Trong Nguyen

January 16, 1942 - February 13, 2025

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 7:00pm with a rosary starting at 4:00pm on Monday, March 3rd, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, located at 3847 N. Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nguyen family.

Somal Khiev

May 2, 1950 - February 12, 2025

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Khiev family.

Chin Jung Chu

May 14, 1953 - February 12, 2025

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 11:00am - 1:00pm on Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, February 20th, 2025 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 Chu family.

Duane Carlson

Duane Edward Carlson
June 9, 1939 - February 12, 2025

Duane Edward Carlson was born in Jamestown, New York on June 9, 1939. He went home to be with Jesus on February 12, 2025 at the age of 85.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldie and Linnea Carlson, of Jamestown, New York along with his sister, Barbara Mathews, also of New York.

He was survived by his older sister, Arlene Loomis and older brother Charles Carlson, both of New York. Duane was the youngest of the four children.

Duane married Linda Sue Carlson, the love of his life, on February 16, 1980 and would celebrate 45 years of marriage this year.

Duane was blessed with a large family. He had four children: son, Ron Carlson of California, daughter Lorrie Brown and husband, Steve of Colorado, son Pete Martinez and wife Logan of Tennessee and son, Marc Martinez and wife Kristina of Lodi.

He had ten grandchildren: Ronnie, Steven, Ashley, Brittany, Jordan, Raven, Justin, Brody, Maddie and Liam. Duane had seven great grandchildren along with his niece, Suzanna.

Duane grew up in New York where he attended school and graduated from Chautauqua Community Collage before moving to southern California where he began working at Pacific Finance which later became Transamerica. Duane worked in the finance industry for Transamerica for 37 years and retired in 1996.

Duane was passionate about baseball and love the New York Yankees. He loved the game of hockey and cheered on the Los Angeles Kings from the time they became a team in 1967.

Duane volunteered for the Lodi Police Department, known as the Partners, and served for 18 years, something he was very passionate about.

He was a dedicated son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He and is wife Linda loved to travel and enjoyed many trips together with one of their favorites being Australia.

Duane loved to go camping. He and Linda owned several motor homes through the years and belonged to an RV group. Their favorite spot was Bodega Bay.

Duane also had a love of dogs, especially German Shepherds and owned many during his life.

Duane will be remembered most for his sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh at every opportunity. His humor was never lost even when he battled Alzheimer’s.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home in the Vineyard Chapel on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 beginning at 1:30pm. The family kindly asks for everyone to come in bright colors. Duane loved blues and reds. A reception will be held afterward at Oak Farm Vineyard beginning at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Lodi Police Department PARTNERS or the Alzheimer’s Society can be made.

Marilyn Schrock

July 20, 1939 - February 10, 2025

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Marilyn Jean Schrock of Lodi, California, who passed away on February 10th due to an unexpected illness.

Marilyn was born July 20, 1939 to Nicholas and Barbara (Bruettig) Kost in Chicago, Illinois. She was the first of three sisters, including Pam (Breckenridge) and Linda (Bell).

After attending Catholic elementary schools, she went on to graduate from Nazareth Academy, an all girl Catholic high school, in 1957. Gregarious and outgoing, it was during these school years she forged the relationships with her lifelong group of “angel” friends.

In 1958 she married Ken Kadera, whom she met working at International Harvester. She then became a full time mother and housewife with the arrival of her son, Scott and daughter, Barbara.

After moving to Modesto, California in 1969, she eventually divorced. The following several years were a particularly happy time in her life, while she balanced being a single mother, working at Valley Asbestos Company as the office manager / book- keeper, and socializing with friends.

In 1977, she remarried to Phillip Schrock, a co-worker at Valley, and became the step-mother to Stewart, Stanley and Christine. In 1978, she moved to Lodi, California. She worked two years as a new account representative at Bank of America, and then for 18 years as a technician for the Lodi Unified School District in the Facilities and Planning department.

After retirement, she did volunteer work, traveled with Phil, and developed a passion for gambling at the Jackson Rancheria Casino, her “second home.” She enjoyed the drive to the casino through the beautiful countryside while listening to books on tape. She also loved and was beloved by her many friends at the casino, who called her “Mama” and “Miss Jackson.”

Marilyn will be remembered for her boundlessly giving nature, her beautiful appearance, and her delight in the lives of family and friends. She was the communication hub of the family who kept us all apprised of the happenings in each other’s lives. She loved people, the ocean, reading; Jeopardy, Friends and other TV shows; movies, Neil Diamond, shopping, and bi-weekly trips to the casino. Loving and caring, hardworking and organized, fun-loving and energetic, naturally joyous, she touched the hearts and left a lasting impact on all she met. She was a class act.

She is predeceased by her mother and father, first husband, and second husband, Phil Schrock.

She will be sorely missed by her beloved children, Scott Kadera and Barbara Heinle; step-children Stewart Schrock (wife Lisa), Stanley Schrock (wife Hope), Christine Shuffield (husband Kerry); grandchildren Monica Fimbrez, Karleigh Heinle, Dillon Schrock, Trevor Schrock, Hillary Schrock, Amanda Bale, Ashley Schrock, Jacob Shuffield, Jena Shuffield, Brian Heinle and Heather Brester; great-grandchildren Jeremiah Heinle, Evelyn Schrock, Scarlett Davis and Austin Stumpf; sisters Pam Breckenridge (husband Dick) and Linda Bell (husband Doug); and many nieces and nephews.

Her ashes will be interred at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery next to her late husband.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schrock

Kay Botiller

Kay Botiller
July 25, 1945 - February 10, 2025

Kay Botiller was born Helen Cathy Banks on July 25, 1945 in San Francisco, Ca to her parents Lawrence Tipton (Tip) and Helen. Their first born child, Kay grew up in an amazing world where the structured influence of her military father mixed with the artistic and creative endeavors of her artist mother.

Incredibly smart, Kay graduated from high school at age 16 and began her degree at Sacramento State College. After graduation she spent a few years on ranches as a cowboy’s wife, then Kay and her toddler daughter Kristin settled down in Stockton, where she worked as the director of the beloved local children’s park, Pixie Woods. Later she went to work for San Joaquin County for the rest of her career in various capacities, including a counselor at Mary Graham Hall, social worker, and corrections officer.

Kay had a phenomenal zest for life. She traveled the world, taking some trips with friends, others with her husband, and sometimes the whole family. Her love of travel and longing for adventure was contagious, and she inspired many of her friends and family to follow in her footsteps. She was tough, strong, and could hold her own, and at the same time loved fiercely, doing anything for the ones she loved. She was also quite philanthropic, teaching her children from a young age that sharing and helping others was the only way to go. She had a huge number of friends from all walks of life, and her bold and dynamic personality made the room light up, and more often than not got the dance floor going. Equally comfortable on a shooting range and in a jewelry store, she truly was multifaceted and one of a kind.

Kay was married three times, briefly to Aaron Short in the 1970s, then for decades to Bob (Robert) Botiller, with whom she raised her family. After Bob’s death in 2006, she married Richard (Rick) Cardozo in 2009. Theirs was the kind of love most people only dream of, they were absolutely enamored with each other, it was the most wonderful thing to witness. They were together until his death in 2023, both finding great love at the end of their lives.

Kay was diagnosed with hydrocephalus in 2024, and left us almost one year later, in the early morning hours of February 10, 2025. She leaves behind her incredibly beloved children, Kristin (Ranuio) and Brian, Kristin’s husband Tim, and their children Maya and Kian. She also leaves behind her bonus daughter, Erin Vogel, her husband Ben, and her grandchildren Lyla, Jack, and Elliott, along with cherished neices and nephews. She is preceded by her parents, her husbands, and her much loved younger brother Tip Banks.

Kay was beloved by so many, hers was truly a powerful, amazing life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity, or go and have an adventure, and make a toast in her honor.

SERVICES
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. Reception to follow at the J. Charles Irwin Reception Center at Cherokee Memorial Park.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Botiller family.

Mary Rall

In Loving Memory of Mary Jane Michelena Rall

Mary Jane Rall, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother (Nona), and dear friend to so many, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, at the age of 96. She was surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering love.

Born on March 25, 1928, in Stockton, CA to Marie and James Michelena. Mary dedicated her life to her family, always putting their needs above her own. She was a force of nature—spunky and full of life, a strong and hardworking woman. Her home was a place of warmth and old-school ways of living, filled with home cooking, canning, baking, and thriving gardens. She had a kind soul with a heart of gold, always offering comfort with unwavering affection.

