Obituaries

Juliet Llanes

July 29, 1949 - July 30, 2017 Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Llanes family.

VISITATION

A Rosary will be held on Friday, August 4, at 6:00 pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park.

SERVICES

Funeral services for Juliet Llanes are scheduled Saturday, August 5 at 1:00 pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park.

INTERMENT

Interment will follow the services at Cherokee Memorial Park.

Frank Tenente

November 17, 1919 – July 30, 2017 Frank Clarence Tenente was born November 17, 1919 in Isleton, California to Frank and Nora Tenente. He passed away on July 30, 2017 in Lodi, CA, at the age of 97. He was proud of his military history and WWII service in the US Army Air Corps with the 489th Bomb Squadron, where he served in Naples, Sicily, Southern France and Tunisia. Frank received the good conduct medal, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Unit Badge with one oak leaf cluster.

He is survived by sons; Frank A Tenente (Vernetta), Michael Tenente, and daughter-in-law; Diane Tenente. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Deana, and son Robert. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Lori Marchy (Bob), Frank R Tenente, Michael Jr (Kelly) Tenente, and Angela Tenente, five great-grandchildren; Bobby, Cole, Billy, Addison and Michael Preston, sister-in-law; Colleen Casey, and nieces and nephews; LaDawn Beam, Logan Beam, Andy Howell, and Patrick Howell. He was a devoted father, husband and grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was also a loyal and loving friend to many who knew him.

VISITATION

Visitation will take place 4-8 pm Thursday, August 3, 2017 at the .

SERVICES

Funeral services will take place at 9:00 am on Friday, August 4th, at the Chapel of Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at E. Harney Lane, Lodi.

Marjorie “Margie” Jean Medina

Margie Medina passed away on July 28, 2017 at her home in Stockton at the age of 59. She was born in Fresno, California to Genevieve and Jess Medina on May 19, 1958. Her family moved to Stockton and she attended South Stockton schools and graduated from Tokay High School in 1976. Margie loved music and cooking for her family. She was an avid Beatles fan and had a deep affection for Paul McCartney, attending many concerts over the years. Margie worked as a cook at St. Joseph’s and San Joaquin General Hospitals. Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Genevieve Medina. She is survived by her sisters Genevieve “Susie” Aires and Diane Vigil, her brother Jesse Medina, and numerous nieces and nephews. Margie was especially close to her nephew Ryan Tomkins, Jeremy Reyner, and Paul Halbert.

Margie also enjoyed spending time with her 90 pound tortoise Trixster and her beloved dog Angel.

Margie had a way with words (was the life of the party). If you’ve spent time with her, you were sure to be present for one of her frequent “zingers.” She called things the way she saw them which often involved colorful and unfiltered language. But, you always knew that Margie’s words came from a place of deep love and support. Margie had a comforting way about her that put people at ease. Even through her most challenging times, Margie looked for ways to lift up others and bring a smile or laugh to all around her.

Those who knew Margie understood that she was Daddy’s girl. Margie is now back in the comforting arms of her father.

Rita Maxine Ragsdale-Grant

Rita Maxine Ragsdale-Grant (Martin) Dec 18, 1931 - Jul 23, 2017

Rita Maxine Grant was born 1931 in Willow Oklahoma to the James and Gertrude Martin. She graduated from Carnegie High School in 1949. She met and fell in love with Donald Ragsdale and they wed in 1951 (They were together until Donald’s passing in 1991). They had a son (Rick) and moved to Stockton California in 1952, where they were blessed with two more sons (Dennis & David). Rita was lucky to meet her second love, George Grant, they were married, sharing love and happiness. They were together until George’s passing in 2004. Rita was a member of First Baptist Church in Stockton. Her warmth and kindness touched everyone she knew. She will be remembered for her generosity, kind-heartedness, and dedication to her faith and her family. While raising her family, Rita was employed as a Bookkeeper at Knowles in Stockton for over 30 years. She was an accomplished seamstress, and enjoyed playing Pinochle & Bingo with her friends. She is preceded in death by her loving husbands, Donald Ragsdale and George Grant; Her parents James and Gertrude Martin; Her siblings, Noel Martin, James Doyle Martin, Donald Martin, Betty Jean Williams, Rita Grant leaves her loving and devoted sons; Rick Ragsdale (Carolyn); Dennis Ragsdale (Clara); David Ragsdale (Patti). Her brother Wendell Martin (Denise); and sister Shirlene Eberhard; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends. SERVICES Celebration of Life services will be held Monday, July 31, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240

