr. John Campion) of Stockton, Jane Kennedy (the late Steve Kennedy) of Pleasant Hill, and Robert Schamber of Lodi; four grandchildren, Melissa Schamber, Lindsay Goldstone (Jason), Kelly Kennedy, and Matt Kennedy; two great grandchildren, Dylan and Kennedy Goldstone; sister-in-law, Joan Normington; and nieces and nephews.

SERVICE:
Friends and relatives are invited to attend her memorial service at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2400 Oxford Way, Lodi, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Internment is private at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be sent to St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schamber family.

Elmer Irion Jr.

October 20, 1941 - October 26, 2025

Elmer Irion of Sun City Roseville passed away October 26, 2025, six days after his 84th birthday.  Elmer was born to parents Elmer Irion Sr. and Linda Baragno Irion in French Camp, Ca. He was a lifelong resident of Stockton until April 2021. He married Janet, his loving wife in South Lake Tahoe following a 3-week vacation in their VW camping van June 10, 1995.  Janet and Elmer dated for 9 1/2 years prior to their marriage.

Elmer worked for various companies during his young career.  Elmer attended Delta College to become a machinist. He began his career with Carando's in Stockton before taking his beloved machinist job at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA.

Elmer loved to travel with Janet in their RV.  They belonged to several RV groups including: the Cameo group, Elks Lodge #218 Tuleberg's, and Port City RV.  He was also a member of the Italian Athletic Club and the Italian Garden Club. He also loved being involved with the Tea Party group and the Republican Party of San Joaquin County.

Elmer is survived by his wife and caregiver Janet Runyan Irion. Elmer fought a long battle with a disease called Interstitial Cystitis that was first diagnosed in 2000. He also battled NHL Waldenstrom since 2019.  He is survived by his son, Stefen Irion and stepchildren Tracy Pengilly (Michael), Gary Balser (Miriam) and Trisha Zimmer (Tony). He was a proud grandpa to nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, two children Tommy and Jerilynn, and brothers Alvin and Irwin (Jerry) Irion.  Alvin's wife, Joan and their daughters still live in Indiana who loved Uncle Elmer.

Special thanks to Hallway Health who cared and watched over Elmer since April 2024; especially to Rhonda Rice who cared for Elmer since day one. And to Leslie Powell who helped with all the arranging of the caregivers.  Thank you also Hospice of U C Davis for their assistance the last few weeks. 

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Irion family.

Raquel Manuntag

July 2, 1971 - October 21, 2025

Raquel L. Manuntag was born in the Philippines on July 2, 1971, one of twin girls who were the oldest of five children. Her first day on earth was a special one, Raquel and her twin Richel were born on their father's birthday. Raquel required extra special care after her birth, due to being underweight she was incubated for four months. She also had a special diet of goat's milk which required her being fed by a dropper. It was a very long year before she was released from the hospital and with her parents' love, care and determination Raquel grew into a strong, beautiful, intelligent daughter with the biggest heart. Raquel's values come from her Catholic faith and her parents. She has always treated everyone with kindness and respect, just her smile alone can light up a room. Raquel never married, but has always said she was okay with that. Her Family was her life. She always said." I Live for My Family". Everything Raquel did or decisions she made always included her family. She lived with her parents and has always considered her nieces and nephews HER kids, always watching and taking care of them. Raquel became their second mom. Besides her family, Raquel also loved her fur babies, her cats King, Quennie & Orange and her dogs Princess, and Duke. She always made sure all their needs were met, but they also made sure Raquel was always happy. Raquel's love for her animals stemmed from childhood growing up with her siblings. King, a Manx was her most favorite cat. When she came home with him, we were all surprised why she chose a cat with no tail. Raquel just said he was special and she needed to take care of him. She always saw the good in everything. Raquel has a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems. She worked for the Department of Child Support Services as a Senior Office Assistant for 17 years. Her work family says she had a strong work ethic and was always a team player willing to give a helping hand. She was always generous contributing to people in need for her community, whether it's monetary, food, or clothing. Celebrating her birthday every year with her twin and father has always been one of the highlights of her life. She enjoyed travelling with her family. She's been to Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Texas, Nevada, Canada, and of course the Philippines. Raquel's next trips planned with her family was Europe & Japan. Raquel loved collecting Hello Kitty, her collection says it all. One of her bucket lists was to go to Japan with her twin sister and family to visit the Hello Kitty theme park. Raquel enjoyed watching movies, but her favorites were Filipino and Korean soap operas. She never missed her beloved shows filled with love and unbelievable drama. She would watch 2-3 different shows and still be able to keep track of all the love triangles and murderous plots. Raquel's music taste ranges from different eras, 1980s to current, with genres from Pop, K-Pop, and even a little Country. Raquel has gone to see Sharon Cuneta, Jolina Magdangal, Gary V, Nora Aunor, and NSYNC. Boy, did she love her boy bands. Morning coffee, chocolates, yema (a Filipino candy), and Boba drinks were a few of her favorite treats. Her twin sister would surprise her with a Boba drink and she would always say, "How did you know I was craving it? It must be our psychic bond." Raquel loved her family unconditionally, even more than life itself. From the day she was born, she fought to live, until the day she was called to heaven. Strong. Fighter. Survivor. Loving. Caring. Supportive. A Gentle Spirit. That's who Raquel was. Raquel's absence leaves a void in all of our hearts that can never be filled. Her Beautiful Spirit and undying love lives on in the hearts of Her Family, Friends, and People who knew her. She is now our Guiding Spirit still watching over all of us. Raquel, You are Forever Loved, Always Remembered, And Will Never Be Forgotten.  

