Heber Kent Jones (1930-2013)

Our dear husband, father and grandfather, Kent Jones, returned to the high country May 13. Kent was born in Heber City, Utah, Feb. 25, 1930, to Elisha Warren Jones and Hannah Cecelia Crook Jones, who taught him the goodness of life. As a young farm boy he loved herding sheep with his dad.
He attended Heber City schools, graduating from Wasatch High before serving in the L.D.S. Southern States mission from 1950-1952. Immediately after, he served his country for two years during the Korean Conflict. Kent graduated from Brigham Young University in 1960, married Carol Diane Wheldon (later divorced), and taught school for 27 years at Fillmore Jr. High School in Fillmore California, serving as president of the Fillmore Teachers Association. He married Marlene Easterwood in 1973. They were sealed in the Los Angeles temple in 1978. He returned to Heber City in 1987 to begin a 21-year career as a utilities system manager on the Uinta National Forest. This he truly enjoyed, believing that being in the forest is the best therapy a man can have.
Kent served in several L.D.S bishoprics, on the high council and in other stake and ward positions. He was a Dutch oven chef and member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
Kent is survived by Marlene, his wife of 40 wonderful years, children Chad (Debbie) Jones; Kenna Jones; Steve (Camilla) Conaway; Cathe (Allan) Cook; Kristi Vandenham; Josh (Steve Finau) Jones. His greatest joy was being with his wife, children, 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, especially in the mountains.
Kent’s funeral will be at the L.D.S. Valley Hills 1st Ward building, at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 16. There will be a viewing beginning at 9 a.m.

Dorothy F. Spangler (1935-2013)

Dorothy F. Spangler, 78, of Fillmore passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
Dorothy will be missed by all her family and many friends.
Dorothy was born in Piru, Calif., on January 18, 1935, to Jesse and Myrtle Baker. Dorothy attended Piru school and later graduated from Fillmore High School in 1952. Most people would remember Dorothy from her 20-plus years working as a checker at Vons in Fillmore. She loved her family and would spend most of her time with them. She enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Spike. She also spent a lot of her time reading, taking pictures, working on her computer, and researching her family history. After her husband passed away, she would spend Friday nights with her girlfriends going to dinner and watching movies. Dorothy loved listening to music and had a very eclectic taste, from Oldies to Opera. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Theodore Baker and Bessie Myrtle Baker (Petro); sister, Nadine; brother, Raymond; husband, Delbert "Spike" Spangler; and grandson, Daniel Legan.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Pete (wife Nita) Legan of Lancaster, Calif., Kenny (wife Kathy) Legan of Montague, Calif., Nadra (husband Jim) Carricaburu of Fillmore, Calif., Karen (husband Chris) McDermott of Fillmore, Calif., and Nicky (wife Vicky) Legan of Oak Run, Calif.; brother, Bud Baker; 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many honorary children. She will be truly missed by her favorite children, cats Charlie and Maggie.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, at Skillin Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Bardsdale Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave., Fillmore, phone 524-0744.

