Marjorie (Marge) Ruth Aguirre (1928-2018)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marjorie (Marge) Ruth Aguirre on February 5, 2018.
Marge was born July 20, 1928 in Follett, Texas. She was raised on the family farm by her older siblings. These were hard times in the heart of the dustbowl and she told many stories about how her family struggled against low income and the ever-present dust storms. She moved to Denver, Colorado in 1950 where she met George Aguirre. They married, moved to Santa Paula in 1953 then onto Fillmore in 1962 living in the same house on Walker Lane where they raised ten children.
Of her many passions and pursuits, she will be remembered for her extraordinary gift of creating beautiful quilts and her wonderful rose garden. She gained recognition for her for her patchwork needle art when she entered her “windmill” quilt in Good Housekeeping’s Great American Quilt Contest in 1978. Her work was selected as the best for the state of California and was shown along with the other state winners to the rest of the nation on a three year tour conducted by the Smithsonian Institute. Through the following years she taught quilting classes, helped repair others’ work and created a quilt for each one of her children.
Her passion later in life was her rose garden which featured over 500 types of roses and covered every available foot in her yard. She donated many hours at Otto’s Nursery for many years where Marge’s Garden attracted many rose lovers. She loved her work and both gardens were a source of fulfilment for her.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents, May Catherine and Frank and by her husband George. She is survived by her ten children, Mark (San Diego), Matt (Fillmore), Tim (Kingman, Az), Chris (Tuttletown), Angela (Vista), Kimberly (Visalia), Michele (Long Beach), Andrew (Fillmore), Phillip (Portland, Ore), Elizabeth (Fillmore) and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mom will be missed by her family and the community. A memorial is being planned.

Charles “Harold” Council (1935-2018)

My best friend and dear husband, Harold, died January 25, 2018. He fought a 14 year battle with cancer. He was born March 7, 1935, to parents Leo and Rachel Standridge Council in Rolff, OK. His parents moved to Fillmore, CA in 1947. He attended schools in Stratford, OK and Fillmore. His parents, a baby daughter, Cathy Lynn, and both brothers, Joe and Glen and Glen’s wife Priscilla, preceded him in death.
He was never afraid of hard work. He drove his own dump truck, bought a gas station in Fillmore on what is now highway 126, and worked in the oil fields on Torrey Mountain and on the oil platforms off the coast near Ventura and Santa Barbara. In 1960 he went to work for the State of California doing soil sampling for the freeways that were being built. This took him all over the state so he moved his family to Sacramento and moved back to Fillmore in 1964. After retiring from the State of California he started his own company drilling water wells.
He and his family enjoyed camping and boating with friends and family. He also enjoyed his motorcycles and salt and fresh water fishing. They raised their kids in the countryside near Piru, also raising animals and having pool parties for friends and family. He purchased more land next door and raised 5 acres of oranges.
After retiring in the 1990s he remarried. He and his present wife, Jean, enjoyed traveling to Canada. Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, the East coast from Quebec to the tip of Florida, as well as Australia, China and some European countries as well as cruising and river cruising. In between they found lighthouses to visit and climb. Nothing fazed this man as he would buy land or houses, machinery or some other piece of equipment where ever he was. If need be he’d even drive it home.
He leaves behind his wife Jean, daughter Lynda (James) Frerichs, Michael (Barbara) and Richard as well as stepchildren Bob (Cindy) Peak, Greg (Mona) Peak, Julie (Stuart) Wright and Charlie Peak and Chuck, his partner. He has 3 grandchildren, Steven Council, Nathan (Charlene) Frerichs and Shawnie Frerichs and 9 great grandchildren and 1 great, great granddaughter, so far, as well as step grandchildren and great grandchildren.
It goes without saying he has left some of world’s the best friends behind. You are too numerous to name but each and every one of you know who you are. This gentle man may just be the last of the “water witchers!” We all WILL MISS him so much!
A gathering to celebrate his life will be held on March 3rd from 12 noon to 3p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, at 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura, CA, 93003 (805-648-1143).

