Vinita Shinn

Vinita Mae Coulter Shinn went home to Heaven on Sunday, July 27th, 2025 at the age of 92. She lived a life full of family and love. She was born in Ventura, California and lived in Taft, California until she was 14. She moved to Ketchikan, Alaska with her family for her junior year in high school and then moved back to Ventura for her senior year and graduated from Ventura Junior College. It was at this time she and her family moved back to Ketchikan, Alaska. She met and married Jay Robert "Bob" Shinn from Lodi, who was stationed in Ketchikan with the U.S. Coast Guard. They moved to Lodi in 1963 to continue the family farming tradition.
Vinita earned her teaching credential from California State University, Sacramento in 1972. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a teacher in the Lodi Unified School District, where she positively impacted countless students' lives until her retirement in 1995. She loved golfing with her husband, Bob. She also enjoyed meeting with her knitting group, her PEO sisters, and her retired teacher friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. She had a special love for animals, especially her poodle pups.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, in 1990. She is survived by her son, Larry Shinn (Lisa), Joe Shinn (Betsy), Karen Williams (John), nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends who will miss her warmth, compassion, and gentle spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 23rd at 2:00 pm at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lodi. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support a scholarship in Vinita's memory.
Please mail contributions to PEO Chapter IM, c/o Tess Wright, 366 Shady Acres Dr., Lodi, CA 95242.
Vinita's kind heart and enduring love will forever remain in the memories of those whose lives she touched.