Mary Lou Dunlap

Dunlap, Mary Lou Will be laid to rest on Tuesday, January 20, 2015. A resident of Sonoma since moving to the Valley in 1967, Mary Lou (nee’ Torres) is survived by her husband, Lonny Dunlap, her son Derek Crumbliss (wife Kellie) and daughters, Lindsay Aranha (husband Alan) and Lisa Cavalli (husband Rick). She also leaves behind grandchildren Larissa Crumbliss, Keenan Crumbliss, Cole Cavalli and Aaron-Andrew Aranha as well as great-grandchildren Andre, Amari and Ayana (Nevi), several nieces and nephews and other family members.
Mary Lou, originally from Fillmore, CA attended San Jose City College (AA, Nursing) and St. Mary's College (BA, Health Services Administration) moved to Glen Ellen in 1967. She had a distinguished career serving the State of California at the Sonoma Developmental Center as an RN, Program Administrator and various leadership roles before transitioning to the Department of Corrections where she held numerous posts of increasing responsibility, ultimately retiring as Deputy Chief Warden. She had a true love of work and prevented the use of the word retirement for quite some time. During the past few years she was a volunteer at Sonoma Valley Hospital in the gift shop.
Married in 1974, Lonny and Mary Lou were actively engaged as business owners of The Creamery and several other Bay Area delicatessens. Mary Lou loved going to the Food and Gift shows, finding new items to carry in the stores. She also loved cooking, music, art, reading, antiquing and collected Depression-era glassware. Locally, Mary Lou served in a variety of volunteer roles. She helped to found several Jaycee chapters, was involved with Babe Ruth baseball, several youth focused organizations including the Boys and Girls Club and was always a generous supporter of three generations of her children's schools through donations and winning auction bids. Lonny and Mary Lou enjoyed travel, supporting local business and being members of the Sonoma community. They collected close friends everywhere they lived and visited, and her friends treasured every moment with her.
Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents, two sisters and her first husband, Earl Crumbliss.
Visitation will be at Duggan's Mission Chapel on Monday, January 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mass will be on Tuesday, January 20th at St. Francis Solano Church at 11:00 a.m. with entombment at Mountain Cemetery to follow.

Alice Albertina Chessani (1931-2015)

Alice Albertina Chessani of Piru, California was born on November 3, 1931 and passed away on January 11, 2015 at the age of 83. She was a tough, loving, loyal, funny, hard working, smart, compassionate, and patriotic women. She loved camping, fishing, an avid football fan and longed for the mountains of Northern California, where she and her husband, Al, raised their family on a ranch in Hornbrook.
Alice is preceded in death by her father Albert Savala and mother Vera Chessani, step father John Chessani Sr., brother John Chessani Jr., husband Al Chessani, sisters Lucile Ortega and Norma Gonzales, and daughter DiAnn Chessani, nephews Richard Ortega, Robert Ortega,
Alice is survived by her sister Dolores Santos, brother Reynaldo Chessani (Donna), brother Art Chessani (Virginia), children Debbie and Al Chessani Jr., grandchildren Dani Chessani, Justin and Jedadiah Chessani, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
For map and directions to ceremony location and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Alice's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Service is this Monday, January 26th, 2015 at 10:00am. San Salvador Catholic Church in Piru. Reception immediately following Funeral Mass behind church. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula 805.229.7054

Terry Lynn Brockus (1969-2014)

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Terry Lynn Brockus. She passed from this life December 25th. 2014.
Terry was born July 25th. 1969 in Santa Paula, CA. and grew up in Fillmore and Bakersfield. She was preceded in death by her brothers, William Brockus Jr. and Keith Brockus. She is survived by her Mother Gail Cranston, her Father William Brockus, wife Greta, children, Brad Balades and Tayler Balades, sisters Cris Brockus, Tammy Summers, brothers Gary Bement, Paul King and Shaun Ferry, step brothers, Chris Collins, wife Sandy, Phillip Collins, wife Rosemary, step sisters, Pam Hovatter, Cindy Fogo, husband Ray and numerous nieces and nephews.
Terry loved her children and her family. She was fun loving, tender hearted, kind, thoughtful, loving and generous to all who knew her. She never knew a stranger because she was a friend to all. She enjoyed camping, boating, riding in the dune buggy and country music. She loved to laugh at a good joke.
We will forever miss her loving ways, her kind heart and the sound of her laughter. She will be truly missed by family and friends. We will hold you in our hearts forever. Private Memorial will be held by family.

