Barbara Jo Eleshio

Barbara Jo Eleshio, 65, of Gustine, passed away Sept. 8.

Mrs. Eleshio was a native of Carmel. She lived in Gustine for 10 years.

She was a homemaker and a loving mother, as well as a school bus driver for 20 years who had a passion for the special needs students she transported.

Mrs. Eleshio belonged to the Harvest Community Church of Crows Landing, was a 4-H leader for 20 years and belonged to the National Cattle Women’s Association. She was an accomplished horse woman, avidly enjoyed fishing and loved riding ATVs in the sand dunes and traveling.

Mrs. Eleshio is survived by her husband, Albert Eleshio of Gustine; two sons, Joseph Eleshio of Santa Ana and Antone Eleshio of Gustine; a sister, Claudette De Fiori of Southern California; and four grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Simply Grace Fellowship Church, Gustine.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, in the Castroville Public Cemetery, Moss Landing.

Hillview Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be directed to: City of Hope, 1066 Wilshire Blvd., No. 1200, Los Angeles 90017.

Kenneth Leonard Caton, 49, of Newman passed away Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. Kenny was born in Newman, CA to Joe and Mary Caton where he was a lifelong resident.

Kenny was a parishioner at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Newman. He graduated from Orestimba High School in 1982. During his four years there he was active in FFA and sports. He showed dairy cows and beef cattle. He played football and earned many awards including Most Valuable Lineman and was part of the three time league championship team. As a baseball player, he hit a grand slam in the final inning of the championship game clinching the league title.

After high school, Kenny attended Modesto Junior College where he was a member of the dairy judging team. Kenny was always involved with the dairy  and hay business. He owned and operated a hay squeeze service. He worked hard all his life and enjoyed collecting and restoring antique equipment and spending time with his family.

Mr. Caton is survived by his companion, Rebecca Saavedra of Newman and her daughters Jena Marquez and Kara Harris; parents, Joe and Mary Caton both of Newman; brothers, Joe (Mary) Caton of Ceres, Robert (Nancy) Caton of Newman and sister, Marie (Norman) Beach of Newman.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday September 18th followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Newman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 19th at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Newman. Interment to follow at Hills Ferry  Cemetery.

Donations may be made to: TOSCA, PO Box 18, Newman, CA 95360 or St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, 1121 Main St. Newman, CA 95360.

Eva Jeanette Fantazia of Newman passed away Sept. 16.

She was 76.

Mrs. Fantazia was a native of Waterford, and a 55-year resident of Newman.

Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 23, from 5-7 p.m. at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, Newman, with a rosary to follow.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the church. Burial will be in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.

Antonio Gonzalez Gil of Crows Landing passed away Sept. 14.

He was 63.

Mr. Gil was a native of Zamora, Mexico, and a resident of Crows Landing for 40 years. He worked as a ranch foreman at Del Mar Farms for more than 30 years.

Mr. Gil enjoyed soccer and basketball, and loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Elena Gil of Crows Landing; a son, Alberto Gil of Stockton; six daughters, Guadalupe Peel and Silvia Gil, both of Washington state, Anna Tapia and Adriana Gil, both of Crows Landing, Gabriela Gil of Modesto and Cristina Ramirez of Newman; five sisters, Rita Gil of Washington state, Carmen Lopez, Bertha Gil and Victoria Alvarez, all of Newman, and Ana Escatel of Empire; and nine grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. today (Thursday) at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, Newman, with a rosary to follow. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the church.

Interment will follow in Hills Ferry Cemetery.

Hillview Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Adele Jan-elle Rossie-Long of Belmont passed away Sept. 15 at 73 years of age.

Mrs. Rossie-Long was a native of Gustine.

She lived in Stockton for many years before moving to Belmont four years ago.

Mrs. Rossie-Long was a member of the American Association of University Women and Alpha-Phi of San Jose State.

She is survived by a daughter, Gretchen Long-Lehmann of San Diego; two brothers, Richard Rossie of Alaska and Fred Lavey of Rancho Mirage; four sisters, Yvonne Sorensen of Turlock, Sharron Wolfe of Newman, Janice Murchinson of Tracy and Patricia Conner of Rocklin; and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 5-7 p.m. at Hillview Funeral Chapel, Gustine.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine.

Interment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Stevinson.

Jose Cardenas Rosette, 82, of Newman, passed away Sept. 12.

Mr. Rosette was a native of Mexico. He resided in Newman for 65 years.

He worked as a farm laborer for 40 years.

Mr. Rosette was a parishioner at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by a son, Martin Rosette of Texas; four daughters, Lupe Barnwell of Los Banos, Connie Rosette of Modesto and Lena Rosette and Frances Rosette, both of Newman; two brothers, Augustin Rosette of Patterson and Alvero Rosette of Mexico; a sister in Mexico; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Hillview Funeral Chapel, Newman. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. in Hills Ferry Cemetery.

JoAnn Wood of Newman passed away Oct. 13 at 82 years of age.

Mrs. Wood was born in Howe, Okla., and had lived in Newman for 70 years.

