Bertha Virginia Clendenin

Virginia Clendenin was born on December 21, 1920 in Los Angeles, CA as the eldest child of Charles and Marjorie Sidebotham. Surrounded by family she passed away peacefully on March 21, 2014 in Merced, CA.

Virginia attended schools in Yosemite, Winton, Livingston, Modesto and San Jose. Graduating from Livingston High School and Modesto Junior College.

During World War II, she worked as an aircraft design person in San Diego. In 1947, she married Mel Clendenin and settled in Merced to raise their family. They built a country home in 1956 and she lived there until 2011. Virginia was an active parent at Weaver Elementary School and a 4-H leader. She was a charter member and Honored Queen of Job’s Daughter Chapter #123 in Livingston and a member of the Order of Eastern Star #531 since 1939. Virginia enjoyed her travels throughout the USA and overseas. She is a member of the United Methodist Church of Merced.

She was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all who knew her.

Virginia’s family would like to thank Park Merced and Hinds Hospice for their kind and loving staff.

Virginia is survived by daughters, Joy Blaylock (Stephen) of Merced, Jeanne George (Leland) of Weed, and Janice Guthrie (John) of Oakhurst; sons, Chuck Clendenin of Davis and Bob Clendenin (Peggy) of Merced; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brothers, John, Charles and Sid Sidebotham; sister, Marge Barker of Stevinson; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA will hold a visitation on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 2:00pm-6:00pm and a celebration of her life on Friday, March 28, 2014 at 11:00am. Interment will be at Plainsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Virginia’s name to Hinds Hospice, 410 W. Main St., Ste A, Merced, CA 95340 or your favorite charity.