Arletta Mae Perry

Arletta Mae Perry, age 88, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022 in Kerman, Ca. Arletta was born December 16, 1933 to the late John Ralston Gaffery and Stella Ann Hand, in Modesto, Ca. Arletta was an avid reader and had many artistic talents, including dressmaking, painting, knitting, and cake decorating.

On January 3, 1953 Arletta married Joe Perry in Kerman, Ca. They went on to have three children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Arletta cherished her relationships with her family and friends. There was always room for one or five more at Arletta’s table. She welcomed all with an offer of coffee and sweets, and gladly opened her home to those that needed a place to stay. When she wasn’t at home, she could be found on lunch dates with friends or winning big at the nickel slots at Table Mountain. Arletta was always on the move. She loved taking road trips with Joe, and traveling with her siblings and best friends.

As a longtime member of the Kerman community, Arletta shared her passion for reading and love of learning as the librarian for Kerman Floyd Elementary School and Kerman Junior High School. Arletta was a proud parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church for nearly 70 years. She was active with the youth camp, a member of the Altar Society, and was especially honored to volunteer with the RCIA program. Arletta was also a member of U.P.P.E.C. Fraternal Benefit Society, participating in charitable campaigns and in the life of the Portuguese community in California.

Arletta is survived by her children Patricia (Tom), Nancy (Ronnie), and Joe “Jody” (Cindy); her grandchildren Warren (Jungim), Carissa (Daniel), Mandy (Dave), Sarah (Joe), Joseph, Jordan, Jonah, and Joshua; her great-grandchildren Cooper, Teah, Samantha, and Liza; and her siblings Clara, Frances, and Don. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe, her grandson Bill, her sister Arzella, her brothers Richard and Jackie, and her parents.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, June 14 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kerman on Wednesday, June 15 at 10:00 am, followed by interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Fresno. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Bill Quaid Memorial Scholarship Fund, 41913 Auberry Rd, Auberry, CA 93602.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Perry family.