Joan Matsune

Joan Hiro Matsune
February 20, 1938 - March 15, 2026

Joan Hiro Matsune passed away on March 15, 2026 at her home in Stockton, California. Born on February 20, 1938 to John Masao and Ruth Toshiye Nakawatase, Joan lived her entire life in Stockton with detours at the Rohwer, Arkansas Relocation Center from 1942 to 1945 and San Jose State University from 1955 to 1959.

A good student from an early age, she graduated from Stockton College in 1955 and San Jose State University in 1959 where she prepared for a career in education. She went on to teach first or second grade for 35 years in the Stockton Unified School District, always striving to have an impact on her students.  

She was a lifetime devoted member of Calvary Church where she taught Sunday school, helped run the Sunday school program and later served as an elder. 

In 1961, she married her beloved husband Lester Matsune and they shared a 40 year marriage until his passing in 2001. 

Joan was known for her diligence, patience, perseverance and kindness. She was always there to provide company and comfort to her family and friends. But her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.

She leaves behind her sons Lance Matsune (Karol) and Jon Matsune, grandchildren Kara Matsune, Kelsey Matsune (Preston), Matthew Matsune, and sisters Marsha Sayo Nakawatase and Kimi Diane Oliveira (Ed). Joan was proceeded in death by her husband Lester Matsune and her brother Wayne Susumu Nakawatase. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service to celebrate her life is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Calvary Church, 2343 Country Club Blvd., Stockton, CA 95204.

Donations may be made in Joan’s name to the Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA., 95204.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Matsune family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Willie Amancio Ladrido

Willie Amancio Ladrido

September 7, 1955 - March 14, 2026

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Monday, April 13, 2026 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 Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at St. Luke Catholic Church located at 3847 North Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ladrido family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Eloisa Velasquez-Barajas

January 10, 1939 - March 13, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 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, March 25th, 2026 at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, located at 13392 E Lockeford Ranch Rd, Lockeford, CA 95237

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Velasquez-Barajas family.

Michelle Nicole Amador-Valdez

July 12, 1982 - March 12, 2026

VIEWING
A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:00am on Friday, March 27th, 2026 at the Apostolic Jubilee Center, located at 821 Lassen Ave, Modesto, CA 95358.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, March 27th, 2026 at the Apostolic Jubilee Center, located at 821 Lassen Ave, Modesto, CA 95358.

GRAVESIDE
 A graveside service will follow at 2:00pm on Friday, March 27th, 2026 2026 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 Amador-Valdez family.

Reyes Burciaga Ramos

May 17, 1948 - March 12, 2026

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 5:30pm on Friday, March 27, 2026 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 Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 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 Ramos family.

Debra A. Layton

February 3, 1951 - March 11, 2026

Debra Ann Layton, born February 3, 1951, in Lodi, California, passed away on March 11, 2026. She lived a life defined by steadiness, kindness, and a quiet sense of humor that those closest to her came to rely upon.

Debra married Reggie Layton in 1974, beginning a marriage that would last more than 50 years. In 1975 they welcomed their son, Zachary William Layton, one of the great joys of her life. Together they built their home in the Sacramento area, where Debra spent most of her years surrounded by family and the simple routines that made a house feel like home.

For twenty years, Debra worked in the Public Affairs Office at the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Known for her reliability and dedication, she earned the respect of colleagues throughout her career. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award, honoring her commitment to the Corps and the work it carried out. Debra had a lifelong love of horses and cherished the companionship of her dogs—Midget, Roxy, and Sam.

She is survived by her husband, Reggie Layton; her son, Zachary Layton and his wife Amy; and her brother, John Croswhite and his wife Elyce. She will be remembered for her enduring strength and steady presence.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Layton family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Brigida Arellano Pintor

February 1, 1941 - March 10, 2026

Brigida Arellano Pintor, 85 years old of Elk Grove California passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026.

Born on February 1, 1941 in Puroc a Dakkel, Vigan City Philippines to Tomas and Felisa Arellano. Brigida is the eldest of eight. She graduated from Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Manila Philippines in 1960. 

