obituaries

Junella May Welch

Junella May Welch

February 13, 1936 - October 25, 2026

OBITUARY

My mom, Junella Welch was born on February 13th 1936. When Junella was 12 her mother abandoned her and her little brother Larry and her little sister who we all called Siss. Junella's father was drafted into the war so she was completely abandoned and forced to live in an old train box car with her little brother and sister who were both babies. Those three children were passed around for years from home to home. My mother told me horror stories about it when we sat on the back deck together.

Junella Welch turned out to be an artist taking after her father who was a major building contractor from Stockton California. Junella made every square inch of her house and yard a work of art. But she also spent her entire life supporting her husband Kimo Welch that she met in an orphanage during the second world war. Her husband became a world authority in Vacuum Technology working at Stanford Linear accelerator and Brookhaven National Laboratory. She was in the habit of getting up at 4:00 every morning to support her husband in the book he wrote on this industry that became a very famous book.

Junella also had three children with her husband, 2 boys and one girl. When Junella and her husband retired in Pollock Pines California 26 years ago, they designed a home and had it built just for the two of them deep in the woods. The two of them spent the rest of their lives together with several little dogs as their pets. Junella's husband died in 2015 and she spent the last 11 years single in her home built among the forest with hundreds of pine and cedar trees that were 20 stories tall. But she also had many dogwood trees that she would shape and transplant.

Junella, with the help of her daughter Teri, joined Facebook where Junella met a man named Carl and he fell in love with her and bought a house a few miles from her, and they spent 5 years together as companions. Eventually Carl had to move up north to Washington with his 3 boys because he is now 97 years old. But there is romance at all ages.

During Junella's final years and months she asked her older son to come and stay with her in the house she was living in for 26 years to instruct him of all the details in how she would take care of her home and the artwork all around the property that she made. This was her wonder land with concrete dolls and animal statues all over the yard, because as a child while in the orphanage, all the other little girls received dolls but she did not. She has grave stones for all of her puppies in her past, but her final puppy was named Baby, and a week before she passed she gave her puppy to her brother Larry Bowers who took the puppy home to live with him and his little dog. She was so happy to have this work out, she mentioned how happy she was to provide a home for her puppy.

My mom Junella May Welch died on October 25th on a Sunday at 1:59 in the afternoon 2026. I was by her side day and night for her final months. She said she was ready to go, and she thanked me for being there and being so patient. In her final days we never argued but we would discuss everything and yielded to each other out of respect for life itself, because we only live once.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Welch family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Robert Lee Greenmyer Sr.

Robert Lee Greenmyer Sr.

July 3, 1941 - October 24, 2026

OBITUARY

Robert Lee Greenmyer, Sr. born in McCurtain Oklahoma on July 3, 1941, passed on October 24, 2026 in Woodbridge, California with his family by his side. He was the son of Edmund and Ruby Greenmyer.

At the early age of nine years old Bob was plowing fields for cotton in Texas, driving his mama to town and helping care for his siblings. Bob and his family then moved to California, where he attended school until the eighth grade, worked and farmed land. At nineteen years old he met the woman who would become his loving wife of sixty-five years, Virginia Wagner. They married in 1960 and had three boys, Ronald, Robert Jr. and Duane.

He enjoyed growing tomatoes in the backyard, tinkering in his wood-shop, working on and driving tractors, trips along the pacific coast with his wife, camping with his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and having morning coffee with his coffee guys at Donkey J’s. In his early years, he enjoyed playing guitar in his band for family gatherings, listening to music and most of all working.

Bob Retired at 70 from Van Exel Dairy where he was the farm mechanic and went to work for his son until the end of 2025 when his health prevented it. One of his greatest joys in life was being able to work alongside his son who also had the love for tractors, dirt moving and mechanic work.

Bob was well known in his community for his reliable work ethic of being able to fix and build anything, but mostly for his very kind and generous heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edmund and Ruby, daughter-in-law Patricia, siblings Kenny, Boker, Jerry, Jimmie, Tommy, Esther and Lois.

Bob is survived by his wife Virginia Greenmyer, his three sons Ronald (Stacey), Robert, and Duane (Brenda). His grandchildren Amanda, Courtney, Brandon, Pam (Brian), Jenna, Erica (Zac), Hanna and Becca. Great grandchildren, Ryan, Kayden, Berkley, Otto, Tate, Andrew, Anthony, Adrianna, Brody, Riley, Ellie and Blake along with his sisters Oma and Karen.

