Vada Wyline Derry

She moved to California with her family around 1944. She attended local schools and, along with her siblings, picked cotton in season. Being the second of seven children, she became the main caregiver for her younger siblings. On July 19, 1958 she married Raybert Derry. At that time, he was in the Air Force stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater California. He was transferred to Anchorage Alaska where their son, Kenny was born on August 6, 1960. They then moved back to Chowchilla where Vada was a homemaker and Ray was a truck driver. Being unable to have more children, they decided to adopt. They brought Tammie home at 3 days old after her birth on June 14, 1968. Around 1980 until around 1984, Vada worked at the Chowchilla Convalescent Home as a housekeeper. She quit so she could care for her ailing sister, Carol. After Carol’s death, she and Ray took in Carol’s youngest son Terry of whom they later adopted. Years later, they also adopted Terry’s daughter, Kaitlynn. Vada spent her entire life doing what she loved, raising and caring for children. Vada had a big heart and found true happiness doing things for and giving to others.

Vada is preceded in death by her father Wylie William “WW” McAbee, her mother Mozell McAbee, her husband Raybert “Ray” Derry, and her son Kennith “Kenny” Derry.

She is survived by her children: Tammie Shelton (and her husband James), Terry Derry, and Kaitlynn Derry and by her grandchildren: Justin Shelton, Carissa Shelton, Gavin Derry, Haven Derry, Payton Derry, and Braelynn Derry.

Please join Vada's family and friends at Palm Memorial Worden's for a potluck lunch after her service to celebrate Vada's life and legacy.

Funeral Arrangements are made by Yost and Webb Funeral Chapel, Fresno, California