Deanna Walters

June 6, 1966 - July 20, 2017 Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home is Honored to serve the Walters Family.

VISITATION

A visitation for Deanna Walters is sheduled for Friday, July, 28 at 10 am in the Vinyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi CA.

SERVICES

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 29 at 1:00 pm in the Vinyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi CA.

Charlotte Selkirk

September 26, 1945 - July 15, 2017 Charlotte Ann Selkirk, known as Charlie to friends and family, passed away Saturday, July 15th in her home in Lodi, CA surrounded in love by family and friends.

Charlie was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Bernise and JoAnn Barnes. After graduating from Palmer High School, she went on to study cosmetology to become a hair dresser. It was in Colorado Springs that she met and later married the love of her life, Lance Selkirk, her high school sweetheart and childhood neighbor.

In the 70’s, Charlie and Lance decided to leave the snow behind and moved to Lodi, CA where they started a new journey in life. Charlie played a very active role in the PTA and was a proud volunteer at Reese Elementary, Woodbridge Middle School and Lodi High School. Charlie was an avid crafter. She spent many hours perfecting her many skills and techniques. Later in life Charlie and Lance became active in the local Tokay and Delta A groups after purchasing a 1929 Ford Model-A. She loved riding around with the group and found herself on many adventures with this new family, both at home and abroad. Of all her travels her favorite was always Maui, where her and Lance visited several times over the years. She loved to spend her days snorkeling in Turtle Bay, always looking for new turtle friends, followed by a relaxing sunset cruise.

Charlie was a gift to everyone she met. She had a kind soul and a gentle heart, always eager to lend a hand or an ear to anyone in need. She was a beloved wife, mom, sister, aunt and great aunt. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Lance, her only child Paige and her wife Gina, her niece Cory and her husband Ralph, sister Leilla, nieces Lori and Kelli, nephew Phil, her Eilers Lane family and The Travelers.

She will be missed by many and was loved by all.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Charlie's name to Hospice of San Joaquin (www.hospicesj.org) or the Sutter Foundation (giving@sutterhealth.org)

SERVICES

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 2pm at the Woodbridge Country Club - 800 E. Woodbridge Rd, Woodbridge Ca (209)334-5454.

Alvin E. Sibell

March 28, 1918 - July 12, 2017 Alvin E. Sibell passed away Wednesday July 12, 2017 in Lodi at the age of 99. He was born march 28, 1918 to Henry and Ann Sibell in a farmhouse in Douglas County Minnesota.

Alvin was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years Gisella Peacock Sibell, his son Gilbert John Sibell, daughter Mary Margaret Sibell, and grandson Scott LeRoy Patrick. Also preceding him in death were his parents, six brothers: Raymond, Virgil, Harvey, Gail, Herb, and Rudy.

He served his country with great pride during WWII in the US Army, and was assigned to the European Theater of Operations with the 29th Infantry Division.

He was a carpenter by trade and member of the Carpenter’s Union. We was also a member of the Ed Stewart Post of the American Legion and served as a Past Commander of a VFW Post in Minnesota. He built the family’s first home in Alexandria Minnesota in 1946. In 1963 the family moved to Stockton, CA. Alvin retired in 1984 after 35 years as a Carpenter.

