The world has lost a beautiful shining star and our world will never be the same without her.
Arila Artina Dunlap passed away on April 12, 2016.
She was born in North Dakota to Jacob and Ella Horst, where she was raised on a wheat farm and eventually went to college in Dickenson North Dakota.
As a young woman she taught school in several one-room country schoolhouses. Life was hard working in the harsh winters of North Dakota in the middle of nowhere.
She was her sons first grade school teacher and her daughters kindergarten teacher.
Even though they didn't have kindergarten her daughter went to school with her at the age of four.
After the passing of her husband Oscar Enzi in 1957, she moved to Lodi California where she struggled to provide for herself and her children.
She eventually met and married the love of her life Tommy Dunlap. He was a gift from heaven for her and her children who also loved him with all their heart and soul. They were as happy together as two people could ever be and as they both deserved. They were married for 49 wonderful years until his passing in 2007. We know they are now together again.
Everyone that knew her was touched by her warm and caring heart and smile.
Arila is survived by her two children Balano Enzi (Lesli) and Donita Grose (Ron) and stepdaughters: Nancy and Sue Dunlap. Grandchildren: Joey Grose (Nicole), Daniel Enzi (Holly), April Enzi MacDonal (Andy), Melisa Roberts (Bob), Lucas Baumbach (Elysse). Five great-granddaughters: Nicole Grose, Victoria Grose, Autumn and Katelynn Hoppe, and Rheanna Enzi. Her close and beloved friends Barbara Biscaborn, Ricky and Kathy Teel, Jacque Serrano and long time friend and neighbor Duncan.
She enjoyed making items for her boutique and just making things for people. Working in her yard and nurturing her flowers was her true joy. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and enjoyed socializing with her friends. She loved life and never met anyone she didn't enjoy or touch in a positive way.
SERVICES
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 701 So. Pleasant Ave. Lodi, CA
VISITATION
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.