Gayla was born in Albany, Georgia and was the 2nd daughter of Lois Fernandez and Henry Fernandez. Gayla’s family moved to Manteca in the Wetherbee Lake Subdivision in 1971. Gayla graduated Manteca High School in 1974.

   Gayla’s favorite hobby was collecting cans, many knew her as “the can lady” and would ride her bike all over town for 20yrs and her pit stop was always Monkey’s across the street from her house where she would hang out and greet people. In 2007, she moved to Ripon, continued collecting cans, and new hang out spot was Quick Stop, where she’d chat and gossip with customers. Gayla was very outgoing and a free spirit. She loved music, embroidery projects, find-a-word puzzles, video games, and watching her game shows, soaps, and especially 49er football games. 

   Gayla was preceded in death by her younger brother Hank Fernandez, and her mother Lois Fernandez.

   Gayla is survived by her youngest sister Regina Fernandez-Stanley (Chris), her sister Valerie Frey-Wantland (Presley), sister Linda Reimer (Tom), niece Sara Charbonier (Dave), niece Laura Reimer, nephew Alex Reimer, and great-nieces and nephew. 

   Everyone whose life Gayla touched is welcome to join us in a party to celebrate her as she wanted, this Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Stouffer Park Banquet Hall, 1000 Stouffer Street, Ripon, Ca. 95366. There will be food, drinks, music, and it is a potluck style. We welcome those in attendance to wear either a 49er shirt/jersey, tie-dye, Disney, or 70s rock t-shirt in her honor. Her family hopes to see you all there and we appreciate those who met her and took time out their day to chat with her and treat her with dignity and respect.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Friday, June 23, 2023