Robert Alba Sr. (1926-2014)

Robert Alba Sr. was born on 1/25/26 and passed away on 12/29/14 surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Linda Alba and sons Jerome, Michael, and Robert Alba Jr. He was the beloved Grandfather to Candice Alba, Jessica Orozco, Nicole Alba, Ciara Alba, Hunter Alba, Ethen Isaiah Alba and Great Grandfather to Aaliyah Marie Orozco, Anthony Orozco, and Adrian Rios.
Services will be as follows : Viewing will be held January 12 at Skillins Carroll Mortuary 600 Central Avenue, Fillmore from 4 PM to 9 PM. A mass will be held January 13 at St Francis of Assisi 1048 West Ventura St. Fillmore at 9:30 AM, Burial to follow at Bardsdale Cemetary 1698 S. Sespe St. Fillmore.

Connie Alcocer Drusen (1942-2014)

July 31, 1942 – December 17, 2014
Connie Alcocer Drusen passed away peacefully on Dec. 17 at the age of 72 surrounded by family and friends. She will be remembered for her concern for others, and especially for her great love of family.
She was born July 31, 1942 in Piru, CA to Moises and Maria Alcocer, the fifth child of eight children. After graduating from Fillmore High School in 1960, Connie began her working career at Ventura County Juvenile Traffic Court, and later transferred to the District Attorney’s Office in Ventura. She eventually began working at Ventura Community College where she worked 23 years before retiring.
Connie lived in Ventura with her best friend Olivia Carrera Lopez for many years before marrying Richard Drusen in 1989. Besides being a wife and working fulltime, she was also a caregiver for her mother and father, and later for her husband. She was an avid sports fan cheering for the Lakers and Dodgers. She was very athletic participating on coed softball teams and bowling leagues. Connie also loved roller skating, and she did biking and hiking with Richard. In her earlier years she enjoyed traveling; in later years she loved decorating her home with unique things and treasures she found at antique stores and estate sales.
Connie is preceded in death by husband Richard Drusen, parents Moises and Maria Alcocer, sister Esther Gurrola, and brother Jose Alcocer. She is survived by sister Lucy Rangel of Fillmore, brothers David Alcozar of Santa Paula, Joe Alcozar (Linda) of Granger, IN, Daniel Alcozar (Helen) of Fillmore, Steven Alcocer (Diane) of Cassville, MO, and numerous nephews and nieces. Her family will always remember her personal philosophy of “Living life one day at a time”.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that any donations be given to the American Cancer Society in Connie’s name. The family also expresses their gratitude to Maria Zacarias and Minda Lopez for their compassionate care and love in assisting our loved one.
A rosary will be recited at 7:45pm, Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Wednesday, December 24, 2014 also at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Committal & Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Connie's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr Funeral Services, Santa Paula, CA 805.229.7054.

Sandra Ann Molina (1958-2014)

Sandra Ann Molina, 56, of Piru, California began her first day of eternal life on December 12, 2014 at 6:45am.
She was born on February 18, 1958 to parents Carlos Ponce and Lupe Martinez. She lived her entire life in Piru, California where she met the man who would eventually become her husband, Danny Molina, who she enjoyed 40 loving years with. Sandra’s lifelong passion for music inspired her to share her own vocal gifts with the community over the years through singing performances at various public gatherings, events and celebrations - both solo and with bands in and around Ventura County. She took great pride in being in the service of the sick and the elderly while she worked as an LVN supporting convalescent centers and eventually became full time at Henry Mayo Hospital where she worked for nearly 20 years.
Sandra is survived by her husband, three children and grandson: Danny Molina, Ryan Molina, Cory Molina, Raeven Molina and her fiancé Raymond Pech and their son Seanray Pech.
Funeral services will be held publicly at San Salvador Mission in Piru, California on Friday, December 19, 2014 beginning at 9am.
For map and directions to ceremony location and to sign the family online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website:www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Sandra's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral Services are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula, CA 805.229.7054.

