Arlene MacKerracher
Acampo, CA
1940-2012
Arlene Joan MacKerracher, a "very young" 71, left this earth after a short battle with cancer on August 9, 2012.
Arlene was born September 22, 1940, in Pensacola, Florida to Arthur and Virginia Chatham. Arlene’s father was in the Navy for 32 years, making her a "Navy brat." A large part of her schooling took place in Hawaii. Her family moved to Cupertino, Calif. when she was a high school senior. It was there that she met the love of her life, William J. MacKerracher, better known as Buzz.
In 1963 the couple moved to Galt, Calif. In 1981 they moved into their dream ranch, Day Money Acres, Acampo, Calif. Arlene was well known as a part of the Ropers Sports News team since the inception of the newspaper in 1968 by founder Bob Feist. Arlene continued working with the RSN until almost two years ago. She was an excellent proofreader and was invaluable to the production of RSN and adored by her co-workers. She also was employed at The Galt Herald newspaper for a number of years.
Besides her day jobs, Arlene worked side by side with Buzz on their many ventures, including producing major team ropings and horse shows. You could find Arlene doing any job needed whether it was timing, secretarying, announcing, etc., she could to it all and do it well.
Arlene and Buzz also owned an auctioneering company called All Western Sales. They sold horses, farm equipment, estate sales, antiques, western bits and collectibles.
The love and pride of her life were her son, William (Will) John MacKerracher and grandson Matt. Arlene loved to travel with her friends, read, and was very interested in western memorabilia. She was a huge Roy Rogers fan and went to his museum in Victorville, Calif. more than once. She even made the trek to New York to attend the dispersal of Roy Rogers estate including the selling of the famed stuffed "Trigger," Roy’s beautiful palomino horse.
Another highlight of her life was "swimming with the sharks" in Tahiti during a recent cruise with friends. Arlene is survived by her son Will and grandson Matt (Krista), as well as brother Bill Churchill (Frances) and sister, Jeanne Chatham (Hugh), numerous nieces and nephews and a ton of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Buzz, and her parents.
A memorial in Arlene’s honor took place at the Lodi, Calif. Funeral Home on August 25.
Remembrances in Arlene’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.