Photo courtesy of Hillview Funeral Chapels - Patterson
Patterson, California
Aug 10, 1934 – Feb 22, 2026
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
Read MoreMy 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.
Julie Martino
March 17, 2026 | Gustine, CA | Family
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 ❤
Stacy McDonald
March 08, 2026 | Turlock, CA | Friend
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
Oliva Mena Talavera
March 07, 2026 | Le Grand, CA | Friend
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...
Fabiola (Fabs) Mena-Garcia Lopez
March 06, 2026 | Fort Worth, TX | Friend
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...
Laura Torres
March 04, 2026 | Haltom City, TX | Friend