Judith Arlene Yriarte

Judith Arlene Raymond was born and raised in San Francsico until she was 16, when she moved with her father to Los Banos, who were both hired to work in a packing shed run by Sam Benidettino. Judy was especially befriended by Eveyln Benidettino, who took an immediate liking to her. Judy met Peter Yriarte and they courted for several years until they were married in 1958 in Los Banos. Judy and Pete had three sons, Michael, Peter, Jr., and John. Although Judy was German by birth, she quickly identified as Basque. She was considered the CEO of Yriarte Sheep and helped her husband run a successful business. When Pete, Sr., was stricken by an illness at age 37 and became paralyzed from the waist down, Judy stepped up to run not only their household but their business, and she continued to run the business after he died in 1993. Her family and friends describe her as a "warrior." Judy was a member and officer of many organizations, including the Los Banos Basque Club, California Woolgrowers Association (and Bo Peeps), Soroptimists, Native Daughters, Druids, YLI and Italian Catholic Federation. She took pride in her appearance, always dressing impeccably. Judy is preceded in deat...[more]

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y her husband, Peter Yriarte, Sr. and her son Michael. She is survived by her children Pete, Jr., and John and grandchildren Courtney (Justin) Zelinski, Ryan Yriarte, Jessica Yriarte, and Thomas (Karisa) Yriarte and great-grandchildren Addyson and Levi. On Tuesday, March 5 there will be a rosary for Judy at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church in Los Banos, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Los Banos District Cemetery. Donations can be made in her name to Our Lady of Fatima School in Los Banos, the California Woolgrowers Association or the charity of choice.