VISITATION

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 from 2:00pm- 8:00pm in Zinfandel room located in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

FUNERAL SERVICE

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 10:00 in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Greenmyer family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Amrik Dhaliwal

Amrik Dhaliwal

November 10, 1944 - October 20, 2026

OBITUARY

Amrik Singh Dhaliwal was born in Sudhar, Lyallpur, British India. He was raised by his loving parents, Jaswant Kaur & Ajaib Singh. He grew up alongside his siblings, Gurdev, Sarbjit, Jasbir, Balbir & Manjit, in Ludhiana, Punjab.

 Amrik was a beloved husband to Gurbaksh Kaur Dhaliwal (née Shergill). A devoted father to sons Harinder & daughter-in-law Savreet, Ravinder & daughter-in-law Seerat, Parm & daughter-in-law Ashu. A loving grandfather to Nimrit, Noor, Maeher, Maya, Saahib, & Gia.

Amrik was the eldest son & graduate of Punjab Agricultural University Hissar Veterinary Medicine, class of 1969. He worked as a Veterinary Doctor & Agriculturist in Ludhiana, Punjab from 1969 - 1983. In 1983, Amrik along with his wife & sons immigrated to the United States settling in Lodi, California. In 1986, Amrik along with brothers Sarbjit & Jasbir founded Dhaliwal Vineyards. Today the family successfully farmswinegrapes & almonds.

 Amrik often discussed the importance of higher education with his grandkids. Nimrit is a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law, Noor is a graduate of Cal Poly SLO Computer Engineering, Maeher is a sophomore at Cal Poly SLO, Maya is a sophomore at UC Davis, Saahib is a sophomore at Tokay High School & Gia is a 5th Grader at Larson Elementary.

 However, according to Amrik, his proudest & greatest accomplishment in life was being a Sevadar of Stockton Gurdwara Sahib. The first Gurdwara in the United States, built in 1912, home of the Ghadari Babey. As a kind, compassionate, & humble man, he immensely enjoyed helping the less fortunate, the elderly, and performing Seva “Selfless Service” to humanity.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 4:00-7:30pm in Zinfindale room located in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

FUNERAL SERVICE

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 10:00am in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Dhaliwal family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Richard Craig Duncan

Richard Craig Duncan

July 21, 1957 - September 17, 2026

OBITUARY

Richard "Rick" Duncan went to be with Jesus on September 17, 2026. Rick was born July 21, 1957 in Stockton, Ca.  He was 69 years old.  Rick lived most of his life in Stockton and Lodi,  He was born into a Scottsh/Italian family but took pride in his Italian heritage, shown by his tremendous love for Italian cooking. Rick attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School- Class of 1975.  Rick also attended San Joaquin Delta College and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.  He also studied under Bassist Gary Karr and the internationally acclaimed performing arts conservatory, known as the Hartt School, at the University of Hartford (Connecticut).

During his teen years, he was sponsored and supported by many in the Stockton community, enabling him to get the best bass training possible.  He was sent to numerous music camps, including one in Banff, Canada.  

He played classically, with many organizations, most notably the Stockton Symphony, recently receiving a 50 year member recognition. It was in the Stockton Symphony where he met conductor Kyung-Soo Won who took Rick under his wing with tough love. In turn, Rick used that same tough love when necessary, with everyone he came across in the music industry.  

Rick was the producer and recording engineer of Nacnud Sound. If you worked with Rick as a student, fellow musician or recording artist, you know that he pushed his clients for quality, and would not put his name behind anything less.  He was truly a genius in the music world, highly respected and will be deeply missed.  

Rick is preceded in death by parents Robert and Agnes Duncan and Grandparents Victor and Lillian Navone.  

He is survived by wife, Jackie Paul and sister, Cynthia Marchetti (Brad). 

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Christian Life Center Chapel, located at 925 West Lane, Stockton, California.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Duncan family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Ronald D Bramlett

Ronald “Ron“ Bramlett

December 26, 1953 - September 8, 2026

OBITUARY

Ronald “Ron” Bramlett, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and longtime owner of Mustangs Plus, passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 72 years old.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, to Glenn and Betty (Anselmi) Bramlett, Ron grew up in Stockton, California, graduating from Stagg High School in 1972. At just 16 months old, he underwent open-heart surgery at Henry Ford Hospital, an experience he later jokingly described as having “a valve job at Ford.” Throughout his life, Ron demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming colon and bladder cancer and, most recently, battling liver cancer.

