Marvin Duane Smith (1928-2011)

Marvin Duane Smith (1928-2011)
Marvin Smith, of Fillmore, went home to be with the Lord and his loving wife, Bonnie at 4:48 a.m. on 2/11/11. He was born 4/4/28 in Doniphan, MO to Elza and Pearl Smith, making him almost 83 years old.. The last four months were very hard on his health, recovering from a heart attack in October to finally be freed from his suffering with a bout of pneumonia.
In November 1928, he moved to California with his Dad, Mom, and sister Imo Jewel (went to heaven in 1973), staying with his Mom’s brother in Oxnard before moving to the ranch house on Hopper Creek, near Piru. They lived there 28 years before moving to another ranch a few miles closer to Piru. He lived there until he enlisted in the Army after graduating from Fillmore High School in 1946. Marvin married his beautiful wife Bonnie Ruth Maier on June 19, 1949. They lived in their “honeymoon cottage” as Bonnie called it on the Warring Ranch near Piru before moving to their home on Guiberson Road where he worked as Ranch Foreman for Shiells Ranch. He lived there with Bonnie, and their three kids until they moved to Fillmore in 1956 to the orchard and home where Bonnie was born. This was his temporary home of 55 years until Friday, when he went to his eternal home in heaven.
Oh, the memories of gatherings of family and friends at that home! During that time he worked several different jobs from driving Texaco gas truck, vacuum truck, and for Van Noy Trucking working the longest in the oil fields for Texaco in Castaic and Sheills Lease from which he retired in 1983. All that time also working so hard to take care of his orange orchard. He also served the Fillmore Sheriff’s Posse, now called Search and Rescue putting in many unselfish hours from looking for lost Boy Scouts in the Sespe to gathering remains from airplane crashes in the back country. He was a member of the Piru Petroleum Club and had very much missed going to the luncheons and Thursday night dinners as his health failed him.
He loved traveling, camping, fishing, hunting, and partying with friends and family. He took such good care of Bonnie while she had cancer and was the best Dad and Grandpa ever. He had so many friends because he was such a good friend to others. He would give them the shirt off his back and drive thousands of miles to aid a friend in need. Even in his last days in his earthly body his concern was for his family and friends, nurses and doctors - always unselfish. He was loved by so many people - many hearts are aching today, but also smiling and laughing remembering all the trials of life they shared and the good and hilarious times with him.
Until reunited in heaven he leaves behind his close-knit family - his son, Bill (Carolyn) Smith, of Oxnard and their daughters, Shauna (Nick) Trierweiler of MA, Katherine (Will) Fortney of Camarillo and their kids Brenden, Taylor Paige, and Zachary Eccles; daughters, Linda (Terry) Granberry and their daughter Sarah of Camarillo and Judy (Ruben) Gil and their son Brian of Atascadero; sisters, Barbara (Doug) Douglas of MO and their families and Eleanor (Chuck) Dodson of Exeter and their families.
Marvin’s family is so grateful for his many friends who checked in on him on a regular basis, especially in his later years - we love you all.
Arrangements are being made by Skillin-Carrol Mortuary, 600 N. Central Ave., Fillmore, CA, where a viewing for friends will be held Wed., Feb. 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. Graveside service at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St., Fillmore, will be Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

Tillie J. Spitler

Tillie J. Spitler of Fillmore passed away peacefully at her home Friday, Feb 11, 2011. She was 91 years old.

Born in Sunnyvale, California, she is survived by her husband of 65 years R. Conway Spitler and her two sons Thomas Spitler of Hebron, Connecticut and Russell Spitler of Benicia, Califonia.

In addition she has two grand-children Joshua and Megan living in Boston, Massachusetts.

After graduating from San Jose State she began a teaching career in Salinas, California and continued teaching when she moved to Fillmore, California. Upon retirement she spend time as a volunteer at the Fillmore Library, helping at the elementary school and at the Santa Clara Hospice in Santa Paula. She was an avid knitter and loved to travel with her husband making trips to Europe and eventually traveled around the world.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Tillie’s name to the Santa Clara Valley Hospice Home Support Group, Inc. In respect of Tillie’s wishes no service will be held.