Alvin and Gisella has nine chilfren and he is survived by seven: Patti Patrick (John), Bob Sibell (Corry), Richard Sibell (Rena), Anna Frenk, Debbie Trent (David), Jeff Sibell, JoAnn Anderson. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He enjoyed the outdoors – hunting and fishing – and living a long, full life.

VISITATION

Visitation will take place from 4-8 pm on Wednesday July 19, 2017 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park 14165 N. Beckman Rd. Lodi.

SERVICES

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 am on Thursday July 20, 2017 at St. Annes Catholic Church 215 W. Walnut St in Lodi, CA.

INTERMENT

Burial to follow at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, CA.

Wing Kit Ma

October 1, 1920 – July 12, 2017 Wing Kit Ma, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in Stockton, CA at the age of 96.  He was born in Toyshan, in the Kwangtung Province of China and was the only child of Kau Tak Ma and Choi Ping Wong.  His half-sister still currently resides in Hong Kong.  A long time resident of Stockton, he immigrated here back in 1969, along with his family.  Wing was married to Candy, his wife of 65 years.  He was the father of five children.  Preceded by daughter, Peggy and survived by sons William, Stephen and Dennis, and daughter, Kathy.  He was also the grandfather of eight grandchildren.  Wing was a wonderful person, wise, funny, caring and generous to all.  He will be remembered well and missed greatly by his family and friends.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held Monday, July 24, 2017 from 5 pm - 7 pm in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Road, in Lodi.

SERVICES

Services will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 11 am in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park.

INTERMENT

Interment will be at Cherokee Memorial Park.

 

Ruth Pieper

November 17, 1924 - July 12, 2017

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother , Ruth Laura Rackowski Pieper, passed away in Lodi, California on July 12, 2017 at the age of 92. Ruth was born on November 17, 1924 in Trenton, New Jersey to Polish immigrants August and Marie Achenbach Rackowski. The last of eight children, she was one of only three siblings to survive past childhood. That tenacity of spirit showed itself throughout her life.

Ruth graduated from Trenton High School in 1942 and immediately put her technical degree to use doing clerical work at the State Capitol. During these war years, soldiers stationed at Fort Dix would come to Sunday church services and Ruth’s mother would invite them home for lunch. One of these young men, Lloyd Herman Henry Pieper, would become Ruth’s husband and the love of her life. After marrying on February 24, 1946 in Trenton, the couple moved to Lloyd’s hometown of Seward, Nebraska. There they lovingly raised one daughter, Pamela Ruth Pieper. During those years Ruth worked at a variety of jobs. She was a legal secretary, store clerk, and bookkeeper. She then took a position at Concordia College in Seward as the buyer and assistant manager for the bookstore. After Lloyd’s premature death from cancer in 1971, Ruth went to work for Hughes Brothers Manufacturing as the assistant personnel director, manager of the company credit union and editor of the company newsletter. Ruth brought intelligence, aptitude and a strong work ethic to every position she held. Typical of the working women of her era, she was also an excellent cook and talented seamstress. We treasure her handmade clothing, quilts and cross stitch pieces. Always an avid reader, Ruth kept abreast of current trends and political issues her entire life. As liberal in politics as she was with her love, she modeled for all of us what it means to be a true humanitarian. Ruth is survived by her daughter Pamela Deines and her son-in-law Dr. Michael Deines both of Woodbridge, California, granddaughter Pastor Meghan Aelabouni (Pastor Gabi Aelabouni) of Fort Collins, Colorado and grandson Dr. Matthew Johnston (Dr. Manisha Lotlikar) of Corvallis, Oregon, great-grandchildren Ethan, Natalie and Luke Aelabouni, and several nieces and nephews across the country. Ruth delighted in taking a pivotal role in the upbringing of her grandchildren, leaving a legacy of generosity, compassion and wry humor. It was also a great joy to her that she was able to spend special times with her great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents August and Marie Rackowski, her husband Lloyd Pieper and brothers William Rackowski and August Rach. Ruth’s resiliency over the years as she uprooted and relocated to be close to her daughter and family was inspiring. Moving from New Jersey, to Nebraska, to Wyoming, to California, Ruth always joked that if she ever had to move again, she would have to learn to swim. We will miss that humor, her unfailing spirit making the best of every situation, the life stories that she shared and the emotional support and stability she provided all of us over so many years. Special thanks to the staff and residents at Arbor Senior Living, Wine Country Care Center and Hospice of San Joaquin for their friendship and constant, loving support.

