Michele Louise Arancibia

July 21, 1950 - May 1, 2025

Mickey was born on July 21, 1950, in Ventura, California. She moved to Merced with her family when she was still young, where she was raised by her parents, Connie and Danny Gantt. Mickey worked at Ragu Foods for more than 30 years and was the Human Resources Manager until the plant closed in 2006. After being the ‘last tomato standing,’ she retired and decided to join the family business in Real Estate with her mother and father. Together, they worked for Gonella Realty for many years, and she then worked for Berkshire Hathaway up until her death. She also managed the family antique shop, Grandma’s Antiques, for the past 10 years.

Mickey enjoyed traveling with her family and close friends and was working on crossing many locations, both local and abroad, off her travel list. Mickey and her friends also enjoyed heading to the casinos to play the slots and enjoy a good meal. Through her nearly 13-year cancer journey, she taught those around her what it looked like to live bravely and fight with laughter and a smile.

Mickey is survived by her children Stacie and Richard Arancibia and niece Paula Arancibia Grattan and husband Patrick; sister Shirlee Kemps; niece Sara Kemps Andrews and husband Ridge, and their children Gage, Gambull and spouse Kim, and Gannon; nephew Chase Kemps and wife Sarah, and their children Sophie and Camden; niece Rachel Patton Correia and husband Nick, and daughter Emily; her dog Putchi and many caring and important relatives and friends.

Mickey is preceded in death by son Phillip and parents Connie Craven Gantt and Danny Mack Gantt.

Please join family and friends to celebrate her life and what would have been her 75th Birthday on July 26, 2025 at 3PM at the Italo- American Lodge 1351 W. 18th Street Merced, CA 95340.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to a charity of your choice.