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Janette Arnold
1934 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Sep. 11, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home - McHenry Chapel
Send FlowersJanette Arnold Obituary
August 23, 1934 - August 30, 2025
Modesto, California - Janette Robinson was born to Kermit and Thelma Robinson in Merced, CA. She grew up in Snelling and attended Merced High School. She married Grant Arnold in 1952, when her life began as a loving wife and mother. They had 3 children, Grant, Vanette and Kim. Janette enjoyed camping at Silver Lake, golfing, water and snow skiing and cooking, but family was always her priority. After losing her husband in 1992 she spent time with many friends and family. She met a Merced High classmate, and her new life began. Max (Clyde) Sterling and Janette loved traveling to her cabin in Pioneer where she sponsored many golf events at Mace Meadows. They loved traveling to Mexico, Hawaii, and Costa Rica, always appreciating the sunsets and tropical rain. They danced beautifully together during the last 23 years. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with dementia. She will now join her loved ones that have gone before her including her parents, brothers, sister, husband, son and grandson.
Janette is survived by her daughters Vanette Arnold (George Shimel), Kim McCarthy (Jeff), Sheila Arnold (Mike Graven), stepdaughter Starr Donati. She was grandmother to Jason, deceased (Amy) Arnold, Bryan (Shauna) Arnold, Grant (Marisela) Arnold, James (Elise) McCarthy, Kevin (Madeline) McCarthy, Vanette (Eric) Cates, Mark Shimel, Steven Shimel, Todd (Jennifer) Donati, Chaz Donati, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Viewing/Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5-7pm at Franklin and Downs, 1050 McHenry, Modesto, CA. Graveside burial will be on September 12, 2025, at Snelling Cemetery in Snelling, CA at 11am, reception will follow at the Snelling Community Hall.
In lieu of flowers her family has requested donations in Janette Arnold's memory to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or Performance Advantage Baseball or your own favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Janette Arnold
Sep
11
Funeral services provided by:
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
Memories and Condolences
for Janette Arnold
Sponsored by ModestoBee.com.
4 Entries
Ken Ulm
5 hours ago
I will always have fond memories of Janette who was a very kind friend. My condolences to the family. May you rest in peace.
John Cosentino
Yesterday
The Cosentino family wishes to extend our most sincere condolences to the Arnold family along with thanks for many years of friendship. Jeanette and Grant were such great people, and both will be remembered for many years for the things they did for us and so many others. The July lake trips in Snelling spraying huge rooster tails water skiing, catching trout in the canal, and eating so much walking seemed impossible. Vanette, Kim, Jeff, and all other family members, so sorry for your loss, take comfort knowing they both are together with each other and the kids enjoying the better dimension with the lord. So fortunate to have grown up knowing all of the family and thankful for all the kindness and friendship shared together, much love to all.
Debbie Heckendorf
Yesterday
Janette will remain forever in my heart and my memories...she was truly a special lady and wonderful role model!
Carol Varni
September 5, 2025
Janette was a gem! I enjoyed our many faun long gab sessions at the dental office! Very sorry to all her family for her loss and for her years of dementia.
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