Napa - Luella J. Mock died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family, after a brief illness on June 20, 2009. Luella was born July 19, 1909, to Ruben and Alice Bodle Jackson in Homestead, Pa.

She was the oldest of five children. Her family owned their own coal mine. After graduating from high school, Luella attended Indiana Normal School for one semester before marrying Harry Theodore Mock. The couple had two sons, Bob and Ted.

During the Depression, the family moved to Youngstown, Ohio. In 1941, they traveled by train to San Diego. The following year they moved to Vallejo’s Trailer City; later that same year they moved to Napa, where they purchased a 12-acre ranch on Monticello Road.

In 1948, Luella started working at Partrick’s Candy Store. She divorced Harry in 1949 and moved to her Yajome Street home following the sale of the ranch. In 1950, she entered the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program at Napa College.

Upon graduation she worked for Dr. Eklund. In 1952 Luella began a 15-year career at Napa State Hospital; during her last four years of employment there she worked with people with disabilities and considered those years to be the most rewarding of her nursing career.

After a brief retirement she worked at Robert’s Nursing Home until the age of 72.

Throughout her life Luella drew strength from her relationship with God. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and served as president of United Methodist Women for three years. For many years she coordinated bi-annual UMW rummage sales. She also ran the church mini shop, was on the worship committee and chairperson of the Membership of Evangelism Commission. 

She was also involved in Stephen Ministries and volunteered in the church office. Luella had two families; her family in Pennsylvania and her sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren in Napa.

She would call, visit and write all of her family members. Luella was loved by many. Her friendly smile, outgoing manner and acceptance of all, made people feel at home. She was preceded in death by her son, Bob Mock, her sister, Oda Burquest, her brothers, Dale and Billy Jackson, her granddaughter, Cindy Mock, and her three great grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved son, Ted Mock; her grandchildren Robert Mock Jr., Rick Mock, Sherrie Woller, Barbara Bruington, Daniel Mock, Tedi Mock-Beagley and Marcy Mock; numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no funeral services. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to First United Methodist Church, 625 Randolph St., Napa, CA 94559. One of Luella’s goals was to live to be 100 years old. On July 18, from 3-6 p.m., please join the family at her Yajome Street home. This will be a time to grieve, share and celebrate a dearly-loved woman. Arrangements were cared for by Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel and Crematory, where condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Treadwayandwiggerfuneralchapel.com.