Ynez Durnford Haase (1921-2014)

Ynez Durnford Haase 93, passed on Friday, November 28, 2014.
Ynez was born August 5, 1921 in Fillmore, CA. She was preceded in death by her father Oscar W. Haase and mother Buelah S. Durnford Haase. She is survived by her brother Donald Haase, niece, Patricia Hatch and nephew, Steven R Haase and six great nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Fillmore High School, and Ventura Junior College. She holds a B.A. in history from the University of California at Berkeley, an M.A. in history, anthropology and geography from the same institution.
December of 1942 she interrupted her studies for a three year period to serve with the United States Women’s Army Corps.
Her studies and research took her first to Peru, then to New Mexico and the Jicarilla Apaches, and finally, to Argentina where she managed to continue her stay by working as a photo interpreter and coordinator for Spartan Air Services.
From 1964 to her retirement in 1987, she worked as a photogrammatist.
Her publications include three highly acclaimed historical atlases: Historical Atlas of California, Historical Atlas of New Mexico, Historical Atlas of the American West and many more published books and articles.
She was previously on the board of Directors of the Fillmore Historical Society/Museum, the Board of Trustees of the Rancho Camulos Museum, and member of the Ventura County Historical Society Quarterly Advisory Committee, a member of the Friends of the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library, the Westerners, Los Desendientes and the Santa Barbara Historical Society.

Dorothy “Dot” Krieger (1929-2014)

Dorothy “Dot” Krieger, a resident of Fillmore, California for 69 years, passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 25, 2014. Dorothy was comforted by family members and friends at Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, CA at the time of her passing. Dorothy was 85 years old.
Dorothy Krieger was born outside the town of Ardmore, in Carter County, Oklahoma, on October 7, 1929. She was the first child, and the first daughter, of Fanny Vivian Ford and Cecil Mitchell. Dorothy was married to Henry Edward Krieger, on November 26, 1945.
Dorothy worked for Beaty’s Market where she performed various market related jobs, including working as a butcher from time to time. Dorothy also worked for the Olga Warnaco Company, for 28 years, which the last 18 years, she spent as a line supervisor. Dorothy will be greatly missed by all who knew her as she was the kindest most compassionate person you could ever know.
Dorothy Krieger was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Vivian Mitchell. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 69 years, Henry Edward Krieger; two children; Cecil Edward (Greta) Krieger of Taft, CA; and Junne (Jerry) Byrum of Santa Paula, CA; four grandchildren; Jerry C Byrum Jr, Santa Paula, CA, Cecil Edward Krieger, Taft, CA, Christine Lynn Lopez, Bakersfield, CA, and Joseph Paul Byrum, Santa Paula, CA; nine great grandchildren; Dylan Cole Byrum, Matthew Jacob Krieger, Katelynn Nicole Byrum, Zachary John Krieger, Hailey Nicole Lopez, Anthony Jaiden Byrum, Brenden John Krieger, William Edward Krieger, and Malia Rose Lopez.
Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Dorothy’s life on December 5, 2014, 10:00 A.M. at St. Sebastian Church, located at 235 N. 9th Street, Santa Paula, California, where a memorial service will be held in her honor.

Gabriel James Tapia (1990-2014)

Gabriel James Tapia 24, died unexpectedly, on November 16th 2014, in Medford, OR. , but is a true Ventura County native. He left behind many loved ones, his loving wife Karman and beautiful son Friday age 4, whom were the loves of his life, also, his parents Paula and Jason Hiott, and father Gaston Tapia, grandmother ConnieHearne, grandparents Gloria and Javier Tapia, great-grandparent’s Walt and Marge Birch, aunt Samantha Hearne, brothers: Anthony Garcia, Antonio and Jr. Tapia, and JJ Hiott and Jonathon. Along with his sisters, Jazmin Rivera, Jaylea, and Hannah Hiott, as well as many cousins, great aunt’s, and uncle’s, and many friends who loved him dearly. The family takes comfort in knowing that Gabriel, a believer in Christ is no longer suffering, and is rejoicing in the Lord’s presence. Rev 21:4 says, That God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” Gabe had a huge heart and loved everyone and would do anything he could to help others. Against all odds he graduated from high school, and completed vocational school for solar energy. In Oregon he worked as a tree arborist, and worked on a hand crew during fire season. Gabriel was good with his hands and could fix most anything, but was mostly obsessed with cars. He will be greatly missed. Services will be held at Faith Community Church, 355 D street, in Fillmore on Dec. 6th @ 1pm.
Please in lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to offset funeral costs and expenses. Thank you.

