Christine passed away suddenly at the age of 88. She leaves behind her five children, Linda McKay (Steve) of Auburn, Mary Trine (Ron) of Boerne, Texas, Christine Phillips (Dave) of Oakdale, Merle W. Schutz Jr. of Oakdale, Susan Schutz (Mark Hawley) of Oakdale, 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She also leaves behind one brother, Leo Langford, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Merle in 1990.

Chris’ great passions were gardening and fishing. Salmon fishing in the waters of the Pacific Northwest was her favorite, and Merle said he was surprised that she loved it even more than he did! They went for many years with several couples from Oakdale, after Merle passed away she and Merle Jr. made the trip for 25 more years, until her bad knees kept her out of the boat. She was known to have her picture taken with someone else’s very large catch, but she caught many very large salmon and ling cod each trip, and could stay out in that small boat all day.

She loved her flowers and could grow anything, including incredible orchids. She especially enjoyed walking guests through her garden when the camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and tulips were in bloom, reciting each one’s name to you. Some people are known for their green thumbs, we always said mom had green hands! She had a great affinity for tulips, and many of you saw or received bouquets taken from her massive plantings, it was not unusual for her to plant thousands of tulips and daffodils each year. Next spring, when you see tulips in bloom, smile, and join us in thinking of mom.

A funeral service was held in her memory July 20th at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, and burial followed at Burwood Cemetery in Escalon.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Oct. 10, 2018