Angel R. Ortega (1924-2018)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Angel Raymond Ortega on January 22nd 2018 in Thousand Oaks, California. Angel was given life on October 2, 1924 in Piru, California and was called home to Our Lord at the age of 93.
Born to Ignacio Ortega and Amanda Abalos Ortega he was the fourth of ten children. Angel is survived by Son Michael Ortega, Son Mark Ortega, Daughter Lisa Ortega Tovar (husband Robert Tovar), Daughter in law Terri Ramirez Ortega, Sister Connie Ruiz, Sister Delfina Ortega, Sister Catherine Cervantes, Brother Henry Ortega, Grandchildren Camaille Ortega Torres (husband Andrew Torres), Tara Ortega, Sarah Tovar Burton (husband Mathew Burton), Rachel Tovar, Olivia Tovar, Kathryn Tovar, Eve Tovar, Luke Tovar, Mary-Grace Tovar and Isabella Tovar. Great grandchildren Mia Torres, Dallas Torres, Miles Torres, Joaquin Torres, Saul Tovar, Asher Burton, and Aria Burton. He enjoyed countless nieces and nephews.
Angel married Lucille Savala Ortega and had five children, Robert, Richard, Michael, Mark, and Lisa that they raised in the Piru/Fillmore area.
Angel enlisted in the US Army in 1942. He was a Corporal in the 75th infantry that saw action at “The Battle of the Bulge” in Belgium during WWII. He was a founding member of Friday night tri-tip BBQ at Fillmore High School football games. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, Dodger baseball games, Fillmore High sports and morning coffee with friends. Angel was chosen as the Homecoming Grand Marshall in 1977 which has been awarded to two of his sons as well. His time was always available for building dunk tanks, driving floats, or whatever was needed. His 4th of July and Christmas celebrations were legendary. His house always had an open door policy. Friends and family enjoyed good company, good food, and drink. An atmosphere of family and belonging to all who entered his door which made him the cornerstone of the neighborhood.
Angel Ortega loved to laugh. He also loved to make people laugh. Whether it was a stranger or an old friend, he always had a joke, story, or a wisecrack at the ready.
Angel worked as a butcher at Lechler’s store in Piru. He then moved on to Fillmore/Piru Unified School District where he was a groundskeeper/bus driver at Piru and Fillmore schools. After retirement from the school district he worked for Patterson’s Hardware for twenty years.
Angel is preceded in death by his Parents Ignacio Ortega and Amanda Abalos Ortega, Wife Lucille Ortega, Son Robert Ortega, Son Richard Ortega, Sister Mary Rangel, Sister Ramona Golson, Sister Jenny Ruiz, Brother Victor Ortega, and Brother Joe (Guero) Ortega.
Mass will be said for Angel Ortega on Saturday February 3rd at 9:00 A.M. in Fillmore at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Reception immediately following in the church hall.

Gloria Perez Cervantez (1942-2018)

Gloria Perez Cervantez, 75 of Fillmore passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018 surrounded by her family.
Gloria was born on October 5, 1942 in Santa Paula, CA to Francisco Perez. She was well known for her love of music and her angelic voice. She loved to read, crochet and enjoyed fishing.
She spent her last working years at Ameron Pole Products.
Gloria is survived by her loving husband of 35 years Tory Cervantez, her beloved daughter Donna, Son-in-law Scott, son’s Joseph and Lenny and her 6 grandchildren Rebekah, Hannah, Judah, Tegan, Alexa and Jolene.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Greenfield Care Center of Fillmore, especially to Christina, Matthias and Ana for the wonderful care they gave her and the love and support they showed us while Gloria was a resident there.
Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 9:15 am at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore.
Arrangements are under the care of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home.

