Joan Hughes

Joan Hughes
February 15, 1933 - March 23, 2026

Joan E. Mendenhall Hughes, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 23, 2026, in Lodi, California. She was born on February 15, 1933, in St. Louis, Oklahoma, to Gale Wesley Mendenhall and Edna Esther Link Mendenhall.

Joan spent her early years in Wewoka, Oklahoma, where she attended elementary school and the first three years of high school. In 1950, she moved to Lodi, California, at the invitation of her aunt and uncle to complete her senior year at Lodi Academy. Through determination and hard work, she supported herself by providing housekeeping and preparing meals for a local physician’s family, graduating in May 1951.

In the fall of 1951, Joan continued her education at Southwestern Junior College in Keene, Texas, where she studied secretarial science. It was there that she met Leroy Hughes. They were married in June 1952 and shared 62 devoted years together.

Joan was deeply devoted to her family and took great pride in creating a warm and loving home. She was creative and resourceful, contributing to her household through a variety of entrepreneurial pursuits. Over the years, she operated a home doughnut bakery, sewed church pew cushions for congregations across the United States, and designed decorative crafts that she sold in markets throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

In 2012, Joan and Leroy moved to Lodi, California, to be closer to family. Leroy preceded her in death in 2015.

Joan was also preceded in death by her three younger siblings and her youngest daughter, Jeanine Griffith.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Debbie Clausen of Yucaipa, California; Judy Hanson of Woodbridge, California; and Susan Gilbert of Idaho; her grandchildren: Walter Hubbard, Laura Hubbard, Karen Clausen-Brown, Desiree Gilbert, and Michael Gilbert; her great-grandchildren, Ava and Naomi Hubbard, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hughes family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Jerry Curtis Cearley III

June 7, 1983 - March 22, 2026

Jerry Curtis Cearley III known to the world as “JC” passed away March 22, 2026 presumably from exhaustion after spending 42 years, showing the rest of us what a real man was. He was a natural actor, a natural comedian, a natural athlete, a natural chef, a natural friend and of course, naturally really, really good looking. 

Coming in at a whopping 20½ inches and 7 lbs 4 oz, six weeks premature JC was born June 7, 1983 to Jerry and Bonnie Cearley, in Stockton, California. He stood a head taller than 99% of his classmates all through elementary school and would grow to be 6 foot 3 inches 275lbs at his leanest. A Frame that he would go on to shame, lesser men with for years to come. An inquisitive child he loved legos, science and space. Interest that would serve him well in the future.

JC had a heart the size of a watermelon and made life long friends effortlessly with anyone he met. In 1988-89 Colonial Heights elementary school recognized greatness and selected JC to be a “grupe art all-star.” That’s when he would meet Kendall Clark, a scrawny child with a severe overbite. They traded a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for an egg salad sandwich, laying the bedrock for a friendship that would last 37 years. An inseparable duo, both were naturally humorous (although some might say Kendall was funnier, note: Kendall wrote this) and aided by their physical differences they would spread laughter everywhere they went. 

At colonial heights JC would start to form a close group of friends in Andrew, Chris, Erik, Kendall, and Mike, later adding Ben in high school. At the hands of JC they would suffer through years of wet Willy’s and stink palms.(Ask Kendall) Lighthearted trickery that he had refined with constant practice on his younger siblings Bobby, Johnny , Meilani, and Taran. Free from repercussions due to his size he’d simply giggle with delight regardless of how upset people got. JC found these tricks hilarious and would eventually put them to use on his own children.

He was instilled with a love of sports and competition from a young age and was gifted with phenomenal family traits of strength and athleticism. JC played baseball & football all through elementary school. In middle school he spent most of his lunch recesses emasculating his peers and teachers alike with his ultimate frisbee skills. 

However, it would be at Lincoln high school where he would truly shine as a three-sport athlete. A member of the track team JC threw the shot put. He was a two-way lineman on the football team and helped lead Lincoln to its first ever Section Championship. As a heavyweight wrestler he would routinely humble his opponents. Competitors would usually roll over and play dead once they got a whiff of his superior pheromones but those that didn’t were quickly dominated. JC went undefeated his senior year, would go on to place 2nd in the state of California and ranked in the top 10 nationally. He not only excelled in sports but was also a social butterfly and stole the stage in several theater productions. 

