Dell was very active in her community. She is a Past Senior Regnet of Turlock Moose Lodge, Past President of the Senior Center, a member of Turlock Garden Club and voted Senior of the Year. Dell volunteered for the Downtown Chamber and one particular year, single handedly designed and built the haunted house. She always helped others in need by volunteering at a church in Denair to feed the homeless. Dell loved sewing and in recent years was passionate about making aprons for her grandchildren. In addition, she enjoyed baking, camping at the Sportsmen's Club and most enjoyed attending her grandchildren's sporting events. When her own children were young they had a family band and practiced on a stage that was built right in their home. She booked their gigs, made their costumes, was at every rehearsal and of course their #1 FAN. Her children were also kept busy in various activities and she was there for every practice, game and performance with encouragement, support and love.
She is survived by her son Freddie Perales of Utah; her son Carlos Perales (Sue) of Lodi, CA; and her daughter Emma Perales of Healdsburg, CA; her brother Adolph Lerma (Lucy) of Arizona, her brother Manuel Lerma (Nicole) of Arizona and her sister Gloria Gomez (Tim) of Texas.
Dell was preceded in death by her husband Antonio Cruz Perales; her father Elias Lerma and her mother Julia (Cantu) Lerma; her brother Carlos Lerma; her brother Elias Lerma; her brother Melecio Lerma and her brother Rudy Lerma. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 North Soderquist Road, Turlock, CA 95380.
Serving as pallbearers are Carlos Perales, Drew Perales, Drake Perales, Travis Olson, Joel Perales and Brice Perales.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Perales family.
