Lola Makin passed away peacefully at Samaritan Village surrounded by her loving caregivers there.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Jack Makin.  Lola is survived by her loving children: Mark Makin, Michael Makin and Janie Van Winkle.  She adored her six grandchildren: Dan Makin, Brandi Henard, Stacie Taylor, Joy Makin, Wendy Makin, Colin Van Winkle and 7 great- grandchildren.  

Lola was born to the late Clifford and Esther Miner in Ceres, CA.  Raised in Stanislaus County, she graduated from Orestimba High school in 1945.  Lola moved to Los Angeles to attend LA City College, where she met the one and only Jack Makin through mutual friends. She recalled the story of how she met him; her friends told her, “You need to meet Big Jack! “ They married in 1947 and moved to Turlock upon Jack graduating from Optometry school, and in 1953 started his practice in Turlock. Lola worked full time during those early years of their marriage to further his education. They had shared goals and interests, their reliance upon each other deepened, and their respect for each other grew as they aged.  

Lola volunteered her time for various causes; she was most involved with her church, The First Christian Church.  An avid reader, she was a member of the Tuesday Reading Club for many years until 2012.  A longtime member of the Turlock Golf & Country Club, she was in the Turlock Women’s Golf Group playing on Thursday’s and served as Captain. She loved socializing with her friends at the Club and looked forward to her Gin games that followed.  Once her family was grown, Sunday’s were days that she and Jack played golf together and with friends. 

Her priorities were always clear; her family came first and her loyalty to her core group of friends was important as well.  She and Jack are remembered as being the socially out-going couple and were a lot of fun to be around; they often golfed and traveled with friends (Hawaii was her favorite).  Entertaining friends and family get together’s was what she looked forward to; Christmas Eve was very important to her. 

Lola will be remembered for her kindness of heart, her social grace and easy going nature, but with a quiet confidence about her.   She always had a smile for everyone.  She was a classy person who treated everyone with kindness! She will be sorely missed by all.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice for their help and to the loving staff at Samaritan Village in Country Manor.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, at the First Christian Church, 180 S. Denair Ave. Turlock, with a reception immediately following at Turlock Golf & Country Club.  In honor of Lola, Hawaiian/tropical dress would be appropriate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Lola’s honor to the First Christian Church of Turlock.