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

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

Betty Hartwig

March 17, 1930 - September 28, 2021

Betty Joan Hartwig passed away at home on September 28, 2021, in Lodi at the age of 91. Betty was born on March 17, 1930 in Bonfield, Illinois to Sam and Ella White. Betty married Raymond Hartwig, Sr. in 1962, together they raised two children: Noreen Hartwig (Anagnos) and Raymond Hartwig Jr. and one granddaughter, Mickalya Hartwig. Betty was a housewife and after moving to Lodi she spent 11 years working at Gibraltar's Savings. She enjoyed collecting antiques and dolls. She enjoyed being a member of TOPS 1350 for many years and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Betty was preceded in death by her father and mother, Sam and Ella White, her husband Raymond Hartwig, Sr. Her two brothers, Roy White and Donald White of Illinois. She is survived by her daughter, Noreen, son, Raymond Jr. and granddaughter, Mickayla, and two special nieces, Carmen (Pete) Pease, West Virginia and Shelly Hoff, Texas. My brother and I would like to thank the ladies who assisted in caring for Betty during her last few months. It meant more to us than they will ever know. A Celebration of Life has been planned for Betty and will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Vineyard Chapel, Cherokee Memorial at 1:00 pm, 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday October 15, 2021 at at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The graveside service will follow at 2:00pm on Friday October 15, 2021 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 Hartwig family.

Alicia Hernandez

November 3, 1959 - September 27, 2021


Born November 3, 1959 in Jalpa, Zacatecas, Mexico. Passed away on September 27, 2021 in Fresno Community Hospital in Fresno, CA. Alicia F. Hernandez lived in Madera, CA for 12 years. She was Preceded in Death by Her Parents, Ruben and Alicia Hernandez and by Her 3 younger Brothers, Trinidad (Trino), Jose Maria, Anacleto (Leo). She is Survived by Her 2 Brothers, Ruben and Rodolfo & Her 2 Sisters, Martha & Estella.

She was a Loving Wife to Ramon Bernal. Cherished Mother to Her Daughter, Alicia Eugenia Flores and

Her (Son-In-law, Juan Manuel Flores) and Her Son, Ramon Bernal Jr. and Her Son, Roberto Bernal and Her (Daughter-in-law, Josie Luna) and Her Precious Grandchildren, Juan Manuel Jr., Julian, Jonathan, Jovan & Jazzlyn & Alicia & Angel Ray & Ramon Jr. III & Felix & to All Her Nephews & Nieces, whom She Loved.

Family and Friends are Welcome to Attend the Funeral Services. All the Funeral Services will be held at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240

VIEWING:

Friday, October 15th, 2021
4:00pm to 6:00pm

ROSARY:
6:00pm to 7 :00pm

MASS:
Saturday, October 16, 2021
10:00am to 11:00am

BURIAL:
11:00am to 12:00pm


Nació el 3 de Noviembre de 1959 en Jalpa, Zacatecas, México. Falleció el 27 de Septiembre de 2021 en Fresno Community Hospital en Fresno, CA. Alicia F. Hernandez vivió en Madera, CA durante 12 años. Le Precedieron en la muerte Sús Padres, Rubén y Alicia Hernández y Sús 3 Hermanos menores, Trinidad (Trino), José María, Anacleto (Leo). Le Sobreviven Sús 2 hermanos, Ruben y Rodolfo y Sús 2 Hermanas, Martha y Estella.

Ella era una Esposa Cariñosa de Ramon Bernal. Querida Madre de Sú Hija, Alicia Eugenia Flores y

Sú (Yerno, Juan Manuel Flores) y Sú Hijo, Ramon Bernal Jr. y Sú Hijo, Roberto Bernal y Sú (Nuera, Josie Luna) y Sús Preciosos Ñietos, Juan Manuel Jr., Julian, Jonathan, Jovan y Jazzlyn y Alicia y Angel Ray y Ramon Jr. III y Felix y a Todos Sús Sobrinos y Sobrinas, a quienes Ella Amaba.

