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Alma Meath Obituary
Stockton, CA
April 21, 1915 - May 7, 2006
Alma Meath, 91, of Stockton, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2006 in Stockton. She was born April 21, 1915 in Lehr, ND. Alma's parents came to the United States from Russia as children and settled in North Dakota to farm. Alma told of how she loved to work with the horses and help with the harvest. She was a loving mother and was always hard-working and full of energy. This trait is evident in the generations that have followed her example. Grandma was known for her talent in the kitchen. Nothing was better than her homemade cookies and fudge at Christmas time. She was most happy with her fishing pole in the water and her sun hat on her head. In grandma's declining years her memory was challenged due to Alzheimer's, but the love and pride she felt for her family was evident in every visit. She will be missed, but her spirit will live on in our hearts and memories. She was preceded in death by parents, Margaretha and Adam Mack; husband, Everett Meath; husband, Robert Cronk; siblings, Ewalt Mack, William Mack and Art Mack and daughter, Patricia Smith. Alma was survived by siblings, Walter Mack, Art Mack and Viola Loth; children, Edward Cronk, Barbara Petzoldt, Sandra Wells, Billie Gumm and John Cronk as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Thank you to the staff at Beverly Manor for being her angels in her last years.
Services will be private. Private committal at Lodi Memorial Cemetery, 5750 E. Pine St., Lodi. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Rocha's Mortuary, 215 S. School St., Lodi.
This obituary was originally published in the Stockton Record.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Deborah Ramirez
August 6, 2025
Hi Grandma..... I can´t believe it´s been 19 years since you got your angel wings. The family keeps growing and you have more beautiful great great grandchildren. Mom and Dad have now joined you. We miss you all very much and you are always just a memory away. I can still hear your voice and feel your loving hugs. Just attaching a current picture of the kids. Give mom and dad a hug for us and love to everyone we miss . Love you beyond this life
Kitty Selvog
May 4, 2024
Love you Mom, miss you.
Deborah Ramirez
December 29, 2010
Your light still shines through all of us that have loving memories of you in our heart.
Debbie Ramirez
December 29, 2010
Hi Grandma,
I can't beleive it has almost been 5 years since you left us. The kids are all grown and doing well. Melissa is getting married next year and we will miss you but know that you will be with us in spirit and memory. Kaitlyn celebrated her 4th Christmas and Shaun is back home to California. Chris and Rosie are doing wonderful and Brianna has her first boyfriend. I miss you at Christmas most when you would have your stool at the kitchen counter nibbling on chips and dip and have a little glass of wine. I think of you often and I'm grateful for all of the life lessons that you tought me growing up. I hope that we make you all proud as we go along our journey. I love you with all my Heart!!! Deb
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Kyra Smith
May 13, 2007
Grandma Meath Happy Mother's Day I can not believe it is already a year since you left us. Just know you are missed each and every day. Love always your Grand Daughter in law Kyra
Lisa Mize
April 6, 2007
Just thinking about you
Kyra Smith
December 8, 2006
Hi Grandma Meath I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and I hope you and Jesus are having a good time together? Are you making him his cookies and fudge. We all miss you so very much and one day we will be together again. Spread your wings and fly high Grandma. Love you always.
Kyra Smith
June 28, 2006
Well Grandma Meath, I thought I would write to tell you that your great granddaughter Ashley graduated from High School a few weeks ago. you would be proud of her, she will be 18 on July 2nd and will be heading off to college soon. she has turned out to be one beautiful woman. Tarra will be Graduating this coming school year and will be 17 years old on August 29th, my how times fly it only seems like yesterday they were just born and now I have two gorgeous young ladies. I wish you all the best I know you are sitting with Jesus and making him cookies and fudge. one day I will see you and Pat and Grandma Mack again. With all my love. Love always Jeff's Wife Kyra
cynthia ashby
June 9, 2006
Good Morning Grandma, I am waiting for a couple of pictures I have found to be put on disc so I can get them to hear, I am missing you so much and can not wait till you visit me in my dreams. Prayers and love Cynthia Ashby Smith
Deborah Ramirez
June 5, 2006
Good Morning Grandma,
Just a note to say Thank You for visiting me in my dreams. I had been waiting for you to stop by and you finally did. I remember dreaming of Grandma Mack hugging me soon after she had gone and it was one of those dreams that you really felt, so I was hoping it wouldn't take long for the same kind of dream of you and it didn't. Sundays aren't the same without your hugs and kisses!
Missing you and thinking of you!
