V. Ruth Ebel

October 25, 1927 - May 15, 2024

V. Ruth Gimbel Ebel passed away peacefully at her home in Lodi on May 15, 2024. Ruth was born October 25, 1927, in McClusky, North Dakota to Henry and Carrie Gimbel as the 9th child of 13. During her early years, she journeyed with her family to Nebraska before settling in the Texas panhandle, where she formed lasting childhood memories. At Texline High, she was honored as homecoming queen during her junior year. In 1945, her family relocated to Brush, Colorado, where she completed her high school education at Brush High School.

Ruth and Elton J. Ebel exchanged vows in August 1963, celebrating their union in their cherished Lodi home, where they built a life together until Elton’s peaceful passing in April 2012. She spent her working life dedicated to nursing, graduating from Glendale Sanitarium Hospital in 1950 as president of her class. Ruth cherished her profession of over 55 years, working as a surgery nurse in various hospitals, and later in home care.

She found joy in travel, family gatherings, and various hobbies like cooking, gardening, and participating in church and community events. Ruth delighted in preparing special holiday and birthday meals for family, especially her beloved German chocolate cakes. Her favorite destinations included Carmel, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, San Francisco, and her cherished Jackson Property. Carmel held a particularly special place in her heart, as she made it a tradition to visit every year on her birthday with her loved ones. Additionally, Ruth was a devoted member of the Fairmont Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where she faithfully attended for over six decades.

She is survived by her children: Craig (Lori) Lewis of Lodi and Frances (Jeff) Lebow of Huntington Beach, three grandsons: Joshua (Andriana) Lewis of Lodi, Byron Lewis of Lodi, and Jeremy (Jen) Sterling of Seattle, WA, four great-grandchildren: Liam, Ariana, Carson, Townsend, and her dear sister June Kelp of Elk City, OK. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Elton J. Ebel, and her siblings: Emil, Ruben, Louis, Henry, Benny, Betty, Leroy, Ann, Helen, Lillian, and Leona.

A graveside service will be held on May 23, 2024, at 10am at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ebel family.

Wanda Albers

Wanda Joyce Yarborough Albers
July 9, 1936 - May 15, 2024

Wanda Albers passed away on may 15, 2024 with her family by her side.

Wanda was born on July 9, 1936 and raised in Victor, California. She was the only girl of nine siblings. Wanda got married to Delmer Albers in 1957 and moved to Lodi where they raised their three children. She was a homemaker and later worked as a dietician. Wanda was an amazing wife, mother, and nana. She enjoyed going to the casino, playing bunco with her friends and baby sitting all her grandchildren. Wanda will always be loved, cherished and never forgotten. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.

Wanda was survived by her three children, Bruce Albers, Brenda Katzakian, and Renee Albers. Three grandchildren, Charles Katzakian Jr, Shelly Reynolds, and Nicole Albers. Six great-grandchildren, Madelyn Bitz, Shelby Katzakian, Wyatt Reynolds, Lexi Reynolds, Hailey Valentine, And Scott Katzakian.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Roy Yarborough and Nora Yarborough, Husband, Delmer Albers, and her eight brothers.

A memorial service will be held on May 30, 2024 at 10:00am at Cherokee Memorial Park in the Chapel of Flowers. A reception will follow in the Cherokee Memorial Reception Center.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Albers family.

Kathrina Helms

September 24, 1952 - May 13, 2024

Kathrina Linda Helms of Stockton passed away after a lengthy illness on May 13th, 2024.

She was born on September 24, 1952, to Cecil and Julie Rush in Norfolk Virginia. Her father was career Navy and her mother, a German immigrant. Kathrina, a self-described “Navy Brat”, sailed the world as a child, living at times in Italy and Morocco. She learned to speak German from her mother’s side of the family.

They moved to Stockton in 1962. She attended Lincoln High School and Delta College. Later she worked at the Butte County Marshall offices, Stone Brothers and for many years at Delta Stationers. Kathrina’s love of animals was always apparent and she rescued many orphans. At one point she learned A.S.L. and worked with the deaf community. She was an avid reader; her Kindle was never far away. Kathrina studied the healing arts and became certified in Healing Touch. She had a Holistic practice in Stockton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry Rush, nephew Ryan and good friend Melissa Knight. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Lee Helms, sister Eva (Greg Brettelle), son Aaron Foster, granddaughter Kyleigha Foster, great grandchildren Ryan and Ravyn, sister-in-law Rita Valladeo and nieces (The Angels) Haley Larson and Natalie Cooney, sister-in-law Elizabeth Helms (Bruce Rohrer) and nephews Edward Helms and Colton Helms.

She was born near the ocean, loved the ocean and celebrating Thanksgiving in the mountains of Arnold, CA with family.

She was truly one of a kind and will be remembered and dearly missed.

She was a longtime friend of Bill W. Angie D of Blythe was her sponsor.

Services will be private. Any desired donations should be made to Healing Partners of the Central Coast www.hpcchealingtouch.org

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Helms family.

