Sara Lou Serpa, 90, of Turlock, CA died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. 

Sara was born to John and Erma Culpepper on July 24, 1933 in Walla Walla, WA. 

In 1937 the Culpepper family moved to Holly Grove, Arkansas. She lived there for several years before moving to Ceres, CA with her family after WWII. 

Sara graduated from Ceres High School in 1951. In 1953 Sara married Ralph Serpa Sr. and together they established a milk transportation company in 1956. 

They settled in Turlock in 1959 and Sara continued working as secretary/treasurer while being mom to four children all born within five years. 

A decade later she added farm wife to her many jobs when they moved to a walnut ranch east of Turlock.  

Sara was active in the Young Ladies Institute (YLI) of Sacred Heart Church, the American Legion Axillary, the California Dairy Princess Program and the Cabrillo Club of Hilmar.

Ralph and Sara were married for 66 years until his death in March 2020. 

Sara is also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ann Willis and her brother Jim Culpepper. Sara is survived by her children Pam Peterson (Mike), Ralph Serpa Jr. (Jane), Brad Serpa (Debi) and Julie Alvernaz (Steve). Sara was Mamaw to 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Sara are her sister Nora McKinsey and her brother John Howard Culpepper.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. and conclude with a Rosary at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 29 at the Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30 at Sacred Heart Church, Turlock, CA with a burial immediately following at the Turlock Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank caregivers Alicia Ruelas and Marie Snell for the years of excellent care and attention given to Sara. Memorial donations may be made in Sara’s memory to Cabrillo Club #30, P.O. Box 627, Hilmar, CA 95324.