Leonard A. Preciado (1922-2018)

Leonard A. Preciado passed away January 7, 2018 in Piru, California at the age of 95.
Pops was born in Piru on March 15, 1922 and was a lifelong resident. He is survived by his three children, Carol Conaway (Paul) ,Kenneth Preciado (Pam), Leonard Preciado Jr.(Nani). He also leaves thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by spouse Jennie, son Steven, two brothers and two sisters.
Leonard served in the USN during WWII. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor aboard the USS Medusa. He later was assigned to European front in the North Atlantic. He was proud of his service even though it left him with unseen scars.
Leonard’s favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting & camping in the Eastern Sierras & Utah. He loved his Beagles, his doves (especially Annabelle), feeding the wild birds and his garden; looking forward to baseball season every year & his favorite Angels. He had many stories to share with his family that kept all of us laughing. Proud of his heritage, he had his DNA done at age 93. He said he wanted to know how much Native American he was.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, January 27th at 11:00am, at Piru Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary-Fillmore.

Dionicia Reyes (1923-2018)

Dionicia Reyes, 94 passed away on January 17, 2018 in Fillmore, CA. She was born April 20, 1923 in Las Varas State of Chihuahua Mexico. She was a resident of Ventura County for 46 yrs. She was a beloved homemaker to her family and loved working in her garden.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jesus Reyes Sr., daughter Maria Reyes, son Pedro Reyes.
She is survived by her remaining children Jesus Reyes Jr., Jose Reyes, Pablo Reyes, Antonio Reyes, Rita Reyes, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 N. Central Ave., Fillmore on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with recitation of the rosary to be held at 7:00pm.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 1048 W. Ventura St., Fillmore on Mondaym January 29, 2018 at 10:00am with burial following at Bardsdale Cemetery, 698 S. Sespe St., Fillmore, CA.

John Charles Foy (2017)

John Charles Foy, 63, passed away unexpectedly after a very brief illness on Dec 29, 2017. He was a beloved member of every community he joined. Born in Los Angeles, but raised the small town of Fillmore, CA, he touched the hearts of every person he came in contact with, whether it was a child at a local elementary school or the cashier at his favorite hardware store.
In his short 63 years he managed to do more than your average man. He was a career firefighter, retired from Ventura County Fire Department after 24 years, and was a 19-year veteran of Fillmore Fire Department prior to that. His love for helping others didn’t start or stop with firefighting. His nickname, Clownie, came from the many years he was “Spanner the Clown” and provided Life and Fire Safety (LAFS) assemblies to local elementary schools throughout Ventura County. He was everyone’s favorite enemy at local high school sporting events, as he would don the striped shirt for Gold Coast Officials to referee football, basketball, and baseball. In his early adult years he was a Boy Scoutmaster for Fillmore Troop 406. Since the early 90’s he was the president of the Sespe Players, Fillmore’s community theatre group, building sets and acting with best of them. One Christmas his son purchased him a single flight lesson and that sparked his love for flying, where he eventually became a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Squadron 61. After retirement he moved to Mammoth Lakes, CA and became a Mammoth Mt Ski Resort “Host,” with his bright yellow jacket making sure everyone was safe and having a great time. His love for everything outdoors was shared with his amazing wife, Janet, and his children, Jason and Jodie. They spent numerous family vacations water skiing, snow skiing, SCUBA diving and hiking the backcountry. If it was an outdoor activity, they tried it.
Jack-of-all-trades, master of ALL, John was able to fix anything. He restored a 1965 Mustang, helped restore a 1926 America La France fire engine for Fillmore City Fire Department. Built 2 homes with his bare hands, including his current residence in Mammoth Lakes. He was well know for not completing the little things, and always had Janet at his side completing the finishing touches and picking up his mess along the way.
John will be remembered for his contagious smile, corny “dad” jokes, and his love for his friends and family. He was survived by his wife Janet (43 years) his son Jason and wife Carrie, daughter Jodie and husband Patrick, his beautiful grandkids, Makayla, Sophie, Milani, Jaron, and Diego, and his brother Harold and wife Frances. He was also survived by an amazing extended family full of sister and brother-in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by his amazing parents Harold and Jeanette Foy, also of Fillmore.
Celebration of Life, with stories and laughter, will take place at Fillmore Veteran’s Memorial Building, 511 2nd St., Fillmore, CA 93015, on Jan 20th at 2 pm. Please wear your favorite piece of clothing that represents your connection with John.
We would like contributions in John's name made to Disabled Sports of the Eastern Sierra, Wounded Warriors National Center of Mammoth Lakes: http://www.woundedwarriorsmammoth.org/
Thank you all for your love and prayers of support
Go explore the heavens, our friend…. Although, if God has a “to-do” list you probably have that in hand and are loading up your tool box to get it done, or at least get it started.
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 John'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, CA 93060. 805.229.7054

