With her family at her side, Constance “Connie” V. Amerine, aged 92, passed peacefully from her rural Oakdale home into God’s arms on Feb 5, 2016.
Born in Hoffman, OK in 1923 to Lem and Gertrude Smith, Connie attended many schools in the state as her father’s job as a welder in the oil fields required many moves for his family. This lifestyle must have laid the ground work for Connie’s friendly, resilient personality and her love of travel and adventure.
In her life, Connie was blessed with three beautiful daughters – Candi, Jennifer and Nancy – as well as the love of many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
On Feb. 15, 1988 in Modesto, CA, Connie became the bride of Raegan Amerine. Devoted to each other for 28 years, they shared a wonderful blended family and enjoyed many trips to other countries around the world.
Connie was a member of both St. James Orthodox Church of Modesto, CA and the Knights Ferry Community Church, Knights Ferry, CA.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Lem and Gertrude Smith; brother, Lem Smith, Jr.; sisters, Juanita “Nita” Smith and Tommy Smith; daughters, Candi Benoun and Nancy Theige, and first husband William Friggle.
She is survived by her husband, Reagan Amerine of Oakdale; daughter, Jennifer Hibberd (Paul) of Felton, CA; sons, Ronald Amerine (Kathleen) of Escalon, and Gary Amerine (Debi) of Oakdale; Grandchildren, Shannon Hainlin (Tom), Dan Pence (Mia), Shelli Borba (John), Chris Baustian (Leoma), Joanna Kulina (Bobby), Shanna Springer (Alan), Sarah Conger (Steve), Garrett Amerine (Terah), Joy Kiely (Kevin), Jonathon Amerine, and 19 Great Grandchildren.
She will be lovingly remembered for her incredible sense of humor, quick wit, devotion to family and her ability to keep all things on the sunny side of life.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 in the Evergreen Garden at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 S. Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA. A reception will immediately follow at the Knights Ferry Community Church, 12600 Shurl Road, Knights Ferry, CA.
Please consider Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95386 for any donations in Connie’s memory.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Feb. 10, 2016