Harold C. Michel

On February 5, 2011, Harold Chester Michel passed away peacefully at his home in Bardsdale near Fillmore. Harold was a third generation member of the Michel family who pioneered farming in the Santa Clara Valley.
Harold graduated from Fillmore High School and Ventura Community College. He earned his pilot’s license at the Santa Paula Airport and enjoyed many hours flying. Harold entered the U.S. Army to join the 3rd Division in Europe during World War II. After the war he returned to the love of his life, Bernice Blythe. They were married July 27, 1946. Together they raised three daughters on the family farm.
Harold was a respected member of the Bardsdale School District Board of Education. He was a lifelong Presbyterian. He worked for the Texaco Oil Company and the California Department of Water Resources while maintaining the family ranches. He and Bernice enjoyed camping and traveling. More than anything he loved to be surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Esther Michel. He is survived by his wife Bernice, daughter Sandra Crowe and husband Frank of Carpinteria, Elizabeth Kemp and husband John of Fillmore, Martha Rogers and husband Kenny of Fillmore; grandchildren Margaret Kemp, Sarah Kemp, Jacob and Nichole Kemp, Jennifer Crowe, Alison and Chris Crowe/Purdy, Marie and Brian Haase, Amy Rogers and three great grandsons, Carson and Austin Haase and William Crowe/Purdy as well as a sister Marilyn Wileman and a brother Donald Michel and wife Loretta.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Fillmore High School Alumni Association, PO Box 385, Fillmore, CA 93016.
Graveside services will be held at the Bardsdale Cemetery on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM.

Oct. 13, 1920 - Jan. 29, 2011
Clara Valadez of Fillmore of “Clarita” as she was fondly called by those who loved her, passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by her family at Fillmore Convalescent Hospital on Saturday, January 29, 2011.
Clara was a long time resident of Fillmore and a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She was a beloved sister and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Our tia Clara will always be remembered as a woman who was devoted to her family and who was always of service to others. She enjoyed telling amusing stories, and made all of us laugh. Tia Clara’s hands were always busy and she would knit sweaters and make many delicious dishes for family lunches and dinners. Everyone’s Favorite was her home-made flour tortillas. Clarita’s generous nature and the laughter and love she brought to her family will not be forgotten.
She is survived by her sister, Luz Quezada, her niece, Lucy, nephews-Felipe and Ricardo, their spouse and children. As a great-aunt, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
On behalf of our beloved, Tia Clara, the family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Fillmore Convalescent Center, especially to their aides, Sara, Michelle, Robin, Melissa for tending to her needs with love and compassion throughout her stay.
The rosary is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, February 07, 2011 at St. Francis Assisi Church in Fillmore, followed by the funeral mass. The internment will be on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Bardsdale cemetery.

Patricia Ann Stevens

Patricia Ann Stevens
(1925 – 2011)
On January 12, 2011, Patricia Ann Stevens, age 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family. “Pat or Patty” as she was known by family and friends, was born at home on June 27, 1925. The rural family residence was located in Bardsdale at the current entrance to Elkin’s Ranch Golf Course. Pat was oldest of 4 children born to Carl Ward Elkins and Hazel Talmage Elkins. Her great-grandfather, C.C. Elkins was one of the early pioneers of the City of Fillmore. Her maternal grandfather, Clark A. Talmage, was the first Constable of the City of Carpinteria, CA. Tragically, Pat’s father died when she was only 12 yrs old. Following his death her mother moved the family in to Fillmore. Pat graduated from FHS in 1943. She married her high school sweetheart, Harold Stevens, in 1944 just prior to his military deployment to the WWII European Theater. After returning from the war, Harold and Pat remained in Fillmore where they raised their family.
Pat worked as a telephone operator in Fillmore in the early days when you lifted the receiver and heard “Operator, Number Please”. Later she worked in secretarial positions for the County of Ventura until retirement. Pat was known as an agreeable, unassuming, and compassionate person. Friends and family were always welcome in her home anytime, day or night. She was always ready to travel, equally at ease camping outdoors as she was staying in a luxury resort. She loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and hitting the casinos with her daughters. Pat was also a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club and the Faith Community Church.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband Harold in 2002 and her son-in-law Ken Warren also in 2002.
She is survived by her brother Carl (wife Laurice) Elkins of Palm Desert, CA; two sisters, Billie Mae Stimac, of Camarillo, and Carolyn (husband Walt) Boone, of Buena Vista, Mexico; son Larry (wife Hope) Stevens, Las Vegas, NV; daughters, Leslie Warren of Fillmore; and Diane (husband Dave) Wareham of Fillmore. Pat also leaves behind eight grandchildren and their spouses, and twelve great-grandchildren.
Graveside services at the Bardsdale Cemetery will be held on February 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association.

