Ursula Elizabeth Kullbom was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world on September 12th, 2022 at age 83, surrounded by loved ones at her bedside.
Ursula did not know a stranger. She was beloved and popular around her hometown of Turlock, California. You would be fortunate to go through her check-stand at Lucky’s (and then Save Mart), be greeted by her at the gift shop at Emmanuel Hospital, or sit next to her at church. If you knew Ursula, you also knew her children and grandchildren, as she always spoke so proudly of the happenings around their lives. She was purely and lovingly devoted to her family and had many long-lasting and meaningful friendships. All of the lucky souls who were in Ursula’s orbit will miss her deeply and cherish memories of her.
As the second child of Felice and Martha (Gondola) Guerinoni, Ursula was born on the steps of the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital on July 14th, 1939. She lived on a ranch in Windsor, California with her parents and two siblings, Frank (eldest) and Diane (youngest). It was there that she spent her days playing with neighbor kids, taking horse rides, and helping with household duties.
Ursula’s mother died when she was just 10 years old, and her father passed away when she was 17. Ursula spoke fondly of her parents, and also of her grandmother and dear aunts and uncles, who were around to look after the family after these significant losses. Ursula never complained, and was always grateful for the life she was given.
In 1957, she met and married Steven Kullbom, and they had their first daughter, Kelly, in 1958. They went on to build their family, with Steven, Kenneth and Karen to follow. Their family took up residence in the Santa Rosa area, Lodi, and finally Turlock, where Ursula lovingly called home the rest of her days.
Ursula’s door was open to family and friends without fail. No matter the day or time, one could stop in and find her in the front room, sitting in her chair, smiling as she waited for her much-anticipated houseguest. Getting to enjoy a home-cooked meal of hers was like hitting the jackpot. Her children and grandchildren especially savored her “Guerinoni Minestrone”, lasagna, and polenta. No one could cook like Ursula could!
Conversations with Ursula were like no other. She had a way of making her company feel like the only person in the world. She listened intently, had a way of relating through her many life experiences, and offered the best advice. She consistently knew what was right, and demonstrated that time and time again throughout her life. She was fiercely loyal, independent, compassionate and kind. Her bright smile, sparkling eyes, and sunny disposition are how we will remember her always.
Ursula is survived by her sister Diane (Mark) Anderson, and her children Kelly (Dennis) Sheehan, Steven (Kathy) Kullbom, Kenneth (Jeanette) Kullbom, and Karen Kullbom. She leaves behind her grandchildren Steven (Erin) Kullbom, Kathleen Sheehan, Colleen (Danl) Preston, and Sarah Kullbom, as well as great-grandchildren Redyk and Rowan Kullbom. She touched the lives of many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends, including Cheryl Fox, Marnie Hill, Kristi Anderson, Todd Anderson, Katie Livingston and Karen Khinoo, who all were a huge support to her in many ways throughout her life.
A celebration of life for Ursula will be announced at later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, a charity that Ursula held close to her heart and donated to on a monthly basis.
