Judson Richard Landis

February 21, 1935 ~ December 16, 2022

Judson Richard Landis lived a glorious 87 years as an avid traveler, teacher, business owner, and loving son, brother, husband and father.
Born outside of Columbus, Ohio, Judson R. Landis was the eldest child of professors and authors, Judson Taylor Landis and Mary Green Landis, and brother to Janet Landis Summers. The family moved to Louisiana, Iowa, and then to a farm in Carbondale, Illinois, as Judson T. Landis pursued his doctorate and then took a job as a professor at Southern Illinois University.

Judson's formative years were spent on the farm, helping his dad bundle asparagus, collecting eggs from the hen house, and skating on the frozen creek. The family moved again to East Lansing, Michigan, before eventually settling in Northern California when the elder Landis accepted a job as a professor at UC Berkeley. Judson followed in his parents' footsteps, and after graduating from UC Berkeley and completing service in the Marines, went to Ohio State University where he received his master's degree and Ph.D. in Sociology.

He moved to Sacramento, California in 1963 to take a sociology professorship at California State University, Sacramento. As one of the longest serving professors in the history of the university, and the longest serving department chair, he was known for his elegantly prepared lectures, his dry sense of humor, his intellectual yet accessible books, and his notoriously hard tests! Loved by his students and colleagues, he taught criminology into his 80s.

He was married for 57 years to Sheron Chavoor Landis, who he met soon after he arrived in Sacramento. Devoted life partners, Judson and Sheron traveled to all parts of the world. Their early vacations tended towards the "European road trip" style of the 1960s and 70s; they often picked up a VW Van in Germany and set off to campgrounds and small inns all over France. Judson loved the world and all of its secrets, but Europe contained his favorite travel spots, places that he returned to over the years: Paris, London, the Cotswolds, Bavaria, Salzburg, Laguiole, and Provence. He was a lover of food and reveled in the romantic pilgrimage to unusual restaurants in far flung places. His office always had stacks of travel magazines, mixed in with "Sports Illustrated" and "Time".

Judson and Sheron raised three children, Jeffrey (53), Brian (51) and Kevin (47). Dad was a soccer coach, a Special Olympics cheerer, and a theatre aficionado, because that's what the kids loved, and he was devoted to their interests. Family summers were often spent at Fallen Leaf Lake, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, since it was an important spot for Judson as a youth. After he eloped with Sheron (in Carson City), they honeymooned at Fallen Leaf, and built a home on its shore in 1971. The Lake was the place for family, and there Judson and Sheron taught the kids to waterski, hunt for crawdads, drive the boat and have epic water fights.

Judson was a passionate entrepreneur and he and Sheron grew a family real estate business, Landis Properties, into a large portfolio of residential and commercial buildings, including the historic Eleventh and L building in downtown Sacramento. Judson ran the business his entire adult life, saying that one of his true professional joys, perhaps even more than his illustrious academic career, was being the bookkeeper of the business. After dinner he would work in his study into the night, making sure that the books were balanced to the penny, and that his lecture for the next morning was well rehearsed. During the day, he was often found at Sheron's Chicory Coffee and Tea, talking business and "kicking the tires" with employees, over a glass of orange juice and a cookie.

He was a lover of sports and a tremendous athlete, from his early years as a basketball player, to later pursuits at racquetball, soccer and cycling. He excelled at every athletic endeavor and, with Sheron's love of tennis, instilled that passion and dedication to athletic pursuits to his sons. From basketball games in the morning before the school bus arrived, to soccer practice in the back yard, to driving youth sports teams to tournaments all over California in the big yellow van, to bike trips in Southeast Asia, Jud was the ultimate athlete and sports fan.

Known by family, colleagues and employees variously as Judson, Jud, Juddie, Professor Landis, DrMrSir, Jud the Stud and El Señor, he was an idol to many, for his soft-spoken charisma, his intelligence, his incomparable, understated style (shorts, t-shirts, floppy hats and worn-out shoes), and his love of family.