She worked as a midwife in her home town, which included travel to the rural mountains of Ilocos Sur for 10 years. With ambition to help her family, she took the opportunity to work abroad in Germany as a nurse for 8 years.    

Her long distance pen pal, Sergeant Narciso Pintor asked for her hand in marriage and petitioned for her to join him in Hawaii. They wed on January 21, 1978. Two years later, Narciso left the service and they sought a new adventure together in sunny Lathrop, California where they lived for 41 years. She worked at Dameron Hospital of Stockton, California as a LVN on the med-surg ward, where she stayed her entire 37 year nursing career. 

Brigida lived her entire life dedicated to helping her family, by supporting them abroad then petitioning and welcoming them to the United States. Waiting faithfully, she was blessed with her own child upon the birth of her son Robert John at the age of 40. Thinking they would only have one, to their surprise she was able to have another child, Grace at 43 years old. 

Brigida’s favorite pastime was always reverent prayer. Her answer to any problem was “you have to pray.” In between daily novena, she would stop to enjoy the smooth vocals of her favorite singer Victor Wood or watch her daily soap opera All My Children during the 90s or Filipino teleserye over more recent years. She also enjoyed putting together photo albums. She was sentimental and saved all cards that were given to her, keeping them in albums as well. Another “old timer” hobby she had was crocheting. As she aged, she was troubled with arthritis, her last 3 projects were blankets for her 3 grandchildren.

Brigida took delight in making everyone her family. Often calling others her adopted brother or sister, she enjoyed being called Mama or Manang Aida by all. She was a gracious hostess and welcomed everyone.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years Narciso; her children Robert John (Alyssa) Pintor, Grace (Ethan) Anderson and 3 grandchildren Olivia, Hope and RJ all who were the light of her life.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held at 1:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 with a Memorial Service starting at 4:00pm followed by a Rosary at 5:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240. Graveside to follow Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240

LUNCHEON
A luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 1:30-3:30pm at Bei Jing Buffet, located at 1025 W Robinhood Dr, Stockton, CA 95207

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Pintor family.

Sandra Beth Peterson

Sandra “Sandi” Beth Peterson
November 13, 1939 - March 9, 2026

Born to Archie and Irene Remboldt in Bismarck, ND.

Sandi met her husband Bob in 1957 and they married in 1958. They had 2 children Sara and Ron “Butch”. In 1961 they moved from North Dakota to Lodi, California. Sandi worked most of her career as a medical secretary for several doctors in Stockton. Sandi loved traveling and she and Bob had many memorable trips over the years after their retirement. Sandi deeply loved her family and her many friends.

She is survived by her brother David (Kathy) Remboldt, daughter Sara Larson, daughter-in-law Virginia Swezy-Peterson, grandchildren Becky (Jeff) Haywood, Brent Larson, Hewan Peterson, Gabriel Peterson, Grace Peterson, great granddaughter Sophie Haywood and many nieces and nephews.

Sandi is preceded in death by parents Archie and Irene Remboldt, brother Paul Remboldt, sister Sharon Elhard, son-in-law Jim Larson, husband Bob, and son Ron Peterson.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
 A memorial service will be held at 11:30am on Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Celebration of Life following the service at Pietro's 282 Rocky Lane, Lodi, CA  95240

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Peterson family.

Helen Vigil

June 25, 1926 - March 8, 2026

Helen Luchini Vigil was born on June 25, 1926, at the Luchini Ranch in Derry, New Mexico. She passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at her ranch in Stockton, California, just four months before her 100th birthday.

Helen was one of six siblings; each of them lived well into their nineties. Growing up in a simpler era, Helen spent her childhood riding horses and helping with chores around the ranch. She truly loved the outdoors and the country life.

In 1946, Helen married Ray Vigil, the love of her life. Their marriage was a partnership filled with devotion to family and faith. Together, they built a life based on hard work, love, and perseverance.

Helen wrote of her life and faith through prose and poetry. In one poem from 2009 at the age of 83, Helen described the life she built through faith and perseverance:

“For 83 years, these hands have served me well… I raised
four children with my hands… My hands were the tools to
raise our children. We did a good job. I let the Lord guide my
hands.”