She was a graduate of Orestimba High School.

Mrs. Wood was a homemaker.

Mrs. Wood is survived by her sons, John Wood of Newman and Ronald Wood of Merced; a daughter, Elizabeth Lynn D’Anna of Newman; a brother, Harold Jeremiah of Kyburz; two sisters, Melba McCullum of Placerville and Denzel Wroten of Modesto; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence “Doug” Wood, in 2010.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at the Orestimba Presbyterian Church in Newman.

Interment will be at a later date in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella.

Hillview Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be directed to: Hospice of Emanuel Medical Center, 825 Delbon Ave., Turlock 95382.

Sherri Perriera

Sherri Lynette Perriera, 45, of Gustine passed away Oct. 9.

Ms. Perriera was born in Merced. She was a resident of Gustine for 10 years.

She was an air traffic controller for six years, and enjoyed dancing and interior decorating.

She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Margaret Perriera of Gustine; a sister, Shannon Perriera of Antioch; two nephews and one niece.

Family will receive friends at Ms. Perriera’s home, 19 West Ave., Gustine, from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

Hillview Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be directed to: Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto 95356; or: Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles, 370 Linden Ave., Gustine 95322.

James W. “Bill” Hunter of Lovelock, Nev., passed away Oct. 12 at 98 years of age.

Mr. Hunter was a graduate of Orestimba Union High School.

Please see notice at side for obituary details.

Norma L. Rodgers, of Turlock, passed away Nov. 2. She was 81.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held Friday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m. at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N.  Soderquist Road, Turlock.

Turlock Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.

Manuel Menezes

Manuel George Menezes of Newman passed away Oct. 16 at 90 years of age.

Mr. Menezes lived in the Newman-Gustine area most of his life. He worked as a truck driver for over 20 years, and after selling his milk-hauling business in the late 1950s turned his trucks into hay haulers. He eventually worked for Western Milk Transport and Kings County Trucking.

Mr. Menezes was a proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He served in France, Germany and the peaceful occupation of Japan. He was a 50-year member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and belonged to the American Legion.

Mr. Menezes was a founding member of the Newman Moose Lodge. He was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and held a Pilgrim Degree, the highest honor the organization bestows on a member. He was also a member of Native Sons of the Golden West.

Mr. Menezes loved camping and hiking in Yosemite National Park, and took his last trek to see the falls at age 87. In his later years he enjoyed fishing, gardening and visiting with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Menezes of Newman; three children; Carolyn (Bob) Mattos of Ceres, Kathleen (Steve) LePre of Newman and George (Belinda) Menezes of Los Banos; two step-daughters, Sharleen Rhoades of Turlock and Melodi Blanton of Nevada; a brother, Jack Menezes of Gustine; four sisters, Mary Louise Swanson of Turlock, Rose Fontes and Vang Castro, both of Gustine, and Laverne Rensch of Redwood City; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Burial was held Monday in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.

Maria Mendez

Maria Louisa Mendez, 53, of Newman, passed away Oct. 29.

Ms. Mendez was a native of Patterson. She lived in Newman for 44 years. She worked as a sorter at Pacific Tomato Growers for 13 years, and was her father’s caregiver for six years.

She enjoyed crocheting baby blankets, and was her family historian.

Ms. Mendez is survived by her son, Adiel Angel Mendez of Newman; a brother, Jose Arnulfo Mendez Jr. of Modesto; four sisters, Maria Elena Garcia of Stockton, Rosa Lopez and Adela Rayon, both of Newman; and Carolina Martinez of Patterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnulfo and Amalia Mendez; and a brother, Jesus Mendez.

A mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday. Interment was in Hills Ferry Cemetery.

Hillview Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Phillip Gehman

Phillip L. Gehman of Patterson passed away Nov. 1.

He was 78.

Mr. Gehman was born in Boise, Idaho. He was a resident of Patterson for 38 years, and previously resided in Gustine.

Mr. Gehman was a mechanical technician for more than 32 years, working in military research for Aerojet General, at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and for Shell Oil Development.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

He loved boating and science fiction, and was an avid painter.

Mr. Gehman is survived by his wife, Mary E. Gehman of Patterson; a son, David Gehman of Petaluma; a daughter, Linda Linan of Patterson; and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 8, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Hillview Funeral Chapel, Gustine.

Graveside services with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella.

Harold Dutra

Harold William Dutra, 88, of Gustine passed away Nov. 9.

Mr. Dutra was a native of Eureka. He lived in Gustine for 70 years.

He was a sanitation engineer for the city of Gustine for 17 years.

Mr. Dutra was a parishioner at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles. He was a member of the Our Lady of Miracles Society, the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America and the Gustine Seniors.

He enjoyed gardening and playing Bingo, and was a fan of the San Francisco Giants.

Mr. Dutra is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Dutra of Gustine; a daughter, Earlene Dutra of Patterson; four step-sons, Bill Mendonca and Gary Mendonca, both of Gustine, David Mendonca of Pioneer and Michael Mendonca of Janesville; three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Daralyn Almeida.

Visitation was held Wednesday, followed by a rosary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles.

A second visitation will be held today (Thursday) at 9 a.m. at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10. Interment will be in Hills Ferry Cemetery.

Hillview Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be directed to: Our Lady of Miracles Education Fund, 370 Linden Ave., Gustine 95322.

Lucille Duarte

Lucille May Duarte of Newman passed away Nov. 6 at 57 years of age.

Mrs. Duarte was born in Patterson, and lived in Newman for 55 years.

She was a homemaker, and enjoyed visiting with family and friends.

Mrs. Duarte was a parishioner at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. She belonged to the Young Ladies Institute, was a member of the Newman Fire Department Auxiliary and taught catechism classes.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Duarte Jr. of Newman; a son, Tommy Duarte of Newman; two daughters, Angela Baker of Newman and Michelle Inouye of Turlock; four sisters, RoseMarie Souza of El Cajon and Carol Silva, Vivian Sequeira and Cathy Sequeira, all of Newman; and nine grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Sequeira Jr., and a sister, Marjorie Sequeira.

A mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday. Interment was in Hills Ferry Cemetery.

Hillview Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be directed to: Newman Volunteer Fire Department, 1162 N. St., Newman 95360; or: Catechism Program, c/o St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, 1121 Main St., Newman 95360.

Beverly Joan Christensen of Newman passed away Oct. 25 at 71 years of age.

Mrs. Christensen was born and raised in Hawthorne.

She married Gerald Christensen Sr., and the couple had four sons.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Crows Landing Ward.

Mrs. Christensen worked at Safeway for 10 years.

She lived her final years in Newman, where she was near many good friends.

Mrs. Christensen is survived by her sons, Gerald Jr., Richard, Troy and Trent; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. in Hills Ferry Cemetery.

Lena Salles

Lena T. Salles of Gustine passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, at 93 years of age.

Mrs. Salles was born to Frank M. Baptista and Mary Mendes and raised in Tulare. She lived in Gustine most of her life.

She married Anthony Salles in 1941, and was a homemaker.

Mrs. Salles was an accomplished cook whose lemon meringue and apple pies were relished by her family. She also enjoyed reading and working word puzzles, and she loved crafts and sewing.

She was a gifted seamstress who occasionally helped her sister, the late Mary Nunes, sew capes for the festa queens.

She was a parishioner at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine. Mrs. Salles was a member of the Brotherhood of St. Anthony, the Supreme Council of SPRSI and Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (formerly Supreme Council of SES).

She is survived by two daughters, Gerry (Xavier) Rodriguez of Turlock and Cindy (Michael) Mutoza of Newman; a sister, Carmina Fernandes of Soquel; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Mrs. Salles was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Anthony Salles, and a sister, Mary Nunes of Crows Landing.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Nov. 19, followed by a rosary at Hillview Funeral Chapel in Gustine. A mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles. Interment was in Hills Ferry Cemetery.

Remembrances may be directed to: Alzheimer’s Aid Society of Northern California, 2641 Cottage Way,  No. 4, Sacramento 95825, or: Our Lady of Miracles School Memorial Fund, 370 Linden Ave., Gustine 95322.

Gary Lee Rieger, 66, of Gustine passed away Friday, Nov. 15.

Mr. Rieger was born in Mobridge, S.D., and had lived in Gustine for two years.

He was a truck driver for 40 years.

Mr. Rieger was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newman.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, working on old cars, fishing, writing music and playing the guitar.

Mr. Rieger is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Rieger of Gustine; a son, Ronnie Harrison of Illinois; three daughters, Valerie Hernandez of Galt, Crystal Rieger of Roseville and Misty Mehl of Lodi; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be today (Thursday) from 5-7 p.m. at Hillview Funeral Chapel, Newman.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at First Baptist Church in Newman.

Interment will follow in Hills Ferry Cemetery, Newman.

Remembrances may be directed to: Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto 95356-9259.

Estela Medrano de Garcia of Newman passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, at 56 years of age.

Mrs. Medrano de Garcia was born in Moyahua, Zacatecas, Mexico. She lived in Newman for 31 years.

She was was a homemaker.

Mrs. Medrano de Garcia was a parishioner at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, and a member of the Asociacion Guadalupana of Newman.

She loved spending time at the ocean and with her family, and enjoyed gardening.

Mrs. Medrano de Garcia is survived by her husband, Miguel Garcia of Newman; her mother, Maria Ramirez of Mexico; four daughters, Elizabeth Lopez, Gisel Garcia and Rosalinda “Rosy” Flores, all of Newman, and Natali Garcia of Grayson; three brothers, seven sisters and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Seferino Medrano.

Visitation was held Wednesday from 5-7 at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, with a rosary following.

A mass of Christian burial will be held today (Thursday) at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church.

Interment is private

Hillview Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Crows Landing native Georgina C. Melo of Turlock passed away Nov. 18. She was 89.

She was valedictorian of the Orestimba High Class of 1942, and went on to a career in nursing.

Her wide variety of interests ranged from history and painting to reading and gardening.

Please see notice below for complete obituary details.