Dora passed away on June 22, 2023, at the age of 74 after a private two-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Gladys Toledo; and two sisters, Betty Lee Barry and Catherine Sunday.
Dora was born in Turlock and lived her entire life in Stevenson, Modesto, Riverbank, and the Turlock area. Dora spent most of her first 15 colorful years in Turlock, where she enjoyed countless friends and many of those friendships lasted all of her life. At the age of 16, Dora married Buddy Avila and had her daughter Tammy. Dora later met and married Charlie Lucas and from that union came their Babygirl Tonya. Charlie was her “favorite ex-husband!” In 1980, Dora married Rick Beavers and her son, Beau-Jon Beavers was later born. In 1986, Dora and Jim Ericksen started a fun and very loving, 37-year relationship that lasted until she passed to her forever home. Jim was the “LOVE of her life.”
Dora was always an extremely hard worker and was driven to be successful. So determined…at the young age of just 13, she “fibbed” to get her first job at the A&W as a carhop girl!! Eventually she went on to work at Denny’s in Modesto for many years. Dora then went to work for her beloved S.O.S. Club where she worked for 25+ years. She loved working at the S.O.S. and made many life-long friends and cherished memories. After leaving the S.O.S Club, Dora managed Legends Café and Trax Bar and Grill. She then purchased the House of Java and House of Yogurt where she worked until her retirement in 2013. Dora’s creativity and attention to detail brought much enjoyment to her faithful Turlock patrons. Dora was truly a good friend to many besides being a mentor, role model, leader and entrepreneur.
Dora loved retirement and was always ready for an adventure. She loved her “2nd home” in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and was always so generous with extending invitations to all her many friends and extended family. She initiated & coordinated many “get togethers” with her S.O.S. sisters and members, never wanting the connections and memories to fade. Dora loved being surrounded by those she loved. “The more the merrier” was frequently heard from her.
Dora leaves behind her loving husband, Jim Ericksen; children, Tammy Bashor (Jesse), Tonya Lucas (Dave), and Beau-Jon Beavers (Jamie); sister, Mary Roberts; grandsons, James Morrison V, Matthew and Dax Beavers; granddaughters, Hailey Morrison, Milan Sky Lucas, McKenna, Devon, and Dylan Beavers; great-grandsons, Brock Searls and James Morrison VI; and great-granddaughter, AddiLynn Morrison. In addition to her immediate family, Dora is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, “BONUS” kids, and grandkids. The list of people she LOVED and PRAYED for each and every morning without fail WAS EXTENSIVE! Our hearts have been filled and forever touched by the most exceptional lady who graced and blessed ALL who knew her! She will continue to live in OUR hearts with the most incredible and beautiful memories for eternity!! We love you ALWAYS!!!!
A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5 at Turlock Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 6 at 11 a.m. at Turlock Funeral Home, located at 425 N. Soderquist Road in Turlock.