Joy Letlow

November 2, 1957 - May 12, 2024

Joy Ellen Letlow of Oceanside passed away on May 12, 2024, from lung cancer. Her death was unexpected and has deeply saddened her family.

Joy was born at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital on November 2, 1957, to Dale and Alice Peters (Dale being a US Marine). She spent most of her childhood and younger life between Northern California and Camp Pendleton/Oceanside, California. Her one big dream was to be married and be a mom. She lived in Stockton California with her growing family- having raised 5 children (Amanda, Daniel, Joseph, Nicholas, and William). She took some time once they were older and completed her associate degree at San Joaquin Delta College and transferred to CSU Stanislaus to pursue becoming a teacher. Her plans for her education changed when her health began to turn. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2006. After dealing with complications from the Crohn’s in 2009 and 2010, she moved to Oceanside, California to live with her daughter Amanda. Her health remained stable for many years until 2024, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed away at Tri City Medical on May 12, 2024, due to the fast progression of the lung cancer.

Joy dedicated her life to her children. She absolutely loved being a mom and she was the very best at it. She showed her love in her actions, always putting her children’s needs before her own. She loved her grandbabies and cherished all the moments spent with them. She was a great friend to many as well. She had no problem saying hi to neighbors, or even strangers in public. She had a wonderful and friendly personality, and even better sense of humor. She had a knack for cooking and baking, throwing together ingredients that just worked well. Her food was always delicious. Learning how to cook from her was a blessing and a challenge for her kids- she never wrote down her recipes! She loved our country and was very proud of her family for being in the military (father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, nieces, and sons). She loved God and was a faithful Christian. With her sister’s help, she became a baptized Catholic right before her passing, fulfilling one of her wishes.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Myra Martinez, Jean Holstein, and nephew Robert Beer.

She is survived by her sisters Lela Beer, Suzan McGrath, brother Loren Peters, daughter Amanda Letlow, sons Daniel Letlow, Joseph Letlow, Nicholas Letlow, and William Letlow. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ace (Letlow) Garibaldi, Holden Letlow, Charlotte Letlow, Liam Letlow, Graham Letlow, and Calvin Letlow. She is survived by many nieces and nephews as well.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:
https://www.givesendgo.com/joy_memorial

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, May 24th, 2024 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Letlow family.

Betty Ghan

August 19, 1935 - May 10, 2024

Betty Jean Ghan, 88, of Lodi California, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, from complications due to Huntington’s Disease. Betty was born on August 19, 1935, to Alvin and Mathilda Meidinger in Bowden, North Dakota.

As a young child she moved with her family to Lodi California and attended the Seventh Day Adventist Academy and Lodi High School. She studied to become a hair stylist at Adrian’s Beauty College in Stockton. As a young woman she owned and operated beauty shops in Lodi.

In 1957 she married LaVern Ghan of Stockton, and they had two children, Susan and Sheri.

When Betty had her first child, she decided to dedicate her life to being a wonderful mother to her girls. Betty excelled at supporting members of her family through all that life has to offer. She made it her mission to always improve the lives of others.

In 1977 Betty began to work at Tokay High School in the principal’s office. She was known for providing the students with extra kindness and she enjoyed her role at Tokay, very much.

Betty was passionate about art, antiques, her friends and especially her grandchildren. She filled her home with beauty, warmth, and love. We will miss her greatly.

Betty is predeceased by her mother, and father, as well as her brother, LeRoy Meidinger and her son-in law Steve Field. She is survived by her loving husband of sixty-six years, LaVern Ghan, daughters Susan Garland (Stephen), Sheri Halligan (Casey) and grandsons, Ryan and Alex Field and Jack Halligan.

There will be a private service at Cherokee Memorial Park, on May 22, 2024.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ghan family.

Mark Mc Clary

March 16, 1969 - May 8, 2024

Mark James McClary, 55 of Stockton, passed away May 8, 2024, from stage 4 cancer that he was battling the last several years.  Mark was born March 16, 1969 in Stockton, CA.

Mr. McClary is survived by His step-father & mother; Marvin & Rita (Jones) Palmer, his father, James R. McClary; sister; Debra McClary, and the step-siblings; Brad, David, & Nancy Palmer.

Mark grew up in Stockton, and worked as a painting contractor for many years with Pete's Paints in the Lincoln Center. He had an eye for finding repairs and making sure that the job was done. Mark grew up attending the Church of Christ, but later found his church home at the First Baptist Church in Stockton.

Mark will be remembered by his warm chuckle and strength to overcome the many battles in life. Mark will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him. Donations may be made in Mark's name to the  Gospel Center Rescue Mission, 445 S. San Joaquin St., Stockton, CA  95203. 

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mc Clary family.

Linda Lucero

August 18, 1956 - May 8, 2024

Linda Lynn Lucero entered her eternal rest on May 08, 2024, at the age of sixty-eight, after losing her battle with cancer. She was a lifelong resident of Stockton, California and she passed surrounded by her dear family and friends.