Both JC and Kendall were nominated for Mr. Nice Guy an aptly named honor. But being ever the nicer guy (again kendall wrote this) Kendall recused himself from the running because they wouldn’t let them be in each other’s skits. The aforementioned skit was an unforgettable dance routine in which JC was in drag and performed numerous lifts- proof that there was truly nothing he couldn’t do. JC would go on to win Mr. Nice Guy his senior year and it truly couldn’t have gone to a kinder fella. 

Always proud of his roots JC had the Tongan coat of arms tattooed on his calf when he attended a Royal wedding on the island of Tonga after graduating high school. His calves would come to be constantly coveted by undesirable solicitors wanting photographs. 

JC went on to Fresno State on a wrestling scholarship, continuing crushing hearts and minds while pursuing his passion for engineering. During his time there, he experienced one of his greatest achievements: welcoming his first child, Adam Cearley, on September 4, 2003. Thrilled at the prospect of fatherhood, life was looking up. Unfortunately, a serious training injury—a torn ACL and meniscus—required surgery and brought his collegiate wrestling career to an end.

Undeterred, JC returned to Stockton and shifted his focus to family—and, naturally, to a new challenge: mixed martial arts. He began training in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. No longer just a wrestling powerhouse, he became, quite literally, a Swiss Army knife of butt-kickery. He competed in professional state athletic commission events throughout California until a sudden bout of vertigo brought that chapter to a close. Probably for the best—he was entirely too pretty for combat sports anyway. Still, JC continued training and received his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a passion he would later pass on to his children.

He had taken some hard hits but nothing could prepare him for Thanksgiving, 2005. JC would get knocked off his feet when he met the love of his life, Christine. Three short years later, JC and Christine would get married on September 20, 2008 beginning a partnership built on love, strength, and unwavering support. Their romance would span over 20 years and spawn 3 beautiful children. Christine would provide the stabilizing force that would allow JC to follow his dreams. 

A true family man he was a virtual rock for the entire family. JC cherished the role of eldest son and older brother. But it would be with Christine that he built his greatest legacy. They would welcome Lana Cearley April 2, 2009, followed by Jerry “JJ” Cearley May 23, 2012 and finally Adelaide Cearley July 10, 2024. 

JC was a loving husband and father who found his greatest joy in spending time with his children—whether playing games, watching movies, coaching sports, cheering from the sidelines, or, on occasion, passing down a few of his more questionable childhood traditions. He brought together his love of wrestling and family by helping train his son Adam, and later his daughter Lana, for the Lincoln High School wrestling team.

With Christine’s encouragement, JC returned to school. Proving to be the total package of both brains and brawn, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering from the University of the Pacific, followed by a master’s degree in Computer Engineering. He later worked as an account manager for Molex, commuting to San Jose and continuing to provide for his family with dedication and pride.

Those who knew JC will remember his strength, his humor, his generosity, and his larger-than-life presence. He had a rare ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and entertained—all at the same time.

JC is survived by the love of his life Christine, his four children Adam, Lana, Jerry "JJ", and Adelaide along with his granddaughter Kaelani Rios. He is also survived by his parents ,Jerry and Bonnie Cearley, and his siblings Bobby (Erika), Johnathan "Johnny", Meilani and Taran Cearley.

After years of hard work, perseverance, and a relentless drive to better himself and provide for his family, JC left us far too soon. But if there’s any comfort to be found, it’s knowing he spent his life doing exactly what he loved—lifting others up, making them laugh, and, when necessary, making them tap out.

People say nobody is perfect but apparently those people never met JC.

VISITATION
 A family visitation will be held from 10:00am - 11:00am on Friday, April 10th, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1510 W Century Blvd, Lodi, CA 95242.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 10th, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1510 W Century Blvd, Lodi, CA 95242.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Cearley family.

Elaine Janelle Gray

Elaine Janelle Gray

September 20, 1943 - March 21, 2026

OBITUARY

Elaine Janelle Gray passed away on March 21, 2026, nearly a year and a half after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was born in rural South Dakota, the youngest of eleven children. Born completely deaf, she spent her childhood attending residential schools for the Deaf—first in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and later in Berkeley, California—where she learned to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). She went on to graduate from Gallaudet University, the nation’s only university dedicated exclusively to Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Elaine lived her life with fearlessness and curiosity. In her 20s, she traveled the world on her own, often remarking that navigating the hearing world was no different from exploring other countries with unfamiliar languages. Her love of travel continued throughout her life, including more recent trips to Moldova and Haiti, where she worked with Deaf children.

