Carol DeMaria Donati Hertle

1931 - 2025

Carol DeMaria Donati Hertle

September 5, 1931 - February 6, 2025

Modesto, California - Carol DeMaria Donati Hertle, the daughter of John Donati and Margarite DeMaria Donati, born September 5, 1931, in San Francisco CA, raised in North Beach and passed peacefully in Modesto on February 6, 2025, at the age of 93.

Carol attended Sacred Heart High School and The Hamlin's School, a private girls' school with a Graduating class of 26 girls in San Francisco. She attended UC Davis, where she met and married John L. Hertle on September 15, 1951, and raised four children together. Their son, John W Hertle (Mary Ellen Young-Hertle), and they have one daughter, Alexandra Donati Young. Their daughter Joanne Hertle Larsen (Leonard Larsen) resides in Georgia. Together they have two daughters. Jennifer DeMaria Larsen (Ben Essman). Erica Larsen Carter (James Carter Jr). Daughter Carol Hertle Hess (Jeff Mahan) resides in Sedona, AZ. They have a son and a daughter, Stacie Archer and Phil Kampouris. Daughter Karlene Hertle Bert (Thomas Reese Bert), together they have three boys: Thomas Reese Bert II, Patrick John Bert, who is married to Dana Bert, and Theodore Paul Bert (Tracy Bert).

Affectionately known as "Grandma Hertle" to all, Carol's greatest joy in the past 15 years has been watching her great-grandchildren grow and blossom. These lucky grandchildren often had their great-grandmother sitting at the sidelines watching rodeos, horse shows, soccer, baseball, volleyball, track, and basketball games. Grandma Carol also got to travel with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her 11 great-grandchildren include Allysa Boyd, Thomas Reese Bert III, Avery Bert, Reese Bert, Zoey Bert, Ian Bert, Reid Bert, Addison Carter, Brynn Carter, Katie Archer, and Joshua Sanchez.

Carol loved being a mom, living in the country, being a farmer, and operating a Dairy with her husband, John, for 33 years. She infused her love of horses into her granddaughters and great-granddaughters. She was a tireless fan of Rodeos and horse shows, attending every event she could to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete.

Once she became an empty nester, Carol wrote a fictional historical novel based on the true stories of her Italian heritage (TOUCHSTONE). Her children helped get the book published 40 years after it was written. Carol is also a gifted painter. Carol raised her children to be college-educated and active members of the community. She was proud of her service to various non-profits and community organizations, especially 4-H and FFA, and politically active in agriculture and water. New Melones Dam would never have been built without her efforts. She talks fondly about attending Ronald Reagan's Presidential Inauguration and a Super Bowl with Joe Montana.

Carol loves to travel and has been to at least 30 countries. Her last big trip was to Africa the year she turned 90.

Memorial Service Details** Mom's special request is for all cowboys to wear their Cowboy hats...

Services:

Saturday, March 1st, at 10:00 a.m., Salida Congregational Church, 4825 Broadway Ave, Salida, CA.

Reception to be held afterward:

Verona's, Cucina Italiana (McHenry Village). 12 p.m. 4 p.m., 1700 McHenry Ave #46., Modesto, CA 95350.

Memorial Donations: The family requests donations to Hope Haven West and/or Modesto Kiwanis Foundation in leu of flowers.