Arlene Hernandez, 92, passed to heaven on July 30, 2026. Arlene was born to Art and Ina Ward on July 6, 1934 in Turlock, CA. Shewas a lifetime member of First Christian church and held a perfect Sunday school attendance record through junior high, then attended New Life Center and always fed the crew as her husband and son Dee helped to build the original sanctuary and ended up at Monte Vista Chapel starting the welcoming committee, and joining a missionary send team along with her husband, Bob.

Though Arlene was a native of Turlock, her legacy is an important part of Turlockhistory. Her great grandfatherwas a stowaway from Sweden with the family settling in Iowa. Arlene’s mom traveled from Iowa by way of 13 covered wagons. They found a spot to settle in Turlock and were asked to name the road they settled next to. You ask what is the name of the road, and my hint is the state bird of Iowa. If any of you guessed Hawkeye, you are right!

She was the lead majorette at Turlock High School, and they would dim the lights on the football field, light up the end of her baton, and then the show began as Arlene dazzled the crowd with her fire-lit baton routine and winning smile. Of course, star quarterback, Bob Hernandez, was quick to witness her bedazzled routine. They became high school sweethearts and after they both graduated, they married and raised two sons, Dirk & Dee.

While Bob was in the navy, she earned her cosmetology degree and worked with her mom in a beauty salon for many years in Turlock. When her husband started with State Farm in Los Banos and then Turlock, she worked side by side with him and loyally supported her husband as well as raising her boys.

She loved her family and faithfully drove her boys to athletic practices without ever being late. She attended all her sons’ athletic events always having a snack ready when they needed it. Also, she was an advocate for other moms to become participants in the clubs and activities that her children were a part of.

In addition, she had time to be on a women’s championship bowling league, play tennis, throw a “mean” horseshoe, and sing in the church choir with the voice of an angel.

Her love of family continued on with her grandchildren as they all went to grandma and papas every Tuesday. As she became a great grandma, her love expanded again and she welcomed and spoke fondly of each great grandchild with joy in her heart.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Hernandez, her parents, Art and Ina Ward, her sister Ardice Marco, and her oldest son Dirk Hernandez. She is survived by her son Dee Hernandez (Pam), brother Alvin Ward (Joyce), her daughter-in-law Stephanie Hernandez, five grandchildren, Heather Formby (Doug), Rachelle Dickinson, Erica Hernandez (Nathan Ram), Hilary Deminsky (Tyler), Hailee Wheeland (Vince) and 9 great grandchildren.

Services will be at Allen’s Mortuary August 15th at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers contribution can be made to the missionary camp she supported.

WEC Mexico c/o Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 East Monte Vista Ave., Turlock, CA 95382.