Though slowed in the last decade of his life by Parkinson's, Judson never lost hope for the future and his passion for living life as fully as he could muster. In the past 18 months, he managed to travel to his beloved Paris, the south of France, Carmel, Fallen Leaf Lake, Mexico, and Colorado, where he died peacefully surrounded by family; traveling to the very end.

He is survived and deeply missed by Sheron, Jeffrey, Brian and Kevin, his daughter-in-law, Heidi, his sister, Janet, and their extended families. In his memory, the family asks friends and loved ones to travel, cycle, cheer on the 49ers, make root beer floats, cook stir-fries, go boating, walk on the beach, eat Jimboys tacos and gallons of Häagen-Dazs, and live life with the zest and passion of Juddie.

Lawrence Stanley Meyers

April 6, 1943 ~ October 25, 2022

Professor Lawrence Stanley Meyers, PhD. died peacefully in Sacramento, California on October 25th, 2022, after a 3-year battle with aggressive prostate cancer. Dr. Meyers or Larry as many knew him, is likely remembered by anyone who majored in Psychology at California State University Sacramento (CSUS) over the last 50 years.

Larry was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He received his B.S. in Psychology in 1964 from Brooklyn College after changing his major from Chemistry because, he said, "the math was too hard". He went on to get his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Adelphi University in 1968 and did a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 1968 - 1970 under the sponsorship of Professor E.J. Capaldi. He apparently got over his aversion to mathematics at some point, (co)authoring several books on advanced statistical analysis and experimental design. Beginning his tenure at CSUS in 1970, side-effects from his illness forced him to retire in December 2021.

Larry is preceded in death by first wife (Ronni Lux) and second wife (Gail Barnes). He is survived by his daughter Erin Botsford, his stepson Edward Payson Hall (Mardell), his cousin Anne Roth, three grandchildren Paul Furst (Clarissa), Jennifer Maanao (Michael), Alexander Hall (Kelly), eight great-grandchildren, and many very good friends, colleagues, and students.

In addition to his teaching, Larry engaged in many other professional activities at CSUS to support students, the department, and the profession throughout his career. One of the activities he enjoyed the most was serving as graduate coordinator for the psychology program for 26 years. Many of the students he coached became and remained friends long after moving on to successful doctoral programs and careers all over the country.

His presence will be missed at family gatherings, the bridge game with close friends that started in 1975 and persisted in some fashion until just before his death, and the Dungeons & Dragons Adventures with his gaming cohort that began in the early 1980's and ran until they were curtailed because of COVID. His elven thief/wizard "Arth" will be given a Viking funeral.

The family wishes to acknowledge the great care and support Larry received from the Kaiser medical community, including his primary care physician Dr. Hwang, oncologist Dr. Patrick Linn and his team, his Palliative Care team headed by Dr. Gerald Cantelmi and the Hospice team (particularly nurse extraordinaire Elway). We also wish to acknowledge his Home Instead caregiver Sale who was a companion and an invaluable in-home support for Larry's final year.

Although a quiet man in many ways, he was actively engaged academically, professionally, and socially. "Grandpa Larry" as he was known by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed participating in family events and occasional road trips with friends and family. Always willing to lend an ear, Larry was thoughtful and unselfish with his time and resources. Many who knew him remarked on Larry's generosity, kindness, and wisdom and many have spoken of life-transforming support and advice he provided over the years. I think we speak for all who knew him when we say, "We are better for knowing you, Larry. Best wishes for whatever comes next."

Per Larry's wishes, there will be no memorial. Should you wish to honor his legacy, the family suggests supporting higher education (in general and CSUS in particular), cancer research and, of course, practicing kindness and generosity.

James Alvin Jolly

November 2, 1921 ~ February 5, 2023

James Alvin Jolly, PhD passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023 at the age of 101. He was preceded in death in 2018 by his loving wife Rose Binkley Jolly. They were happily married for 73 years and are survived by three children, Mayeve, David and Heidi, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Dr. Jolly retired as a full Professor from CSU Sacramento, having also taught at the Naval Postgraduate School. He earned his undergraduate degree in physics from the University of Pacific and his MBA and PhD from the University of Santa Clara. His academic career was enhanced by more than 20 years of business experience as a manager of research and development activities in the Silicon Valley at Eitel-McCullough and Varian Associates. Dr. Jolly's consulting and research included work for the National Science Foundation, the National Academy of Science, the US Navy and the Department of Commerce. He is the author of more than 50 articles and books in the field of electronics, management and research application.