She found joy in sewing, crocheting, re-upholstering old furniture, garage sales, playing games, volunteering at the Loel Center, always giving her time and love to those around her. Her generous spirit touched countless lives, and she had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special and valued.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Erwin Rall, her stepdaughter, Linda Rall, and her great-grandson Jacob Wells. Mary is survived by her loving daughter, Lynnette (Buckley) Dinubilo, her stepchildren, Ron Rall and Rita (Rall) Landcaster, her adoring granddaughters, Nicole (Dinubilo) Snyder and her husband Joel Snyder, and Lisa (Dinubilo) Rowand and her husband Aaron Rowand; and her precious great-grandchildren, Julianna Wells, Corwin Snyder and Khloe Snyder. She also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Though she is no longer with us in person, her love and lessons will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

SERVICE
A funeral ceremony and celebration of her life will be held on March 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi, Vineyard Chapel, with a burial to follow.

Rest peacefully, Mom/Nona. Your love will forever light our way.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rall family.

Ernest Medina

ERNEST (“ERNIE”) MEDINA
(December 17, 1930 – February 9, 2025)

Ernest (“Ernie”) Medina passed away peacefully at home with family at his side in Stockton, California on February 9, 2025.

He was born on December 17, 1930, in Morenci, Arizona. He loved his mother Concha Medina Carrillo and grandmother Jesusita dearly.  He was predeceased by his devoted wife Helen Medina, whom he adored.  He would serenade her with songs de amor in English and Spanish. Ernie and Helen were married on May 25, 1952, and shared 72 years of a loving relationship. He was predeceased by his sisters Esther Carrillo and Angelina Carrillo Silva.

Ernie is survived by his children, Frederick, Sandra Medina-Haberman (John), and Nancy. He leaves behind his sisters Anna Carrillo and Virginia Jimenez, as well as many nephews, nieces, relatives, godchildren, and friends.  

He was affectionately called Grandpa, Gramps, Abuelo, and Papa by his four grandchildren Megan, Ernesto, Esteban, and John and three great-grandchildren Kennedy, Miles, and Drake. Gramps was heard cheering enthusiastically for his grandchildren at their athletic and school events. He is fondly remembered dressing up as Santa Claus for Christmas Eve family fiestas and Barney for grandchildren’s birthday parties.  He was known for wearing Kangol hats and camisas de Guayabera.  He savored and shared Choward’s Violet Mints Candy.

Ernie loved interacting with children.  Known as “Papa Ernie,” his animated face would light up, his eyes would twinkle, and he’d exchange lively smiles with them.  In later years, his eyes still sparkled with childish spunk and brilliance as the lines on his face became more evident from his constant smile.

Ernie graduated from Saint Mary’s High School, class of 1949, played football and the trumpet, and was inducted into the SMHS Hall of Fame in 2009.  He attended San Joaquin Delta College, Cal State Sacramento, and Cal State Stanislaus, graduating with a criminal justice degree.

He served in the National Guard from 1949-1955 in the 164th Artillery Unit.

Ernie joined the Stockton Police Department in 1956 and retired as Sargeant in 1984. He dedicated 28 years serving the Stockton community working patrols, narcotics, vice, intelligence, community relations, and street gangs.  He also taught law enforcement classes at Delta College.

In 1967, he was sworn in as president of the Stockton Police Widows and Orphans Association.  He was also chairman of the state Narcotics Officers Association for Northern and Central California.  He was part of the Stockton Police Pistol Team, California State Police Pistol Champions – Governor’s Trophy-Perfect Score.  He worked tirelessly to enhance diversity within the Stockton PD.  When he retired, he was quoted as saying: “As long as I am able, I will continue to be of service to anyone I can help."

He remained committed to serving others after his retirement.  He got involved with Su Salud Health Fair and helped produce a cable show, "To Prevent is to Cure."  He was involved with such organizations as the Committee of Mexican American Associations, Hispanics for Political Action, Stockton Sister Cities Association, Catholic Charities, and the Council for the Spanish-Speaking. Other affiliations included St. Gertrude’s Church, St. Luke Church, Church of the Presentation, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Dante Club, and Pacific Italian Alliance.  Ernie was inducted into the Mexican American Hall of Fame in 1998 for his service to the people of Stockton.