Troy D. Kitchens (1934-2014)

Troy D. Kitchens passed away Sunday, November 16th 2014 in Santa Paula, California at the age of 80.
Troy is survived by his brother Don Kitchens and his wife Sue, 3 children, sons Jeff and his wife Gaynell, Mike and his wife Robin, and his daughter Lenae Cooke. Grandchildren Steven and his fiancee Amelia, Nick, Garrett, Jaime and her fiance Josh, Michael Jr. and his wife Courtney, Lindsey Sue and her husband Jacob, Cory and his fiancee Kristine, Robby and his wife Indra, Ryan and his wife Melody, Stacie, Lisa and Daniel. Great Grandchildren Karissa, Rian, Drake, Justin Michael, Collin, Gavin, Goldie, Savannah, Destiny, Brittney, Juvee, Haleigh, and Kaylee. Great great grandchildren Anthony and Aubrey. Troy also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and many who considered him their honorary grandpa. Troy was preceded in death by his wife Barbara whom he married in 1957.
Troy was born on March 24, 1934 in Mountain Park, Oklahoma to Lester and Lora Kitchens. He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1952. After attending Ventura College, Troy joined the Army's 11th Airborne as a paratrooper. Troy was honorably discharged in 1956 and went to work for Rocketdyne as a solid propellant engineer. After leaving Rocketdyne "T-Roy" began his career in the petroleum industry as a tool pusher where he was known for his amazing work ethic. He retired at the age of 75.
Troy enjoyed spending time with his family, card and poker playing.
We are going to miss this wonderful, loving man and his legendary and often requested telling of "Bad Boy Troy".
His family would like to thank all their friends and family for their love and support.
As per his very specific request no ceremony will be held.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr Funeral Services, Santa Paula, CA www.santapaulafuneralhome.com 805.229.7054

Patricia Moisling Thorpe (1933-2014)

Patricia Moisling Thorpe, 80, died November 7, 2014 of from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure at Evergreen Hospice Center, Kirkland, WA. Mrs. Thorpe was born in Fillmore, CA, November 15, 1933. She was a descendant of a family with long roots in the Santa Paula/Fillmore area. Her grandfather Carl Wilhelm Moisling, a German immigrant and a stone mason, worked on the Piru mansion, a picturesque Victorian which has been the site of various movies and TV shows. Her father worked at Texaco by night visiting all the rigs for mechanical failures, and during the day established the family’s orange groves, young Patricia tagging along whenever she could. She graduated from the then Fillmore Joint Union Junior and Senior High School as Salutatorian in 1951, having been a Student Council member. She graduated from Occidental College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She was first employed at IBM as an early programmer using wire-wraping techniques. In 1966 in San Diego, CA, she started teaching US history to adults. Her students often included immigrants trying to fulfill their requirements to become US citizens, particularly at that time Vietnamese and Thai students. She also taught at The Palms half-way house to adults trying to transition out of psychological care institutions. She taught a few history courses at a local station for TV Classroom. She moved to San Andreas in northern California in 1976 and launched a yardage/sundries store there. She transitioned back to teaching in the 1980's using her fluency with Spanish to teach English as a Second Language. She retired from teaching in King City, CA in 2002. While in northern California, she enjoyed antiquing, metal detecting and visiting mining areas. She also enjoyed playing the piano and with her Siamese cats. After her second husband’s death, Francis Westcott Thorpe in 2002, she moved to Snohomish, WA, to be near her two daughters. In her retirement, she taught sewing classes, attended poetry groups, pursued story and poetry writing, and continued gardening as she inherited her father’s ‘green thumb’. She enjoyed the raccoon families, squirrels, hummingbirds, and crows frequenting the lush greenbelt behind her deck, the benefit of living in the northwest. She is survived by her daughters Andrea Chartier Bain and Lisa Chartier, grandson Griffin Christopher Bain, granddaughter Sophia Chartier Jewell, and stepchildren Jennifer Thorpe Coppinger, William Thorpe, and Margaret Thorpe Reifer, and former husband Robert Edward Chartier.