Linda leaves behind her beloved brother and sister David (Lisa) and Diane Lucero, her three children; Richard Lucero, Monica (Dale) Standfill and Nicole (Mondo) Martinez; Linda’s heart grew with each grandchild; Ricky, Thomas, Raquel, Gabriel, Gauge, Mando III, Elias, and Unique; and cherished each great grandchild; John and Jayden, Parker, Ari, Kaylani, and Amora. Linda’s heart was full of love with every niece, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Linda was preceded in death by grandparents; Luis and Mercedes Garcia; her parents; Jane Sieca and David Lucero.

Linda was—loving, carefree, and thoughtful— and had an infectious laughter. Born to parents who embraced life fully and loved to have a good time, she inherited their zest for partying and laughter. Her laugh was a beacon of joy in our household, teaching us that even when the world could be harsh, we always had each other to lean on and laugh with.

We will miss the one thing that made her so uniquely her—her voice, her laugh, her smile. She embodied the principle that mistakes do not define us and that it is never too late to strive to be our best selves. As we remember Linda, let us hold fast to the lessons she taught us: to enjoy each other while we are here, to laugh and live with joy despite the trials we may face, and to cherish the love we share. Her laughter and smile will echo in our minds forever, a testament to her enduring spirit.

Linda will be deeply missed by all who were touched by her warmth and strength, though she may no longer walk among us, her spirit will live on in the cherished memories she leaves behind. In lieu of somber tributes, Linda would have preferred a good laugh and a toast in her honor.

A Viewing and Rosary service will be on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Cherokee Memorial in the Vineyard Chapel- 14165 Beckman Road. Lodi, Ca 95240. Viewing time: 4-5:30 PM. Rosary 5:30-6:30. Viewing will end at 7pm. The Funeral/Memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 10am, with a reception to follow from 12:30-5:00 pm at Fairfield Inn & Suites Lodi. Address 262 Rocky Lane, Lodi, Ca 95240.

To send flowers please collaborate with a local florist and deliver to Cherokee Memorial.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lucero family.

Rebecca Luna

December 4, 1933 - May 7, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 1:00pm on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Luna family.

John Hodges

John Hodges
July 23, 1953 - May 6, 2024

John M. Hodges, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the age of 70 in Stockton, CA. Born July 23, 1953 in Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated from Stagg High Schooln and San Joaquin Delta College. He worked for the U.S. Forrest Service, BNSF Railroad and Bear Creek Community Church.

He volunteered time to his church as an usher, greeter, safety team member, landscaping maintenance member, driver for Promise Keepers and hosted a Bible study group in his home. He traveled to El Salvador to help build wells. John enjoyed his annual trips with family and friends, looked forward to meeting weekly with his men’s accountability group and spending time with his good friends Colbie, John and Anna.

John was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Dorothy Hodges, his brothers George and Michael Hodges. He leaves behind his daughter Nicole Graf (Cory), his granddaughter Dorothy Graf, his sister Kathleen Nilmeyer, nephews Patrick and Stephen Hodges, Gary Nilmeyer (Chasidee) and great nephew Colby Nilmeyer, and Aunt Anne “Nancy” Annase (Nick-D).

SERVICES:
Family and Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:00a.m. Bear Creek Community Church, 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi CA.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made in his name to: Hospice House of San Joaquin, Animal Friends Connection in Lodi or to Mesothelioma research.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hodges family.

Febbroel "Roel" Pana

February 24, 1971 - May 5, 2024

Roel Paña, 53, of Stockton, CA suddenly passed away of natural causes on May 05, 2024, in King Cove,Alaska. His loss is completely unexpected, and his family is profoundly saddened.

Roel was born on February 24, 1971, to Bartolome and Angeles Paña in his beloved city of Davao, Philippines. He was one of eight children, with Roel as the “gentle, peacemaker” of the family. Roel graduated high school from Holy Cross and studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern Philippines. He immigrated in 1990, to Stockton, California at 19 years old. He worked in the seafood industry in Alaska and warehousing in California.

Roel loved music, fishing, swimming, and making people laugh with his jokes and had an infectious smile. He embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love for animals, nature, and people. He most of all loved his big family and was the best uncle to all his nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-niece. He was affectionally called by the Paña children as, “Uncle Weng-Weng”, due to his fun and playful nature.

Roel is preceded by his father Bartolome Paña, and survived by his mother Angeles Paña, and siblings: Lellibeth, Elizabeth, Lito, Jun-Jun, Lea, Leo, and Nimfa. He leaves behind his girlfriend Leah Salgado, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, viewing will be from noon to 1:00 P.M. at Cherokee Memorial Park’s Vineyard Chapel, located at 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240. Eulogies and Internment service to follow.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that you make contributions to our memorial fund https://gofund.me/6d27a760 in lieu of flowers. Please feel free to contribute your condolences and fond memories of our beloved Roel on our memorial website.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Pana family.

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.

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS
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