Joan Nichols

Joan Nichols, long-time resident of Ventura County, passed away on December 29, 2010, surrounded by loving family and friends. She is survived by her four sons: Jim, John, Joe and Jeff; her daughter-in-law Sandy; her grandchildren Raymond and “Jimbo,” McKenna and Joey, and Timmony and Christian; and great-grandchildren Tyler and Hannah, Lola and Atticus, and Elijah and Samuel. Born on May 22, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, she came to California where she raised her family and worked for over 30 years with the courts in the County of Ventura, retiring in 1995. Fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, her dream came true following her retirement when she visited Ireland. She cherished her Claddagh ring symbolizing love, friendship and loyalty, and those were the qualities that made Joan who she was. Her love of her family was boundless, and her friends could count on her to always stand by their side. To Joan, from those who loved her, we send this Irish poem: “You’ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today, A cherished place within our hearts, Is where you’ll always stay.”
Rosary on Thursday, January 13, 2011, 7:30 p.m., and Mass on Friday, January 14, 2011, 10:00 a.m., both to be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore, California.
Following the Mass, graveside services will be at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 Sespe Street, Fillmore, California.
Arrangements being handled by Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, Fillmore, California.

Jimmy Hutchins
Born - August 4, 1948
Died - December 26, 2010 after a long illness
Preceded in death by parents Art and Mary Hutchins
Leaves Behind
wife- Glenna Hutchins of Ariela, Washington
son- James P. Hutchins of Portland, Oregon
daughter- Chris Webb of Vancouver, Washington
sister- Joyce Nash of Las Vegas, Nevada
brother- Roger Hutchins of Mobile, Alabama
4 grandchildren

Mary (Shipley) Real

PIRU, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2011) – Mary (Shipley) Real, a long-time Piru resident appreciated for her warm smile, positive attitude, and courageous spirit, passed January 8, 2011 in the arms of her immediate family.
Just two months shy of her seventieth birthday, Mary was full of life, recently walking in Relay for Life, participating in a 5K with her daughter and granddaughter, a bowler, wonderful member and Eucharistic Minister at San Salvador Mission, and regular “Friday Night Meeting” attendee. The friendliest banker in town, she worked as a teller for over 20 years until her retirement in 2008.
Born in 1941 to Pearl and Herman Shipley in Frederick, Oklahoma, Mary was the second of five children.
As a small child, Mary became a California girl, moving to Piru with her family. Raised in the area, she attended Piru Elementary School and went on to attend Fillmore Jr. High and High School graduating in 1959.
A fun-loving gal, Mary bopped around a bit after graduation, living in Redondo Beach for a time, and even living in Hawaii until she “ran out of money,” she would say. She decided to return, at which point she found love with her husband of nearly 48 years.
Falling for those brown eyes of his, Mary tied the knot with Piru-native George Real in 1963. The two lived in Nevada for a short time then moved into their Piru home where they raised their children Anthony and Debbi, and several horses, cats and dogs along the way.
Starting in 1987, they welcomed their first of four grandchildren. In 1991, with her second grandchild on the way, Mary was diagnosed with Lymphoma, audaciously battled the disease, and was in remission until 2010 when cancer struck a second time, serving as the gateway to her ascension into Heaven.
Mary is survived by husband George, son Anthony and his wife Shelly and son Brandon; daughter Debbi and her husband Lawrence, and children April, Jaymee and Zachary; and sisters Etta Mae, Darla, and Grace, and brother Henry.
Family and friends will forever hold in their hearts the image of her sparkling blue eyes and loving spirit. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Mary’s doctors, friends and family, and to members of the community.
A rosary will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 1:00pm at San Salvador Mission Church in Piru followed by a Funeral Mass and burial at Piru Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 805/524-0744.