John R. Hardison (1942-2018)

John R. Hardison peacefully went to Heaven on January 6, 2018 after a short illness. He was born September 22, 1942 in Ventura, California, to Jacque and Richard Hardison. As a young person, he enjoyed hiking and hunting on his folks and grandparents ranches. He grew up in Fillmore, CA, graduated from Fillmore High School in 1960, and went to Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington because he wanted to learn to ski. When he earned his degree in education, he and his first wife Angela moved to Yakima.
He taught at Wilson J. H. until it changed to a middle school. Then he went to Eisenhower H.S. where he finished his 30 years of teaching.
John loved to ride, hunt, travel, ski and build fence.
He remarried in 1975 to Ruth Friebus. Together they built our home in West Valley: lots of fencing, irrigating, and lawn mowing. He loved working and playing in the outdoors.
Sadly, he lost his only son, Greg, in 1977. It was a hard blow to the fabric of his life.
He became a strong leader in Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving as secretary and president over the years. He enjoyed the process of planning and building the new church in West Valley. He loved to talk to people about his faith. As president, he wrote monthly articles to the congregation to keep folks on board with what was going on. The articles slowly morphed into proclamations of faith. Northwest Publishing House printed three of his books: “Under God’s Sky”, “A View From the Mountains”; and “Put Baby Jesus in Your Wagon”.
John fought the battle to live until his lungs and heart could not work without extra ordinary help. It became quite difficult just to breath. He slipped quietly from life on earth to life in heaven with the help of modern medicine.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, brother David (Julie) of Colville, WA, sister Marion Holladay of Fillmore, CA, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Greg.
His body will be interred at West Hills Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10203 Tieton Drive at 11:00am on Friday, January 12, 2018. To share a personal memory or condolence of John, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.

Paul V. Ramirez Jr. (1935-2017)

Paul V. Ramirez Jr. was born on July 1, 1935 in Rancho Sespe to Paul Sr. and Lupe Ramirez and passed away on December 26, 2017 in Bakersfield, Ca.
Paul attended school at Rancho Sespe and worked for Rockdyne-Boeing as a Maintenance Electrician for 40 years until his retirement.
Paul married his wife Rosalee Tripp in 1955 where they had 3 children Kathy, Melissa and Patrick Ramirez.
Paul had a passion restoring old Muscle cars especially G.T.O.S. and attending air shows and gun shows and collecting guns.
Paul is survived by his 3 children Kathy (Fernando) Vasquez, Melissa (George) Cruz and Patrick Ramirez. 9 grandchildren 12 great grandchildren and his 7 siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers Raul, Raymond and sisters Esther and Carmen.
The recitation of the rosary will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 9:30am followed with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church 1048 W. Ventura Street in Fillmore, Ca. Burial to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 S. Sespe Street, in Fillmore, Ca.
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 Paul’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, CA 93060. 805.229.7054

Joe G. Sandoval (1934-2017)

It is with heavy hearts we announce that our Brother, Uncle, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Joe G. Sandoval, was called home on December 26th, 2017 at the age of 83, in Santa Paula, California.
Joe was born October 3rd, 1934 to Tomas and Nellie Sandoval in Fillmore, California. After graduating from Fillmore High School he served as a Corporal in the US Army. Joe went on to become a heavy equipment operator for Nelson & Belding for several years, eventually retiring from Chaparral Construction at the age of 55.
Joe loved to talk about the “good old days,” and loved sharing his childhood memories of he and his siblings. He also loved to be outside, watch his children and grandchildren play sports, and find great deals on a daily lunch special. Joe loved good food and good conversation. His favorite place to visit was the Chumash Casino, and would take frequent trips there with his good friend George. In his later days, Joe’s favorite job was being the best Great Grandfather to his 5 great grandchildren, and even had one more on the way.
Joe leaves behind his children, Joseph, Crystal and Anthony Sandoval. He also leaves behind his Grandchildren, Jonathan (Nikole) Sandoval, David (Nicole) Valenzuela, Jenna Sandoval, Alex (Mandy) Valenzuela, as well as his 5 Great Grandchildren Nathan, Riley, Alexis, Jurae, Brandon, and another baby boy due in March. He is also survived by his brother Tom Sandoval of Arizona, and Dorothy Sandoval whom he was married to for over 15 years, as well as many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brother John, and sister Rachel.
The recitation of the rosary will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. followed with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street in Fillmore, Ca. A reception will follow the services.
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 Joe’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, CA 93060. 805.229.7054