Los Familiares y Amigos son Bienvenidos a asistir a los Servicios Funerarios. Todos los Servicios Funerarios serán Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240


VISITA:
Viernes, 15 de Octubre de 2021
4:00pm a 6:00pm

ROSARIO:
6:00pm a 7:00pm

MISA:
Sábado, 16 de Octubre de 2021
10:00am a 11:00am

ENTIERRO:

Sábado, 16 de Octubre de 2021
11:00am a 12:00pm

Jeffrey Kellar

January 17, 1968 - September 26, 2021

Jeffrey Robert Kellar went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, September 26, 2021 after a short illness.

Jeff was born on January 17, 1968 in Sonora, California to Maryann Cox-Martin and Robert Charles Kellar. They lived in Sonora until 1973, when they moved to Lodi and began to build their house near Lakewood School where Jeff attended. Jeff always shared such wonderful memories of all the kids that lived on his street and the neighboring ones as well. He kept himself busy with being in Boys Scouts and on the Lodi Swim Team for many years, riding his bike, playing sports and being an active part of the Temple Baptist (now GracePoint) children's group. His parents were both educators, so they traveled during the summer and Jeff often shared the many adventures the three of them had.

Jeff attended Woodbridge Middle School (now Millswood) and then Lodi High. During his years at Lodi High, Jeff was active on the soccer team and also participated in VICA, under the leadership of Ted Heinrich and John Larson. He traveled to England for the international competition and maintained friendships with his drafting leaders and mentors to this day. During his junior high and high school years he was very involved in the youth groups at Temple Baptist. It was here where he met his future wife, Karol. After graduating from Lodi High in 1986, Jeff joined the army. He was active in Bravo Company, 820th Engineer Battalion from 1986-1994. He always looked fondly upon his time in the army and his brothers feel his loss.

Jeff married Karol Springer Kellar on November 7, 1992 and have spent 29 wonderful years together. Although they dated in high school for a short time, they did not become serious until 1991. All that know them, knows that their love was one of kind and that they enjoyed spending time together. They welcomed their first son, Jonah on October 18, 1998 followed by the adoption of their second son on July 15, 2006 (June 12, 2006 birthday). Two years later they were blessed with fraternal twin daughters that joined their family on August 21, 2008 (April 11, 1999 birthday). What truly completed their family and gave Jeff the title he was most proud of was the birth of his first granddaughter, Leilani Lyn, on August 29, 2020. He proudly bore the title of Funpa..."like a regular grandpa, but funner!"

Jeff loved to go hunting, camping, riding his motorcycle (with and without Karol), cooking, sports (especially the SF Giants), traveling and most of all, time with his family. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lodi and had been a past member of the Men's Ministry, Deacon and Usher.
Jeff was preceded in death by two angel babies and his 3 sets of grandparents. He is survived by his loving wife, Karol; sons, Jonah and Kaleb; daughters, Jenny and Sarah; and granddaughter, Leilani. He also leaves behind his dad, Bob Kellar (Andrea); mom, Maryann Cox-Martin (Larry); 2 sisters, Kristine Kellar and Emily McCargar (Andy); 3 brothers, Eric Stannard (Laura), Mark Stannard (Christian), and Josh Martin; his bonus parents, Chuck and Jeri Springer; as well as, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life has been planned for Jeff and will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at First Baptist Church, 267 N. Mills Ave., Lodi, CA. 95242, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

Donations can be made to the Disabled Veterans in his honor. I know this would mean the world to him. A GoFundMe has been set up for the family under "Support for the Kellar Family".

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Kellar family.

Megan Nordell

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January 12, 1988 - September 26, 2021

Megan was one of the chosen Angels who passed away unexpectedly on September 26, 2021.  The night of her passing, Megan was found unresponsive in her home on the evening of September 26, 2021.

Megan was everyone’s “Sunshine”, Meg brought joy to her family and friends.  Meg’s kind spirit and warm heart were truly amazing.   