Gerald Gordon Garrison, age 80, of Boulder City, NV passed away on October 10, 2014. He was born in Lompoc, CA. The son of the late Pat and Jerry Garrison, he grew up in and graduated school in Fillmore, CA. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He met Elisabeth Blake in college and they married in August 1958 in Seattle, WA. Gerald worked 36 years as an Air Traffic Controller. He enjoyed fishing and traveling and had a great love of animals.
Gerald is survived by his wife Elisabeth , sister Gail Blake, sister in law Joan Knight Shorb and nieces Karin Brown and Michelle Willits and nephew Brian Knight, great nephews Kendall and Wesley and great niece Kyla. Children of his heart are Susan Riley, Doreen Bruning and Ray Roberts.
No services will be held according to his wishes. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Esperanza Vasquez (1940-2014)

Esperanza Vasquez passed away on October 08, 2014 after a lengthy illness. She was born on June 09, 1940 in Durango, Mexico. She was a resident of Ventura County for 40 yrs. and lived in Fillmore California. She was a cook for 25 yrs. which was her hobby.
Preceded in death by 9 sibling 3 brothers 6 sister, she was the oldest of all 9.
Esperanza is survived by daughters Mary Gonzalez(Juan Pablo), Lourdes Vasquez, sons Juan Manuel Vasquez (Maria),Oscar Vasquez(Delia), Raul(Roy)Vasquez, granddaughter Michelle Garcia, grandsons Anthony Flores, Art Vasquez, Nicholas Flores, Jonathan Flores, granddaughter Jessica Vasquez, grandsons Andres Vasquez, John Paul Gonzalez, Juan Manuel Vasquez Jr., Oscar Navarro, Jacob Navarro, Anthony Gonzalez, Luis Miguel Vasquez and great- grandson Joseph Andrade.
Visitation will be held on Sunday October 19, 2014 from 3pm to 9pm with Rosary to be at 6pm at San Salvador Mission Church 4046 E. Center St., Piru. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday October 20, 2014 at 10:00am at San Salvador Mission Church. Place of burial to follow at Piru Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Morturay 600 Central Ave. Fillmore, California (805) 524-0744.

Shelley Denise Signor nee Galbraith (1955-2014)

Shelley left her home in Fillmore and went to be with Jesus on October 7, 2014, after battling cancer for almost two years.
She was born in Santa Paula on August 1, 1955, to her parents, Clifford and Darlene Galbraith. She joined the family as the third child, following in the footsteps of her older brother (Dan) and sister (Stacey) with another brother (Steve) to arrive two years later. She continued to have close relationships with all of them throughout the years.
She attended school in Santa Paula, graduating early from Santa Paula High School in 1973. She then married Walter Socia in February 1973 and moved to Germany where Walter had been stationed after joining the U.S. Army. While living in Germany, she and Walter had the opportunity to visit several European countries with her mother and stepfather, John (Bud) Gooding, all four of them traveling around in a Volkswagen Beetle.
Returning to the United States, Walter and Shelley gave birth to their son, Justin, while residing in Santa Maria in October 1977. In April 1982 their daughter, Kaylen, was born in Ventura after they returned to live in Santa Paula.
In December 1988 Shelley married Gene Signor and they lived in Santa Paula until they moved to Fillmore in May 1995. Gene had two children, Kerie and Kimberley, from his previous marriage and Shelley and Gene became stepparents, vowing to nurture and love each other’s children as their own.
Shelley worked as a waitress at several locations in Ventura County and took business classes through Ventura College, which helped her get jobs with the County of Ventura, where she worked for more than 5 years, and then moved to the Ventura County Community College District where she worked for more than 20 years, retiring in February 2011. She loved her job in Human Resources because she was able to meet prospective employees, assist current employees and retirees as well.
Shelley was born with a servant’s heart and always put others first. She never sought the limelight but chose instead, in all areas of her life, to volunteer for those tasks that put her in the background. She loved to do anything that involved her family and/or friends, and usually she was the one who orchestrated the gatherings. She was very loyal and everyone knew that if they shared something with her in confidence it would never go anywhere else. She loved to serve at the churches she belonged to in Santa Paula and Fillmore. She particularly enjoyed being a “greeter” to welcome those who entered the church sanctuary for worship.
Shelley loved music, especially Country music. Every morning she listened to KHAY while she got ready to greet the day. And when she did housework, she elevated the sound on the stereo to deafening levels. She loved the contemporary worship experience at church where she could stand and clap her hands in time to the music while singing praises to the Lord.
She enjoyed sitting in the sunlight and swimming in her pool, especially with the grandchildren. She also enjoyed being invested in the lives of her immediate and extended family members.
When her stepfather passed away in January 2011, Shelley dedicated more of her time in honoring, caring for and spending time with her mother.
Shelley was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Walter and Leola Galbraith; her maternal grandparents, William and Floy Morris; her father Clifford Galbraith, her stepfather John Gooding; her uncle Melvin Galbraith.
She is survived by her husband Gene Signor, mother Darlene Gooding; brothers Dan Galbraith (his wife Brenda and his children Angela, Melanie and William) and Steve Galbraith; her sister Stacey Nasalroad (husband Brad and their children Shea and Garett); her son Justin Socia and daughter Kaylen Rodriguez (husband Bobby and their children Haku and Bella); stepdaughters Kerie Naugle (husband Greg and their children Aaron and Rachel) and Kimberley Signor and her aunt Dorothy Stringer (husband Lloyd).
The family would like to thank Dr. Evan Slater and staff and the staff of Buena Vista Hospice Care for their loving care of Shelley during her illness.
A celebration of Shelley’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 461 Central Avenue, Fillmore CA 93015.
In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a contribution to the FoundationForWomen’sCancer.org.

