Connie Jyree Ost
January 6, 1941 - September 25, 2023
On September 25, 2023, Connie Jyree Ost, peacefully passed away in Lodi, California, at the age of 82 after a short illness. Connie was born on January 6, 1941, at home in Pontotoc, Oklahoma. Her parents were Amanda Louise Turner (Chambers) of Pontotoc, OK, and Lee Washington Turner of Okmulgee, OK. She was the oldest of three siblings. During her childhood years, she frequently moved back and forth between Oklahoma and California. Luckily, she had many numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in both states, so she always lived close to her family.
Connie was known for attending ‘thirteen different schools’ but graduated from Lodi High School in 1959. She married Donald Dean Ost on April 23, 1960, in Lodi, California. Connie joined her husband Don as co-owner/book keeper of Ace Lumber Company from the 1980s till the business closed when Don retired in 2005. Connie and Don had two children during their marriage of 48 years. They enjoyed traveling together to places including Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and throughout the majority of the western and central parts of the United States.
Connie spent time volunteering as a Cub Scout Den Leader for her son, taking her children to their piano lessons and numerous other activities. For many years, she was a 4-H Leader for Bruella 4-H Club in addition to Banner 4-H Club. Connie was the club leader for arts & crafts which involved the club members in ceramics, crocheting, macramé, and even a trial of knitting. She also was involved in helping her children with raising grains, sugar beets and livestock (sheep).
After raising her children, Connie joined her husband Don in some of his favorite past times which included playing golf, being a member of the Corvettes of Lodi, and spending time with family and friends at their cabin in Arnold, California. She took golf lessons with a few girlfriends and then began playing golf with Don and some of their Corvette Club friends. Connie enjoyed the weekend trips with the Corvette Club which included car club gimmick rallies, and frequently attending Hot August Nights in Reno. Connie also enjoyed traveling with a group of her girlfriends on ‘short trips’ for many years. They would travel to Los Angeles, San Diego, Ashland Oregon, Las Vegas, Monterey, and San Francisco.
Connie starting quilting when a friend of hers was recovering from a stroke and needed a project to occupy her time that consisted of directions and steps that were easy to follow. She then recruited her other friends to starting quilting with her. Connie enjoyed going to local/national quilt shows, quilt retreats and even went on a few quilting cruises. For the past 8-9 years, Connie and her friends have been making fleece and flannel blankets for Project Linus (an organization that provides handmade blankets to children who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need). In addition, Connie enjoyed participating in shopping at Christmas time for the Lodi’s Adopt a Child program. Connie was also a long-time member of The Woman’s Club of Lodi.
During the past 15 years, Connie enjoyed traveling with her children and grandchildren primarily outside of the United States to places including Australia/New Zealand, Greece, Italy, Germany, England, many of the Caribbean islands, and several other Northern European countries. Her favorite form of travel was on a cruise ship.
Connie and her husband Don were generous to provide each one of their grandchildren with financial assistance to obtain a college degree. So far, three of the four grandchildren have graduated college with the last one scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2024. Connie always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially during the holidays. She always looked forward to eating good food, playing games and celebrating birthdays and other special events in the lives of her family.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ost and her brother, Thomas Lee Turner. She is survived by her children, Russell Ost (Julie Gallardo) of Elk Grove, California, and Jyree Ost (Jim Seth) of Orangevale, California. Connie’s grandchildren include Emily Ost, Tyler Seth, Michael Ost and Grant Seth. Her surviving sister is Donna Balch of Ada, Oklahoma.
Connie will always be remembered for her ‘can do’ attitude and for her love of family and good friends.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ost family.