Elaine spent many years teaching ASL to high school students in Lodi and, in her 70s, became a prolific watercolor painter, generously gifting friends and family with detailed paintings of pets, family, and landscapes.

Elaine will be remembered for her sweet, generous spirit, her open mind, and her warm, easy smile. She lived a remarkable life and met life’s challenges with patience and compassion.  She loved dogs—especially her beloved Oliver—and volunteered at a local animal shelter in Lodi. Her Christian faith was important to her, and she wished to share messages of kindness, humility, and charity with others.

She is survived by her children, Andy (Eri) and Carrie; her grandsons, Kai and Noah; her sister, Lola; and her granddogs, Grimm and Yuzu.

In her memory, donations may be made to a local animal shelter or rescue organization, or to an organization that supports the Deaf community. 

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gray family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Jeannine Burns

Jeannine Burns

May 13, 1934 - March 20, 2026

OBITUARY

Jeannine was born the youngest of five children to Earl and Leona Thompson in Pendleton, Oregon, a ranching community known for wheat farming and sheep ranching which provided the wool for the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills.  Her early life was spent on the family ranch where - in Jeannine’s own words - she liked to play with her trucks and spend time in the vegetable garden with her mom. 

 After her father passed away, when Jeannine was only seven, she and her mother moved from the ranch into town. Living in town opened up many options for Jeannine. She was able to have a more active social life as well as being able to enjoy all the town had to offer. 

 Jeannine was by nature a highly motivated individual. Consequently, she kept an ambitious schedule in high school while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.  Her schedule included being the editor in chief of the yearbook, editor of the Pendleton High School newspaper, secretary in student government, member and active participant in various clubs, school plays, high school sports and the honor society.  Of course she graduated as Valedictorian receiving several scholarships. And what college might the valedictorian from Pendleton, Oregon set her sights on?  Stanford University in Palo Alto California readily accepted Jeannine to the class of 1957.

 During her studies at Stanford University she grew to love California, and soon met her future spouse and life partner, Darrell Burns Jr. on a blind date. They were married in the Stanford Memorial Chapel. Jeannine supported Darrell as he finished medical school and completed his residency. Much of this time she worked as a buyer for department stores including Macy’s. This experience had a lifelong influence in both her enjoyment of home decorating, and how she always presented herself with panache’.

 The couple welcomed their son Keith and daughter Kathleen in the early years of their marriage. Jeannine always took on an active and supportive role in the children’s interests and extra curricular activities. Later she was instrumental in helping Darrell establish his private practice in Stockton, California,  where she eventually acted as his office manager and chief financial officer. After retiring from the office Jeannine took on the same active support with her grandchildren Darrell and Caleb Ortis. 

 Jeannine valued community involvement, and throughout her life she modeled the importance of giving back to her community. She did this through being involved at all levels in various charitable organizations, and just to name a few:  Junior Aide, Children’s Home, United Way, ALSSOA, Rotary, Women’s Center, Medical Alliance and Hospice of San Joaquin.

 Throughout her life Jeannine also valued friendships and connection. She belonged to a group known as the Older Than Dirt Goddesses which consisted of friendships she maintained since kindergarten and her early school years. They got together annually well into their 80’s. She was also active in book and play reading groups and bridge groups, taking photography and computer classes and traveling with friends and her husband.

 The couple had a strong and supportive partnership that continued over the 68 years of their marriage. Jeannine Burns passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 20th.  She is preceded by her husband Darrell, and is survived by her children, Keith and Kathleen, her three grandchildren, Bethany, Darrell and Caleb, and her two great grandchildren, Thea and Robert. She will be remembered as a loyal friend, dedicated mother, supportive spouse and devoted grandmother - whose passion for life, family and community will be a lasting influence on all those who knew her.

 

Celebration of Jeannine’s life will be held on April 25, 2026 

 Central United Methodist Church of Stockton

 Service from 11:00 AM to 12:00

 Followed by a Reception


Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burns family.

Robert Rutledge

Robert David Rutledge

May 6, 1953 - March 19, 2026

OBITUARY

Robert David Rutledge Sr was just six weeks shy of his 73rd birthday when he passed away on March 19, 2026 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton, California from congestive heart failure with complications of diabetes, kidney failure, and gangrene. He was born to David Lee and Elizabeth (Betty) Louise (Garland) Rutledge in San Diego at Balboa Hospital.