Love, Deb
Jessica Weeks
May 28, 2006
My mom and me have so many memories of the family in california and she does not always say it but misses them all the time. We are strong christians here and believe great grandma is with the angels no doubt and we will miss her alot. In our prayers Jessica Lea Weeks Smith Ashby (daughter of Cynthia Ann Smith Ashby)
Jessica Weeks Smith Ashby
May 28, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
cynthia ashby
May 28, 2006
Grandma we have so many memories together and seeing you the last time meant so much to me because it is when we both lost something very important, my mother, in my heart and in my dreams forever, family can only go forward if you allow it.
I will always love and miss you in my prayers. Cynthia Ann Smith Ashby
Ron, Cynthia and Alianna our granddaughter
Cynthia Ashby
May 28, 2006
I am the daughter of Patricia Ann Cronk Smith, and Alma was my grandmother, I am sorry my entry was not sooner but I did not find out till this am. My grandmother was a great person she did many things that a grandmother might not do but most of all was her promise to her kids and grandkids to always be there and remember to love one another. I will miss her so much as I remember all the good times and share those with my daughter and 2 granddaughters. In God's name
Mama and Me
Sandra Wells
May 26, 2006
Good Morning MaMa,
I thought I would write to you to let you know that I go to Beverly Manor every Tuesday. Monalita misses you and the nurses miss your hand shaking and seeing you strut your stuff fast down the hall to ask them for something (you know what I mean). Everyone their asks how I'm doing and I tell them I'm fine. I know where you are and when I talk to them about you, I get a very warm feeling inside of my heart. I know you are letting me know that you are OK and that you are with me all the time. Jose sends his love and I make sure to see him each time I go. I gave him a large picture of you that he put on his wall. He always tells me "I love mama so much"! I had coffee with Val and her side kick last Tuesday. She sure misses you. She asked me if you ever told me about kicking Jimmy out of your bed when you found him laying on it. She said you whopped him all the way out of your room. She laughs when she remembers it. Of course her memory is alot like yours used to be, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. We went to put your ashes in your own private nitch as they call it last Friday May 19, 2006. I kissed the box your ashes were in to say goodbye to the house God gave you to live in while you were here with us. I miss you very much,but I am glad that he took you so fast after seeing you after the first stroke. I would pray all the time for him to please take you fast. I asked for him to have you stop breathing as I sat next your bed in the hospital so that you would not have to stay that way for however long you would still be with us. Then the second stroke came and in 2-3 days my prayers were answered and he stopped you from suffering. If it was the praying, I want to Thank God for listening to my prayers and taking you so fast. I will write yo again with a very warm and loving heart.
Love you mama, Sandra (Ironing day today)
Mom & Us
Barbara (Kitty) Petzoldt
May 25, 2006
Mom & Us 1951 & 1988
Remebering the good times we had together.
I believe in Angels
John Cronk
May 24, 2006
This picture is the last one taken of mom, it was Easter Sunday. It shows mom kissing the photo of the newest addition to the family, her great great grand-daughter Kaitlyn. She was looking forward to holding her. I love you mom
Rene' and Joe Baxter
May 21, 2006
To Kitty, Johnny and Sandra: Thank you for having Joe and I at your family gathering on Sunday, Mother's Day. With all my cousins I felt like I was with my family too, and celebrating my Aunt Alma's wonderful life that she gave us. She was very blessed to have such wonderful, caring children to take care of her during the sunset years of her life. I love you all, Rene' and Joe
Rene' Baxter
May 21, 2006
When my mom passed away Aunt Alma made me feel so loved when she came to visit, I didn't want her to leave, I wanted her to take her place. I remember her and my dad having so many laughs as she dried the dishes and my dad always washed. I remember the good times we had in River Pines with Johnny and Aunt Alma. When Aunt Alma came by bus to visit us, she always brought us gum and smiles and it was a treat when she visited. She would always tell me she loved me...I love her too, and may she rest in peace now. Love, Rene'
Tarra Smith
May 20, 2006
Grandma Meath, I will always keep a special place in my heart for you! I know we didn't get to talk as much as we both would have wanted to but you still taught me a few things. I will miss you so much! I'll always love you.
-Tarra
Sara Renee Baldwin
May 19, 2006
I never got to meet Alma, but I know her son John very well and consider him a great friend. All I can say is I feel as though I missed out on knowing the amazing woman she must have been to have raised such a wonderful and good hearted son, whom I feel blessed to know. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. love, the Baldwins
ashley smith
May 19, 2006
hey grandma meath.i dont really have that many memories w/ you.but i will always remember your passion for life and the ability to do anything.you were so full of energy and i loved that about you.i wish i could look up at the stadium and see your face when i graduate but i know you will always be right beside me forever.i love you so much grandma meath.your loving great grand daughter ashley.
