Arnita Marie Yepez

Determined…Modest…Proud of Lathrop.  These words describe Arnita Marie Yepez.  Normally working behind the scenes to recognize the accomplishments of others, Arnita works tirelessly for the community of Lathrop.
A volunteer at the Lathrop Senior Center from 2001-2004, Arnita pursued a Veterans Memorial for the eleven Lathrop veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice.  The memorial was dedicated in the updated Valverde Park.  Arnita organizes annual ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Unwavering and focused, Anita makes it her priority to ensure acknowledgment to those who deserve it.  When it became known that the gymnasium at the Lathrop Community Center needed to be named, she proposed Scott Brooks, who grew up in Lathrop and played basketball in the gym.  It is now the Scott Brooks Gym. Her next project was the sports field at Lathrop High School.  Again with a desire to recognize former Lathrop residents, she proposed Paul Wiggins.  Today it is the Paul Wiggins Stadium.
Arnita worked diligently for the Defense Depot in Tracy.  She was hired as a packer during the Vietnam War and was the first woman promoted to Leader Man ultimately earning the title of Packer Foreman until her retirement.  She has earned numerous letters of appreciation for her work ethic.  
Continuously going above and beyond for her community, Arnita’s acknowledgement for her dedication is well deserved. The City of Lathrop recognized Arnita in 2012 bestowing the honor of Grand Marshall for the Christmas parade.  She received a plaque in 2004 for her dedicated service on Senior Advisory Commission. She was a member of the Lathrop-French Camp Kiwanis Club from 1999-2005, and has been a member of the Lions Club since 2009.
Widowed twice, Arnita has eight children, 19 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren.