All Tributes - Escalon & Ripon, CA

Arlene “Attje” Visser, passed away on January 20 at Community Hospice of San Joaquin and is now at peace with her Lord.  Arlene was born to Klaas and Hendrikje (Hellinga) Joekema in Drachten, Freisland in the Netherlands.  She was the last surviving sibling of six children, Frank, Sam, Louie, Tina and Heike. She married John “Jan” Visser and immigrated to the U.S. in 1954 where they settled in Riverside, California.  In 1961, the family (which included...

Virginia Batterton peacefully passed away at the age of 71, January 20, 2020 in Hughson, CA. Virginia was born April 16, 1948 to Hardy and Grace Taylor in Fresno, CA and was one of 5 siblings. Virginia enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She was a great cook and enjoyed making meals for her family who she loved dearly. But most of all, she loved doing hair. She became an Instructor for Adrian’s Beauty College where she was able to teach and share her passion with others. Virginia is...

Elsie Lea Ehling peacefully passed away January 20, 2020 at the age of 78. She was born May 26, 1941 to Bennie and Evelyn Jude in Robinette, West Virginia; she was one of eight siblings. Our mother grew up quite poor, in a large coal mining family. Her mother, our grandmother, who was at times a school teacher and co-owner operator of a boarding home for coal miners, instilled a drive for lifelong learning, goal achievement, and valuing a career outside of the home during a time where women...

          Francis “Frank” Paul Petraitis passed away peacefully on January 19, 2020 in Modesto at the age of 70. Frank was born on October 13, 1949 in Troy, New York to parents Edward and Mary Lourdes Petraitis. Frank has been a Ripon resident for the past 21 years. After graduation in New York, Frank enlisted in the US Marines where he served stateside during the Vietnam War. After being discharged from the military, Frank attended...

Thelma Jean Chitwood passed away peacefully on January 17th in Modesto at the age of 88.  Jean was born on December 10, 1931 in Winchester, Tennessee to parents Ed and Hazel Majors.  Jean is a long time resident of Ripon. Jean was a member for many years of the Women’s Federated Club, she also was a bridge master and belonged to a bridge club for several years.  She was a lifelong Methodist and a dedicated teacher for over 40 years.  Jean enjoyed traveling,...

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at home after a lengthy illness.  Born in Tracy, CA to Adolph and Katharine Beeler, immigrants of Switzerland.  At 2 years old the family moved to the Escalon location on the corner of Hwy 120 and (the now named) Beeler Rd to start the family dairy.  At a Swiss Club wrestling event in Portland, he met Susanna Holenstein in 1946.  It was a match made in heaven.  They married 9/9/1950 in...