Victoria (Vikki) Lerma Banuelos, the daughter of Ambrosio and Natalia Lerma, born in Hollister, CA on December 23rd 1937, transitioned from this life on March 24th, 2017 after a long battle with cancer.
Vikki was one of ten siblings that moved to Greenfield in 1949. She graduated from King City High School in 1957. After high school she went to San Francisco
where she enjoyed her brother Jose Ramon Lerma, worked for Aetna Insurance and enjoyed the experience of city life.
She met and married Art Banuelos in 1958 and soon began her family. Vikki found her calling working at Greenfield Union School District where she was employed for 32 years. Upon the death of her sister Mary Chapa, Vikki continued in her sister’s footsteps as the schools community liaison. Miss Vikki (“Miss Beekki”) was such an important figure within the school district and community that teachers, parents and students alike all requested Miss Vikki to assist them with any and all their matters. She worked as a secretary, school nurse, social worker, truant officer, mediator, translator, yard duty administrator and anything else as necessary. Upon retirement, she enjoyed time spent volunteering for Life Line.
Miss Vikki had a way of deescalating any situation with her unbiased and calming demeanor. People inherently trusted her because she shared with anyone and everyone that kindness, understanding and forgiveness can and will heal all. She was a woman of great faith. She was very involved with the Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she was a member of the Franciscan Order and served as a Eucharistic Minister, church lector, assisted with confirmation classes and was often requested to assist with rosaries and services. Miss Vikki practiced what she preached. she loved everyone. She was known for giving advice, blessings and hugs. Her beautiful smile, loving demeanor and open arms were available to all for the asking. She and her husband Art opened their home for years to those who needed a safe place to live with love and without judgement. She showed her love for our lord by her actions and with her words.
Vikki leaves behind her husband of 59 years Art Banuelos, daughter Deneen (Dennis Maggini), son Rodger (Margaret, Kyle and Bridget), sisters Teri (Gil) Acosta, Georgia (Carl) Shaug, Maxine Gould, brothers Jesse Lerma, Joe (Gwen) Lerma and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Ambrosio and Natalia Lerma, brothers Jose and Ted Lerma, sisters Mary Chapa and
Carmen Lerma.
Miss Vikki had a beautiful smile, beautiful soul and a huge loving heart that will be greatly missed and so fondly remembered. She loved life and found joy in her rose garden, church, community, family and friends. We loved her as our mother, but so admired her as a strong, caring and loving woman.
“Mama you’re our favorite and you will be missed.”
Visitation will be held Friday, March 31, 2017 from 4 to 7pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Greenfield; followed with rosary at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 9 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Greenfield; followed with burial at the Greenfield Cemetery. Following the burial a reception will take place at the Memorial Parish Hall. Memorial contributions in Vikki’s name may be sent to Holy Trinity Catholic Church Building Fund, 803 Elm Ave, Greenfield, Ca 93927
Arrangements by Woodyard Funeral Home, 395 East St, Soledad, CA (831) 678-9100 WoodyardFuneralHome.com