Laura Jean Peery Thayer (1958-2014)

Laura Jean Peery Thayer entered peacefully into Heaven Sunday, September 19, 2014 in Shady Cove, OR due to brain cancer. She was 56.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert and her sister, Annette. She is survived by her son, Bryan Cole in Georgia, her mother, Ann, and her brother, James of Red Bluff, CA , formally from Fillmore, CA and Bill Thayer of Shady Cove, OR. Laura was born in Brawley, CA. She attended schools in Fillmore, CA and graduated in class of 1976. She attended Fillmore Bible Church and loved the Lord.
Laura loved her family and she had several best friends who will miss her sorely.
Laura had several occupations including dispatcher for Fillmore Police Dept., Ventura Sheriff’s Dept., Travel Agent, State Farm Insurance, Pet Shop Manager, Deli Dept. Manager, Antique Shop owner, and health food and nutrition advisor and employee.
Laura was very outgoing, loved life and was very skilled in art work including making jewelry and greeting cards. She will be sorely missed but will hold her in our hearts forever. Special thanks to Hospice for their support and help.

Luis Posadas (1924-2014)

Luis Posadas passed away peacefully on October 10, 2014 at 90 years of age. He was born on November 6, 1923 in Mexico City.
Luis came to the United States when he was 18. He worked in a couple of different states before residing in Fillmore. He was employed by Robinson and Lamey for 30+ years as a supervisor.
He came from a family of barbers and was a skilled barber himself. He loved the game of soccer and also enjoyed cooking and dancing. He was a survivor of throat cancer since 1974. He devoted a good part of his life taking care of his wife that fell to illness. He lived a long life and will be missed dearly.
Luis was preceded in death by his parents Timotayo and Maria Lenna Posadas; wife Josephine Posadas; brother Timotayo Posadas; great-granddaughter Nikomi Mackey; daughter Barbara Ponce; granddaughter Kimberly Mackey; and sister Alta Gracia Posadas.
He is survived by sons Richard Morales, and Timothy and Victor Posadas; sisters Susana, Cruz Maria, and Maria de Refugio Posadas; grandchildren Anthony Ponce, Kristine Earle, Jonathan Ponce, Jodi Golson, Stephanie Ponce, April Thompson, Kathryn Ruiz, Blaze and Thomas Friday, and Cierra Posadas; 24 great-grandchildren and 20 great great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Victor Posadas for taking care of his father, our grandfather for so many years. We appreciate all the years you sacrificed and devoted to being there for our loved one.
A rosary will be held Thursday, October 23rd at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore at 7:00pm. Viewing is from 4:00 ¬– 8:00pm. Funeral services will be Friday, October 24th at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi church, followed by burial at Bardsdale cemetery.