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 2:00pm - 8:00pm with with a rosary starting at 5:00pm on Wednesday, November 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, November 6th, 2025 at Saint Luke Catholic Church, located at 3847 N Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Manuntag family.

Stanley C. Randolph Sr.

Stanley C. Randolph Sr.
October 4, 1929 - October 21, 2025

Stanley C. Randolph Sr. of Stockton passed away on October 21, 2025 at the age of 96. Stan was born and raised in Lodi, California. His parents were Lester and Isma Randolph of Lodi, and he was the brother of the late Betty Eproson (Forrest) of Lodi. Stan’s wife of 56 years, Wanda Todresic Randolph, preceded him in death in 2009.

Stan is survived by his loving wife Mary Swift, his two sons Chad Randolph (Patty) and Lindsey Randolph (Joyce), his step-children Didi D’Errico (Jerry) and Jon D’Errico (Claire), his grandchildren Brian (Rachel), Brooks (Andrea), Stephen, Whitney (Adrian), Bryce (Michelle), and Annie (John), his step-grandchildren Nick (Constance) and Olivia, Jackson and Josie, and great-grandchildren Audrey, Hudson, James and Ryder, as well as a niece Randy Whiting.

Stan worked as a highway engineer and transportation planner for Caltrans for 41 years. His career included duties in Stockton, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe where he was the transportation planner for the California Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Stan retired from Caltrans in 1992 as District Deputy Director for special projects, including the movement of freight for three Districts. After retirement, Stan worked six more years as a consultant for Caltrans and another five years as a consultant for the California Trucking Association.

His love for all sports led him into boat racing in the 1950s as a member of the American Power Boat Association. When children came, he had to sell his boat motor to purchase a washer and dryer thus ending his career.

At a dog park, Stan met his second wife, Mary. They were married for eleven years and enjoyed their dogs, golf, travel, and especially their blended family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family will remember his gentle spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering love for every generation!

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Stan was a member of Quail Lakes Baptist Church and served many years as an usher. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel at QLBC in Stockton on December 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society or to Hospice of San Joaquin.

Mary Jane Estolas

THE TWENTY-THIRD PSALM

The Lord is my Shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
 valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for Thou art with me; Thy rod and
Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord forever.

December 2, 1975 - October 17, 2025

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 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 Estolas family.

Janis K. Tanabe

November 10, 1944 - October 20, 2025

Janis K. Tanabe entered Heaven peacefully on October 20, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on November 10, 1944 in Lodi, CA. She attended Live Oak Elementary School and graduated from Lodi High School in 1962. She went on to take classes at San Joaquin Delta College after high school. Janis met Tom Tanabe, the love of her life, in 1961 at Marvel’s Food Store in Lodi while shopping. They married on July 18,1964, celebrating their 61st Wedding Anniversary this past summer. Janis enjoyed many trips with her husband Tom. Her favorites were beautiful Alaskan Cruises and the tropical islands of Hawaii. Janis was an active member at Lifeline Church Lodi (formally known as Faith Fellowship Church) for over 40 years and most recently attended Vintage Church. She devoted her life to being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and became an Ordained Minister. Janis served her community through all her unconditional love, support, and volunteer work. She always had a care-pack ready for someone in need no matter where she went. Janis never met a stranger and all who met her consider her a true and loving friend. She loved gardening, crafts, bracelet making, and her vast collection of rooster home decorations. She is survived by her husband Tom Tanabe, son Shannon Tanabe, daughter Kelle (Tanabe) Richardson, grandson Seth Richardson, and granddaughters Grace Guerrero and Faith Richardson. She is preceded in death by her parents Harley and Eunice Helms and brother Ross Helms.