INTERMENT

Ruth’s ashes will be interred next to her dear husband in Seward, Nebraska.

Yoshiko Watkins

March 25, 1931 - July 12, 2017 Yoshiko Watkins passed away at 86 years young on July 12 . She is survived by her husband, James Watkins, of 65 years; her children, Ellen Watkins, Susan Fetsch (Mark), Tom Watkins (Jan) and Don Watkins (Merlin); 12 grandchildrenand 5 great grandchildren. She loved her family, friends and enjoyed cooking and gardening.

SERVICES

A memorial service to celebrate Yoshiko's life will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park, in the Evergreen Chapel on Monday, August 7th at 10 am.

Helen Shirley Tuhn

Helen Tuhn, 94, passed away July 10, 2017 in Stockton, CA. Born in Wells, Minnesota, the first born child to the late Floyd and Mary Linn. Helen was a loving wife, mother, grand- mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Alvin Tuhn, daughter Sandra Robbins, son David Tuhn, Siblings Myran Linn, James Linn, Margery Shearer, granddaughter Renay Groves, great grandchildren Hailey Groves and David Tuhn. Survivors: sons Dennis Tuhn (Connie), Jake Tuhn (Maris), daughters Mary Hudson (Larry), Judi Tuhn, 14 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 6 great great grand-children. Siblings Paul Linn (Lorraine), Barbara Rogers, sister-in-laws Kathleen Linn and Shirley Linn. Helen is loved and is truly missed by family and friends. Funeral service will be held on Friday 8/11/2017, at Cherokee Memorial Park, in the Evergreen Chapel, at 10:00 am, located on Harney Lane and Highway 99, Lodi, CA.

Patricia Arata

April 11, 1955 - July 9, 2017 Patricia Gayle Arata (Patricia Armstrong) passed away at her homein Stockton on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the age of 62, after a courageousbattle with cancer.Patricia is predeceased by her father, David Armstrong.

Patricia is lovingly remembered by her husband Nicholas Arata Jr of 23 years; her mother Irene Armstrong; her daughter Dawn Dorville (John); step children Aimee Dubois (Gary) ; Nicholas Arata III (Darcy); Jason Arata (Krista); five granddaughters, Lindsey, Audrina, Vianna, Kensington, Emarie,  and her very special pets, Sammie, Pumpkin, Callie, and Brownie. Patricia is also survived by her brother Rodney Armstrong (Cindy); her sister Brenda Blythe (Don); and many nieces and nephews.

Patricia loved her friends, she believed you could never have too many. Patricia loved trips to Bodega Bay, she loved her swimming pool, she loved her cats and dogs and could never have too many. She loved frozen yogurt (vanilla with almonds) and she loved her vacuum. Everyone that knew her knew she loved to vacuum sometimes twice a day.

Patricia worked at California Cedar Products for 26 years and then for Farmers & Merchants Bank for the past 12 years. Patricia was known for having the best laugh and the biggest smile.

A very special thank you to AseraCare Hospice and the angels they sent to care for our mother, Dee, Margaret, Kristi, Deborah, Lynette, Felicia, Michelle, Carolee, and Chris. You are all truly special.

To Pastor Jon Hathorn at First Baptist Church of Linden, thank you for your many many visits to pray and share the scriptures with us.  It gave us peace and comfort.

SERVICES

A funeral service will be held July 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240. A Celebration of her Life to follow immediately afterwards.

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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