Carmelita Miranda (1950-2014)

Carmelita Miranda, resident of Fillmore for 17 years, passed away on October 2th after a year long fight with cancer. She was 64 years old. Carmelita is survived by her husband, Charles Morris, her brothers Victor, Anthony and Raphael, and by her sister Natalie.
Best known to Fillmore residents as an award winning photographer and co-owner with her husband of KSSP Photographic Studios in Fillmore for the past 9 years. Carmelita's photography has touched the lives of many people. In 2011, one of her high school senior portraits won Best of Show in the professional division at the Ventura County Fair. She also won recognition in professional image competitions at the local, State, National and International levels.
Carmelita's other passion was astronomy and teaching children the sky. Since 2000, she worked for the Discovery Center for Science and Technology (Thousand Oaks) as the “Star Lady” that brought the night sky to tens of thousands of elementary students using a portable planetarium. In honor of her work teaching children, the famous comet discoverer Carolyn Shoemaker named an asteroid (a minor planet), with approval of the International Astronomical Union, after Carmelita. Asteroid 48416 (Carmelita) is a main belt asteroid between Mars and Jupiter that orbits the Sun every five years. Carmelita also enjoyed showing the public the stars and the Sun with telescopes. It was astronomy that brought Charles and Carmelita together.
Born in San Francisco, Carmelita graduated from San Francisco State with a BA in physical education. She taught at Los Medanos Junior College, Pittsburg, CA. Being a avid sailor, Carmelita sailed to (and from) Hawaii as the captain of a small sail boat. She loved sail boat racing and to sail with her meant you were going to get wet. One trip to Hawaii, she decided to stay. Carmelita ran a sail boat charter service until Hurricane Iwa sank her boat. She also survived Hurricane Iniki in 1992 going without electricity for six weeks. Much of her time on Kauai, Carmelita worked for KUAI radio selling “puffs of air” (advertising) and as a weekend country music DJ. In 1997, she left her beloved Hawaii to join Charles.
On November 2nd, there will be a Celebration of Carmelita's Life. In Lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Cancer Society or the Relay for Life in Carmelita's name.

Thelma Ruth Dorton (1931-2014)

This obituary is for my Mother-in-law, Thelma Ruth Dorton 83 years old. Thelma passed on Saturday, October 4, 2014 in the ICU at Community Memorial Hospital on a day when the recorded temperature in Fillmore reached an unseasonable 107 degrees! She was surrounded by her Family as she passed on to be reunited with Bill and the many other loved ones that passed before her! Thelma and Bill were active members of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church until she could no longer attend services, but continued to practice her faith by watching The Hour of Power every Sunday as she rode her recumbent bicycle five miles in front of the television!
Thelma was better known as Ruth and was an authentic "Coal Miner's Daughter!" Born in Roda, Virginia on September 13, 1931 to John Markland and Cora Wilson. Ruth was # 3 of four children. Ruth, until recently was a resident of the El Dorado Mobile Home Estates where she lived with her love of forty years William "Bill" Brunet until his passing in January 2014. After his passing Ruth chose to live with her oldest daughter, Carolyn, Son-in-law Dick and Granddaughter Arron on Grand Avenue in Fillmore.
Ruth is survived by her oldest sister Carole Coleman of New Lebanon, Ohio and her three children; Carolyn L. Dorton-Diaz (Dick) of Fillmore, Karen Sue Dorton of Maui, Hawaii and Ralph Eugene Dorton (Yoshie) of Pahoa, Hawaii. Granddaughter Julia Marie (Diaz) Fitzgibbons (Daniel) of West Hollywood, CA, Phillip C. Diaz (Sarah) both proudly serving with the U.S. Navy in San Diego, CA, Johnathon Sotello of Hilo, Hawaii and Arron Diaz of Fillmore.
As my Mother-in-law, Ruth and I shared a traditional relationship for thirty-six years until she became a member of our home. Once Ruth settled in with us she became Mom to me. Mom then quickly embarked on her favorite pastime of, “Letting Dick” do the many things she needed to be done. Letting me do her requests always brought a chuckle to Carolyn and me because it was her way of telling me she needed me to do something for her. It was as if she was giving me her permission to run her errands, make her coffee, or her lunch. Mom enjoyed my cooking so much that her doctor put her on a diet. But when I made her favorite plate of spaghetti Mom would conveniently put that diet aside and enjoy her meal. I really will miss Mom and having the privilege of her “Letting” me do the things she needed to have done.
Ruth will be dearly missed by her Family and Friends. Ruth was a passionate lover of pets and she will be missed by her little companion dog Tinker Bell. Tinker Bell and Ruth were inseparable. Tinker Bell will remain in our home and will be loved in the manner she came to enjoy with Ruth.
Ruth's final arrangements were handled by Joseph P. Reardon Mortuary in Ventura. Ruth's services will be private following the wishes she expressed to her Family.

