Cherokee Memorial Services & Obituaries — Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home

14165 Beckman Road • Lodi, CA 95240 • Call Us (209) 334-9613

James Scmidt Jr.

January 4, 1954-January 31, 2023

James passed unexpectedly into life eternal with his Lord and Saviour on January 31, 2023.

James was a lifelong resident of Stockton, California. He retired from Tracy Defense Depot. He was a member of the Stockton Eagles Lodge. He was a dedicated fan of the Oakland Raiders. He loved Lake Tahoe, camping and playing dominoes.

James is survived by his loving and devoted sister, Jane Shields (and brother-in-law Gordon Shields), nephew Nathan Shields, niece Megan Shields, grand-nephew William Shields, and grand-niece Kaliyan Shields. He was preceded by his father, James W. Schmidt, Sr., and mother Eleanor Jane Schmidt.

Services;

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00am in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park,14165 Beckman Rd,, Lodi, CA. A reception will follow at 11:30 at the Lodi Eagles Lodge, 217 E. Lockeford St., Lodi, CA.

Violetta Howard

December 27, 1937 - January 30, 2023

How do you condense the library of one's life into a single paragraph? The dash between the dates over flows with love, laughter, sorrow, and even the mundane. Vi's life began two days after Christmas and carried that spirit of generosity and beauty throughout her life.

Violetta Mae Kacalek was born December 27, 1937, in North Dakota to Victor and Jewel Kacalek. She shared her childhood with siblings Victor, Delores, Arthur, and David. The family move from Arkansas to settle in California where she graduated from Azusa Pacific College. There she met her future husband Wesley Howard and married in 1958.

She was an elementary school teacher until the babies came: Gregory and Diana. She dedicated her life and motherhood in raising her children. The family moved from Pomona to Orangevale to Fair Oaks then to Linden, their permanent home. Wes and Vi opened their hearts and home to adopt twin sisters Fay and Ann.

Vi's talent as a painter and artist brought her into the art world of California. She managed art fairs and events in Sacramento and Stockton malls, and ran an art gallery in Linden where she taught painting.

She and Wes were involved with Stockton Covenant Church. She served as secretary for many years. They opened their home and cabin retreat for fellowship and respite to many.

In later years Vi volunteered with the Assistance League of Stockton and supported Wounded Warrior Project, Salvation Army of Lodi, Environmental Defense Fund, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Koman Foundation, and Assistance for Ukraine. To continue her work, she wished family and friends to send support to any of these charities in memorial.

Her other interests were gardening, reading, ancestral research, meals with family and friends, and celebrations with her grandchildren. Vi decorated her home for each holiday, especially Christmas throughout the year. “Christmas isn't just one day, it's a frame of mind.”

Violetta is survived by her son Gregory (Heidi), son-in-law Steven Reinhardt (Paula), and seven grandchildren: Bo, Britta (Steven), and Brennan Howard, and Markus, Anastasia (Alex), Sophia, and Peter Reindhardt.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Howard family.

Lung Thi Truong

October 20, 1940 - January 27, 2023

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 8:30am to 9:00am on Sunday, February 19th 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 9:00am on Sunday, February 19th 2023 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 Truong family.

Irene Zuniga

July 31, 1931 - January 22, 2023

SERVICE
A memorial service will be held at 11:00pm on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

A graveside will be held the following week at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 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 Zuniga family.

Najieh Aboudi

May 7, 1935 - January 21, 2023

Najieh Khoury-Aboudi loving mother and grandmother age 87, of Lodi passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Najieh was born on May 5th, 1935 in Ein Areek, Palestine a devout Catholic from the Holy Land. She was the widow of Issa Mousa Aboudi, at a young age raising three sons as a single mother.

Immigrating to America in 1980, she worked as a seamstress at El Rancho Inn in Millbrae, CA until her retirement.

She is survived by her 3 sons Mark, Antone, William and 7 grandchildren Gavin, Aileen, Christina, Mary, Matthew, Khalil and Tina.

