Cleola Weir

Cleola Weir was born Cleola Steele on October 4th 1920 in Ada Oklahoma to her parents John and Cordie Steele. Cleola had a very large and tight-knit family, which included four sisters and nine brothers. Of all her siblings only two, Nathan and Ronnie remain. Cleola loved growing up in Ada Oklahoma on her family’s farm. As a child, one of her favorite things to do was to ride her horse bareback. Cleola would always lovingly refer to Ada Oklahoma as “Indian Territory”. Her father John was a Cherokee Indian and Cleola was extremely proud of her Cherokee heritage. She would often reminisce and tell stories about her experiences growing up in Oklahoma Indian Territory and about her father’s grandmother who was a medicine woman.

During World War 2, when she was about 18 years old, Cleola decided to make the move west to California in search of work. She found work in a shipyard and that was where she met her first husband Fredrick Dodge. Together, Fredrick and Cleola had two sons Herman and Gary. Fredrick passed away in 1968. Later, Cleola married Samuel Weir, who had been a longtime friend of hers. Samuel and Cleola had many pets that they loved dearly which included four dogs named Baby, Sammy, Sissy, and Missy. Cleola also had two favorite cats named Tommy and Goldie.

Cleola loved her mother Cordie dearly. She lived with Samuel and Cleola for several years. In her failing health, Cleola cared for and nursed her mother until her death at the age of 99 years old. Her mother’s last words to Cleola were, “You’re a good girl and I love you.” These words brought Cleola great comfort and peace. After her mother’s death, Samuel and Cleola traveled around the country in their green Ford pick-up truck with the camper. Together, their mantra was “On the road again.” After sharing many wonderful adventures together, Samuel fell ill and was diagnosed with cancer. Just as she cared for her mother in her home, Cleola cared for Samuel until his death in 1993.

After Samuel passed away, Cleola moved to Norwalk, California to live with her son Herman and his wife. Upon moving to Norwalk, Cleola clung to her independence and would often drive or take walks to local stores in the neighborhood. She also helped to care for her great grandson Daniel during this time as well. In 2005, Herman retired and Cleola moved with the family to Hanford, California to live closer to her son Gary and his family. Unfortunately, Cleola suffered many loses of loved ones in her life, the most difficult being the death of her son Gary in a fog-related traffic accident in 2008.

It was in Hanford, California on May 29, 2013 that Cleola left this earth peacefully passing away in her sleep at home surrounded by family and love. Cleola lived a full and happy life that was filled with adventures, love, and family. She was the matriarch of her family and was fortunate to live long enough to witness many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren brought into this world. Cleola will always be remembered and will be missed. She is survived by her remaining brothers Nathan and Ronnie, her son Herman, daughters-in-law Rose and Kaye, grandchildren Raymond, Kelly, Don, Steven, Steve, Debbie, and Kerri, great grandchildren Daniel, Nicolasa, Amanda, Brittanie, Cynthia, Michael, Jenna, Ashley, Krista, Brandon, Zack, and one to be born in January of 2014, great-great grandchildren Kolton and Taelynn as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends through which her memory will be kept alive.

"The Broken Chain"

We little knew that day;

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

in death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories;

your love is still our guide.

And although we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same,

but as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at People's Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-5591 with a Graveside Service on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills Memorial Park; 4100 Hilltop Drive, Richmond, CA 94803 510-223-6161.