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ROBERT LEROY ZUMWALT
Sept. 25, 1934 Feb. 4, 2017
ZUMWALT Robert  K

Leroy died peacefully at Astoria Senior Living in Oakdale, CA on February 4, 2017 after a short illness of pneumonia. He was born in Grayson, CA to Lonnie Zumwalt and Hazel Monroe. As a young boy, Leroy moved to Oakdale only leaving to serve two years in the U.S. Army. In 1956, Leroy met the love of his life, Marjorie, at a local restaurant where she was a carhop waitress. After two short months of dating, they married in Carson City, NV. The following year they welcomed their first daughter, Darlene (Nunes). Shortly after, their second daughter, Diane (Whitehead) was born.
Leroy worked as a ranch hand at Claribel Livestock for 40 years. He always enjoyed riding his horse and tending to his cows. In his last years, Leroy suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Although it had taken his memory, his personality would still shine through. He could often be heard singing his favorite Merle Haggard song or chanting a quirky quote. He and Marjorie, after 60 years, learned to enjoy the simple things in life. He loved to be surrounded by his family. Another favorite was his daily rides with his sweetie by his side. He loved to ride down a country road with an ice cream in tote. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all.
Leroy is survived by his wife Marjorie; daughters Darlene Nunes (Alvin) and Diane Whitehead (Tim); sister Joyce Gibson; grandchildren Tony Nunes (Carrie), Nicole Machado (Ron), Jimmy Larsen (Noemi); and great-grandchildren Jakob, Cameron and Alyvia Nunes; Luke, Levi, Caleb and Joey Machado; Robby Larsen and Matthew Whitehead. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Wilma Zumwalt, Boyce and Hazel Monroe; six brothers and one sister. As he requested, there will not be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Leroy’s name to any of the following: Optimal Hospice Care, 1101 Sylvan Ave, Ste. B-10, Modesto, CA 95350; Astoria Senior Living and Memory Care, 700 Laurel Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361; Alzheimer’s Association act.alz.org.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to all of the caregivers and staff at Astoria Senior Living and Optimal Hospice Care for their kind and loving care.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Feb. 15, 2017