Tributes

Esther attended elementary schools in Denair and Hughson and graduated from Turlock High School. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Modesto Junior College and did secretarial work in the office of Attorney Coburn Cook just prior to her marriage to William (Bill) M. Noda, who owned The Ranch Market grocery store in Turlock. On December 7th, 1942, it was a great shock to Bill, Esther and her family when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The Executive Order signed by President Franklin Roosevelt forced them to travel over the next few years to relocations camps in Tule Lake and Amache before returning to Turlock and the Ranch Market. Esther worked at Jensens Variety Store for a while and then went to work as a bookkeeper for Drs. Marion and James Collins. In the fall of 1960, the California State College, Stanislaus opened its doors at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds and Esther was hired to do secretarial work. She moved with the college to its new campus on Monte Vista Avenue just in time for the graduation of the class of 1965. Esther was a member to the First Christian Church and became active in teaching Sunday School class and serving as President of the Christian’s Women’s Fellowship for seven years. Esther continued working at the University until 1980 when she retired after 20 years of service. She is a co-author on the book “Streams in a Thirsty Land, A History of the Turlock Region.” Since retirement, Esther golfed with the Tee Birds at Turlock Golf and Country Club. Sher belonged to luncheon groups, such as the 20Ands and the Class of ’38 of THS, and several bridge groups. She loved gardening and taking care of her favorite pets, kittens and cats. After her husband Bill passed in 1984, Esther married Donald Toyoda in September 1990. Esther and Don enjoyed spending holidays with their extended family, gardening, and traveling. Esther is survived by daughter Debbie Noda, step-children Jon R. Toyoda and Candice (Toyoda) Marks, grandsons George Montgomery III, Joe Daniels, and William Robert Patten, great-grandchildren Georgie and Lauren Montgomery, Alexander and Nicholas Daniels. Esther’s husbands, Bill and Don and her daughters, Carol and Joanne have preceded her in death. Esther said she feels that she owes much to her parents for guiding her through childhood to womanhood, and allowing her to get an education in order to better herself and make the right choices in her life. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. A private interment will be held for Esther’s family at Turlock Memorial Park. Donations can be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or to the First Christian Church, 180 S. Denair Ave., Turlock, CA 95380.

Tributes

Esther Irene Noda-Toyoda

September 21, 1920 - November 11, 2019