Ray often told her she had “blessed hands,” and Helen believed God guided her hands. Her hands told the story of her life, cooking meals, sewing blankets, wiping tears, and caring for those she loved. She was known for her creativity, beauty, and love. Although a country girl at heart, she was a classy dresser and always looked her best. She could often be found outdoors working on something; she was often called the busiest bee in the garden. Even as she grew older, Helen’s curiosity and love of learning stayed strong. In her final weeks, she enjoyed watching cooking shows with her son, Donovan, and talking about the recipes she wanted to try.

Helen’s faith was strong from a young age, and throughout her life, she prayed every day for her family. One of her greatest sorrows was losing her oldest daughter, Myra, to cancer in 2024. Even as she carried that grief, Helen’s faith stayed strong.

She will be remembered always for her strength, her kindness, her unwavering faith, and the love she poured into her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and in the many lives she shaped with her hands and her heart.

Helen will be dearly missed and forever loved by family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray, and her oldest daughter, Myra. She is survived by her children, Donovan (Diane), Lisa (David) Wade, and Donna; her grandchildren, Sarah (Jason) Jones, Ramona Dellinger, Rachel (Anthony) Sukurski, Joshua Vigil, Sean McCombs, Amy (Andrew) Billups, Justin (Julie) Wade, and Garrett Wade; her great-grandchildren, Emily, Alison, and Olivia Jones; Audrey and Nora Dellinger; Rowan, Quinn, and Cal Sukurski; Shyanne and Paisley Billups; Jayce Wade; her sister-in-law, Cherie (Russell) Crowel; and her brother-in-law, Albert Vigil and numerous Vigil and Luchini nieces and nephews.

SERVICES:
Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Holy Cross Church, 18633 E. Front St., Linden. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Boystown.org or Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Vigil family.

Syble Bokides

Syble Hill Bokides

May 7, 1936 - March 7, 2026


OBITUARY

Syble Hill Bokides

With deep love & gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Syble Hill Bokides on March 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving children Bridget Bokides & Richard Bokides.

Born in Oak Grove, Louisiana, Syble was the youngest of twelve children and remained deeply connected to her large extended family throughout her life. After graduation she moved to Houston Texas and eventually settled in Stockton, California where she married Richard (Demastenes) Bokides. Together they shared 49 years of marriage while raising their family and operating several businesses throughout the central valley, including Stockton, Tracy, and Wesley. Syble was an active member of the Stockton Lions Club for many years and proudly served as president. She also volunteered at the Stockton Blind Center and helped raise funds through countless ticket sales at the Lions Clubs annual Crab Feeds. An avid bowler and devoted mother, Syble rarely missed one of her children’s sporting events, no matter the weather. She was known for her elegance and love of fashion & jewelry. She was often seen arriving in her signature heels.

Syble and Richard were passionate fans of the San Francisco 49ers and longtime season ticket holders who loved to tailgate in their motorhome. After Richard’s passing she found companionship and love with John Berkshire who remained devoted to her for the past 15 years. She spent her later years in Woodbridge and Folsom California.

A celebration of life will be held at later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Syble’s memory may be made to UC Davis Hospice, whose compassionate care meant so much to our family.

Her family takes comfort knowing she is reunited with her parents, siblings, and husband Richard.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bokides family.

Amarinder Gill

January 14, 1980 - March 5, 2026

Amarinder Gill, lovingly known to many as “Ami G” and proudly calling himself “AKA Inspiration”, passed away suddenly and tragically in San Francisco at the age of 46.

Amarinder was a thoughtful, intelligent and determined individual who believed deeply in learning, growth and creativity. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Essex and later completed a Master’s degree in Advanced Computer Science at the University of Sheffield. He was also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), an achievement he worked hard for and held with great pride.

He had a vibrant and adventurous spirit and found joy in both great journeys and simple everyday moments. He loved basketball, golf, music and art. As a young boy he delighted family members with magic tricks and laughter, carrying that same playful warmth and curiosity with him throughout his life.

One of Amarinder’s most remarkable personal achievements was his self-named “Walking Man” journey, during which he walked the California coastline from San Francisco to San Diego carrying only a backpack and tent. This experience reflected his independence, resilience and deep desire to connect meaningfully with the world around him.

