ALBERTA NANCY FLETCHER

Alberta Nancy Fletcher 11/10/1922 – 06/24/2026 Alberta Nancy Clanton Fletcher died peacefully in her home on June 24, 2026, at the age of 103, surrounded by family. Her life was a remarkable journey filled with purpose, unwavering dedication to her family and friends, and the values she held dear. Her optimistic outlook and radiant smile helped her form deep, lasting relationships. She was born and raised in Norwalk on a farm her parents, Ina & Allen Clanton, started in 1917. She attended public schools and met her future husband, Lynn, at Excelsior High School. They married in January 1942, but the honeymoon was brief because Lynn was in the Army and was shipped overseas for three years during WWII. Upon his return, they started their family and raised their three children, Ed, Nancy, and Rob, on the family farm, which later expanded into a dairy farm. Alberta was a devoted wife and mother, never missing a dance recital, Little League game, or school play – no matter how big or small the part her children received. Both she and Lynn were community-minded. Alberta served as PTA President for the Carmenita School, and Lynn served on the school board for many years. She cherished family and friends and always hosted dinners for special occasions. A wonderful cook, she was most famous for her apple pies, and there was always a pot of coffee on for friends stopping by. During the early 1960s, they opened their home to host the first foreign exchange student at Artesia High School, Ulrik Rabben. During that year, he not only saw California but also became a valued member of the Fletcher family. To this day, Ulrik, his wife Else, their daughters Elisabeth and Ellen (who considered Lynn and Alberta their grandparents), along with their 7 grandchildren, remain very close. In 1974, they sold the dairy farm in Cerritos, relocated their dairy to Tulare, and bought 160 acres of farmland on Ave. 200. After the family was settled, Alberta focused on integrating into her new community. She volunteered for the World Ag Expo for 30 years, and her love for quilting led her, along with two other friends, to start the Tulare Quilt Club. She was also a member of the Porterville Quilters. Alberta and Lynn loved to travel, especially on cruise ships, and they spent many years exploring the world. Alberta had a long life enriched by children and friends. She and Lynn were happily married for 68 years and built a deep community together. Through all these activities, the family remained most important. She never missed a birthday or special event in their lives. Alberta is survived by her children: Ed (Denise), Nancy (David), and Rob (Kathy), as well as seven grandchildren: Michelle Surkan (Michael), Jill Espinola (Kevin), Neil Fletcher (Sara), Todd Fletcher (Jane), Mark Fletcher, Kim Fletcher Baker (Chris), and Greg Fletcher (Jaqui). She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Lucinda Surkan (Sage), Rowan Surkan, Tessa Espinola, Kai & Liv Fletcher, Emma & Aurora Fletcher, Sadie Fletcher, Rylie Baker, and Brittani Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn Fletcher (2010). The family is very grateful to her team of caregivers, Monica, Samantha, and Saleana from Amdal-In-Home, who helped the family so much with their professionalism, compassion, and attentive care of Alberta over the past 5 years. The family also wishes to thank Paige of Healthcare California Hospice and her excellent team for their comfort to our family and capable assistance in keeping Alberta comfortable and helping us care for her during the past month. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local charity of your choice in her memory.