Aleta Kathleen Bauer

Aleta Kathleen Bauer was born on August 10, 1952 in Merced, California. She passed away at 63 years old at her home in Snelling, California surrounded by loving family and dear friends. She had two brothers, Ryan and Chester Broddrick, and one sister, Carol Wolfe. She was preceded in death by her parents Loris and Gloria (Anderson) Broddrick, uncles Arley and La Vonne Broddrick and aunt Ann (Broddrick) Klinger.

Aleta attended elementary and middle schools in Merced, moving with her family to Los Banos, California in 1966, and graduated from Los Banos High School in 1970. She received an A.A. in Art at Merced Community College in 1972, and a B.A in Art History at CSU Fresno in 1976. Aleta continued her pursuit of education at CSU Stanislaus in educational instruction, and obtained clear credentials in Multi-Subject Elementary Instruction, Secondary Single Subject Art Instruction, and Community College Art. Beginning in the early 1980’s, she taught Ceramic Arts at Merced College as an adjunct instructor for more than 30 years. In 1995 she began her full-time teaching career at Hopeton Elementary in the 1st and 3rd grades. In 1998 she moved to Atwater High School as an art instructor, and served as division chair. She retired from teaching duties in 2011. She was a committed and excellent teacher, and never tired in her desire to improve the lives of her students.

While attending Merced College, Aleta met Robert Bauer, and they married on June 2, 1973, a marriage that would endure until her death. Following their college years, they bought a ranch in Snelling in partnership with Robert’s father Charles. In 1979 she gave birth to son Aaron, and in 1984 to Tyler. The daughter of a large and extended family, Aleta was throughout her life a devoted mother and homemaker. She was never more happy when surrounded by family and friends, and her home became the natural setting for countless gatherings, parties and dinners. A wonderful cook, someone extra was always at her table and she would have it no other way.

Aleta loved and enjoyed life. She was a superb ceramic artist. She had the highest knowledge of clay and glazings as a media for art. Her creations adorned her home as both art and functional ware. She attended and held numerous workshops and firings, and received many awards at peer-reviewed competitions. She had a special love of the high Sierra’s and a great joy was Yosemite where she hiked, drew and finally climbed Half Dome in 2014. Aleta kayaked from Washington State to Southern California, the Pacific Ocean and countless streams, lakes and rivers near her home. She traveled on a month long trip up the Al-Can Highway to Alaska with her father, aunt and uncle; to Glacier Park and the northwest with her sons; to England, France and Italy on many occasions; and on a final trip through the natural history wonders of Utah. A long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church in Merced, she loved her church family; served as coordinator for greeters; and was a Deaconess-Elect for the upcoming year. Though stricken early in her adult life with cancer, Aleta never bowed to it. With caring doctors and indomitable will her fight to outlast her illness continued until the end of her life. Even then, Aleta had the final victory, secure in her faith of salvation and redemption though Jesus Christ.

Aleta is survived by her husband Robert, sons Aaron (Laura) and Tyler (Alyssa), grandchildren Eldin, Annaleigh, and Barrett; brothers Ryan (Patrica) and Chester; sister Carol; aunt Rita (Tony) Kidd; in-laws Charles and Shirley Bauer; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Central Presbyterian Church in Merced, California on April 19th, 2016 at 11:00 AM.