Ron shared 48 years with the love of his life, Cindy (Montgomery) Bramlett, including 47 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children, built successful businesses, and created a lifetime of memories. A devoted father and grandfather, Ron treasured time with his family, whether coaching baseball, boating, building go-karts, or working on Mustangs with his children, helping each build a car for their 16th birthday.

In 1980, Ron and his father, Glenn, established the business that became Mustangs Plus, later joined by his brother David. The family business grew into a nationally recognized name in Mustang restoration, aftermarket parts, and performance, developing innovative products, including Grab-a-Track suspension components, variations of fiberglass hoods, and the Restomod shifter. Ron helped advance the Restomod® concept, combining classic Mustang styling with modern performance, technology, and drivability.

His creativity extended to numerous custom Mustang builds, including “The Original Restomod,” “Reclaim,” “The Retractable,” and the renowned “Ronster,” a one-of-a-kind 1965 Mustang transformed into a two-seat roadster. In 2009, Mustang Monthly recognized the Ronster among its 45 Most Significant Mustangs of All Time. Ron and Cindy also owned Slot Cars Plus, reflecting their shared passion for cars and racing. They retired and sold Mustangs Plus in 2021.

A lifelong racing enthusiast, Ron enjoyed participating in the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) track events, where he instructed customers on the racetrack. He especially loved demonstrating firsthand what their Mustangs could achieve with the right performance upgrades while sharing his driving knowledge and enthusiasm.

Ron's contributions extended well beyond his business. He founded the Mid Valley Mustang Club in 1981 and served on the Mustang Club of America Board of Directors from 2006 to 2016, including as Treasurer and National Director. He received the prestigious Lee Iacocca Award in 2013 and served as Executive Director of the Mustang 50th Anniversary celebrations in Charlotte and Las Vegas in 2014. He also helped establish the Mustang Owner's Museum alongside the late Steve Hall, which opened in 2019.

Despite his many accomplishments, Ron will be remembered most for his generosity, kindness, and genuine love of people. He knew no strangers, only friends. He freely shared his time, knowledge, and resources, always willing to help others without expecting anything in return. His friendships extended across the country and around the world.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Bramlett; his children, Ron Jr. (Susan), Richard, and Ronda (Gregg); his six grandchildren, Ronan, Rylan; Leia, Ashley, Christian, and Gianna; and his brother, David Bramlett (Diane).

Ron's family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Aung Htoon (Stockton Kaiser), Dr. Hoa Le (Santa Clara Kaiser), Dr. Jarrett Wrenn (Oakland Kaiser), and Dr. Amit Gupta and the ICU team at Kaiser Sacramento for their exceptional care, dedication, and compassion.

A private burial will be held for immediate family. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron's memory to the Mustang Owner's Museum in Concord, North Carolina.

Ron leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, generosity, and an extraordinary passion for Mustangs. He is deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

A Life Well Driven.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bramlett family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Melissa Sue La Mascus (Murray)

Doctor Melissa Murray La Mascus, 

August 18, 1961 - October 17, 2026.

OBITUARY

Melissa was born and raised in Stockton, CA where she resided for most of her life. 

She attended Annunciation, St Mary’s High school, Delta College, St.Mary’s Moraga, ultimately receiving her PHD. She was preceded in death by her first husband Retired SPD officer Michael James Murray in September of 2019.  She reconnected with her high school sweetheart William “Brent” La Mascus and married in February, 2022.

Melissa was hired by the Stockton Police Department on November 10, 1980, as a Police Telecommunicator. During her 37 years with SPD, she was promoted to Telecommunicator Supervisor, Senior Telecommunications Supervisor, and Program Manager. Melissa retired from the Stockton Police Department on December 16, 2017. 

Melissa continued her career and lifelong passion for dispatch by working as a Professor at Delta College, and oversaw the implementation of Delta’s POST Certified Dispatch Academy. In retirement, Melissa had the opportunity to continue molding and shaping the newly hired telecommunicators who attended the Delta Academy. She taught criminal justice classes through Delta college to high school students across the valley. She also taught classes to the Police Officers Post Academy and helped in simulations. She was very dedicated to her blue family.