Ernest Herman Hurd, a long time Fillmore, California resident, known to many as Ernie or Paka, died at home in Denver, Colorado on April 26, 2013. He was born on February 9, 1919 in Cosmospolis, Washington to Theodore Truman Hurd and Edith Atkinson Hurd. Ernie’s father died at an early age, leaving his wife with their two young sons to care for. Ernie eventually went to live with Helen Doty, a kind hearted widow lady that needed help on her small farm outside of Eugene, Oregon while his older brother, Theodore Sheldon remained with his mother at her parent’s home in Eugene. Mrs. Doty became “Aunt Helen” to Ernie and her only son Max helped influence him to further his education at a university.
Ernie was in junior high school when he and another student, Nelson Treadway were challenged to build a telescope as a class project and before graduating from high school in Eugene, Oregon, their telescope was the only one completed. While in high school, Ernie also learned code and earned a radio operators license, which benefited him later in his career. He also learned to play the harmonica and he and his pal Nelson, both became quite accomplished playing duets together. They played on the radio at the college station in Corvallis, Oregon, winning accolades with their harmonicas.
Ernie was a second year engineering student at the Oregon State University in Corvallis when he had to drop out due to lack of funds. He then learned radio electronics at a vocational school in Eugene and from there started teaching code to men at the United States Naval station in Seattle, Washington to become qualified radio operators. When this teaching program closed, Ernie was offered a Chief Petty Officers commission but instead went into working for the Civil Aeronautics Association, beginning a series of civilian assignments with the CAA. He worked in Butte, Montana, Minchumina, Alaska, and Palmyra Island in the South Pacific and with assignments on all the islands of Hawaii after World War II ended.
Ernie met his future wife, Marvis Jean Robinson on board the steamship USS Matsonia, when he was coming home on furlough. Marvis had been vacationing in Hawaii and was returning to her home in Fillmore, California. They married July 27, 1946, in Fillmore, a marriage which lasted fifty-one years, until her death in 1997. Ernie and Marvis made their first home in Honolulu, Hawaii, while Ernie continued his work in civil aeronautics. Shortly afterwards, Marvis’s father, in declining health, asked if he would return to California to learn and take over the Robertson family citrus farming business. So Ernie resigned and they moved to Bardsdale, near Fillmore. While farming was always a challenge, he loved the work and was always available in helping others. Marvis and Ernie became the parents to two sons, Mark and Chris. A son, Barry, died in infancy.
While Ernie had no architectural or building experience, he was instrumental in the drafting and construction of the beach house in 1976. In addition to operating the family citrus farming business, he was active in his church. He joined the Bardsdale United Methodist church shortly after he and Marvis moved to Fillmore from Hawaii, remaining faithful to its teachings during his entire lifetime. He served in various capacities within the church and was a member of the board of trustees for many years.
Ernie was a member of and served as Master of the Fillmore Masonic Lodge. He served as chairman of the Bardsdale school board as well as chairman of the Farm Bureau Citrus committee. He was a member of SPEBSQSA, a barbershop harmony singing group, in both the Ventura and Oxnard chapters, serving as their president for many years. For thirty-five years, Ernie was a science judge for schools at the city, county and state levels. He was instrumental in the operation and maintenance of several water boards for the Bardsdale community, until leaving the area a few years ago.
In 1978, they held a meeting with the remaining family members within the Robertson ranch, and it was decided to sell the property and retire. Ernie and Marvis then travelled extensively to various countries around the world, including a visit to Vienna, Austria to see the exchange student who had lived with them, when their own boys were still at home.
After the death of Marvis, he met Bonnie Nijenhuis on an airline flight, and they married in 2000. Until Ernie’s health prevented it, they both continued to travel. For a time, they divided their time between her homes Florida and Colorado, as well as his home in Bardsdale.
Surviving are his wife, Bonnie of Denver, Colorado, his sons Mark Evan and his wife Sharon of Fillmore and Christopher Thomas and his wife Anne of Firebaugh, California, step-daughter Diana Hawkins of Show Low, Arizona, step-son Brent Mickey of Oldsmar, Florida, grandsons Chad (Jennifer), Neal (Carrie Ann), Kevin (Allison) and Dusty (Sarah) Hurd. Also surviving are step-grandchildren Jamie, Trevor and Hannah Hawkins, Austin and Devon Mickey and great-grandchildren Kylie, Justin, Gannon, Yetta, Moriah, Griffin, and Duncan Hurd. Step-great-grandchildren are Emily and Ethan Burroughs.
His Memorial service is to be held at the Bardsdale United Methodist church, 1498 Bardsdale Avenue, Fillmore, California on the 6th of May at 11:00 o’clock. A luncheon reception follows. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the above church or to any community food bank in his memory.

Kerry Weber Balden (1958-2012)

Kerry Weber Balden (May 11, 1958 - May 9, 2012), 53, died May 9, 2012 in his home in Seabrook, TX. Mr. Balden was born in Santa Paula, CA to James and Patricia Wilson Balden. He was a graduate of Filmore High School, class of 1976. He and his siblings spent many happy weekend and summer visits at their grandparents’ beach house in Mussel Shoals, CA.

As a young adult, Kerry worked in the maritime industry. Eventually he moved to Hawaii and worked as chief engineer for a firm in the Honolulu Harbor. While in Hawaii he met his wife Maureen Smith Balden. After marrying in Hawaii, the couple relocated and has lived in Seabrook, TX since 1992.
Kerry was an active member and volunteer at the Bay Area Club in League City and the Wheel House in Deer Park. He owned and operated Balden Construction during all of his Texas years.

Kerry was an exceptional athelete. During his youth, he played baseball, basketball, football, and ran track on the local teams in Fillmore where he grew up. He often won awards, and appeared in the area newspapers for his atheletic achievements. During his years at Fillmore High, he was a star on his high school football, basketball, and track teams. He received the honor being his football team’s MVP. But those who knew him will not be surprised that he was also given the distinction of earning the “Most Ejections from High School Basketball Games” award, as well as being voted “The Boy the Girls Most Wanted to be Stranded on a Deserted Island With!” As a father, he continued his passion for sports as he watched his sons play local team sports as both a coach and a spectator.
Kerry was an avid fisherman, and when the flounder were running, fishing often became a distraction from everything else. Until recently, Kerry found great pleasure in trying to get a tiny white ball into a small cup on the greens of beautiful golf courses from Hawaii to Texas and beyond. His newest passion was Nascar, and he could be found most every Saturday and Sunday watching one race or another. He even got to attend Nascar in person at Texas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Talladega Superspeedway.
Kerry was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents. He is survived by his wife Maureen, and two sons, Kerry James, 20, and Shea Evans, 17; his father James Evans Balden and stepmother Elaine Balden of Altadena, CA; his siblings Patrick, Laura Balden Clauson, Michael, Justine Blanton, Alana Balden and Skyla Balden; his numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and too many friends to name.

For those who prefer making a donation to sending flowers, the family has established the Kerry Weber Balden Memorial “Fix-It” Fund to benefit ongoing building maintenance and lawn care at the Bay Area Club, as this was Kerry’s weekly service project and his great passion. Donations to this fund may be sent directly by check to the Bay Area Club, 2111 Webster St. League City, TX 77573, specifying Kerry’s name in the memo. Donations are fully tax deductible.
 Condolences may be sent to the Balden Family, PO Box 813, Seabrook, TX 77586.

