OBITUARIES

Michelle (Fraker) Tuttle 1952 — 2021

Michelle (Fraker) Tuttle passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Feb. 19, 2021, after a fierce battle with cancer.

She was born in San Jose, California, to Harold and Lorraine Mulneaux, the third of four daughters. After high school, Michelle married Charles Fraker, who went on to become a Sunnyvale Peace Officer. In 1976, he lost his life in the line of duty. Despite this lifechanging tragedy, Michelle persevered and, with the support of family, created a new life for her daughters.

Michelle never approached life as a spectator. She was actively involved in the lives of her daughters, volunteering in the classroom and PTA, and led their Girl Scout troop. Her positive attitude and determination never waved, no matter the hardship or challenge. At the heart of everything she did was family.

In 1985, Michelle moved her family to Sonora. Over the years, she started two small businesses, leading her to meet Michael Tuttle in 1990. They were inseparable; eventually working together at Yosemite Title, where Michelle progressed from receptionist to senior escrow coordinator over a 16-year career with the company. She was actively involved with Tuolumne County Women’s Network, serving for many years on its board of directors, eventually as president. Upon retiring, Michelle pursued her interests in genealogy and travel: exploring Alaska, Panama, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and enjoyed RV treks to Santa Cruz or even cross-country.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Michael Tuttle; daughters, Rebecca and Angela Fraker and Stephanie Martin; step-daughter Deah Gentry; grandchildren Amanda Botts, Joseph and Jacob Fraker and Michayla Botts; greatgrandchildren, Boyd, Aurora and Liam; her father, Harold Muineaux; sisters and their spouses, Larene and Larry Hodson, Sharon and John Maye, and Denise and Tony Micheletti; nieces, nephews and their spouses, Bret Hodson, Tracy Richardson, Zach and Shara Dzerigian, Melissa and Phil Demers, and Brandy Dzerigian; great-nieces and nephews, Jameson, Anthony, Savannah, Evey, Miller and Juliette. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Fraker; mother, Lorraine Mulneaux; brother-in-law, Ken Dzergian; and great-nephew, Vlade.

Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tuolumne County Women’s Network, Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute (CFRI) or St. Jude’s.