BLACKSTONE, Patricia L. (Patty)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, arizona Published Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Patricia L. (Patty) Blackstone, 85, of Galt, Calif., and formerly of Lake Havasu City, and Lodi, Calif., passed away on Oct. 9, 2009, in a Sacramento, Calif., hospital. She was born April 7, 1924, in Pomona, Calif., and grew up in Pasadena, Calif. Patty worked as the funeral home secretary alongside her husband Billy Blackstone, who ran Gierhart and Wells Funeral Home in Lodi for 20 years. They retired in 1991 and made their home in Lake Havasu City, where she lived until moving to Galt 10 months ago to be close to her daughter. Although she was not a member of any clubs, she was involved in many organizations along with her husband, Billy. After Billy passed away in May 2006, the love of her life became her dog Johnny. Patty is survived by her three children, Candis (Sherman) Hayhurst, of Galt, Lee (Cheryl) Blackstone, of Madera, Calif., and Todd (Charles Watrous) Blackstone, of Charlotte, N.C.; her grandchildren, Wendy (Ed) Salaguinto, of Roseville, Calif., Gary Knecht, of Stockton, Calif., Carly Hayhurst, of Galt, Julie Blackstone and Robby Blackstone, both of Fresno, Calif., as well as one great-grandchild, Elaina Rose Salaguinto and a sister Josephine Horiba, of Lake Havasu City, also survived her. Funeral services will be today at 3 p.m., in the Evergreen Chapel of Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, followed by entombment. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign the guest book at www.cherokeememorial.com.