Although full funeral services were held at the time of Kerry’s death at his hometown in Texas, the family felt that a service local to Fillmore at this one year anniversary would be fitting as well.
On May 11, 2013, one year after his death, and on Kerry’s 55th birthday, there will be a brief memorial service held at 11:00 am at the Bardsdale Cemetery. Immediately following the service there will be a BBQ at John and Debbie Perkins home. All are invited

Felipe Luis Quezada (1941-2013)

Felipe Luis Quezada, 72, of Tujunga, CA, was called to the Lord on April 18, 2013. Many of his friends called him, Phil. He was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on February 6, 1941, to loving parents Luis B Quezada (deceased) and Luz V Quezada. Phil graduated from Fillmore High School in 1960 and attended Ventura College and CSUN, and received his Masters from UCLA. He proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves.
Phil married the love of his life, Rosa Maria Aguirre in 1968, and had three beautiful and successful daughters, Rosa Maria, Rebeca Leticia, and Veronica Ruth.
Phil worked for Price Waterhouse & Co. before starting his own CPA firm, from which he retired.
Felipe is survived by his mother, Luz Quezada, his loving wife Rosa Maria, his daughters, Rosie, Becky, and Veronica, his son-in-laws, Donald, Brian, Michael, his two grandsons Jacoby and Easton, his sister Lucy and her husband Ricardo, his nephews Richie and David, his nieces Andrea, Amber, and Isabella, as well as many cousins, God-children, and friends.
The Quezada Family would like to publicly acknowledge the staff at Cedars-Sinai for their care. We would particularly like to thank and express our gratitude to Dr. Keith Klein, Felipe's primary physician, for all the loving, compassionate care he provided throughout Felipe's stay in the hospital.
Services will be
Rosary: Thursday April 25, 2013 at 7:00pm
Funeral: Friday April 26, 2013 at 11:30am
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
7315 Apperson St.
Tujunga, CA 91042
818-352-3218

W.L “Dub” Vossler (1922-2013)

Dub passed away peacefully, at the age of 90, after a short struggle with kidney disease. Family and friends gave him encouragement and love during his illness, hoping he would stay with us, but he had other plans.
He was born in Duke, Okla., to Lon and Bertha Vossler, and his family later moved to Texas. He would laugh at the times in his teen years when he and friends would hop on a freight train and ride the rails to any destination the train was going, knowing what lay in store for him when he got home days later!
Dub was always a hard worker, starting when he was still a boy, and worked on his uncle’s farm, planting and picking cotton or crop of the season, but still finding time to sneak off and take a dip in the reservoir on hot summer days. He worked at the Armor Meat Packing Plant in Ft. Worth, Texas, and then in 1939 he moved to Fillmore, where he worked at the M.O.D. Packing Plant, receiving and packing oranges. He would also go out into the groves and tent the trees when it was time to fumigate them for citrus pests, a job that he called dirty and backbreaking.
It was also in 1939 that he met Joyce Patterson, and it became a wartime romance that led into a union of 70 years. They were married in Las Vegas in 1941, and soon moved to Long Beach to help the WWII effort at the shipyards and Douglas Aircraft. Dub was inducted into the U.S Army in 1943, where he served in the South Pacific Islands of New Caldonia, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and New Guinea as an aviation engineer, maintaining fuel storage facilities for aviation fuel, diesel for ships, and regular gasoline for vehicles (total storage facility, 5 million gals). At the end of his military service in 1946, he held the rank of Tech. Sergeant 4.
Returning to Fillmore after WWII, he went to work for Texaco as a meter man. He and Joyce build their first home, raised a son and 2 daughters there, and then he decided to take early retirement in 1979, after 33 years with Texaco. They moved to Sheridan, Montana, where they build their second home. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, and loved to hunt, fish, camp in Montana, he was able to go on cattle drives riding his one-man horse, Babe. He liked to read the old West stories by Louis L’amour, sometimes more than one or twice. Having lived a full life, he always had a funny story to tell on himself or one of his hunting buddies. They made many lifelong friends during their 23 years in Montana, and after moving to Fillmore once again, they continued to travel back to Big Sky country.
Dub was preceded in death a year ago by his wife of 70 years, Joyce; his parents, five brothers and three sisters; grandson, Michael Vossler; Great-grandson, Joshua Chaves; and great-great granddaughter Jordan Willeford.
Survivors include daughter and sons-in-laws, Linda and Jerry Crockett, and Nancy and Raymond Cervantez, all from Fillmore; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Sherry Vossler of Lowell, Ore; Brother, Calvin Vossler of Leakey, Texas; Granddaughters, Jennifer Crockett of Oklahoma City, Ok., and Teresa Blankenship of Sonora, Ca.; grandsons Kelly Brown of Ojai, and Casey (Anne) Brown of Tulare, Ca.; Great-grandchildren Rachel Chavez, Brittany, Taylor and Kelsie Brown, and Julian and Brennan Brown; great-great grandson Devin Willeford and many niece and nephews.
Another of America’s “Greatest Generation” is gone.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave, Fillmore. Graveside will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 10 a.m., at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Virginia Real Ortiz (1931-2013)