Above all, Amarinder will be remembered for his kindness and generosity. He cared deeply for people who were struggling, particularly those experiencing homelessness. He would often buy meals, offer companionship and stand up for their dignity without hesitation. His genuine smile, humour, loyalty and fearless heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is deeply loved and will be forever missed by his father, mother, sister and his cousins, extended family members, close friends, and the nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Ami. He brought joy wherever he went — even animals seemed drawn to his gentle and loving nature.

In honour of Amarinder’s compassionate spirit, donations can be made to North Beach Citizens, a nonprofit organization supporting vulnerable members of the San Francisco community.
https://northbeachcitizens.networkforgood.com/projects/45825-general-donations

“Kindness was his journey, and love is the path he leaves behind.”

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 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, March 18th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, followed by Sehaj Path, Antam Ardas and Guru Ka Langar at Deshmesh Darbar Sikh Temple 12098 West Ln Lodi, CA 95240 .

Click here for live stream link for the service:
https://www.viewlogies.net/cherokee/Pf_Fn-clc?pin=624274

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gill family.

Larry Milton Rowan

Larry Milton Rowan
October 25, 1944 – March 3, 2026

Larry Milton Rowan, 81, passed away peacefully in Stockton, California on March 3, 2026 with his family by his side. Born on October 25, 1944, in Milton, Washington, to Claude and Caroline Rowan, our father lived a life defined by quiet strength, service, and a selfless willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need.

A true patriot, our dad Larry dedicated 27 years of his life to the United States Army, serving his country with honor and pride. Following his military retirement, he continued his life of hard work as a truck driver, traveling across all 50 states until the age of 65.

After his years on the road, our dad Larry decided to split his time between California and Washington to be with his daughters. He was the man people called when they needed something fixed or a problem solved. Whether he was tinkering in the garage, restoring old cars, gardening or meticulously trimming his rose bushes, our dad was happiest when his hands were busy. He loved sharing his knowledge, especially when it came to teaching others how to work on engines.

Our dad Larry found joy in life’s simple rituals: riding his Harley with his fellow veterans and friends of the VFW Motorcycle Riders group, popping popcorn, making wind chimes, putting together model cars, listening to country music, he also loved having breakfast a couple times a week at his favorite local spot Casa Grandes with his Casa family Julie, Bob, Renae, Janet, Martin and many more. He also liked watching “Grit” with his bird, Scrooby. His faithful dog, Dobbie, was his constant and devoted companion. We will forever miss the familiar sound of his arrival—the signature “tap on the wall” that let everyone know that he was coming around the corner.

Our dad Larry is survived by his daughters, Llona (Rich) Mowat and Brandie (Rob) Amo; Nicole and Sarah, whom he loved and treated as his own daughters. He was the proud grandfather of Brittany (Tyler) Lemoine and Baylea Mowat; and a doting great-grandfather to Kaden Collins (17yrs old), Brooklyn Allen (12yrs old), Beau Lemoine (9yrs old), Maisie Blandford (5yrs old), Tate Lemoine (1yrs old), and Hope Amo-Contreras (4yrs old). He also leaves behind his brothers, Ronald Rowan and Melvin (Cathy) Rowan, along with numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Caroline; his grandson, Zachary Collins; and his former wife, Mickey, with whom he remained very close until her passing in 2013.

Our dad Larry’s legacy of kindness, hard work, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He taught us that the greatest way to lead is by serving others, one helping hand at a time.

Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2026, 12:00pm at: Manteca VFW Hall Post 6311 580 Moffat Blvd. Manteca, CA 95336

In Loving Memory of Dad

Not a day passes by, Dad,
that you don’t cross my mind.
Not all of you departed
when you left our earth behind.
You were gone before we knew it
and only God knows why.
It broke our hearts to lose you
the day God took you home,
but you didn’t go alone, Dad,
for part of us went with you.
In my heart there is a place
that only you can hold,
Filled with loving memories
more priceless than gold.
I know you still hear me, Dad,
so please know this is true:
that everything I am today
is all because of you.

Forever in our Hearts

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rowan family.

Please leave your condolences below.

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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