Elva Oletha Weinrich Rexford

REXFORD, Elva Oletha Weinrich -January 4, 1920 - September 2, 2007. Elva Oletha Rexford was born January 4, 1920 in Rochester, Minnesota and passed away peacefully September 2, 2007 in Merced, California at the age of 87 years at home with all her surviving children by her side. Elva married Ray E. Rexford January 18, 1941 and continued living in the Rochester area prior to moving to Merced, California in 1956. What a courageous adventure it was with eight children and a dog with all the possessions they owned in (1) car (a Kaiser)! In 1962 the family moved to the Santa Rosa area where they resided until Ray's retirement. They eventually settled back in Merced and continued to visit their children and spend warm winters in Yuma, Arizona. After Ray's death in 1998, Elva continued wintering in Yuma. Elva loved traveling which they did extensively across the U.S. and Canada after Ray retired in 1981. She especially enjoyed the beauty of Alaska! Elva's hobbies were traveling, fishing, crafts of all kinds and winning at Bingo! And what a great cook-especially her BREAD!! Elva treasured and looked forward to times when all of the family could get together. Yes- even after having nine children! Elva was preceded in death by her husband; son, Ted Rexford; granddaughter, Terri May Rexford; her parents; two sisters; one brother and two infant siblings. Elva is survived by eight of her children and their families: Sharon McSwain and husband Russell of Merced, Sue Doyel of Bakersfield, Ray Rexford Jr. and wife Joanie of Bakersfield, Sandra Rogers and husband Larry of Grand Junction, CO, Candace Wrzesinski and husband Leonard of Pasadena, MD, Bob Rexford of Winton, Mike Rexford and wife Ruth of Kelseyville, Debbie Coleman of Colorado Springs, CO; 16 grand children, 36 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, two brothers and many wonderful friends. "Rest in Peace Mom - We Love You!!!" Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hinds Hospice P.O. Box 763 Merced, CA 95341 or American Cancer Society 301 West 18th Street Merced, Ca 95340 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of STRATFORD EVANS MERCED FUNERAL HOME.