Eleanor G. Castagna

April 4, 1933 - November 6, 2025

Eleanor Elvina (Geiszler) Castagna, beloved mother to 4 children, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025 at the age of 92.  Born in Lodi, CA on April 4, 1933 to Julius Arthur Geiszler and Rosina Ladner.  Eleanor grew into a woman of quiet strength and steadfast love for her family. 

Eleanor worked more than 20 years at the Human Services Agency as a Clerk Typist, where her diligence, kindness and reliability were appreciated by all who knew her. 

Eleanor loved to travel.  She traveled widely from Europe to Tahiti and visited 48 of our 50 United States.  While traveling, she was delighted to explore, eat good food, and enjoy good conversation. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rudolph “Rudy” Daniel Castagna.  The two honeymooned at Lake Tahoe and then spent many happy years together at their cabin, and those memories remain a treasure to her family today. 

Eleanor is survived by her children, Deborah (Castagna) Evans, Daniel (Debbie) Castagna, David Castagna, Denise (Keith) Castagna Kearney; grandchildren James Lucas,  Luke (Cathy) Castagna, Dane Castagna, and Nick Castagna; and great grandchildren Sophia, Nathan, and Emma Castagna. 

SERVICE

A graveside service will be held on Sunday November 23rd, 2025 at 1:00pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home Located at 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi CA 95240

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice in Eleanor’s honor.  

Paulita Labor Rivera

In Loving Memory of Paulita Labor Rivera
January 15, 1946 - November 5, 2025

Our beloved and beautiful Nanay Paulita Labor Rivera was born on January 15, 1946, in Leyte, Leyte, Philippines. She peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at her home in Stockton, California, surrounded by the love of her family.

Nanay was a devoted mother of five children, a proud grandmother to 26 grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandmother to 11 great-grandchildren. She dedicated her life to her family, always giving with an open heart and loving without limits. Nanay had a kind and nurturing spirit. She was known for her generosity and her ability to make everyone feel cared for and welcome. Her beautiful smile and joyful laughter could light up any room. Though she was shy at first, those who truly got to know her couldn’t help but love her deeply.

One of Nanay’s greatest joys was gardening. Whether she was tending to vegetables, fruits, or her favorite flowers. She found peace and happiness in nurturing life and watching things bloom. Whenever she harvested from her garden, she would joyfully share her fruits and vegetables with family, friends, and even neighbors. Her garden was not only a reflection of her love for nature, but also of her generosity and desire to bless others with what she had.

One of the memories her family, especially her grandchildren will cherish forever is how lovingly she cared for them. Nanay always made sure every child was well fed, dressed neatly, and surrounded by her gentle care.  Nanay’s words of love and wisdom will forever echo in the hearts of her family. Every time we see her, she would gently remind us, especially the grandchildren, “Be good, always take care, drive safe, pray, love you, and God bless you.” These simple but powerful words are now a lasting reminder of her love, faith, and care for everyone she held dear.

Her faith in God was her foundation. Nanay loved the Lord with all her heart and never missed an opportunity to remind her family to pray and trust in Him every day. Her faith, love, and strength will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Rest in peace, Nanay Inday. Please send our love to Tatay and to all our loved ones in heaven. We love you so much, and we will miss your presence everyday. You will forever be in our hearts, Nanay. Until we meet again.

Nanay is predeceased by her mother Gliceria Labor, father Andres Arpon, and our Tatay Jose Rivera “Joey.” Her sister Gloria Delantar and brother Laurentino Delantar. She is survived by her children and their families:

Revee Roque and husband Alvin Roque

  • Children: Aldrich and wife Tiffany, great-grandchildren: Athena Eve and Tahlia Rae

  • AJ and partner Tam

  • Aly and partner Wen

Gladys Cordova and husband David Cordova

  • Children: Robert James Reid

  • Jonathan and partner Raquel

  • Gabrielle and husband Ben Samples, great-grandchild: Joel Gabriel

  • Isabela and partner Noah

Obed Rivera and wife Cheryl Rivera

  • Children: Hazel and partner DeSchaun, great-grandchild: Anyah

  • James Ryan

  • Obed Lars and partner Stephanie

  • Xavier 

  • Elijah

  • Jochebed

Yphel DeCastro and husband Glenn DeCastro

  • Aljhon and wife Monica Rivera, great grand child: Avery James

  • Shelvie and husband Brandon Sagurit, great grand child: Classic Bernard

  • Frederick and partner Oleyssia, great grand child: Ophelia

  • Aaron and partner Dulce

  • Daisy and husband Tyler Sandberg, great grand child: Luna Mariw

  • Dylan

  • Denyelle

  • Kiane

  • Gabriel

Shiela Rivera and partner Vladimir Pikalov

  • Children: Ronald 

  • Kailani and great grand-children: Mahealani and Liana Marie

  • Jasen and great-grandchild: Jeremiah Koa 

  • Jareth

Older Brother Rogelio Labor and brother Simeon Delantar and their family.