Robert Savala Ortega

Robert Savala Ortega, Fillmore High School Hall of Fame Inductee.
Robert, 64, passed away peacefully after a courageous struggle with Cancer at his home with his children and family by his side on December 28th, 2010 in Camarillo.
He was born on December 3rd, 1946 in Oxnard, Ca. to Angel Raymond Ortega and Lucille Savala Ortega.
Robert planted his roots in Piru as a boy and spread his wings into manhood in Fillmore.
Robert’s passion was sports. He excelled as a Fillmore High School Flash at Football and took those talents to Ventura College and then onto New Mexico Highlands University where he was drafted to the Washington Redskins only to be hurt in training camp. He came home to work for Coors Beer Company, got married and had two beautiful daughters. He became a Coach at Fillmore High School and dedicated himself for 23 years as a Line man Coach.
After a life threatening accident, Robert discovered Therapy in Personal Training and had been doing so for the past 19 years, living in Garden City Kansas for the past 7 years.
Robert loved to laugh, loved being outside, loved his friends and family, enjoyed movies, music, hunting and loving on his Grandkids. He was a simple man with big dreams.
We will miss and always remember his humor, his stories, his love and kindness. Never to be out done, Robert was one of a kind.
Robert is survived by his Daughters Camaille Victoria Torres, Tara Rochelle Ortega, Grandkids, Mia and Dallas Torres, former wife Teresa Ortega, Father Angel Ortega, brothers Michael and Mark, sister Lisa Tovar, son in laws, Andrew Torres and Rudy Cortez.
Thank you to all that have sent love and prayers to our Father and our Family.
Services for Robert will be held at Padre Serra Parish 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo, Ca. 93012, 805-482-6417, on Tuesday, January 4th at 11am.
In Leau of flowers please donate to the Fillmore High School Hall of Fame.

Daniel Avila

Daniel Avila, 83, of Fillmore died Thursday , December 23rd after a sudden illness.
Daniel was born May 3rd 1927, in Los Angeles to Salvador & Jesus Valencia Avila. Dan was one of the pioneer gardeners for 50 years in Fillmore very well know and liked in the community for his professional services. One of his passions was growing orchids and spending time with his son and brothers. Dan served time in the Marines in 1945.
Dan is survived by son Eugene Avila of Fillmore and daughter Mary and Husband Juan Jose Pena , grandchildren Kathleen, Priscilla, Vanessa, Juan Jose Jr and great granddaughters, Sofia and Samantha from Cypress Texas. Sisters, Alice Avila Moreno and brothers Rojelio and wife Rita Avila, Phillip and wife Jennie Avila , Roy and wife Bertha Avila and many nieces and nephews . He has gone to join his beloved wife Carmen and Son Danny Jr. Avila. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Memorial services will be as follows viewing at XXXXXXXXXXX Rosary at 7:45 at St Francis of Assisi on Wednesday and masss on Thursday at 1:00 St Francis of Assisi with buriel at Bardsdale Cemetary. Family will be holding a reception at St Francis of Assisi right after services.