The Rev. Harvey H. Guthrie, Jr., retired priest of the Episcopal Church, died on December 17, 2017 in Oxnard, California. Born in 1924, he was the son of Harvey H. and Emma Aubrey Guthrie. He returned to his native Ventura County upon retirement in 1995, after more than fifty years. He had served as an instructor at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, as a professor and then dean of the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, MA, and, finally, as rector of St Andrew’s Church, Ann Arbor, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Doris Peyton Guthrie, and their oldest son, Lawrence. He is survived by his three remaining children, Lynn of Seattle, WA, Stephen (and three granddaughters) of Cambridge, MA, and Andrew (and Katrien Jacobs) of Hong Kong, as well by his brother Jim (and his wife, Ann) of Port Angeles, WA.
The Episcopal Church’s Burial Office and Eucharist will be celebrated at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2nd and Saratoga Sts., Fillmore, on February 17, 2018, at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to One Step a la Vez (http://www.myonestep.org/) and Trinity Episcopal Church (PO Box 306, Fillmore, CA 93016).

Patrick G. Casas Sr. (2017)

It is with such sorrow we announce that our beloved Patrick G. Casas Sr. was taken from us much too soon on Dec. 16, 2017. He was the son of Patrick and Terri Casas, brother to Jason Casas and Kinsie Flame, beloved husband to Sandy Casas, and loving father of Patrick G. Casas Jr., Nicholas Casas (wife Marisela) and Roxanne Casas. He had one granddaughter, Ivy Lola Casas, who he adored. He worked in the oil fields all his life. He loved what he did, especially on his Sespe Mountain. He was an outdoorsman, a hunter and fisherman. He was fond of his guns/archery and liked to golf. He devoted a lot of his time participating in events and functions for the Piru Petroleum Club, where he spent his last few years as president. He was a man with many friends who knew him for his sense of humor. He will be missed by numerous family members and to everyone who knew him. Services will be in Piru at San Salvador Mission at 10AM on Fri. 12/29, 2017.

Mary Barbara Lemke (1915-2017)

Mary Barbara Lemke passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2017.
A Fillmore resident since 1977, Mary Barbara was born May 28, 1915 in Yakima, WA.
She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1933. She worked for Rincon from 1977 until her retirement in 1991. She is preceded in death by her sister Rita Lawton (John). Survived by her sister Joan Brock (Charles), nephews Howard Reichert Jr and Jon Reichert, nieces Marita Nicholson (Larry) and Barbara Moore (Rick).
Services will be held at Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 S.Sespe St., Fillmore, CA Dec. 21, 2017 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers Mary Barbara requested donations be made to Santa Paula Hospital or Fillmore Convalescent Center (now Greenfield Care Center)

Mae Joy Ellis (1932-2017)

Mae Joy Ellis, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2017. Mae was born in Oklahoma in 1932 and came to Fillmore California at about age one with her parents Anna and John Swearingen, siblings David Swearingen (deceased) and Faye (Swearingen) Butler. She is also predeceased by husbands Elmer Ellis and Roland Leach, daughter Karen (Ellis) Tayler, brother-in-law Clifford Butler and niece Reba (Butler) Adams.
Mae is survived by son Dean (Betty) Ellis, sister Faye Butler, nephew Allan (Carole) Butler, nieces Jane Boyd Hickock, and Doris Fleming, grandchildren Brooke Taylor, Jannelle Taylor, Grant Taylor, Nathan Ellis, Wade Ellis, and great-grandchildren Ever Ellis and Case Ellis.
Mae was devoted to family and happiest cooking, visiting, going for walks and playing dominoes with them. She loved flowers and often cut flowers from her yard to enjoy in a vase in the house. She also had many dear friends. She will be greatly missed but live on in our memories.
She was a member of the Nazarene Church her entire life. A celebration of life memorial service will be held December 18, 2017 at 1 pm at the Church of the Nazarene, 422 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA.

