Gladys Alta Blake

Gladys "Alta" Blake (Lozier), 94, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning 2025 in Merced California.

She was born in Peasleeville, NY the fifth of eleven children. The family lived the "good life" on a farm where they grew their own fruits and vegetables. They enjoyed making home made bread, butter, cream and ice cream from cows milk. They worked hard, had their struggles but always had plenty of food on the table and love to go around.

After graduating from high school she worked at a local Cafe where she was introduced to the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Blake. They were married shortly after meeting and shared their lives together for 56 years. While he served in the U.S. Air Force, they traveled thousands of miles to different duty stations across America and Europe. They raised a family of five and made lifetime friends along the way. After 29 years, they retired in Winton CA in December 1976.

Alta loved her retired life where she spent her days being a good home maker, crocheting, sewing, taking care of her yard, playing euchre and spending time with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Blake and eldest son Robert Patrick Blake. Parents Margaret and Albert Lozier. Brothers Gerald, Art and Gordon Lozier. Sisters Doris Darrah, Marie Merchant, Norma Brown, Helen Smith and Bette Burl.

She is survived by her children Beverly (John) Lukas, Joanne Blake, Kevin (Nancy Henika) Blake and Karen (David Gwara. Eleven grandsons, a granddaughter and 19 great-grandchildren. Her sisters Laura Harrison and Muriel Elliot and dozens of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, 1290 Winton Way, in Atwater, Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Burial where she will be laid to eternal rest with her beloved Robert will be at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA, Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10 a.m.