Virginia Real Ortiz, a Piru native and long-time Fillmore resident, went to be with the Lord on April 11, 2013. Virginia left us peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
The mother of 11 children, grandmother of 28 and great-grandmother of 32 and great-great-grandmother of 1, will always be remembered for her full, loving heart.
Born in Camarillo on June 25, 1931 to Joe and Lillie Real, Virginia was the seventh of eleven Real children. She attended school, and then fell head over heels in love with Fred Ortiz, her husband of 60 years, father of her children and lifelong dance partner.
In addition to raising a large family, Virginia worked for the Piru Citrus Association for many, many years until she retired.
Virginia was happiest when dancing, spending time with her family, toasting a good meal with the Thursday night dinner crew and spending quality time with all of her many family and friends.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Fred, son baby Larry, mother and father, Lillie and Joe Real, stepfather Pete Torres, brothers Joe, Alex, Billy, Fred and Dickie, sister Irene and sister in law, Mary, who will now rejoice with her in Heaven.
Virginia is survived by her sisters, Emily and Pete Cervantes, Lucille and Larry Ford, Alma and Raymond Ponce and brother George Real. Children, Patricia Ortiz, Linda and Robert Mackey, Fred and Irma Ortiz, David and Colleen Ortiz, Julia and Don Winters, Richard and Robyn Ortiz, Fernando Ortiz, Francis and John Aitken, Robert and Melissa Ortiz and Ramona and Harrell Moore. Grandchildren Michael, Josh, Leanne, Rene, Brandi, Freddy, Richard, Martina, Sandra, Jaymee, DJ, Samantha, Darlene, David, Tony, Nick, Tiffany, Caitlin, Fernando, Luke, Taylor, Robyn, Ashlee, Cat, Brittany, Zachary, Destiney and Joseph; 32 Great grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, Nathan.
Known as "Mom", "Nana", "Honey", "Tia" and "Huera", she'll forever be in our hearts.
A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 17, at San Salvador Mission Parish, 4045 Center Street in Piru. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 Ventura Street in Fillmore. Committal & Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
Special thanks to Assisted Living Hospice staff, (and Nurse Sherry), and to all that was here in our time of need.
For map and directions to all ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Virginia’s name located below “Recent Obituaries”.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula; 229-7054

Phillip Lee Morales (1945-2013)

Phillip Lee Morales of Fillmore, passed away on Monday April 8,2013 in the presence of his family. He was 67 years old. At the time of his passing he was living in the Antelope Valley with his only daughter, Natasha Morales Westbrook, son-in-law Scott Westbrook IV, and granddaughters Dajza, Suzanne, and Sarah. Phillip was hospitalized since November 2012 after suffering a major heart attack and never gave up a fight. He was a character and utilized humor to mask his pain.
He was born on August 31, 1945 to Raymond Salazar Morales and Mary Videgain Morales of Fillmore. Both preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter Natasha Morales Westbrook, son-in-law Scott, granddaughters Dajza, Sarah, Suzanne, two sisters Dorothy Sandoval and Linda Alba, nephews, nieces, and numerous of cousins.
To the numerous friends and family that were with him in his final journey. Words cannot express how thankful we are for your love, patience, and support.
As my father would say in his singing voice “Don’t Cry for me Argentina”. Till we meet again dad, grandpa, cousin, uncle, and friend.
For those who plan on attending services, please wear colorful clothing. Preferably no black. Funeral information is as follows:
Sunday 4/21/13
Skillen Carroll Mortuary, 600 W. Central Avenue Fillmore, Ca
Viewing 4-7pm, Rosary 7pm
Monday 4/22/13
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 Ventura St Fillmore, Ca
10 am Mass, followed by burial at Santa Paula Cemetery.

Leonard William Boynton (1942-2013)

Leonard William Boynton of Fillmore, California passed away at home in the evening of March 24th at the age of 71. Leonard was born in Oxnard, California on March 6th 1942 to the late Fred and Nathalie Boynton. He has three brothers Kenny, Lowell, and Wes. He graduated Fillmore High School in 1961 and received an Associate’s Degree at Ventura College. He started working at Western Auto during high school where he met his wife Linda Cole. They were married August 24th 1968 and had two children David and Cynthia. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, exploring caves, and walking along the beach looking at tide pools. One of his greatest joys in life was to play with, and help raise his three grandchildren Katie, Julie and Dakota. He retired in June 2008 from the Bardsdale Cemetery District.
A viewing will be held at Charles Carroll Funeral Home (15 Teloma Drive, Ventura) on March 29th from 11am – 12:30pm with services to follow at 1pm.

Mary Laurine Gaither (1932-2013)

Services for Mary Laurine Gaither, 80 of Eucha, OK formally of Healdton will be 2:00 PM Tuesday March 26, 2013 at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Healdton, with Bro. Chad Barron officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.

Mary was born October 5, 1932 in Anson, Texas to Sam and Clemme “Blackerby” Garvin. She passed from this life Friday March 22, 2013 in Tulsa OK.

Mary was raised and attended school in Anson, she was a cheerleader while in school, graduating from Anson High School. She married Cecil D. Gaither in 1962. Mary lived in several different places including Texas, Japan, Germany, Oklahoma, New Mexico and California. She was a civil service worker, bookkeeper, wife, mother and homemaker. She like quilting, sewing, painting and she collected Barbies and spoons.

Mary was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother and will be remembered with respect and great love. We were all lucky to have had her in our lives, to have known her and to have been loved by her. She loved us, supported us, took care of us, played with us and taught us to laugh.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, grandchildren Amanda Miller and Danny Cox; sisters Aileen Baxter and Jane Hodnet, one brother Sammy Garvin.

She is survived by her children Carol and Sonny Fennel, Kingston; Doyle Gaither, Kingston; Dianne and Jess Ary, Eucha; Donna and Butch Miller, Tuttle; Patti and Arlen Kirchoff, Victoria, MN; Shane and Kim Morgan, Henderson, KY and Carl and Tracy Gaither, Fillmore, CA; 22 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren and 2 brothers Joe Garvin and Ron Garvin.

Pallbearers are David Miller, Michael Miller, Roger Mohan, Jessie Ary, Samuel J. Ary, Brandon Morgan, Colby Morgan, Andrew Timms, Cole Asher, Justin Estep and Ryan Estep.

Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.robertsfuneralhomes.us

Roy Benjamin Molina (1943-2013)

Born July 22, 1943 to Ben and Mary Molina passed away peacefully on Saturday March 9, 2013 in Fillmore after a courageous battle with cancer.

A life long resident of Piru, ca he attended Piru and Fillmore schools. A family grocer/butcher, artist and sign painter.

He was preceded in death by his father Ben. He is survived by his mother Mary, son Richard, granddaughter Abreyana, brother Danny (Sandy) nephews Ryan Cory, Saeuray niece Raeven and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

Roy enjoyed shooting pool and spending time with his friends talking politics in his spacious backyard (Piru canyon) all the way to blue point.

Appreciation and thanks to all the wonderful caregivers, we received compassionate care from Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital, Fillmore Convalescent Center and Hospice Care.

A memorial service will be held Friday 10:00am March 22, 2013 at San Salvador Church, 4051 Center St., Piru, Ca.

Maria Perez (1931-2013)

Surrounded by her devoted family, longtime Fillmore resident María Pérez passed away peacefully on March 8, 2013 at Santa Paula Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
She was born María Francisca Morales Márquez on October 4, 1931 in San Juan de Dios, Michoacán, México, the second of 11 children born to the late Adolfo Morales and the late Eulalia Márquez de Morales.
Growing up, poverty did not allow for any formal education so she spent her early years learning a strong work ethic that would serve her the rest of her life. She married the late Enrique Pérez and immigrated to Brownsville, Texas in the late 1950’s where she found work as a domestic and in a local restaurant. Soon after the birth of their first child, Enrique Pérez Jr., the family relocated to California where daughters Norma and Sylvia were born.
María Pérez was an admirable and honorable woman, described by her son as “tough as nails.” She would do anything for her children. From cleaning houses and offices to picking oranges and strawberries, or even picking up cans for recycling to earn a couple of dollars, she did the hard work necessary to keep her children fed, clothed and safe.
Despite her lack of formal education she had an architect’s eye and an engineer’s mind. She put many a macho male contractor to shame by calling them out when they tried to take short-cuts on her various building projects.
She loved the ocean and on weekends would often pack up her children and her fishing gear and head to the beaches and jetties of Ventura or Oxnard. She was skilled with a fishing pole and a crab net and would sell some of her catch to her neighbors or prepare delicious dishes such as empanadas de jaiba to sell and to enjoy with her children. She was also very artistic and, in her later years, took great pleasure in drawing and painting at her adult daycare program.
María will be missed in so many ways by her three children: Enrique Pérez Jr., Norma Pérez-Sandford (husband Art) and Sylvia Pérez. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Nicolás, Arthur and Carina Sandford and Caitlin Clark. She also leaves behind her brothers José and Juan and sisters Amparo, Otilia, María, Juana and Elena along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in California and México. She was predeceased by her brother Gonzalo and sisters Ana and Santos.
María had been in poor health for the last few years and, while the grief of losing her is so real and occasionally so overwhelming, there is also great comfort in knowing that her physical pains and emotional suffering have finally ended.
Funeral Services were held for María on Tuesday, March 12 & Wednesday, March 13 at San Salvador Parish Church in Piru.
To sign the family's online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantpaulafuneralhome.com and click on Maria's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Gracias por todo, Madrecita. Que la bendición de la Santísima Virgen siempre la acompañe, dondequiera que ande.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula. 805.229.7054.

Raymond Dale Pennington (1942~2013)

In Loving Memory of Raymond Dale Pennington
Raymond Dale Pennington passed away peacefully on January 14, 2013 in his home in San Diego CA, at the age of 70. Raymond Dale was born March 17, 1942, in Charleston, AR to Elmo and Violet (Henderson) Pennington. The family moved to Piru, CA in 1951, where he attended grade school and Fillmore High School. He resided in Ventura County for most of his years then moved to San Diego, CA in 2002. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmo and Violet (Henderson) Pennington; brother Dwain Pennington, and sisters Alberta (Robin) Marks and Linda Roberts. He is survived by his brother Norris Pennington of Fillmore, CA; daughters Rebecca Ann deSilva (husband Bryan) of Cave Creek, AZ; Judi Lyn Kemery (husband William) of San Diego, CA and son Brian Dale Pennington (wife Bernadette) of Bakersfield, CA. He was also “Papa” to his 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend with a big heart who lived life large and loved his family very much. His life has brought many cherished memories to us all and he will be forever in our hearts. The memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23 at 11:00. Location: Faith Community Church, 461 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015; phone 805-524-3344. A potluck luncheon for family and friends will be held immediately following the memorial service at 16812 South Mountain RD. Santa Paula CA 93060

Marie Josephine Schilling (1924-2013)

Marie passed away peacefully on February 25, 2013 at her home at Orange Blossom Villa in Fillmore, CA. She was 88 years old. Born in Los Angeles on May 8, 1924 to Francis and Lydia Ducharme. Marie grew up in a large family in North Hollywood. She graduated from Van Nuys High School Class of 1942 where she met her husband Donald Schilling. Marie and Don lived in Simi Valley for 20 years before moving to Redding CA. She had a vibrant 30 year career as director of food service for Anderson Unified School District, Anderson, CA. She was highly recognized in her field receiving the OZZIE award for outstanding service. Marie left many dear friends in Redding before moving to Fillmore, CA. Marie’s true passion was her family and she was very active with her grandchildren. She was a long time member of the 5th Marine Division Women’s Auxiliary, Gold Star Wives and a proud long-time member of the Valley Girls Class of ’42. She had a long and wonderful life and will be greatly missed.
Marie is survived by her sisters Betty McLaughlin and Diane Sorensen; brothers Pete Cassidy and Paul Ducharme; daughters Judy Brown Landreth (Doug), Laura Fournier (Steve) and Cindy Blatt (Mike) and son Donald Schilling. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren (with one on the way) as well as many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don; granddaughter Lacey Schilling; brothers Ed Ducharme and Bob Ducharme.
Family members wish to thank Assisted Hospice Care and the wonderful caregivers and staff at Orange Blossom Villa. Mom thought of you as family too.
Rosary & Visitation is planned for Friday, March 8 at 4:00-8:00 PM at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary Chapel at 600 Central Ave., Fillmore with recitation of the rosary at 6:00 PM. Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 9 at 2pm at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 1046 Ventura St. (Hwy 126), Fillmore.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Marie with a donation in her memory to your favorite charity.

On Thursday, January 17, 2013 Mary closed her eyes for a final time with her adoring and loving husband, Gary, at her bedside. She had been a resident at the Desert Breeze Senior Living Home in Desert Hot Springs, CA since mid November 2012.
Mary always tried to enjoy life to it’s fullest. Was an excellent swimmer, excelled in Thai Chi and enjoyed her walking exercise even after her Early Onset of Alzheimer’s was diagnosed in early 2010. She enjoyed and excelled in cooking, making several dozen assorted cookies each Christmas for her customer’s, co-workers, neighbors and family to enjoy. Always had a paperback in her purse to read on her breaks or in a waiting room.
Born in Houston, Texas on February 26th, she moved with her stepmother and her two older sisters; Allene and Jean, to Santa Paula, CA shortly before beginning high school. Her birth mother passed before she was 5 and then their father passed before the move.
Mary married Gary on May 3rd in 1975 in Fresno, CA and moved to be with him and his son’s, Mark and Stan in Carmichael, CA. In the fall of 1979, Mary and Gary moved to Aptos, CA and then to Palm Springs in late 1994. She always looked at these moves as opportunities to make new friends, enjoy new opportunities and explore new places.
Mary leaves many, many friends and co-workers from her banking career, beginning with and retiring from Bank of America. In 1995 she began working again with Palm Desert National Bank and later with Rabobank both in Palm Springs. Priscilla remembers her as always wanting to help ALL the customers—not just the ones who were at her window! Coming up with great, funny one-liners with her quick wit”. Fully retired when she and her husband moved to the Mission Lakes Country Club in Desert Hot Springs in 2005, Mary was ready to begin another journey.
In addition to her husband Gary, Mary leaves her son Bruce. Mark and Stan, Gary’s sons and daughter in-laws - Michelle and Sheri and Stan’s friend Gwynn. Precious grand children; Riley, Kathryn, Rachel, Sean, Jillian, James, Melissa and one great granddaughter, Anneliese. Gary’s sisters: Carol and son Kris, and Mary Lou, her husband Dave and their children Rob and Randy and their wife’s and families. Friends Shirley Cruse of Palm Springs and Meg Zaun of Fresno were like a sister and daughter to her.
Mary, will be always be immeasurably missed by all but especially by her older sister, Jean Haase of Fillmore, CA. Including many nieces and nephews who currently are living in the cities of Laguna Beach, Santa Maria and Fillmore, CA and Houston, Texas. Mary was preceded in death by Jean’s twin sister Allene Turk and a sister Gladys and brother JC.
A celebration of life is planned for Mary at Skillin Carroll Mortuary , 600 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA, March 2, 2013 at 3:00. No flowers are necessary but welcome or if you prefer, make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Assn but do attend Mary’s Celebration of Life and Enjoy this special time.
Poem to be used on Memorial Folders:
I was unable to stay another day.
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh, yes, these things I too will miss.

Nish Nalbandian (1921-2013)

Nish Nalbandian, a resident of Orange Blossom Villa in Fillmore, passed away at age 92 on January 16, 2013. Nish was the son of Soghomon Markarian, an Armenia immigrant who came to this country in 1912, and Jacob Nalbandian who she met and married in Massachusetts where Nish was born. The family moved to New Jersey, just outside of New York City, when Nish was very young, and he grew up there in a tight community with immigrant ties. Nish, his mother and father, and older brother Harry and younger sister Catherine moved to Los Angeles when Nish was a teenager.
In L.A. during WWII Nish volunteered for service in the U.S. Army Air Force and was trained as a communications specialist. Nish learned his trade so well that even bedside at Orange Blossom Villa he took pride demonstrating Morse code to his nephew John Nalbandian, John’s spouse, Carol, and Nish’s niece, Terry Hare. During the war, Nish was stationed in India, and he loved to tell stories about his visits to the Taj Mahal and other sites that he marveled at.
Following his discharge, Nish began working for the U.S. Postal Service where he spent his entire career. As he moved up the managerial ladder, he pushed the envelope with his innovations and ideas. He met and married the love of his life, Florence Badalamente Laner in 1949, and they spent 49 years together until Flo’s death in 1998. At that time Nish and Flo lived in the El Dorado Mobile Home Estates in Fillmore where they had retired. Their love truly was eternal, and following Flo’s death, Nish visited her gravesite every day his health permitting. Nish and Flo’s personalities attracted others; and they enjoyed many activities within the park and the many friends they made.
During their retirement, they traveled with Steve and Nella Badalamente, Flo’s brother and his spouse. Nish intermingled remembrances of his travels with his war time tales, entertaining family and friends. Nish was a sportsman growing up in New Jersey, and he loved sports of all types. In the mobile home park in Fillmore, he found his talent at billiards, and enjoyed the time spent around the pool table with friends. When his nephew John moved to Kansas and joined the faculty at the University of Kansas, Nish became a Jayhawk fan, and John marveled at Nish’s knowledge of KU sports even when Nish was in his 90s and his health was failing.
Nish was preceded in death by his step sister and brother, Annie and Hosrov, and by his brother Harry and sister Catherine. Nish leaves his generous and caring daughter and son in law, Pat and Hal Owens, as well as his grandchildren Stephen Owens, his spouse Rhea, and Gregory Owens as well as great grandchildren, Stephen Owens, Jr., Jennifer Owens, and Justin Owens. Nephews John Nalbandian and Jack Bozajian, and niece, Terry Hare, also survive him.
The family wishes to express a special note of appreciation to Manuel and Bea Ruiz and their children Allen, Sandra, and Kimberly. What started as a working relationship with the Ruiz family turned into a lasting friendship with Nish gaining a new set of grandchildren.
Staff at Orange Blossom Villa provided professional and loving care and friendship during his three and half years there. And the family is grateful for the effort of Assisted Home Hospice. In addition to the care they provided, the family is thankful for the spiritual guidance and compassion given to Nish in his final days.
Nish is remembered as a gentleman and a kind hearted man with a vibrant personality, engaging the minds as well as the hearts of family and friends.
A private grave site service will take place at Bardsdale Cemetery at a time to be determined. Nish will join his beloved Flo, and their journey will continue.

Michael David Askay (1930-2013)

Michael David Askay, 82, of Fillmore, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2013, in Santa Paula. Michael was a resident of Ventura County for 39 years, moving here from Chatsworth.
Michael was born to Chester and Jean (Zakzaska) Askay on September 17, 1930, in Spooner, Wisconsin, the youngest of four children.
At the age of seven, Michael and his family moved to Minnesota. After graduating from North-High in 1948, he joined the U.S Air Force. While stationed in Colorado, he met his first wife, Ethel Underwood, who blessed him with three sons, Michael, Timothy, and Richard. In 1956, after the births of his sons, they moved to Canoga Park where he started working for the North American Aviation in the Space program.
With every ending there is a new beginning, and in 1970 Michael married the love of his life, Patricia Faye Wynn-Smith. This marriage brought two amazing families together for a total of six boys. The family enjoyed many camping and fishing trips together.
Michael retired in 1985 from Rocketdyne as a System Analyst and Space Programmer. In October of this year Michael and Patricia would have been married 44 years.
Michael lived a life of challenges and achievements, which made him a man of strength and pride. As a Baptized Methodist he was dedicated to his Heavenly Father, his family and Country.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James, and oldest son Michael Patrick. Leaving behind a loving wife, Patricia; sons, Timothy (Debbie) of Nevada and Richard (Karen) of Texas; stepsons, James (Cathy) of Thousand Oaks, Brian (Lyn) of Newbury Park, and Steven (Marie) of Camarillo; twelve grandchildren and eighteen great- grandchildren. He loved all his family dearly and they will miss their number one guy.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.

Conrad Ked Creed (1919-2013) and Roberta Law Creed (1921-2013)

Conrad Ked Creed and Roberta Law Creed passed away, just 4 weeks apart, on January 16, 2013, and February 12, 2013, respectively. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last December, meeting in 1942 on a blind date while living in Los Angeles and attending UCLA. After moving to Fillmore in 1950, they both worked as teachers in the Fillmore school system. Ked taught shop and math and also coached several sports, having played football at Whittier College, basketball under John Wooden at UCLA, and also semi-pro baseball. He often spoke about all the students he had taught and coached over his 25 years at Fillmore High School, and enjoyed seeing many of them again at the 2012 Alumni Banquet. He retired in 1974 and took up beekeeping and gardening, particularly enjoying growing tomatoes. He was a member of the Fillmore Rotary Club and several other community organizations. Roberta taught kindergarten and first grade and was the reading specialist at San Cayetano Elementary School when she retired in 1976. She loved children and always was pleased to see former students (and their children) in town. She was a member of the Ebell Club and a local bridge club of friends. Well-known for her love of roses and her extensive rose garden, Roberta often did the floral arrangements for various events. In the years since their retirement, they enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and traveling around the world - many times attending bridge tournaments or apiary conventions - or camping at Bishop Creek in the Sierra Nevada. Ked is survived by a brother, Kim Creed, and Roberta by a sister, Jeanne Law Jacobson, as well as two daughters, Karen Creed Prosser (and husband, Lou Prosser) and Kristine Creed Van Olst (and husband, Jack Van Olst). They also are survived by their son-in-law, Stuart Smithwick (their daughter, Kimberley, predeceased them) and four grandchildren - Tom Smithwick, Jennifer Smithwick, Anastasia Leebolt Wood and Andrew Leebolt - a great-granddaughter, Alexandra Wood and several nieces and nephews. No services are planned.

Esteban Perez Vasquez (1921-2013)

Esteban Perez Vasquez, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on February 3, 2013. He was born on August 3, 1921 in Jaltomate, Aguas Calientes, Mexico. In 1954, he married his wife Josefina and they were married for 44 years and had five children.
He worked in agriculture for over 30 years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchidren and always willing to help his family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling to Mexico with his wife and enjoyed gardening.
Esteban is preceded in death by his wife, Josefina Vasquez, and his son, Pedro Vasquez. He is survived by his sons, Fernando Vasquez and wife Kathy; Ismael Vasquez and wife Carmen; Ruben Vasquez and wife Leticia; and daughter, Celia Rodriguez and husband Roberto. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services honoring his life will be held on Friday, February 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore, beginning first with the recitation of the Rosary at 10 am and followed by the Mass at 10:30 am. Burial to follow immediately at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Melba Geraldine (Jeri) Schleimer (1922-2013)

After a remarkable and rewarding life, God opened his arms for Melba Geraldine (Jeri) Schleimer on February 9 after a brave battle with cancer. Born on February 17, 1922 in Bondurant, IA in the home of her parents, Benjamin and Betty Patton Carpenter, Jeri grew up as a farm girl but became an all league basketball star at Johnston High School in Johnston, IA. Her team participated in the Iowa state girls’ tournament and a young radio broadcaster by the name of Ronald Reagan was courtside to call the action.
After graduating from high school in 1939, she took the job of a receptionist at the Hyperion Field Club which was one of the state’s premier country clubs. When the manager of the club and his wife decided to take a similar position in California, Jeri came along to do the same job. During World War II, she and her sister went to work for Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank and was one of the now famous “Molly Riveters.” During a train trip to San Francisco in 1944, a tall, handsome officer in uniform in the Merchant Marine named John Leonard (Jack) Schleimer caught her eye and after a romantic courtship they were married on September 12, 1945. While Jack was at sea, Jeri returned to Iowa to be with her parents to have her first child, John Harrison Schleimer.
Upon her return to California, she began a career in banking which eventually led to becoming vice president of Ramona Savings and Loan in her new hometown of Fillmore, CA. Her second child, Susan Elizabeth Schleimer, was born in Santa Paula, CA in 1952. Along life’s pathway, Jeri was a community activist including being a Kennedy Golden Girl at the 1960 Democratic Convention in Los Angeles, serving on Fillmore’s Planning Commission, long-time member of the local Soroptimist International and Business and Professional Women chapters, volunteering for the 1984 Summer Olympics and her beloved Rancho Calmulos Museum in Piru and loyal parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church for almost 60 years. She enjoyed playing bridge with her group of friends, taking cruises with her husband and friends and spending many summers with him at their vacation home in Pagosa Springs, CO.
Jeri is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jack, sisters Vera Botts of Valley Center, CA and Ruth Stientjes (Gene) of Pella, IA (her brother Vernon Carpenter proceeded her in death in 1989) and children, John (Celeste) of Roseville, CA and Susan Dudley Morales (Gilbert) of Merced, CA; her grand children Tiffani Ross of Carlsbad, CA, Krystol Stemm (Terry) of Hillsboro, OR, Ashley Powell (Isaac) of Lincoln, CA, Tyler Dudley of Mariposa, CA and Caitlin Czirban (Ian) of Coarsegold, CA; and her eight great grand children Jack, Nolan, Logan, Hudson, Brooklyn, Hayden, Kinley and Tateym.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building at 511 Second Street in Fillmore on Saturday, March 16 at 2 pm. The family requests that any donations to be made be in the name of Jeri to the charity of your choice or to either the Central Ventura County Unit of the American Cancer Society or the Rancho Camulos Museum.