Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1934
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
Gertrude Lopes Obituary
Gertrude Marie Lopes, 91 of Crows Landing, passed away on February 22, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, California.
Mrs. Lopes was born August 10, 1934, on the home ranch on Highway 33 in Gustine, California. After graduating from Gustine High School, Class of 1952, she attended Modesto Jr. College for 1 year before she started working in the office for Borden’s Creamery in Gustine. Gertie and Lloyd L. Lopes first met as partners in the wedding of Manuel and Betty Sebastian. They met again at the Sebastians’ 1-year anniversary and started dating in 1957. They married on July 27, 1958, at the Mission San Juan Bautista and resided on the Lopes family farm in Crows Landing, California. In August 1959 daughter Audrey was born followed by daughter Susan in October 1963.
In 1970, Lloyd and his brothers-in-law started Mello Trucking Company where Gertie and her sisters-in-law conducted the daily bookkeeping operations. Gertie also did the bookkeeping for the family farm. She was an avid sports fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. She became a San Francisco Giants fan through her sons-in-law and grandsons. She enjoyed playing cards, Pedro being her favorite card game. Gertie and Lloyd were members of the Gustine Senior Citizens Club and traveled with the group.
Gertie is survived by daughters, Audrey (Don) Dermond and Susan (John) Bussard; grandsons, Brent (Nicole) Bussard and Brad (fiancé Taylor Porter) Bussard; sister, Roseanne Souza. She was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd L. Lopes; parents, Antone L. and Josephine Mello; brothers, Antone L. Mello II, and James L. Mello.
A combined Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, March 16, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Patterson, followed by Interment at Hills Ferry Cemetery in Newman.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org or the Father James V. Connor’s Endowment Trust Fund, P.O. Box 1174, Patterson, CA 95363
Memories and Condolences
for Gertrude Lopes
5 Entries
Julie Martino
March 17, 2026
My deepest sympathy to Audrey & Don, Susan & John, Brent & Brad, and Gertie's entire family and friends. I had the pleasure to spend time with Gertie in the past 6 months, attending Brent's wedding with her and taking her to appts. I'm so grateful for the time spent with her, for our conversations and our laughs. Thanks, Gertie, for allowing me to be your "adopted daughter." I will miss you.
Stacy McDonald
March 8, 2026
My beautiful Gertie, may you rest in peace and walk with God free of all your pain. As I have been very blessed to have met you in my life. Sending my condolences to your girls as they are strong like their Mamma. Gertie has touched so many hearts and I am blessed to say she has touched my heart as well. You will forever be missed Gertie and always in my heart ❤
Oliva Mena Talavera
March 7, 2026
Gertie,
I thank you all the way to heaven for having known you and for living on your ranch for so many years.
Please tell Lloyd that he is always remembered.
My deepest condolences to your daughters during these sad days.
A mother's love is NEVER FORGOTTEN, but God sends HIs peace to all.
I will always remember you with admiration for your long life and for facing it with such an enormous strength.
A big hug towards heaven with love,
Oliva Mena Talavera
Fabiola (Fabs) Mena-Garcia Lopez
March 6, 2026
My dear Gertie tears roll down as I think of you and close my eyes to remember seeing your vehicle driving into the ranch to hand us the Newman Mattos Newspaper cut-outs of us kids being students of the month from Bonita Elementary School.
My family and I resided at your Crows Landing Ranch since Nov.22,1987. First in the little house then we transitioned into the two story house. It was a mansion after renting the little house for some years!
It was a blessing for us to have had such wonderful Landlords as Lloyd and you were. So many fond-treasure memories that will forever stay in our hearts.
Through out the years my family members slowly started moving out and I remained at the Ranch until March 27, 2023.
Thirty six years of joyful conversations and laughters which still make me hear your voice, laugh and see your facial expressions. Thirty six years of loving that Ranch just as much as you did and taking care of it since your loved for it was dearly! It was a complete heartache leaving you behind when I had to say farewell.
There is two occasions that stand out from all the wonderful memories I have of you in my heart.
One, when I drove you to one of your medical appointments which you said; "you're going to be my niece so you can go in with me." and we laughed.... the other when I cooked for you chicken soup and then you said to me; "Thank you, it was good- a lot like the one I make except the potatoes. You leave them a whole like Audrey does, I cut mine into pieces." And we laughed again.....
You will forever be in my life as an inspiration to continue this earthly journey no matter what comes my way. Your strength, courageous, positiveliness and loving care are just a few of your numerous gifts I experience from you....
The Ranch will miss you. Your house will miss you. I will miss you. But I know your light will continue shining on.
Before, I knew you were across an Almond Orchard and a phone call away, now I know you are with your beloved sweetheart Lloyd next to our Lord and Savior and forever in my heart.
With much L♡VE, Fabs & Daniel
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Laura Torres
March 4, 2026
Our heart is broken but we know you are rejoicing with the Lord and your sweetheart Lloyd. You were more than our landlords and words can’t express our deep felt gratitude we will forever hold in our hearts for all the kindness and support you gave to us since residing at your ranch. There’s so much I want to share but I just shared what’s on my heart with you in prayer Gertie. I pray good tenants care for the barns and homes as their own because we know how much all those meant to you and Lloyd!
Forever in our hearts.
Laura, Hugo, lil Hugo and Alan
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Gertrude Lopes's name
Memorial Events
for Gertrude Lopes
Funeral services provided by:
Hillview Funeral Chapels - Patterson450 W Las Palmas Avenue, Patterson, CA 95363