Her smile and laugh will forever stay in our hearts until we see her again.

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 2:00pm - 7:00pm on Sunday, February 5th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
Services will take place on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:00 am at Saint Michael Catholic Church located at 5882 North Ashley Ln in Stockton, CA 95215.



Helen L. Drullard

August 14, 1928 - January 15, 2023

Helen L. Drullard was born August 14, 1928 to Frank J. and Tressa Lapcik in Stockton, CA, immigrants from Czechoslovakia. She peacefully passed away January 15, 2023. She attended Montezuma School through the eighth grade, (skipping the fourth grade). In the fall of her freshman year she attended Stockton High School. The following January of 1941 Edison High opened their doors to freshman and sophomore Stockton High students who wanted to voluntarily attend Edison. Helen attended Edison for two years, studied journalism and was editor for the school newspaper. Returning to Stockton High to graduate she also worked on their school newspaper and her senior year she was editor of the yearbook. During her high school years she worked part time at Smith & Lang. Upon graduating from high school she was employed by Brown Brothers Adjusters, and then by Eichelberger-Hobin Co. In 1947 Helen graduated from Stockton Jr. College.

Helen met Dan C. Drullard at an Armistice dance and married June 5, 1949, and were married for 69 years. After starting a family she later attended the University of the Pacific, graduating in 1965. Helen earned a teacher's credential and began her 22 year career as a second grade teacher at Waverly Elementary school. For two years Helen served as President for the California Teachers Association.

Helen was extremely artistic and her talents crossed multi medium arts: playing piano, crafting, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, cooking, and canning. Her skills were phenomenal. She participated succesfully in craft shows for many years. Her children proudly reaped the benefits of her talents. Helen was always willing to share her knowledge and advice when someone needed help. 

Throughout the years she belonged to several clubs and societies: Young Homemakers, Haute Couture, Czech Society, San Joaquin County Historical Museum. 

Helen was proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage and traveled twice to the Czech Republic to see her relatives and tour the country. 

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Drullard, Ann Lindsey, Jay Drullard and Gaye Solari, grandchildren Nicole (Marc) Weiss, Ani (Wayne) Stedman, Ryan (Sabrina) Barger, Jackie Lindsey, Kari (Evan) Shelman, Shawn (Noreen) Drullard and Michael (Amber) Solari and 10 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by husband Dan C. Drullard and parents Frank and Tressa Lapcik.

Helen loved life, was a wonderful person, wife, mother and friend.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to San Joaquin County Historical Museum, PO Box 30, Lodi, CA 95241.

SERVICES:

Funeral services will be held on Thursday January 26, 2023 at 10:00am in the Vineyard Chapel, 14165 Beckman Rd in Cherokee Memorial Park, in Lodi California.

Jose Rubalcaba, Jr.

April 1, 1934 - January 18, 2023

Jose M Rubalcaba Jr  passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at his home in Stockton, California surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Gloria Rubalcaba, daughter Bernadette Casillas (Arthur), son Joey Rubalcaba (Sandra) and daughter Margo Lozano. Jose had five grandchildren; Alexandria Casillas, Arthur Casillas Jr, Matthew Casillas, Dylan Lozano and Ryan Lozano as well as two great grandchildren Amias and Araya Casillas.

Jose had a long life and worked as a forklift driver for Sierra  Lumber Company and retired after 37 years. He was most known for being the best bartender “Ruba” at the VFW Post 52 in the Stockton Civic Auditorium where he volunteered for 44 years. Jose also coached little league baseball and served his community as  a soccer coach for many years. He took his team the “Earthquakes” to the state championship. Jose will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. 

Funeral services will be held at Cherokee Memorial.   At this time the family asks for privacy as they grieve and heal together. Services will be private per family request

Stephen Giovannoni


Stephen Wayne Giovannoni, 73, of Valley Springs, California passed away on January 17, 2023 after being hospitalized for a couple of weeks. Stephen was born on August 6, 1949 in Stockton, California. After Stephen graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in 1968, he enlisted and served in the United States Air Force. After being Honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and started working for the United States Post Office which he retired from in 2008 after 30 years. He has a combined 40 years of service to his Federal Government. He graduated with an A.A. from Delta college.