Older Sister Ida Labor Delima and her family

“As Nanay would always say…
Be good, always take care, pray, love you, and God bless you.

Her words are a gentle reminder to live with kindness, love, and faith every day.”

VISITATION

A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 8:00pm on Thursday, November 20th, 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 Friday, November 21st, 2025 at St. George Catholic Church located at 120 W 5th St, Stockton, CA 95206

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rivera family.

Besola Etolia Scantling

September 3, 1928 - November 4, 2025

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at Berea Baptist Church, located at 4957 Quashnick Rd, Stockton, CA 95212. The final committal will follow immediately after at 1:00pm at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to Hospice House of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 or to Berea Baptist Church of Morada, 4957 Quashnick Rd, Stockton, CA 95212.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Scantling family.

Velma "Joyce" Backues

March 18, 1942 - November 3, 2025

Joyce Backues of Stockton, California, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on March 18, 1942, in Lindsay, California, to Ernie and Camille Creamer. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Stockton, where Joyce spent most of her life.

In 1964, Joyce married Marvin Backues in a beautiful ceremony at Lake Tahoe. They shared many wonderful years together before Marvin’s passing in 2008.

Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her three daughters: Cathy (John) Stagg of Stockton; Peggy (Joe) Canepa of Clements; and Penny Basso (Greg Risso) of Stockton. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Rick (Dawn) Stagg; Ashley Stagg; Corinne (Garrett) Burkhard; Allison (Brody) Nutting; Emily Canepa; Chris (Morgan) Canepa; and Mackenzie, Taylor, and Lauren Basso. Joyce was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Brandon Stagg, Adalynn Harbut, Nora Nutting, and Isabella Burkhard.

She is also survived by her brothers, Don (Geri) Creamer of Stockton and Ron Creamer of Stockton, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernie and Camille Creamer; and her partner, Earl Rieger who passed away in July.

Joyce was a homemaker who brought joy and warmth to everyone she met. She loved to laugh and was known for her beautiful smile. Her favorite pastimes included playing cards, enjoying bingo, and taking trips to the casino with friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Lockeford where family and friends will gather to honor and remember Joyce’s life and legacy. Joyce will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kind heart, laughter, and love for her family.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to Vitas Hospice.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday November 18, 2025, at St. Joachim Catholic Church , located at 13392 E Lockeford Ranch Rd, Lockeford, CA 95237.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Backues family.

Diana Burdick

December 21, 1950 - November 3, 2025

DIANA BURDICK OBITUARY

Diana Lee Burdick, 74, of Lodi, California, passed away on November 3, 2025, due to complications from numerous illnesses. She was born on December 21, 1950, in Stockton to George R. “Dick” Lansford and Dorothy (Witt) Lansford. She was raised in Stockton and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. Diana relocated to Lodi, married Jerry Schnaible and became a homemaker. They had one son, Heath. She remarried Jim Burdick 25 years ago.

Diana was gifted in the area of technology, and loved gardening, crafts, wood-working and especially genealogy. She spent many fulfilling years researching the Lansford and Witt families, when she wasn’t amusing herself with her long-haired Dachshund, Shasta (successor to Daisy). In addition to her son, Diana is survived by her daughter-in-law, Christine, grandson, Colin, sister, Elaine Boccoli, brother-in-law Robert Boccoli, and nephews Dan and Michael Boccoli.

A rosary and funeral Mass for Diana will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, at 9:30 am at St. Bernadette’s Church, 2555 Country Club Boulevard in Stockton.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burdick family.

Rosalie Carrillo

May 24, 1944 - November 1, 2025

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at CWC LIFE, located at 786 Button Ave, Manteca, CA 95336.

GRAVESIDE
 A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, November 14th, 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 Carrillo family.

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.

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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