Megan was born in Lodi on January 12, 1988, to James and Lisa Nordell, and brother Jeffrey Nordell.  Nathaniel Nordell was born 13 years later.  Megan loved her family dearly.  The love she had for her family was shown daily.  Meg was an amazing sister to her brothers, Jeff and Nathan.  She was an amazing daughter to Jim and Lisa, always being concerned about “Mom and Dad”.

Megan graduated from Lodi High in 2006.  After High School, Megen went to college to become a Respiratory Therapist, a career she loved.  Megan advanced through her career as an RT, loved the ER, working trauma, anywhere there was action, Megan was in the middle.  Megan spent 10 years of her RT career at Mercy San Juan in Carmichael.  She loved Mercy San Juan.  After 10 years as an RT, Megan decided she wanted a new challenge.  Megan returned to school to become a Registered Nurse.  In April 2019, Megan graduated with her Bachelor of Science as a Registered Nurse.  Megan was “bound and determined” to get her first RN job in the ER, that girl made it happen!  You see, if Megan wanted something, nothing would stand in her way of achieving her goals.  Her first job as a RN was at Dameron Hospital in the ER in Stockton.  After one year, Megan transferred to the ICU at Dameron.  Megan’s dream was to work at Kaiser as an ER/ICU nurse.  In 2020, Megan was offered a position as a RN in the ER at Kaiser South Sac.  She was so excited to have met her goal.  Megan’s family are so very proud of the young woman Megan grew into.  Always helping others!  Megan loved being an RN and the friendships she made throughout the years.  I have been told by Megan’s hospital peers/friends, Megan would walk down the hallways at the hospitals and say to her peers and friends, “Hey Sister”. 

Megan had a love, passion, adventure for travel.  She was always planning her next adventure.  When Megan traveled, you can be assured, the itinerary was a mile long.  I used to ask her, when is it “Rest” time.  Megan would often say, we must see everything.  Megan’s travels included, Europe, Dominican Republic, Midwest, East Coast, Hawaii, Florida, and many other places.  Megan wanted to travel to Africa, to go on an African Safari. 

Megan had many loves in her life.  Her family, her partner, Justin Dargen, her kitties, Simba and Nala, her dear friends, and the holidays (she loved the holidays).  Megan’s love for Disney, Belle was her favorite princess.   Her love for anything sweet tasting, Crumbl Cookies, she would check the menu every Sunday for the new flavors for the week.  Shopping, Amazon was always delivering something.  Megan and her Mom Lisa would often have “Sushi Dates”, for the latest new roll.  She loved hanging out with her brothers, Jeff, and Nathan.  Family was so important to Megan.  Megan loved taking pictures, chatting up family stories about her mom and dad, and brothers.  Megan and her dad would take the snow mobiles to the family cabin in Arnold on the weekends.  Megan loved the weekends at the family cabin with her family! 

Megan is survived by her father and mother, Jim and Lisa Nordell, her brothers, Jeffrey and Nathaniel Nordell and many cousins.

Megan will forever be missed.  Her heart will never be forgotten, her smile, her laugh, her text’s, her phone calls, her soft skin, and her beautiful curly hair.  Megan’s family will always be missing, “Nordell Table for 5”.  Megan fly high with the Angels, sweet girl!  Love You More!

Visitation:

The Celebration of Life for Megan will be held on Tuesday Ocober 12, 2021 from 10:00am to 12:00pm in the Vineyard Chapel located at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 Beckman Rd. in Lodi, California.

Services:

Services will follow from 12:00 to 1:00pm.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nordell family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Linda Ferreira

December 24, 1948 - September 25, 2021

The Lord called Home one of His strongest Angels on September 25th, 2021. With profound sadness and hearts full of love we announce the passing of Linda (Gadow) Ferreira, most loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all whose lives she touched.