In High School, Stephen met Deborah J. Giovannoni. They were married October 25, 1969. They have been married for 53 years. Stephen and Deborah went on to have 3 children, Eileen Randolph, Stephen Giovannoni Jr. and Elizabeth Smith. He was also Father in-law to Garrette Randolph, Nikki Giovannoni, Joe Smith. He also was a grandfather to his grandchildren that he absolutely adored Jamie Smith, Tyler Smith, Calista Randolph and Garrette Randolph Jr. 

Throughout his life he had many hobbies and interests such as golfing, bowling, fishing and hunting. He also loved his favorite football team the 49ers. Stephen followed every game they ever played. 

Most of all he loved his family. Spending time with them. 

Stephen was born and raised in Stockton, California but has lived a few other places as well such as Alaska and the Central Coast of California( Arroyo Grande, Ca) he moved to Valley Springs, Ca and has lived here that last 5 years until his death. 

Stephen is survived by his wife, Deborah Giovannoni, his children Eileen Randolph(Garrette Randolph), Stephen Giovannoni(Nikki Giovannoni), Elizabeth Smith(Joe Smith. His grandchildren Jamie Smith, Tyler Smith, Calista Randolph and Garrette Randolph Jr. He is also survived by his brother in-law Charles Lehmann and his wife Denise Lehmann and their children. He is also survived by his brother in-law Jim Hoffman and his children. Stephen is also survived by many friends throughout his life. 

May Stephen rest in peace and his legacy live on through his children and grandchildren. 

SERVICES:

Services will be held at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi, Ca on January 30, 2023 at 1:00. 

Stephen was an eye, bone, and tissue donor In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Donor Network West https://www.classy.org/give/325401/#!/donation/checkout



Grace Armstrong

October 26, 1946 – January 17, 2023

Grace Armstrong passed away peacefully in Stockton, California on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was 76 years old.

She was a resident of Stockton for over 58 years.  She attended San Joaquin Delta College.

Grace was the beloved wife of over 45 years to her soulmate Robert Armstrong of Stockton; the loving mother of Priscilla Louie of Boston, Massachusetts; caring stepmother of Pamela (Dwayne) Wilkinson, Wade (Denise) Armstrong, Melinda (Roger) Keener, and Darcie (Vincent) Garcia, all of Stockton; dedicated sister to Frank (Kwai Fun) Lam of Stockton, Sam (Frances) Lam of Stockton, John (Susan) Lam of Elk Grove.  She was a doting aunt, great-aunt, and grandmother to many.

A retiree of Hormel Foods, where she worked for over 36 years with a perfect attendance record, Grace won many company accolades, including numerous Employee of the Month Awards and two Hall of Fame Awards. Grace enjoyed gardening, especially in her backyard where she had magnificent trees of pomegranates, tangerines, oranges, lemons, limons, and so much more. 

Grace was known for her warmth and hospitality.  There was a feeling of welcome to be enjoyed at her home.  She was a thoughtful and kind person who was frequently relied on by her loved ones in time of need.   She liked photography, dim sum, international cuisine, tai chi, and traveling around the world, especially cruises where she made lifelong friends.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  A great cook, Grace loved hosting dinners, parties, and holiday get-togethers. 

For all of us who loved Grace, a bright light has gone out in our lives.  This enchanting and caring lady will be missed by many.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents and a younger brother Yuk Wing Lam.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Grace’s memory to the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Health Sciences Development, 4900 Broadway, Suite 1150, Sacramento, CA 95820.

SERVICES:

Family and friends are welcome to the viewing between 4:00PM and 7:00PM on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240. 

The memorial service will be on Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 1pm to 3:00pm at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240

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
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Mausoleums Daily
8:00 am - 4:30 pm


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Monday - Friday
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Weekends by Appointment
*Staff available 24/7
for immediate need