Gar Tootelian, Inc. Co-Founder Passes Away
October 25, 2012 Gar Tootelian, Inc. has released the following statement regarding the passing of Esther Tootelian (April 9, 1919 – October 17, 2012):
Esther Tootelian, co- founder and matriarch of Gar Tootelian, Inc., was known for her silver hair, impeccable taste and classy style. She was kind, caring, gracious and generous. She was a Fresno County native and graduated from California State University Fresno in 1940. She taught high school wood shop until her marriage to Gar in 1944 where she quickly learned to love farming and gardening.
She was Gar’s partner in everything. She raised their family while keeping the company books, helping with harvest and filling fertilizer orders.
She was active in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Alta PTA, her “Knit Wits” and Orange Cove Women’s Club. She was always ready for a party (the first to arrive and the last to leave) and ready to lend a helping hand whether it was for a rummage sale, a dance recital or babysitting.
Esther’s greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughters Christina and Cari and teaching them her shopping style, teatime etiquette and kindness for friends and family.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband Gar. She is survived by her brother, Earl Bedoian, of Modesto; Karen and Gregory Musson; Linda & Cari Salwasser; and Christina and Ralph Rendon.
The family thanks Angie Cisneros, the caregivers at Palm Village Reedley and Clovis Community Medical Center.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, October 26 at the Reedley Cemetery. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at the Church of the Good Shepherd – 1445 N. Frankwood, Reedley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be sent to the Gar & Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation at 5640 Columbia Drive North, Fresno, CA 93727.
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