Arnita Yepez passed away on March 12, 2026, in Modesto, California, at the age of 90. She was born on June 1, 1935, at the home of her parents Artie and Juanita Elliott in Lathrop, California.
Arnita did not venture too far from the home she was born in, as she lived most of her adult life in the house adjacent to her family's home where she built a legacy of faith, service to community, and family.
Arnita was preceded in death by her parents Artie and Juanita Elliott, husband, Manuel Yepez and her siblings, Leland and Jack Elliott. Arnita later remarried and was preceded in death by husband Jimmy Montiel; stepson James Montiel, grandchild Breanne Rachelle Yepez, and great-great-grandchild Israel Santana Argo.
She is lovingly survived by her sister Donna Tuggle and four children, Jacqueline Mattes (Roger), David Tuggle, Gaye Valadez (Mark), and Philip Yepez (Brenda) and sons by marriage Chris, Richard and Eric Montiel and daughter Debbie Montiel. She was a proud grandmother to 22 grandchildren including Greg, Artie, Katie, Tim, Tessa, Tiffany, Connie, Leo, David, Robert, Justin, Tara, Alexis, Suzanne, and Melissa. Her legacy continues through 56 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy.
Arnita worked at the Tracy Defense Depot, where she started as a packer moving up through hard work, she became the first women lead supervisor at the base, retiring after many years of dedicated service. A devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Arnita was deeply involved in church and community life. Her commitment to service earned her a place in the Manteca-Lathrop Hall of Fame for her contributions to the community. She was a past member of the Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Lions club. Arnita served on several local committees, including the Memorial and Veterans Day Committees, and the Lathrop Christmas Parade.
Arnita was instrumental in bringing recognition to local athletes like the renaming of the Lathrop community Gym to the Scott Brooks gymnasium, and to recognize the accolades of homegrown football player Paul Wiggins who played professional football with the Minnesota Vikings. Arnita worked tirelessly to name Lathrop High School's football stadium the Paul Wiggins Stadium.
Arnita loved supporting her family and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren at their sporting events and activities. She jokingly referred to herself as the "unofficial mayor of Lathrop," a title that suited her well. She seemed to know everyone and was involved in just about everything. Her home was always open, truly a revolving door for family, friends, and loved ones. There was almost always a grandchild living with her or someone she deeply loved.
In her quieter moments, Arnita enjoyed playing solitaire, working on crossword puzzles, and watching classic Westerns, especially those starring John Wayne. Arnita will be remembered for her feisty spirit, strong will, natural leadership, and her devotion to those she loved. Above all else, her faith and her family were the center of her world.
P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Yepez family. A prayer service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. held at P.L. Fry and Son Chapel, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, Ca. followed by a graveside service at East Union Cemetery. For direct condolences to the family or to watch the service live visit www.plfryandson.com.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, March 21, 2026