Jeannette Harthorn Anderson

Jeannette Harthorn Anderson
May 16, 1916-November 30, 2010
Jeannette was the youngest of ten children born to Captain Charles Whitney Harthorn and his wife, Lottie. While several of her brothers and sisters were born at the Sunset House in Piru’s Hopper Canyon, Jeannette was born in the historic Harthorn house located on the southwest corner of Blaine Ave and Mountain View. Jeannette attended the original Mountain View school and as a child discovered her love of music and dance. While a student at Fillmore high school she starred in the popular operettas of the early 1930’s. After she graduated in 1934 Jeannette moved to Los Angeles to attend college. She met her first husband during this time and settled in Hollywood. Along with her rapidly growing family, Jeannette lived in Fillmore during WWII. Work with a major oil company took the family to Colombia, South American where they spent three years. Jeannette and her children returned to California in 1950 and settled in Whittier. Her second marriage to Harvey Anderson was a joyful one. Together they established a loving home, while Harvey worked as an executive for General Motors. After retirement, Jeannette fulfilled a life-long dream and returned to her beloved Fillmore. Their home on Saratoga St. was always filled with family and friends. Jeannette served on the Fillmore planning commission. She was a member of the Ebell Club and enjoyed spending time designing their social schedule. She was also Fillmore’s Citizen of the Year. She and Harvey founded “The Sespe Players” a small theater group. Their productions delighted the citizens of Fillmore for many years. Jeannette was a liaison for the Arts at Fillmore high school. She loved playing Mrs. Santa Claus for the local elementary school children. This was the happiest time of her life.
After Harvey’s death in 1990, Jeannette moved to San Clemente to be close to her daughters and their families. She eventually settled in Sonora, Ca. where her sisters, Stella and Alice and brother, Tuffy had lived. She was cared for during her last years by her youngest daughter, Richie. Jeannette was ninety-four years old when she died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loved ones. She was the last surviving child of the pioneering Harthorn family.
With respect for her love of “Home” Jeannette will be buried alongside her husband, Harvey, her parents, brothers and sisters in the Harthorn family plot in Bardsdale cemetery. A private family memorial service will be held when the Orange Blossoms bloom in the spring. We will sing and dance for you Mom!
Jeannnette is survived by her daughters, Sue and Jon Miller, Drew Anderson and Jim Green, Gracie Kappler and Richie Grant,
Her grandchildren, Jennifer Davis, Melissa Miller, Mandy Bell, Shay McMinn, Beau McMinn, Christian Kappler, Kara John, Rory Thompson, Justin, Jennifer and Whitney Grant. Her Great-grandchildren- Shea & Seth Davis, Zoe & Grace Bell, Stella, Hazel, Wyatt & Jack Kappler, Marissa & Jeffrey Kelly, Aliana Works, Sadie Thompson and Cruz Grant
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey, parents, CW & Lottie Harthorn, brothers, Leon, Raymond, Harold, Tuffy and Pat, her sisters, Lottie Snow, Evelyn Bartels, Alice and Stella Harthorn.
Grandsons-Joshua Williams & Skye Bell and son-in-law-Deputy David P Grant
Donations can be made to the Sespe Players, Inc , C/O Janet Foy, 437 Saratoga St., Fillmore, Ca. 93015

Edward James Scherzinger

Fillmore, CA
Edward James Scherzinger
Our special father went to heaven peacefully on December 17th, 2010 after a long and wonderful life. Born in FonduLac, WI on June 3rd, 1918, he will be greatly missed.
Edward, (Jim), was a retail jeweler and watchmaker by trade, several jewelry stores over the years.
He married Charlotte Galles in 1941. They had three children, Ruth Ann Edens, Phillip John, and Robert Paul. There are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He proudly served 42 months in the Navy during WWII, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. He and Mom opened a jewelry store in Grafton, WI. It worked out well but they wanted to raise their family in California for health reasons. In 1960 they started ‘Scherzinger Jewelers’ in Fillmore, where he worked until his retirement in 1978. His twilight years were spent in the ‘El Dorado Mobile Home Park’ until 2009, when he moved to Ventura.
He was preceeded in death by his beloved ‘Charlotte’ who died in 1985. He is survived by Ruth, husband Jim (Ventura), Phil, wife Bev (Spring, TX) and Rob, wife Azusa (Oxnard).
The family would like to honor his life and death in a private ceremony. We greatly appreciate all the warmth and support from all of his/our wonderful friends, especially the folks at the ‘Palms at Bonaventure’ and ‘Victoria Care Center’.
Arrangements under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 600 N. Central Ave. Fillmore CA 93015

Phyllis Ellen Davis

Phyllis Ellen Davis, 91, of Fillmore died Tuesday, December 14, 2010, following a long illness.
Phyllis was born March 29, 1919, in Los Angeles to Earl Jeffrey & Mary Ellen (Wheeler) Higgins. Following her graduation from high school she moved to the Newhall Ranch with family. She met and married Burt Davis on June 19, 1941 and they have remained in Fillmore where they raised their three daughters. She was active as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader as well as Job’s Daughters with her girls. Phyllis had worked for the Fillmore School District for a number of years retiring in 1983. Following their retirement, Burt and Phyllis enjoyed many times traveling with family and good friends.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 69 years Burt Davis of Fillmore; daughters and sons-in-laws, Lynne and Joe Cook of Woodway, Texas; Valerie and Gene Newland of Fresno; daughter Laurie De Alejandro of Ventura; grandchildren, Christy Scott, Mindy Dobbs, Carin Perry, Robin Newland, April Mendoza, Miles Newland, Audra Phillips, Garrett Newland, Allison De Alejandro and Shawn De Alejandro; fifteen great grandchildren and brother Earl “Spud” Higgins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Edna Southwick.
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the Fillmore Convalescent Center for their kind and loving care of Phyllis. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 16, 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary Fillmore. Graveside services will be held Friday, December 17, 1:30 P.M, at Bardsdale Cemetery with Pastor Mark Rathe of Faith Community Church, Fillmore officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

