Who We Are

Our professional staff has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. We are leaders in our profession, with dedication to service and professional integrity.

• When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

  Our Valued Staff

  • 
    Ken Summers, Managing Partner

    
    Ken's great-grandfather (P.L. Fry) and grandfather (Paul Fry) started the P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home in Manteca in 1932.  Ken became manager after his grandmother (Lucille O. Fry) retired. “The goodwill and reputation of P.L. Fry & Son has always been regarded as second to none.”
    "Our guiding principles are built on honesty, integrity and quality in all we do." Ken is an active Board member for the Manteca Historical Society.
    

  • 
    Charla Ortiz, Funeral Arranger

    Charla is the Great-Niece of the late Lucille O. Fry. She has been employed by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Service since January 2001. She was born and raised in Manteca and graduated from Manteca High School with the class of 1990. Charla is married to Rick and together they have one daughter and three sons. She is extremely involved with her children’s activities both at Manteca High School and Shasta Elementary. She stays busy during the summer months on through the winter months with football, basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading through the local Manteca and Lathrop communities. Charla supports many organizations in her community and serves on the committee for the Every 15 Minute Drunk Driving Program through the Manteca Police Department. She and her family attend Grace Community Church in Lathrop where her children are involved with their youth group. As a hobby Charla and her mom both are breeders of Shih Tzu puppies and Toy Poodles. She enjoys planning unique special events, traveling and spending as much time with her family as possible.
    

  • 
    Alma Ochoa, Funeral Arranger

    Alma was raised in Manteca and attended Manteca High School graduating in 2001. Alma is married to Hector and together they have three beautiful sons. Alma was a former floral designer with ten years of experience in the Manteca Modesto area.  Alma and her family are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ripon. In addition Alma is gifted at speaking not only English but Spanish and Portuguese fluently. As well as being trilingual Alma is a certified bi-lingual interrupter for the Hispanic community.
    

  • 
    Richard Goeken, Advanced Planning Director, After Care Director

    Richard, grew up in Ceres and Hughson area and he graduated from Hughson High School. Richard lives in Modesto, he has 3 wonderful children, 2 Daughters and 1 Son. Richard is a Licensed Isnurance Agent with the State of California. Richard likes helping client families with their Insurance needs. Richard and his family are members of St. Joseph's Cathoic Church in Modesto.

  • 
    Jolene Omlin, Administrative Secretary, Bookkeeper, Public Notary

    Jolene has been employed at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Service for 14 years. Jolene was born in Tacoma, Washington and lived there for 21 years, before moving to Manteca, California, to live with her future husband at that time. Jolene is married to Leo, who is a farmer/rancher. Jolene also has a Daughter, named Josephine.
    Jolene is an Ovarian Cancer survivor. She is Financial Officer for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of California. Jolene is also a member of the Stockton Ovarian Support Group. Jolene is an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Padua in Manteca.
    
    

  • 
    Linda Peters, Secretary

    Linda was born in San Francisco and spent her early years in the bay area. Linda is a graduate from Washington High School in Fremont and attended Ohlone College. She has lived in Manteca for over 20 years and raised 3 sons. She is active with the Manteca Chamber of Commerce representing P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Service. Linda is a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where she worked as Administrative Secretary for 12 years prior to her employment at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Service. Linda now serves on the church membership committee. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and reading.
    

  • 
    Jessica Ortega, Receptionist

    Jessica was born in Santa Clara and was raised in Manteca all her life. She started singing in the church choir at the age of 4 and started playing piano at the age of 10. She was also involved in St. Anthony’s Arc Angels Youth Group for 10 years. Jessica worked as a tutor for several years. She started volunteering at Nile Garden Elementary School for 4 years and then in 2008 received a job as a teacher for young students at a privately owned tutoring center. She sings and plays piano at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at both Spanish and English masses with her parents Carlos & Carmen Campos along with her 2 sisters, Erica & Maira, and her 2 brothers, Carlos & Johnpaul. Jessica went to Sierra High School and Stanislaus State University to study business. She is married to her husband Mike, and together they have a beautiful daughter named Kaydence. On the side, Jessica also enjoys singing and playing piano for funerals, weddings, quinceañeras, and other special events. She also loves spending time with her family as much as possible.

  • 
    Sandra Fry Costa, Bereavement Facilitator

    Sandra is the daughter of Paul and Lucille Fry and mother of Ken Summers. Sandra also has 2 daughters, nine grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Sandra was born and raised in Manteca and is a graduate of Manteca High School. Sandra has her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, which she uses in her business of 20 years, the Diet Center of Manteca. Sandra has been facilitating Bereavement classes for P.L. Fry & Son since 1999, along with Community Hospice of Modesto. Being a widow twice herself as well as losing many loved ones over the years, she has the understanding and compassion for the people in each of her groups. Sandra is a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church, the Manteca Historical Society, and the American Cancer Society.

  • 
    Scott Gatze, Funeral Attendant, Site Safety Supervisor

    Scott has been working in the funeral industry since February 2008 and was hired full time with P. L. Fry & Son Funeral Service on April 1, 2009 as a funeral attendant. He is a native of San Joaquin County, California. He graduated in 2004 from Manteca High School. Scott is currently pursuing his education in Funeral Science. Scott hopes to continue the high standards of funeral service that the Fry family has set, in Manteca and the surrounding communities.
    Scott married his wife Jennifer August 9, 2011. He is active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is a member of the Manteca Historical Society , and involved with the Every Fifteen Minutes Program

  • 
    Rev. Bill Barnett, Funeral Attendant

    Bill Barnett is Pastor of Grace Community of Lathrop. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially with his two Granddaughters. His hope is to encourage and minister to families during there time of loss.

  • 
    Melvin Edwards, Funeral Attendant

    Melvin has been employed in the Funeral industry since 2008. Melvin is a
    licensed Real Estate Agent and Insurance Agent for the State of California.
    Melvin is very active in the community and sits on the Board of Elders at
    Calvary Temple Worship Center. What Melvin enjoys most in his new found
    profession is meeting and greeting client families when working a service.
    Melvin is married with 3 adult children and six grandchildren.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

  • 
    Stewart Gesler, Funeral Attendant

    Stewart was born and raised in this area. He is a licensed Doctor of Chiropratic for the past 23 years. Stewart is married with two daughters, he enjoys many sports and 4 x 4 jeeping in his down time. Continuing with his passion to help others., Stewart finds great satisfaction helping others through the bereavement services at P.L. fry & Son Funeral Services.

  • 
    Christopher S. Nava, Funeral Attendant

    Christopher S. Nava has been working for P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home since November 2006. He appreciates and loves working for P.L. Fry and Son and treats his job as a ministry field, reaching out to the families we serve with the love of Christ and praying with them when given the opportunity. Christopher attends church services at Calvary Chapel Manteca and lives in Manteca with his wife and two children. His hobbies are Bible devotion, gardening, and body board surfing. Christopher is an uniformed officer volunteer in the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps.