Obituary of Geraldine Zittlow

Geraldine Zittlow, 68, of Salinas, passed into the presence of the Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 5, 2008, after struggling with numerous lengthy illnesses. Born in Gilroy on August 17, 1940, to Cecil and Edna Earl Ray of San Juan Bautista. She is survived by her children; Cherie Violini, Bradley, Bryan and Jay Zittlow; grandchildren; Jenae, Wade and Josiah; brother; Carlos Ray and half-sister, Qualia Esparza. She has gone on to be with her twin brother, Gerald, her big sister Jimmie Grace and her favorite Uncle, J.B. Willoughby, who raised her from the age of 12. If we could share a glimpse into the life of Geraldine it would begin with her as a child, laying in the green meadow by her home in San Juan Bautista, climbing the trees, flying kites and sliding down the hills on cardboard with her brothers. She graduated from Salinas High School in '59. Geraldine was into doing arts and crafts of all kinds, and what a great cook! She was very athletic and loved sports her entire life. she was the pitcher for a Women's fast-pitch softball team in Salinas and even with her short stature, she enjoyed playing basketball with her children and neighborhood kids and owuld usually win. She loved camping and was a member of First Assembly of God, Salinas, the Salinas Valley Van Club, and Valley Center Bowling League. She loved all kinds of animals, but her Chihuahua, Coco, was her beloved companion (they are together again). But, her favorite past time was junking, a true junk-store-junkie. Savers was her most visited store. Her family and loved ones meant more to her than anything. She had been both a day care provider and a foster parent and was a beloved mother and grandmother to more than just her immediate family. She will be sorely missed. Click for Map and Directions Saturday October 11, 2008 , 11 AM at First Assembly of God Click for Map and Directions at Queen of Heaven Cemetery Click for Map and Directions