Ernie prioritized and cherished spending time visiting relatives and friends near and far. Ernie loved traveling, often spending the winter months in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with his wife. He enjoyed trips to San Francisco and Sausalito to dine at his favorite neighborhood restaurants. He was frequently greeted with a glass of red wine by restaurant staff. He was gregarious and didn’t hesitate to strike up a conversation and joke with others. Family and friends looked forward to his visits and treated “Don Ernesto” like royalty.

Ernie was an avid sports enthusiast, cheering on the Oakland Raiders with close friends at season games, including three Super Bowls.  He also enjoyed attending SF Giants games.

Ernie delighted in music, dancing, and singing. Even if he didn’t know the lyrics, he would come up with his own.  He enjoyed attending Broadway musicals and singing the songs on the ride home. He often listened to Big Band music and sang along with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Dean Martin, and other classic crooners.  Some of his all-time favorite songs included “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and “My Way.”

Ernie was a “jack-of-all-trades” working on honey-do lists and helping countless family and friends with home improvement/house painting projects.  He was known for his attention to detail and thoroughness.

Ernie embraced all the roles he was blessed with.  He was a selfless husband, father, son, grandson, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, godfather, friend, and neighbor.  He is loved and admired by many for his kindness and compassion.  He listened wholeheartedly and was a beacon to others who needed help.  

We were so blessed to have him as our father. He always looked out for us and put God and family first. Dad would help us with our homework, patiently taught us to swim and ride a bicycle, and would sing along as we practiced our music lessons. He took us on many family road trips including Disneyland, Santa Cruz, and Mexico.  He also excitedly brought home surprise family pets. Dad ensured we had a full tank of gas and a clean, operating car during our visits from college and even into our careers. Our Dad instilled his wisdom and values in us, including a strong work ethic, continued learning and education, and community service, all of which he exemplified.

The Medina Family would like to thank relatives and friends for their visits, calls, and prayers.  Ernie appreciated seeing and hearing from loved ones and would welcome them with his warm, infectious smile.

Our sincere gratitude to Father Mathew Issac for his many visits, prayers, and blessings which gave him comfort and peace. 

Thank you to the medical professionals who cared for him. 

For the last few years, Ernie was lovingly cared for in his Stockton home by his children, niece Roseanne Ceja, nephew Billy Contreras and caregivers Marlin Barahona, Claudia Yanez, Marlem Soto Aviña, and Teresita Amaya.  He would greet them with a hearty “Buongiorno!”

A private family Committal Service was held.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A Rosary and Mass to honor Ernie and Helen will be held followed by a Celebration of Life.

Date:  Friday, March 28, 2025
Time:  10:00 a.m. Rosary followed by Mass
Place:  St. Luke Catholic Church, 3847 North Sutter Street, Stockton, CA 95204
Reception and lunch to follow at 12:00 p.m. in Saint Luke Social Hall (adjacent to church)

If you wish to do something in Ernie’s memory, please consider making a donation in his name to one of the following or a charity of your choice:

St. Mary’s High School, 5648 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95207, www.saintmaryshighschool.org

St. Mary’s Community Services, 545 W. Sonora Street, Stockton, CA 95203, www.smcares.org

Catholic Charities, 6777 Embarcadero Drive, Stockton, CA 95219, www.ccstockton.org

Ernie’s Catholic faith was a very important part of his life.  He would start and end each day with prayer.  He prayed the Rosary often and prayed for others.  One of his favorite prayers was “Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe.” 

Ernie is deeply loved, greatly missed, and will forever remain in our hearts and prayers. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”  (Matthew 25:21)

Descanse en paz maravilloso y querido esposo y padre.

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, who blessed
Mexico and all the Americas by your appearance
to St. Juan Diego, intercede for the holy Church,
protect the pope, and help everyone who invokes
you in their necessities.

O mystical rose, hear our prayers and our petitions,
especially for the particular intention we pray for
at this time (make your request).

As the ever-Virgin Mary and Mother of the true
God, obtain for us from your most holy Son the
grace of keeping our faith, sweet hope in the midst
of the bitterness of life, as well as an ardent love
and the precious gift of final perseverance.
Amen.