Jim Jolly was born in Oceanside, California and grew up in the central valley as one of nine children in a farming family. His family appreciates that he took the time to write a book, And So It Was, describing his long and interesting life. He was particularly proud of his service in WWII as a Merchant Marine radio officer on ships in the Atlantic and Pacific. He took great joy in being an active amateur radio operator, receiving his license W6RWI at the age of 18 in 1939 and signing on to his last net at the age of 101. His trust in the Lord gave him great length of days and called him to his eternal home. He is remembered by his family and friends as a beloved husband, caring father, and great American.

Martha Jean

May 7, 1949 ~ April 26, 2021

Martha was born on May 7, 1949, in Buffalo, NY. She graduated from Kenmore West HS and then earned her degree in special education from Buffalo State.
She moved to California in 1980 where she began a new adventure. She worked as a schoolteacher for over twenty years and was constantly trying interesting and new opportunities. Martha enjoyed spending time with her family and was a wonderful mother, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her son, Jeff Bingel; her brother, David (Joan) Hammond; and many nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her sisters, Susan Hardoby and Joanne Willson.

Shirley Rakestraw

September 5, 1938 ~ April 10, 2023

Shirley Jean Rakestraw, age 84, of Citrus Heights, California passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023.Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountVernonMemorial.com for the Rakestraw family.

Mary E. Summers

December 6, 1948 ~ January 14, 2023

Retired CSUS Nursing Professor Mary Summers passed away peacefully at home following a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 74 and was surrounded by love, music and family.

She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, and is also remembered for her engaging personality, keen sense of humor, adventurous spirit, great storytelling, sharp intellect and huge heart. "Mary fought so hard for so long," one friend recalled, "yet she always had that brilliant smile and a zest for life."
Mary E. Summers Drager, PhD, RN, enjoyed a 35-year career at California State University, Sacramento, as a professor of nursing, specializing in community health. In addition, Dr. Summers was the longtime director of a CSUS research center in which she conducted studies involving public health.

Along with her professional life, Dr. Summers had many lifelong interests and passions. In her spare time, she pursued a love of art and nature to become an accomplished landscape oil painter. She was also a devoted pet owner and an avid Newfoundland dog breeder. And always, she made time for family, taking special pride in her grandchildren.

Mary lived much of her adult life in the Sacramento area, but she always took pleasure in visiting scenic areas throughout the West. After her retirement from CSUS, she and her husband, Kerry Drager, moved full time to one of their frequent destinations -- California's Central Coast, first Cambria and then Morro Bay.

Her art career flourished at the coast, with two galleries representing her impressionistic seascapes and landscapes. One memorable solo exhibit was "Think Pink: How Cancer Colored My World," which was accompanied by Mary's picture-essay book of the same name. "My approach to painting," she once said, "is to follow the brush in order to record the rich colors, striking designs and wonderful textures of nature."

Another favorite pastime was the raising and breeding of Newfoundlands, and her kennel produced numerous champions in the dog-show ring. However, Mary appreciated other breeds as well. She and Kerry often received bemused looks from neighbors and passersby whenever they walked, side by side, their 150-pound-plus Newfie and their 5-pound teacup poodle.

Born in Weed, Calif., Mary Summers Drager graduated in 1966 from Louisville High School in Woodland Hills, Calif. Her education continued with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco, and in 1998, a Doctorate of Nursing from UCSF.

Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Kerry Drager; son Dan Summers Drager; daughter Kristin Pepper; daughter-in-law Kim Summers Drager; grandchildren Delaney, Lucy, Elias, Magnus and Conan; sister Catherine Straus and brother-in-law Rick Straus; three brothers; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Nina Pile.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will take place June 17, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., in Fair Oaks, Calif. For details, email kerry.drager@gmail.com .