Arline Agnes Baptist, 81 of Hughson CA passed away January 15th at Pacifica Memory Care in Modesto, after an extended dementia illness. She was born in Newman, CA on June 16, 1937 to Manuel and Mary Lemos. Arline attended Newman schools and graduated from Orestimba High School in 1955. Arline played basketball and field hockey for Orestimba. Arline had one sister, Bernice, who married Art Levasseur. Arline married Irv Baptist of Oakdale in 1959 and had two children, Judy and Gary. Arline spent many years as a preschool teacher primarily at Little Folks Nursery School in Hughson. Arline enjoyed seeing the children grow and working with owner Margaret Qualle and coworker Joyce Stark. Arline and Irv moved to a family farm on Keyes Road in 2000 and called Hughson their home. Arline was involved in the YLI group at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and attended church regularly. Arline enjoyed RV camping with Irv and various friends in their numerous camper clubs. Arline was a fierce card player (especially Pedro) and a skilled trout fisherperson. Arline loved her family and especially her four grandchildren. Arline enjoyed spending time on the phone visiting with many friends and family. Arline was a gracious host and would tell you it’s your fault if you leave hungry. Arline was a master at making Jello salads. After Irv passed away in 2014, Arline enjoyed living at Samaritan Village in Hughson with many local friends. She moved to Pacifica Memory Care in 2016 where she lived until her death. We would like to thank everyone at Pacifica and Community Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
Arline was preceded in death by her husband Irv, and Sister Bernice. Arline is survived by children Judy (Bill) Hudelson of Ripon and Gary (Nona) Baptist of Modesto; grandchildren Stephanie (Phil) Banuelos of Ripon, Michael (Erika) Hudelson of Hughson, Brandon (Marilyn) Baptist of Sonora, and Brett Baptist of Modesto.
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Visitation at Lakewood Memorial Park on Thursday, January 24 beginning at 4pm, with the Rosary at 6pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Friday, January 25 at 10am, followed by committal at Lakewood Memorial Park. Memorial donations in memory of Arline may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
