LaVeta Irene Wolfinbarger Minikel was born Sept. 1, 1929 to Verl and Daisy Wolfinbarger in Chino, California. She graduated from Chino High School and L.I.F.E. Bible College in Los Angeles, California.
Preceded in death by husband Arnold Minikel Jr., daughter Delra Gromer, brothers Bob & Eldon Wolfinbarger, and sisters Vivian Van Delft & Marylin Yeisley.
LaVeta is survived by daughters Darlene Vestal of Idaho & Yvonne Evans of Rio Linda, and son David Minikel of Shasta Lake, Ca. also, sisters Dorothy Dolf of Washington, Velma Johnson of Riverside, Ca. and brother Ted Wolfinbarger of Oakdale, Ca. plus many grandchildren, friends and other relatives.
LaVeta’s greatest joy in life was her service in the church and enjoying her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Granddaughter Tanja Elkbert also says-
She was the matriarch of the family that has helped so many people during her life. My grandparent’s home off west 6th has been home base for all of us during difficult times. My grandmother was always a phone call away and was our counselor and friend who was always on your side.
For me she was a mother more than a grandmother, she raised me during my early childhood years and several other times throughout my life.
Her obituary does not mention that she was also an elite level canner, held multiple officer positions within the church including in the women’s group, she road motorcycles with my grandfather in her earlier years, worked as a seamstress in a factory, rose to the top ranks in Avon, was a manager in the cosmetics department at JC Penny’s at the County Club mall and in her later years retrained as an insurance representative. She did it all while raising a crazy family and keeping an immaculate home.
She was the Google before Google with an answer or advice for any life problem. She helped so many others behind the scenes without recognition. Her life stories and knowledge will be extremely missed by so many.
LaVeta served as a co-pastor with her husband in several churches. Retired at age 60 she had lived in Rio Linda, Ca. for 57 years and attended the First Baptist Church for over 50 years. Memorial graveside service will be held September 2nd, 2021 at the Chapel of the Chimes located at Marysville and Dry Creek Rd, Sacramento, Ca.
The family request that donations be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.