Gone Fishing
John Cronk
May 19, 2006
A note from mom: Gone fishing johnny, dinner is on the table, see you when I get home. Love you
Kyra Smith
May 19, 2006
Grandma Meath I will never forget when you and pat came to our house for the super bowl one year and we had crab and you,Pat,Jeff,Ashley and Tarra all sat around the coffee table and was eating the crab withe the butter. I sat in amazement at how tiny you were but you sure could put away the crab. Thank you for letting me be apart of your family and thank you for always making me feel like a grand daughter thanks for the cookies and fudge. I sure know where Jeff gets his baking talents from you grandma. you will always be in our hearts we love and miss you. Thanks for the memories.
BECKY CRONK, CRADDOCK
May 18, 2006
I HAVENT SEEN GRAMMA FOR A LONG LONG TIME, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER HOME MADE CHOCLATE PIES, I AM 42 NOW IT HAS BEEN PROBABLY 25 YEARS SINCE I HAVE SEEN HER,MY DAD ED CRONK HAS SENT ME PICTURES OF HER THROUGH OUT THESE YEARS, SO I HAVE THEM TO LOOK BACK ON I WILL MISS YOU LOTS.
Jeff Smith
May 18, 2006
I Love you with all My Heart Grandma, & I will Miss you more than you know. You Strength will Live in me, and in each Generation of this Family. You will always be in my Heart & I will think of you often. I love you & I will miss you.
Jeff
John Tiquet
May 18, 2006
Way back when I was in the sixth grade, one of my favorite memories while spending time in River Pines with my friend John and his mom Alma, is when she cooked a big pan of enchiladas for dinner. I had never had enchiladas before and these tasted fabulous, so good, I am still raving about them forty one years later, I think I ate half the pan myself in one setting. Alma's house in River Pines was always spotlessly clean! No easy task with all us boys running through it. It was also amusing to witness her make Johnny do his chores when he didn't want to. (Also no easy task as you might guess!!!) She was a strong woman, a good mom, and a great cook! Her strength will live on for many generations within her family
Billie Gumm
May 18, 2006
Mom you are always with me,I miss you so so much. Love you Billie
Sarah Saldate
May 17, 2006
John,
I was deeply saddened to here of your Mom's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers and daily thoughts.
With Love,
Sarah
Nyree and Steve Coyle/Madru
May 17, 2006
The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
JULIE KATZ
May 17, 2006
GRANDMA MEATH WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU. AARON,JULIE,JOSH,JERICA,JULIA AND JENNIFER
Jim & Ruth Ann Mize
May 17, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
GRANDMA IS SO BEAUTIFULL
May 15, 2006
LISA MIZE
May 15, 2006
GRANDMA MEATH, I LOVE YOU...THINKING OF YOU OFTEN..
Teresa Michelle Alma Duarte (daughter of Billie Gumm)
May 15, 2006
I loved Grandma Meath alot.
From all the stories shes told over the years, Grandma Meath was a very plucky gal. i will always remember one Christmas(We have this on video) when she had just woke up and was going down the hall we all had said " Merry Christmas," and she said,"Whats so great about it."
We had the biggest laugh it was so funny (she was fun like that). She was an easy person to have fun with. Growing up as a child(under 7) I thought grandma was mean. Not knowing then that she was training up her grandchildren fot the years to come. So as i got older i loved being around her ( i guess the training worked). She was a very cool woman! She was a straight forward woman i loved that about her. She will be greatly missed and is greatly loved. Grandma you made the best fudge and chocolate chip cookies ever!! Make some for Jesus and save some for Me!!
I love You!
Savonne Duarte
May 15, 2006
A Poem to Great Grandma Meath
YEARS...
written by savonne sierra duarte
age:15
years have come and gone
days have passed
but you have always remain the same in the love,and kindness..
years have come and gone..
hours have left..
but you would always talk to us no matter what..
you would always have something to say..or something to talk about and share..
years have come and gone
weeks have flew by..
but your love still reminds us of the time you took out of your day to bake cookies or just sit and chat with someone..
Years have come and gone..
minutes have disappeared..
now im old and gray and i have grandchildren all of my own..
and i will tell them the story of
their Great Great Great Grandma Meath and how her love and kindness still remains...
Winnie Mack
May 12, 2006
Things I remember about my Aunt Alma. Her great laugh. Her sense of humor. Her great love for her family. Her love for this country. Her love of life. Her being there if you needed to talk. Her independent spirit. I love you Aunt Alma and I'll be looking for you when I get there. Winnie
Waiting for the wine.