Melissa was closely connected to numerous past and present Department employees and forged many friendships over the last four decades. 

Melissa was such an incredibly sweet, lovely and humorous woman. And one heck of a dispatcher. She will be missed dearly.

She is survived by a very large loving family and numerous friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Melissa services will be at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. on November 6 at 10 AM in the main chapel. A reception will be held on site immediately after. All are welcome and encourage to come celebrate her life.  She will be interned in the Vietnam memorial section of Cherokee along with Michael Murray her first husband.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in her name

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the La Mascus family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Loretta Rider

Loretta Rider

In Loving Memory of a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and Friend

83 years of age

July 20, 1943 - October 16, 2026

OBITUARY

Loretta was born in Lakewood, Ohio, the second of what would eventually be four siblings. She and her family lived with her maternal Grandmother who came to America at just 15 years of age from Czechoslovakia. Her Grandmother was a major influence in her life - she taught her to cook, bake, garden and how to be frugal, all while being generous with family, neighbors and friends. Loretta learned well and continued this legacy throughout her life.

At age 16, her Father moved the family to Sunnyvale, California. She was determined to dislike California and missed her old neighborhood terribly until she met her older brother's best friend. She told her mother, "That's the man I am going to marry!" After graduating from Sunnyvale High in 1961, she did marry Starr Rider in June of 1962. He truly was the love of her life for over 58 years.

Soon, they bought a home and settled in San Jose, CA, back when it was mostly farmland and fruit trees. They had a daughter, Carey in 1963 and a son, Steve in 1966. While Starr spent his career at Lockheed Missiles and Space, Loretta held various part time positions while the kids were young. She especially loved working at the fabric store where she was mentored by several ladies in the fine art of sewing. Sewing and crafting became a life long passion for her and she would fill up the holiday fair stalls she rented with homemade Raggedy Anns and Andys, floral arrangements, home touches, and, of course, lots of Christmas décor. She created incredible Halloween costumes for the kids and adults alike.

As the kids got older, she spent many happy years as a receptionist for the local orthodontist's office. She knew every kid in town with braces! The boss was affectionately called "Doc" and he treated everyone like family. Loretta often recalled his generosity in sharing his success by providing extra days off and a nice sum for each employee to go have a fun vacation.

Loretta was a true caregiver even from a young age. She helped raise her three brothers, although she could be threatening with the wooden spoon if they didn't mind her. And years later, she took care of her Mom and her middle brother, often running two households which allowed them to remain independent in their own home, even while they were ill.

Then it was time to spoil grandkids! Carey married and had Vanessa and Steve married Debbie and a couple years later along came twins Chris and Nick. Her life was filled with sewing clothes, pajamas, and more Halloween costumes for the grandkids. She and Starr happily participated in school projects, field trips and many trips to Disneyland.

In June of 2020, Loretta lost her beloved husband. It was a hard loss for the whole family. In November, she moved to Placerville with Carey and Jim on a property with two homes, so she had her own place but was close to family. After Carey lost her husband, they were grateful to have each other as they navigated widowhood together. They built a life in the California Foothills that included creating a vegetable garden, wine tasting at the local wineries, good food and entertaining friends. Loretta continued her annual Halloween tradition of making homemade donuts and inviting family and friends over to enjoy, sending each family home with a plateful of her masterpieces.

Eventually Michael joined them, Carey married again and Loretta had a new son-in-law. They moved to Camino, just up the road from Placerville. Loretta loved her beautiful, bright cottage at the top of the property and not too long after that, she welcomed Abby, a rescue pup that she loved dearly. Abby was a great companion for Loretta and she delighted in her daily antics.

At heart, Loretta was a homemaker and wonderful Wife and Mother. That was truly her calling and she spent her life supporting and encouraging her kids and grandkids. She always took their side (even when they were at fault!), dried their tears, listened to their heartaches and then made cupcakes to assure everyone that all would be okay in the end.

Loretta will be forever remembered for her love of her family and friends, her kindness and her desire to help anyone who needed a hand. There were no strangers in Loretta's life, everyone she met became a friend. And so we honor her life and her legacy and will truly miss her presence in our lives.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rider family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Maria Viramontes

Maria Viramontes

December 22, 1936 - October 16, 2026

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 8:00pm with a Rosary starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

FUNERAL SERVICE

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 10:00am in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Viramontes 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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