Prior to his retirement in 2020, Robert thoroughly enjoyed being an over-the-road truck driver, deep sea fishing, and going on cruises. For nearly 55 years, Robert was the most beloved husband of Bambi Lynne (Schuett) Rutledge. He was the loving father to Heather Joy (Dino) Campagna and Robert David Rutledge Jr. He also leaves behind several grandchildren, Amanda (Jill) Colbert, Angelina Campagna, Dante (Adriana) Campagna, and Thomas Rutledge. He also leaves behind one great-grandson, Dominic Campagna.

He was preceded in death by both parents, his stepfather, his grandparents, his brother, and both sisters.

At his request, there will be no services. Robert simply asked that his family get together, enjoy a meal, and remember him fondly.

Robert will truly be greatly missed!


Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rutledge family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Magdalene Schmidt

Magdalene M. Schmidt
March 5, 1930 - March 18, 2026

Magdalene Schmidt was born March 5, 1930 in Muden-Dieckhorst Germany, and passed away in her sleep at her home in Lodi California on March 18, 2026 at 96 years of age. She immigrated here in 1953 to marry her sweetheart, Dagobert Schmidt, only to find he had been drafted into the US Army. After securing a three-day pass, they were married on Christmas Day. They soon left family in California to relocate across the country when stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. After an honorable discharge they began the long drive across the United States back to Lodi where they soon built their home where Magdalene lived for nearly 70 years.

In addition to raising their two children and home-making, Magdalene worked briefly as care-giver and at Diamond Foods before taking over the office and bookkeeping duties at their family machine shop & foundry. Always a hard- worker, she kept a spotless home and garden while managing the office. She finally retired in her seventies to enjoy her garden and spend more time with her loving family.

Magdalene was a 70 year member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Lodi, serving in various capacities including as greeter & on altar guild for many years. She loved her large garden with many varied flowers, as well as good music & classic movies. She enjoyed cooking & baking for her family, with her Rouladen, Streuselkuchen & other special recipes all memories we still enjoy & cherish. Brisk walking five miles around northwest Lodi every morning at 5:30am was a healthy habit she maintained into her eighties; greeting her many morning-walk friends with her bright smile and bidding a cheery good-morning as she “zoomed-by”.

She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was always positive with a Christian attitude towards life and all that she met. Through a life with more than its share of difficulties, she kept true to her motto of “making the best of it” until the day she died. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Dagobert Schmidt, and survived by her sister Elfriede Reunig, children Susanne Schmidt and Dr. Norman (Lesa) Schmidt; her grandchildren Alexander (Kelly) Schmidt and Dr. Amanda (Kevin) Keller and four great-grandchildren (Charles, Liam, Elizabeth & Alayna).

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, March 31 st at 10:00 am at Cherokee Memorial, Evergreen Chapel, followed immediately by a private graveside service.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schmidt family.

Phuong My Ly

Phuong My Ly

Decemeber 18, 1960 - March 18, 2026

VISITATION

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 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, May 2, 2026 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ly family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Robert Gonzales

Robert Gonzales

July 14, 1946 - March 16, 2026

VISITATION

Visitation will be held at 9:00am at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE

Service will be held at 10:00am at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gonzales family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cesario Viramontes Huerta

Cesario Viramontes Huerta

December 6, 1935 - March 15, 2026

OBITUARIO

Cesario Viramontes falleció en paz el Domingo 15 de Marzo de 2026, a la edad de 90 años en su hogar rodeado de su amada esposa Maria Viramontes, hijos y seres queridos. 

Cesario nació el 6 de Diciembre de 1935 en Cosalima Zacatecas, Mexico. En su tierra natal conoció y contrajo matrimonio con Maria, con quien formó una familia de 11 hijos. Fue un hombre trabajador, dedicado y profundamente comprometido con su familia. 

Durante su vida en México, Cesario disfruto montar a caballo y trabajar las tierras, actividades que reflejan su amor por el campo. Más adelante, se estableció con su familia en Lodi, California donde continuó  en la agricultura para brindarles un mejor futuro.

Cesario fue un Esposo, Padre, Abuelo, Bisabuelo, Suegro, Hermano, Primo y Amigo ejemplar. Se distinguió por su generosidad, su carácter alegre y disposición constante para ayudar a los demás. Su vida deja una huella imborrable en todos aquellos que tuvieron el privilegio de conocerlo.

VELACION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICIO

A service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Huerta 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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