Diagnosed with an aggressive (cancerous) brain tumor in January, Linda battled her condition and recent complications with great strength. She faced adversary head on; surprising doctors with her tenacity. This strong, courageous, loving, caring, and compassionate woman has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be supremely missed by her husband of 50 years Richard, her daughter Michelle Ferreira, granddaughters' Jasmine Anaya and Madison Jayde Peters, great-granddaughter Alanii Renee Davis, and sister Carole Hogge of Roseburg, Oregon. Linda's mother Lora and father Claude Gadow greeted her with open arms at the gate of Heaven.

Linda loved spending time outdoors, especially in her last days. She would plant flowers with her daughter Michelle and her granddaughters. Then she would sit on the patio with her husband Rich and admire her yard, taking in the beauty of the pond and all the flowers, fountains, and yard art. Linda found peace in it just as she found peace that fateful morning the Lord sent His Angels to guide her Home. To say she will be missed is truly an understatement!

Although our hearts are heavy, they remain filled with Linda's unconditional love. We will celebrate her life and find comfort that she is in Heaven watching over us. Please join us!!

Come celebrate the life of such an amazing woman!

The Celebration of Life will be held:
October 17th 2021
12pm – 4pm
3824 E Woodbidge Rd
Acampo, CA 95220
If you cannot attend Please sign the guestbook @ lodinews.com/guestbook.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ferreira family.

Frances Weathington

January 04, 1939 - September 23, 2021

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday October 16, 2021 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

FOR BROADCAST ONLINE:

Frances Weathington Private Broadcast™ Funeral Service

October 16th 2021 at 12:45 PM PDT

Please use the two steps below to view the service:

Step 1

Write down or remember the Service PIN.

The PIN is: 351-715

Step 2

Open the webpage by clicking on : Frances Weathington Private Broadcast™

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The graveside service will be held at 1:15pm on Tuesday October 19, 2021 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located at 5810 Midway Road, Dixon CA, 95620.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Weathington family.

Virgil Lowe

September 25, 1943 - September 21, 2021

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Virgil Lowe, 77, was born in Paw Paw, Michigan on September 25, 1943. 

He passed away on 9/21/2021 in Stockton, California.

Virgil served for seven years in the US Navy including a tour on the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam war.  He retired after working for 30 years for the Stockton Police Department, but continued to work for the SPD doing background checks for new officers, and then served as assistant range-master and armorer half the SPD gun range.

Virgil was an excellent husband, father, grandfather, police officer, neighbor, and friend.

He will be missed.

He is preceded in death by parents Besa and Virgil Lowe,  siblings Bill, Joyce, Barbara, and Karen.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Ann Lowe, son Irving Handel, grandchildren Helena and Kenneth Handel.  Other family and friends include sister Peggy Jean Williams, Sandra Schneider, and many fellow Stockton Police Department officers.

SERVICES:

Private funeral services will be in the care of Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery, Harney Lane and Highway 99 in Lodi, California telephone number 209 334 9613.

Rhonda Castagna

December 07, 1965 - September 19, 2021

After a short illness, Rhonda Castagna passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

Please be assured and comforted that Rhonda’s last thoughts were bright and positive; and that her last moments were with her caring and loving husband, David, holding her hand.

Rhonda was born in Omaha Nebraska on December 7, 1965, and she spent some of her early childhood in the Nebraska/Iowa area. She had very fond memories of her midwest family. Especially, her beloved grandmother. And her beloved father, James (Jim) Mercer, who she called “Pops” and “Poppy”. And her very loving and caring stepmother, Cindy. As mature adults, Cindy and Rhonda developed a mother and daughter relationship that will endure forever. Rhonda went back to visit as often as she could.

As a girl, Rhonda came to California and graduated from Linden High School. Most of her life was spent in Stockton where she acquired many friends with her warm heart and kind spirit. A long-time employee of San Joaquin County Public Works, she often said that they were her second family. Those that knew Rhonda will miss her wry smile and the twinkle in her eyes. For those that really knew Rhonda, practical jokes, big laughs and honest sincerity will be missed.