Jack Howard Ellsworth (1923-2017)

Jack Howard Ellsworth died peacefully in Huntington Beach, California on August 16, 2017, just two weeks before his 94th birthday.
Jack was born on September 4, 1923 in Fillmore to Howard Ellsworth and Gladys Clapperton Ellsworth. He spent his childhood in Bardsdale and Fillmore with family and friends. Jack left Fillmore High School in 1941 to join the U S Navy. He served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Pensacola as an electrician’s mate during WW2, fighting at Midway, off Guadalcanal, at Tarawa, the Marshal Islands, the Aleutians, the battle of Leyte Gulf and the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and surviving 12 major sea battles.
After the war, Jack moved to Huntington Beach, where he began his metal fabrication business. Jack was accomplished electrician, metal worker, carpenter and craftsman. He had an amazing knack for creating and inventing things. He never lost his love of the sea and spent many years crafting a custom 32 foot sailboat all of wood.
Jack gained his interest in short wave radio as a youngster in Fillmore, and continued as an active HAM radio operator throughout his life. He was a generous, witty and dedicated individual who was passionate about ships, inventions, his son Jackie, and politics.
He married four times (Patricia Pence, Evelyn Entringer, Clara Gallagher and Mary Cowley). His son Jack William “Jackie” Ellsworth was his pride and joy.
Jack is survived by his sister Barbara Ellsworth Bates of Bakersfield, nephew Kenneth Bates and nieces Susan Bates-Harbuck and Patricia Bates. He is proceeded in death by his son Jackie Ellsworth, his parents, his sister Marion and his niece Diane Murdock.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held Saturday December 16 at his home in Huntington Beach from 11 AM to 2 PM. By his request, cremation has taken place and Jack will be laid to rest at Bardsdale Cemetery with military honors in January of the new year. The family would like to thank Jack‘s friends in Huntington Beach for their care, compassion, friendship and dedication. W6WTD signing off.

Donald Christopher Vela (1962-2017)

Please join us in celebrating the life of our husband, brother, uncle, cousin, Donald Christopher Vela on Sunday December 17, 2017, City of Fillmore-Central Park at 2:30 pm.
“Donnie” as we knew him, was born on December 18, 1962 in Santa Paula and passed away on October 2, 2017 in Palmdale, CA.
Donnie was active in many church and civic organizations including The Moose Lodge#1625, Elk’s Lodge #1321, AVHOGS of Palmdale, Lancaster, Honor Guard, IBEW Local 47. His love for baseball began with Fillmore Little League and continued on well into his adulthood-playing for Fillmore High School, Santa Paula Trojans, and Lancaster Blue Jays. Don spent over 30 years employed at Southern California Edison where he would have retired this December after 32 years of service.
He was educated in the Fillmore School System graduating in 1980. He loved to give of his time djing the Alumni Dinners for his alma mater over the last several years. He also dj’d for the Sunday Dances at the Moose Lodge in Lancaster where his company Bionic Boogie Productions helped people of all ages have a good time. He was an ordained minister.
Donnie is survived by his first true love of 7 years Estella, (Rosamond), sister, Kate Vela Carrillo/Eddie Carrillo, their children Andrew and Maggie of Fillmore. He was predeceased by his father Donald Sr, mother Loretta Vela, Sisters Leticia and Anita, Nephew Scott, numerous cousins and many friends.

