Claudia R. Nesmith

March 21, 1937 - February 15, 2026

Claudia R. Nesmith was born on March 21, 1937, in Madera, California, to Claude and Lorena R. Nelson. She graduated from Madera High School in 1955. Madera is also where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Nesmith. They married on June 27, 1958. Together, they have two daughters, Leslee and Loree, and son, Jeffrey.

Claudia worked for PG&E in Los Gatos, where she advanced in her career to the position of managerial secretary. In 1977, the family moved to South Lake Tahoe after taking ownership of a 7-Eleven store from Kenneth's retiring parents. Following two years in Tahoe, the family found their way back to Kerman, where Kenneth and Claudia have been living for the past 46 years. Claudia retired from Kerman Unified School District in 1999.

Claudia loved to read, garden, travel, share recipes, go on annual family trips to Pismo Beach, and cheer on her grandchildren at numerous sporting and school events. One of her favorite things to do was attending car shows with Kenneth and their '57 Chevrolet. Claudia was known for her quick whit and attention to detail, particularly when sharing stories about her travels and memories with friends and family.

Claudia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Nothing made Claudia more happy or proud than her family.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Lorena Nelson, and her sister, Jeannie Long. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Nesmith, son, Jeffrey Nesmith; daughters Leslee Nance and husband Steve, and Loree Etchison and partner Matt; grandchildren Michelle Kleinberg and husband Matt; Kenneth Nesmith II; Lauren Hrymack and husband Shawn; Erin Nance, Kendall Etchison, Braiden Etchison, and Britten Etchison; and great-grandchildren, Ella Kleinberg and Lainey Hrymack.