Devoted animal lover, especially cats, Rhonda will always be remembered for the very large number of stray animals that she fostered and adopted to good homes. She was a devoted San Francisco 49er fan even during the bad years. Many years of RVing with David always started with Rhonda pronouncing “On to the next adventure” with one of the little dogs sitting on her lap. She also enjoyed live events such as festivals, music concerts, theater, and sporting events. But Rhonda also enjoyed the quiet and calm times in her life: sunsets at Maui, the wind moving through the trees at Lake Tahoe, and walking the foggy streets of San Francisco.

Family get-togethers were the constant and looked-forward-to events that really let Rhonda shine. The Fourth of July family celebrations and fireworks at the Mercer’s lake house in Iowa. The family holiday meals at home or at others’ homes with always way too much food and way too much laughing. At a casual glance, sometimes Rhonda might have come across as private or reserved. As an example, taking a picture of Rhonda was very difficult as she was constantly trying to move out of the picture or trying to hide behind David. But with family, Rhonda worked very hard to make sure everyone had the opportunity to see her true spirit.

Rhonda was predeceased by her mother, Carolyn Gallatin, and her father. Rhonda is survived by her husband, David Castagna, who was her mutually agreed upon best friend, life partner and soulmate. She is also survived by her stepmother, Cindy Mercer; her brothers Mike and Alan Mercer; her daughter, Nichole (Hubbard) Lamberti and family; her nephew, Andy Mercer; and her stepsons Luke (Cathy) Castagna, Dane Castagna, and Nick Castagna. Rhonda was the adoring “Noni” to Luke and Cathy’s children and Rhonda’s “grandbabies”, Sophia and Nathan.

For Rhonda’s family and friends left with Rhonda’s passing, she and David spoke often. Rhonda was clear. She understood the grief and mourning process. But Rhonda wanted everyone to focus on the healing process. She wanted everyone to move forward to the best of their ability. And take whatever time is needed and talk among yourselves. Ultimately, Rhonda made it easier for all of us. Rhonda’s life provided us with great moments, stories and memories.

For David, please don’t be offended if you say to him “I’m so sorry” and he replies, “Me too.” His response is not meant in any way to be casual or insensitive. He really means it and it pulls on his heart and soul a little each time. But don’t stop. Please also tell David about one of your great Rhonda memories.

VISITATION
A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home located at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.

SERVICE
A later graveside committal will be private and family-only.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Castagna family.

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Edwin Ricketts

October 17, 1938 - September 18, 2021

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Edwin Garland Ricketts, 82 of Stockton, Ca., passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021.  Born on October 17, 1938 in Yuma, Arizona. He served in the Army in Fort Sill Oklahoma.  He was a Plasterer Journeyman for over 40 years and a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and loved by all in his Congregation.   

He was preceded in death by his parents Ewing Young Ricketts and Thelma V. Ricketts and his beloved wife of 42 years Kay Frances Ricketts.  Loving Father of daughters Pamela (Christopher) Lozano, Tamie Maynard, and Eddie (Dana) Ricketts.  Loving Papa to Jeremy (Ashton) Ricketts, Nicole (Tony) Zimmerman, Alyssa (Stephan Jamora) Lozano, and Arianna Lozano.  Loving Great Papa to Jamie Ricketts, Ember Kay Sandor, Evan Ricketts, and a soon to arrive Santana Frances Zimmerman.

Also, survived siblings William Ricketts, Patricia Meadows, Don Ricketts and Mike Ricketts.  Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

He was a handsome man with a “big heart” and smile and wanted everyone around him to know how special they were.  He enjoyed being with family and that was very important to him.  He loved to sing in baritone voice and enjoyed telling jokes.  Was an avid sportsman and loved to fish, hunt and to watch a Raiders Football game.  During his last days he dreamt of one day being able to do that again.  Now he can fish in all the best lakes and with our mom.   All his nieces and nephews felt his unconditional love and they always knew they had a special place in his heart when he said, “I love you sweat-heart.”

SERVICES:
A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday October 1st, 2021 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 Ricketts 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
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


FUNERAL HOME OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Weekends by Appointment
*Staff available 24/7
for immediate need