John Leonard (Jack) Schleimer (1925-2017)

After a gallant battle with congestive heart failure, John Leonard (Jack) Schleimer passed away on November 19, 2017 in Ventura, CA at the age of 92. A long-time resident of Fillmore, CA, Jack was born on August 9, 1925 in Los Angeles to Gertrude and John Schleimer. He attended Fillmore High School where he played basketball and was a band member and graduated in 1943.
After high school, he joined the Merchant Marine and became a commissioned officer and served for two years during and after World War II and during a train trip to San Francisco he met his future wife of 67 years, Jeri Carpenter. After his service, he became a master carpenter and had a long and distinguished career in the building industry from project foreman to superintendent to home builder himself. One of his greatest accomplishments was the re-building of the famous Piru mansion to its original glory after it had completely burned down.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Jeri, and is survived by his son, John H. Schleimer (Celeste) and his daughter, Susan Dudley Morales (Gilbert); his sister, Josephine Myers and brother, Jim Schleimer (Nikki); his grandchildren Tiffani Ross, Krystol Stemm (Terry), Ashley Powell (Isaac), Tyler Dudley (Jazzymn) and Catlin Czirban; and his 12 great grandchildren. He spent his last three years with his companion, Cathy Barringer.
At the request of Jack, there will be no services but his ashes will be spread this summer near his beloved second home in Pagosa Springs, CO.

Joyce L. Basolo (1931-2017)

Joyce L. Basolo passed away peacefully on November 28, 2017 at the age of 86.
An only child, she was born, Joyce LaVonne Krink on August 5, 1931 to parents Ethel and Jim Krink in Fillmore where she lived her whole life. Joyce married her true love, Buck Basolo, shortly after graduating from Fillmore High School in 1949. Joyce was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was predeceased by her husband, Buck and her grandson, Michael.
Joyce is survived by son, Doug Basolo and daughter, Debby Basolo-Curnett (Tom Curnett), grandchildren, Bryan, Kammi, Linzi and Beau Basolo, Denae Curnett-Garrett (Dave Garrett) and LeAnna Curnett-Thompson. Great grandchildren are Conner, Peter, Adan, Mia, Austin, Alice, Oliver, Kyle, Emily and Greyson.
Joyce worked as an office manager for Fillmore High School for many years, and in addition to the daily routine of a busy office, she enjoyed chaperoning dances and field trips, was voted as grand marshal for homecoming and was considered a “second mom” by many students there. She also worked as secretary at Piru Elementary School and ended her 28 year career with the district as secretary to the assistant superintendent.
Joyce enjoyed camping and fishing at the beach and the Sierra Mountains. Buck and Joyce loved dancing and had their own unique style. Not many dances were held in the area that they did not attend. She enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes (some of which are a story for another time). She also loved playing cards…any card game and taught her children and grandchildren to play as well. Hundreds of hours of fun were had playing cards after family dinners. In recent years Joyce enjoyed making several trips a year to the Chumash Casino with her friends. She also enjoyed knitting and has donated dozens of baby hats for the newborns who leave Santa Paula Hospital with nice warm little heads.
A graveside service will be held Friday, December 8 at 11:00AM at the Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore. Immediately following the service a reception will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church located at 600 Saratoga Street. in Fillmore where friends are invited to share memories and celebrate Joyce’s life.
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 Joyce’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, CA 93060. 805.229.7054

Mark Douglas Maxwell (1959-2017)

Mark Douglas Maxwell, 58 years old, beloved dad, grandpa, brother and friend passed away at his residence in Kasilof, Alaska on November 10, 2017. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held December 10, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Elkins Golf Course.
Mark Douglas Maxwell was born March 25, 1959 at Santa Paula Hospital. He graduated Fillmore Union High School in 1977, where he was president of the Future Farmers of America and was very active raising market swine.
He was on the varsity tennis team and played football his freshmen year.
Mark married Tammie Barthel in 1982 and they had two children, daughter Jennifer and son James (J.D.). Mark worked in the oil fields in and around Coalinga, CA until he joined the Department of Corrections and graduated from the course in early 1988. He retired from the state in 2009, and lived life and enjoyed retirement by doing what he loved, hunting, fishing and golfing. Mark enjoyed traveling and especially visiting his grandkids, Julieanna and Maxwell (his namesake) in Tennessee. He moved to Kasilof, Alaska in 2013 to be near his brother Todd and to enjoy God’s country, as he would say.
Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Jalaine Helms, grandmother Mildred Dewey, grandfather Franklin Dewey and his aunt Helen Powell.
He is survived by his daughter Jennifer and her husband Danny, their children Julieanna and Maxwell, by his son James (J.D.), his brother Todd, his uncle Bill and wife Ellen, nieces Cathy and Kris and their children, his two dogs Sissy and Marbles, and numerous friends who lived near and far. Max, as he was called, was well loved and adored by his family and friends. He will forever be missed and never forgotten.