Jamie Melton

November 30, 1982 - February 8, 2025

Jamie Daniel Melton was born on November 30th, 1982 to Charlotte and Lonnie Melton, he was a son, brother, father, spouse, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Jamie was born and raised in Stockton, CA. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on February 08, 2025.

Jamie was a loving son, never living far from his mom Charlotte, and a good father. He loved his children and family with all his heart. Jamie created many family memories taking Felicia and their family on long drives, camping, fishing and off roading in the foothills. Jamie loved cars as a young boy, first working with his stepdad Larry Croy on his Ford mustang, and with his dad on Chevy impalas and trucks, developing the skills that eventually earned him a reputation as a great mechanic. Jamie made many friends working on their cars. He was genuine, and respected by many.

Jamie is survived by Felicia Copeland, son, Marvin Daniel Melton, daughter, Sophia Melton, and stepson Elijah Billingsly. He also leaves behind his mother and stepfather Charlotte and Charles Smith, his brother Chris Melton, sisters, Laura Burkett, Mary Cervantes, Jessica Sanchez, Harley Melton, and Christina Cook, also several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jamie is preceded in death by his father, Lonnie W Melton, stepfather Larry Croy, grandfather, John Calloni Sr, cousin, John Calloni III, (Piercy), grandmother, Luella Melton, and Aunt Sharrlee “Sherry” Melton Shackleford.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Melton family.

Guadalupe Navarro Salas

December 12, 1928 - February 7, 2025

Guadalupe (Lupe) Navarro Salas passed away February 7, 2025 peacefully at her home, reuniting her with her husband Efrain (Frank) Salas in eternal peace. She is survived by her four children, Consuelo (Connie), Fidel, Teresa, Gloria and her cat, Princess. Lupe was grandmother to eleven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

She was born in Mexico where she grew up with 8 siblings. She resided in Stockton, Ca for 70 plus years. She enjoyed winters in her second home in Las Paz, Baja California.

She was a member of the Pink Ladies group for many years. Lupe enjoyed bingo, gambling at the casinos and traveling the world with her friends.

Her many pastimes included playing Rummikub with her grandkids, sewing, canning fruit, raising canaries, collecting glass baskets, gardening, crocheting, quilting, and enjoying a Margarita with her friends.

Her services will be held at Cherokee Memorial, Evergreen Chapel on March 6, 2025 at 900 AM.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Navarro Salas family.

Craig Torlucci

Craig Torlucci
June 24, 1947 - February 6, 2025

Craig was born June 24, 1947 in San Mateo, California and went home to our Lord on February 6, 2025. He was the second child and only son of Enid and William Torlucci, Craig’s sister ReAnne had been born several years earlier. 

Craig grew up in San Bruno, California. He attended schools there and graduated from Capuchino High School. He enjoyed playing basketball through his high school years, but the most important part of his young life was devoted to art. He was an accomplished artist at an early age and his parents nurtured his talent with private art lessons in drawing and painting. It was after high school that he made the decision to pursue a career in graphic design. He enrolled at California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Arts. It was during his time in college that he met the “love of his life”, Jane.

Soon after graduation they were married in the “little red” Episcopal Church in Sonora, California and were married for 54 years. 

They made their home in Concord, California and Craig began as an illustrator and designer for Nitty Gritty Productions, which produced innovative cook books.

Three years after their marriage their son Justin was born and several years later their daughter Cara was born.

Craig devoted his life to his family. Many happy and cherished memories were spent with his family, attending sporting events, high school band trips and concerts, Disneyland, camping trips, and travel.

It was after the children were out of school that Craig and Jane pursued their interests in the Arts and collecting antiques. Their enjoyment of collecting led them to starting their own small business “Craig and Jane’s Collectibles”. Their business involved traveling and doing antique shows in many different locations. The days spent at these shows with other antique dealers and friends brought a great deal of enjoyment in their retirement years. They spent 19 years traveling from show to show.

It was only in the last seven years that Craig fought a courageous battle against cancer, always trying to stay strong and positive for his family. He will be eternally missed and forever in our hearts.

Craig is survived by his wife Jane, his son Justin Torlucci, grandson Vincent Torlucci of Lodi, California, his daughter Cara and son-in-law Gary Felix of Chandler, Arizona, sister ReAnne and brother-in-law Doug Freeman of Concord, California and their daughters Kristie, Kerie, and Kimberly.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Torlucci family.