Josephine Strickler

Josephine (Encinias) Strickler, age 89, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday morning, March 15th. Born in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, Jo spent the majority of her life in California, first in Beneicia, California, where she met her husband of almost 68 years, Edward Strickler, and then settling in Turlock in 1951. There she raised her two sons, Robert (& Becky) Strickler of Crooked River Ranch, Oregon; Ron Strickler (& Karen) of Turlock; and her daughter, Kathy (& Randy) LaFollette of Turlock. In 1968, Ed and Jo founded Arrow Floor Covering in Turlock, working until retiring in 1989. Their business now continues into its third generation with her son and granddaughter. Jo was an active and vibrant member of Mitchell Community Church, teaching high school girls’ Sunday school for over 30 years and being a grounding member of the Women’s Missionary Society. She enjoyed sewing aprons and potholders, making jam, and making pies for their annual craft bazaar in November. She attended and supported all 37 bazaars since their first in 1977, and she helped to raise over $400,000 to support missionaries around the world. Most important to her, though, was her faith and her family. She is survived by her husband, three children and their spouses, six grandchildren and their spouses, and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Tony Encinias of Denver, Colorado, and one sister, Fay Garcia of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She prayed for her family daily, loving her “sweeties” with her playful teasing and generous spirit. She was always so proud of them and their accomplishments, but more than anything, she wanted them to know the love of Jesus Christ, her savior and Lord. In her final days, when talking was difficult, she wrote on a piece of paper, “I love God.” Even her last days, her faith continued to be her solace and strength. Although she is now apart from her family who will miss her greatly, she is now perfect and complete in the presence of her Lord. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Women’s’ Missionary Society of Mitchell Community Church or Covenant Care Hospice. A visitation will be held Friday, March 20, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., in Turlock. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m. also at Turlock Funeral Home, with interment in Turlock Memorial Park.

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Josephine Strickler

May 5, 1925 - March 15, 2015