Phillip Thomas "Tom" Rangel (1928-2014)

Phillip Thomas “Tom” Rangel, 86, was welcomed into the Lord’s arms in the early morning of Wednesday, October 1, 2014 in the comfort of his daughter’s home in his beloved town of Piru.
He leaves behind his son Phillip Tom Jr (Sally), his daughter Rose Marie (Rodolfo), grandchildren; Cynthia Rose, Lisa Marie, Priscilla (Michael), Anthony, C, and Antonina. Great grandchildren; Amparo, Graciano, James, Audrianna, Serenity; Brothers Johnny and Lupe and wife Eleanor.
Tom goes to meet his teenage sweetheart Elisa who he married out of high school, oldest child Linda and two grandchildren.
Born in Visalia he grew up traveling the California agriculture regions working with his family. Eventually settling in Piru, Tom worked for the Piru Citrus association while volunteering for the local fire department. After volunteering in the department for seven years he was finally able to pursue his passion and became a full-time fireman. He worked in various stations throughout Ventura County working his way up to an engineer before retiring after twenty-five years of dedicated service. Leaving his Piru station behind was difficult but he wanted more time with his family and the outdoors he loved.
An avid outdoorsman he spent his free time up in the mountains and the various lakes he would find. There were many years that he spent his summers in Klamouth later on he spent his summers fishing in Crowley and hunting in Bridgeport.
So long Kid, thanks for the memories.
A rosary will be recited at 6pm, Monday, October 13, 2014 at San Salvador Mission Parish, 4045 East Center Street, Piru. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am, Tuesday, October 14, 2014 also at San Salvador Mission Parish with Father Barney Gatlin Officiating. Committal & Interment will follow at Piru District Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Phillip's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula 805.229.7054

Geneva Eileen Taylor Rich (1924-2014)

Geneva Eileen Rich, 90, was born in Wilson, Oklahoma on June 11, 1924 to James C. and Ellen Taylor, the first of five children. She passed away September 9, 2014 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
The Taylor family moved to Fillmore, CA in 1936 and Geneva attended Fillmore schools, graduating from FHS in 1943. On Nov. 26, 1944 she enlisted in the WAVES U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and was trained as a Pharmacists Mate, discharged Feb. 23, 1946.
Geneva [Gen] married James W. Pierce in 1949 in San Diego and they had two children, Michael and Kathy. She was later married in 1972 to Norvell Rich, Jr.[USAF]. They lived in Riverside, CA, Anchorage, Alaska, Kona, Hawaii and Poway,CA. Gen was employed throughout her working career as a secretary/ bookkeeper. After her retirement she was a very popular house sitter in the Poway area for people having dogs or cats.
Gen was completely content when gardening with both flowers and vegetables. She was very accomplished in knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts. Many in her family and friends have appreciated the lovely afghans, sweaters, baby blankets, etc. she created for them. Other favorite pastimes were reading and watching TV broadcasts of baseball and football games, also golf tournaments [especially if Phil Michelson was playing!]
Gen was a woman of deep and abiding faith in God. Wherever she lived, regular church attendance and daily Bible reading were a part of her life. She also enjoyed going to gospel quartet programs for many years with her close friend, Carol DeBaca. During the time she last lived in Fillmore she became a member of the Bardsdale Methodist Church.
Because of failing health Gen moved to a condo in Kona, HI, in 2010 to be nearer her son and daughter-in-law. She was lovingly cared for by Michael and Margaret and lived in their home this past year.
Geneva was predeceased by her parents, brother Boyce Taylor, sister Kathy Kappler and husband N.J. Rich, Jr. Survivors are brother JC [Eva] Taylor of Long Beach, sister Maxine Merry of Fillmore, son Michael [Margaret] Pierce, daughter Kathy [Chris] Bumpus, grandchildren Chris Bumpus,Jr. and Michelle [Michael] Johnson, great grandsons Michael and Maddox Johnson. Also, three stepchildren, Grace Tutack, Norvell Rich Ill, Becky Rich and their families, and several nieces and nephews.
Gen’s beautiful smile, friendly and generous nature will be lovingly remembered by family and friends. She will be greatly missed.