Brenda Joyce Loftin October 18, 1940 - March 12, 2026

October 18, 1940 – March 12, 2026

Brenda Joyce Loftin passed away peacefully in Modesto, California. She was born October 18, 1940, in Turlock, California, to Wilbert and Maecelle Larson and attended Denair Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Brenda lived a life that was loving, generous and grateful. Her life was centered on family, and she had a remarkable way of making room for others- always offering kindness, warmth and a welcoming heart.

As a military wife, she embraced the challenges of military life with strength and adaptability. She worked a variety of jobs over the years and served as Regional Director of the Camp Fire Girls Association.

For the last 30 years, Brenda made her home in Columbia, California, where she enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, quiet forest surroundings, and time with her beloved cat Cody who passed away the night prior. Lake Tahoe held a special place in her heart, and she loved celebrating her birthdays- relaxing by the lake and enjoying time at the casinos, where luck always seemed to be on her side.

She is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Layton of Columbia, Kimberly Loftin of Lodi, and Jennifer Loftin and her husband Robert Gunn of Sisters, Oregon; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and her sister, Maureen Ratcliff of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Loftin; John Brown; and her brother, Bob Larson.

Visitation will be held at Allen Mortuary, 247 North Broadway, Turlock, California, on March 30 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Allen Mortuary on March 31 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception at Latif’s to celebrate her life. A livestream link of the service will be available.
A private graveside burial for family will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Brenda’s memory to plant a tree in Stanislaus National Forest or Tahoe Forest, reflecting her love of the mountains and forests she cherished. https://shop.alivingtribute.org/