John Cronk
May 12, 2006
Christmas 04 Mom's favorite spot at Deb's. love you mom john
ICE CREAM
John Cronk
May 11, 2006
Here's a picture of mom on Easter Sunday, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes. Love you mom john
John Cronk
May 11, 2006
Mom when I smell your chocolate chip cookies I'll know I will be with you soon.Love you your favorite john
Barbara (Kitty) Petzoldt
May 11, 2006
Mom loved many unconditionlly and she was loved by many.
The gospel song she spoke of being a favorite of hers was In The Garden. I feel at this time she is walking with Him and talking with Him and He is telling her she is His own. Thanks be to God from whom all blessing flow.
Mom is at peace for that we are all thankful.
Great-Great Grandaughter Kaitlyn Ramirez
May 11, 2006
Great Great Grandma Meath, I'm not old enough to talk yet, but I want you to know that I'm glad you were able to see pictures of me before you went to heaven. I think that the angels who brought me here stayed around after I was born so that you could get to heavan faster. Daddy will tell me stories about you when I am old enough to understand what a wonderful Great-Great Grandma I had.
Love, Kaitlyn Veronica Ramirez
Born April 11, 2006
Truman Petzoldt
May 11, 2006
I remamber the times you were in Missouri, those where the good times on the farm and also in the mountains in Calif. You are beyond the mountains now..resting, in your new home.
Walter and Shirley (brother and niece) Mack and Guidera
May 11, 2006
I have very fond memories of Aunt Alma. Aunt Alma was a very strong person and loved all her children and grandchildren with a great passion. Every year I would receive a birthday card from her which was very special to me. Almost every week dad would call his sisters and brother. He is grieving in his own way. He says he calls Viola and Art and they grieve together. He said, "and now there are 3 left." He tells a story of Alma and Grandma Mack in North Dakota. Grandma and Alma were cleaning house and Alma was helping. Grandma would use the white glove test to make sure there was no leftover dust. Invariably Grandma would find some dust and Alma would clean it up, again. Also dad tells that Alma would rather work in the fields then the house. Dad said to say in this note, "I loved my sister and will miss her very much." I too love Aunt Alma very much.
Art and Jeannie Mack
May 11, 2006
This is a poem written by Jeannie Mack (Uncle Art's wife) and it was sent to Alma's Family:
It matters not when you see the plate and the empty chair.
The hurt and pain burdened in your heart with care.
The ones we've lost long ago, or only yesterday, remain locked up in our souls everyday.
We all long to meet them again one day.......When we set our table "One is Missing".
Sandra Wells
May 11, 2006
To my mom from her daughter Sandra. It hurt so bad to see what you had to go through in the past 10-15 years and not being able to help because of the Alzheimer's but we became great pals and I was so grateful that you never forgot who I was. The twice a week visits and the family functions and holidays will always be treasured in my memories. Lunch at McDonalds once in awhile and always a fish sandwich, fries and don't forget the soda. Bob Barker every Wednesday morning while sitting next to you on the bed will be missed. I am so very proud to be your daughter, and so very grateful that you instilled Love, Compassion and Caring into my life while growing up. I will miss yu but I'm happy God took you when he did so that the suffering is over, and you never forgot who I was. I will always Love You Mom. Love Sandra
PS Don't forget the Holiday, you will always be with us in spirit and we'll be thinking of you!
Valery Hasselbrink
May 11, 2006
Valery K. Hasselbrink. Daughter of Winona (Wendy) Mack. I haven't had much contact with Aunt Alma since I moved with my husband to Colorado, except Christmas cards. But I have many wonderful memories of Aunt Alma from many years ago. And my mother has been keeping up to date on what is happening with her family. I am so happy to see the pictures of Aunt Alma, thank you for that. Valery and family.
Shaun Ramirez
May 10, 2006
Grandma will be greatly missed. There are many fond memories like lunches at the Chicken Kitchen and The Hollywood Cafe on Sundays with Grandma Sandy and Grandma Mack...All my love, Shaun.
Mr and Mrs Stephen Ramirez
May 10, 2006
Grandma, We love you very much and know that you are home with our loving father and the angels. Your memories will be scattered throughout our journey and will continue to warm our hearts until we return home as well.
Deborah Ramirez
May 10, 2006
Grandma Meath was one of the people who taught me to love uncondtionally and to always find the positive out of life. In weekly visits over the last years she shared how much the love of a family sustains you no matter what circumstances you face. I will remember her long hugs and kisses goodbye as long as I live and continue to share those same hugs and kisses with my children and grandchildren. She is the bravest and most beautiful grandmother and great grandmother ever. I will miss her with all my heart!
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