Bertha Rita Melendez, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Gustine, California, on January 1, 2025, at the age of 89.
Born on June 6, 1935, in Artesia, California, Bertha grew up in San Jose, where she attended local schools. She married the love of her life, Victor Melendez Sr., at Holy Family Church in San Jose. Together they built a life filled with love and family, eventually relocating to Gustine, California.
Bertha had a remarkable career in microelectronics research and development. She worked for 19 years at Lockheed Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale, California, where she contributed to groundbreaking projects. Among her many accomplishments was the creation of sun sensors for the Hubble Space Telescope, a legacy that continues to orbit above us.
A woman of many talents and passions, Bertha was known for her incredible cooking. Her menudo and tamales were family favorites that brought everyone together. She cherished fishing trips to Santa Cruz, drives to the beach, and most of all, spending time with her family. A devout Catholic, Bertha was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Bertha was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Victor Melendez Sr., and her grandson, Herbie Sanchez Jr. She is survived by her children: Victor (Evelyn) Melendez Jr., Anita (Ralph) Martinez, Anthony Melendez, Teresa Sanchez (Ruben Morales), and Cynthia (Peter) DeSimone; her grandchildren: Greggory, Andrew, Steven, Nicholas, Christen, Amanda (Raymie), Julianna, and Dallas; and her great-grandchildren: Amaya, Nicholas Jr., Nia, Aadan, Kinsley, Scarlett, and Judah.
A visitation and rosary will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., also at Turlock Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation or your local church.
Bertha’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
