An inspiring woman, Vangie J. Hartvickson 63, of Turlock passed away on Jan. 5, 2011.

She was born on Sept. 15, 1947, in Ogden, Utah to wonderful parents, Joe Chris and Margaret Sandoval.  Her younger years were spent laughing, singing, dancing and, yes, fighting with her sisters.  She spent many hours with a salt shaker in her hand belting out tunes and breaking vases with her dance moves.  Vangie attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated in 1965.  Although she was one of the quieter daughter’s, Vangie kept the nuns and priests on their toes.  

She moved to California and met her amazing husband Howard Hartvickson.  On June 29, 1974, Vangie and Howard were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ogden, Utah.  Her beautiful children were born in Ogden then the entire family moved to California. Her greatest joy came from being with her family.  Raising her children and attending all their activities brought her so much happiness and the “icing on the cake” was watching her precious grandchildren grow. Gammy spent so much time with her grandchildren and her influence shows in each of their little personalities.

She is survived by her mother, Margaret (Ron) Craig of Sunset, Utah; husband, Howard Hartvickson of Turlock; son, David (Monica) Hartvickson of San Francisco; daughter, Holly (Ricky) Kindle of Turlock; and grandchildren, Bailey, Brady, Reis, Tiana, Caden and Alyssa.  Keep your eyes peeled for a dragonfly because your Gammy can’t stay very far away from all of you.  She is also survived by five sisters and spouses, Rae Russo, Margie and Marv Harrop, Rosita and Chuck Bowen, Chris and Mike Thomas, and Tina and Bob Lambert; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and Howard’s family, who have been very loving and supportive to her throughout her life. Vangie was preceded in death by her father, Joe Chris Sandoval; sister, Mary Lou Adra; brother-in-law, John Russo; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Don’t cry at my grave ‘cause I won’t be there.

I’ll be in the breeze that ruffles your hair.

I’ll be in the sunshine, I’ll be in the snow.

I’ll be in the places where we used to go.  

I’ll be in your laughter and in funny things.

I’ll be in your shadow and there in your dreams.

I’ll be in your greeting but not in your good-byes.

I’ll be in the reflection of your loving eyes.

I’ll always be with you and I’ll always care.

So, don’t cry at my graveside ‘cause I won’t be there.

Special thanks to Dr. Nelson Teng and his staff at Stanford University Hospital and our wonderful friend Dr. Dan McCauley for their compassionate care during the last three years.  Thanks also to Hospice of Emanuel. 

We want to celebrate the wonderful life she lived on Monday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. with a Rosary and greeting of family, followed by services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., in Turlock. Burial will be at Turlock Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance at www.ovariancancer.org/donate/ or 1-866-399-6262.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.turlockmemorialpark.com.