A Private Funeral will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park. Friends and family are welcomed to the Celebration of Life at Vintage Church in Janis’ honor on November 4, 2025 at 1:00pm.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Tanabe family.

Helen (Eleni) Zarefakis

September 20, 1961 - October 20, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eleni Zarefakis. Born Helen Eleni Piskopos on September 20, 1961 to Mary Bailey and Iakovos Piskopos. Eleni was a benevolent woman and no one who came to know her would say otherwise. She was a woman who always extended a helping hand without hesitation or without expecting something in return - she was charitable. This was a trait that was prominent in both her professional and personal life.

Many people knew Eleni as she was a proud member and employee of Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church for over 25 years - offering her service for 10 years as the church’s secretary and her devotion for 26 years as a parishioner. She was active both on and off the clock and continued to offer her service even after her diagnosis of cancer.

When Eleni wasn’t offering her support, she was offering her time to be spent with those she adored the most - her family. Her love for her family was apparent in the way her spirit illuminated when she talked about them. They were her greatest joy and she was truly a proud matriarch.

Eleni Zarefakis was called home on October 20th, 2025 after a courageous battle against acute leukemia. She is survived by her loving family: mother - Mary Bailey, husband - Mathew Zarefakis, children - Anastasia Cook, Maria Zarefakis, Demitrios Zarefakis and Iakovos Zarefakis, her grandchildren who she adored: Eleni Cariati, Syrus Cook, Skyler Cook and Mila Zarefakis; as well as the spouses of her children/bonus children: Shalen Cook and Annie Cunningham.

Her memory will carry on as her love will continue to be felt by those who have been blessed with her presence.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. - Matthew 5:4

Eleni’s services will be held at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, November 6th, starting at 6 p.m for the Trisagion. The funeral will take place on Friday, November 7th at 11 a.m with the Makaria to follow. Thereafter, Eleni will be laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m.

St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church
920 W March Lane
Stockton, Ca 95207

Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home
14165 Beckman Rd.
Lodi, Ca 95240

Stella Graham

Stella Spanos Graham
March 18, 1928 - October 17, 2025

Stella Spanos Graham passed away peacefully at her home on October 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on March 18, 1928, in Stockton, California, she was the fourth child born to Constantine and Evanthia Spanos. As a child, Stella took tap dance lessons and played piano and the clarinet. Together with her three older brothers, they formed a tap dance group during their teens and performed locally. She attended Stockton High School, Stockton Junior College, and the College of the Pacific. Stella worked for the SJ County Welfare Office for several years until she was married.

Stella married Earl Thomas Graham, the love of her life, and moved to the family farm in Tracy, California. Together, they raised four children - Edward, Evie, Deana, and Mary.  She was active in the upbringing of her children, volunteering at their schools and the local 4-H. She was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church and the Philoptochos Society. Stella and Tom shared a love of travel, exploring destinations around the world including Hawaii, New York, Greece, Italy, Germany, and Japan. They cherished the time they spent with her brother, Alex, and sister-in-law, Faye, traveling with them across the country to attend multiple Chargers games, Super Bowls, and various other events.

After Tom’s passing, Stella returned to Stockton to live near her brothers. She cherished the time she spent with her family and lifelong friends, watching Charger football games, and playing a spirited game of gin rummy.

Her warmth, kindness, and humor were her special traits that made her loved by all those who knew her. Her unwavering love and support for her family will be missed by those she leaves behind.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Tom; her brothers Danny, Alex, George, and Leonidas Spanos; and her sister, Madeline Madsen. She is survived by her children: Edward (Sali) Graham, Evie (Jim) Robinson, Deana (Gary) Mariani, and Mary (Jim) Bravos; her grandchildren: Demetri (Megan) Filios, Michael (Jill) Mariani, Evanthia (Casey) Davis, Paolo Mariani, Angela (Jonathan) O’Connor, Christopher Hamamjy, and Thomas and Theodora Graham; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A Trisagion (memorial) service will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 6pm and the Funeral service will be Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10am, both at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, Scholarship Fund, 920 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95207, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Stella’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to her wonderful caregivers and to Bristol Hospice.

 

TRISAGION
 A trisagion will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, located at 920 W. March Ln, Stockton, CA 95207.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, located at 920 W. March Ln, Stockton, CA 95207.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Graham family.

Lucita Balbuena

September 28, 1929 - October 17, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 11:00am - 12:00pm on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at the Chapel of Flowers in Cherokee Memorial Park, located off  Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at the Chapel of Flowers in 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 Balbuena 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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