Joe Luis Magallon (1949-2017)

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce that our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, & Great-grandfather, JOE LUIS MAGALLON, was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 67. He fought a very lengthy fight with Pulmonary Hypertension and COPD. October 31, 2017, marked the 45th wedding anniversary for Joe and his wife Olivia. Unfortunately, he lost his battle and passed away that morning at home where he wanted to be with his loving wife by his side.
Joe is survived by his Wife Olivia Alcocer Magallon of Fillmore, CA; Sons, Joe Magallon (April), Johnny Magallon (Clarissa); Daughters, Crystal Montañez (Luis) and Arlene Hokafonu.
He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren; Shalyssa Magallon (Ty Casey), Alexandra Arteaga, Janessa Magallon, Jayleen Magallon, Joseph Magallon, Isiah Magallon, Jeremiah Magallon, Johnny Magallon, Jazzlynn Magallon, Jasiah Magallon, Jason Magallon, Jayden Magallon, Angel Heredia, Abreyana Molina, Angel Montañez, Amy Montañez, Abel Montañez, Alahni Montañez, Jonathan Allen, and Aurora Allen; Great- grandson Jordan Casey.
Joe also leaves behind his mother Elisa De La Rosa Magallon, Brothers, Ernie Magallon, Armando Magallon (Martina), and Pablo Magallon; Sisters, Margarita Byrami, Elisa Cassino, and Leticia Dickerson (Dennis), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his Father, Pablo Magallon, Brother Ralph Magallon, Sisters Angelica Magallon, Rosie Magallon Sumner.
Joe was born on December 22, 1949, in San Fernando, California, to Elisa De La Rosa Magallon and Pablo Magallon. When Joe was 1 year old, his family had moved to Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico, where he was raised for the next 8 years. At 9 years old, Joe and his family returned to California and settled at the Old Rancho Sespe, where he grew up. Joe loved music and was a talented musician who played by ear. At 17 years old he joined a Mexican band named “Los Latinos” who’s female vocalist was Alicia Juarez, who later became a famous Mexican singer. After leaving Los Latinos, he joined a few other groups playing gigs, parties, and weddings throughout Ventura County.
In October of 1973, Joe married his lovely wife Olivia Alcocer who was from Piru. Joe continued his music career until he became a Truck driver for the next 20 plus years. During his trucking career he worked for a few companies before settling with Carpinteria Motor Transport (CMT). Joe worked long hours days at a time, many times missing his family while on the road. On his days off he enjoyed taking his family on camping trips, fishing, boating. He volunteered coaching soccer and baseball when his sons were younger. When his daughter entered high school in the 90’s, he would volunteer chaperoning events like her class car washes and school dances. Joe would try to be a part of his children’s extracurricular activities when he could.
In December 2009, Joe was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension at that time he was given two years to live. However, he was a fighter and was determined to prove the doctor wrong. Well he did! We were blessed to have him for the next 7.5 years. In that time, he was blessed to welcome 7 more grandchildren, 1great-grandson. January 2017, Joe’s health started to slowly decline, yet he kept his sarcastic fighting spirit until the very end. We the family would like to thank Xavier Bobholz for being a great caregiver to our father. To Dad you weren’t just his caregiver you were family. Each of us have numerous memories of Dad that we will forever hold close to our hearts.
The Rosary Service will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at 7:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi in Fillmore. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017, also at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura St., Fillmore, CA. Burial will take place immediately thereafter at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St., Fillmore, CA. A potluck reception will follow funeral services for family and friends located at the Youth Building BEHIND the Veterans Memorial building, 511 Second St., Fillmore.