Leonard Peyton

Leonard Peyton, noted Alaskan bird bander and bird song recorder died on December 10, 2010 at the age of 86. He is the son of Sidney Peyton and Susie James Peyton of Fillmore California. He was the remaining survivor of four children, Sidney Jr, Donetta Simonson, and Anita Johnson. He attended local schools and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management, at Utah State University in 1951, following service in the Army Air Corps, primarily in the Southwest, where he served in the training command.
His interest in birds began when he went with his father, Sidney Peyton, into the hills of the Los Padres National Forest in California on egg collecting ventures, an acceptable hobby during the first of the century. His collection is part of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, Camarillo, California. Sidney was the local authority on the Condor population, maintaining a record of the bird sightings.
Leonard’s love of birds influenced the rest of his life, taking him to Alaska. He took a position at the Arctic Health Research Center as part of the Physiology Team. 1962, Dr Irving, with four staff members, moved to Fairbanks to begin the Zoophysiology Lab at the University of Alaska, concentrating on studies of cold adaptation. Over the years this developed into the Institute of Arctic Biology. Peyton continued the migration/vocalization studies. He continued to band birds as a hobby after his retirement, concentrating on the Redpoll. In his lifetime, he banded 49,059 birds. As part of their migration work Peyton was a pioneer in recording bird songs. The Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University is the repository for his vocalizations, and has produced a CD with most of the recordings credited to Peyton. He has recorded over 7000 birdsongs. He enjoyed river boating, hunting, fishing, traveling and gardening. The Peytons traveled extensively in the US, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Tasmania, Bali, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Egypt. and the Galapagos.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Irene, his daughter Sarah and son-in-law Matt, his son James and daughter-in-law Jennifer, and two grandchildren, Elena and Nick.
Memorial services have not been planned at this time. Memorials may be sent to the Alaska Bird Observatory, PO Box 80505, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Ruth Horton Watson

Ruth Horton Watson, 87, died at home in Walnut Creek, Thursday, November 11th, with her children at her side.
Ruth was the daughter of Edith & Joseph Horton. A native of California, she was born in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School. She attended and graduated from UC Berkeley, where she met her husband, George. Ruth was a teacher with the Mt. Diablo USD for 25 years and retired in 1987.
Her numerous interests included travel, gardening, and books. Ruth was an active and long-time member of Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, with a passion for mission programs and reaching out with her faith. She was a Cal Bear fanatic and brought her passion for mission to the Berkeley campus by working with the development committee for Westminster House.
Ruth greatly valued her friendships and how much joy they gave to her life. She always had a smile at the ready for everyone.
She is survived by her children Nancy Struntz (Duane), Janet Ballantyne (Kurt), Stephen Watson (Stacy), Meredith Watson (Lou Raso), and Martha Watson (Kelly O’Brien). Grandchildren Tim Miller, John Miller, Byron Ballantyne, Broderick Ballantyne, Nick Watson, Stephanie Watson, Liz Watson, Joe Raso, Angela Raso. Great-grandchildren Pete & Caitlin Miller, Andy & Megan Miller, Elise & Ethan Ballantyne, and Leah Watson. She was preceded in death by her husband George Watson and sons Charles & Timothy Watson.
The family thanks Evercare for their kind and compassionate hospice care.
Memorial services will be held Friday, November 19th at 2:00 p.m. at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for contributions to be made to the Global Missions Program at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94596-4016.

Tony Cid Espinoza

In loving memory of our beloved father, Tony Cid Espinoza. Passed away 9/25/10 at Cox Hospital Missouri shortly after celebrating his 81st birthday. He was born on July 22nd, 1928 to Lonnie and Dolores Espinoza. At age 23 he enlisted in The U.S Army and faught in the Korean War. From 1951-1953. Tony worked at Robinson Lamey for 10years. He was a foreman then moved to Missouri in 1975. He had a passion for his farm animals, riding motorcycles, and enjoyed working with his tools. Tony is proceded in death by his mother Dolores, his father Lonnie and his children Alejandro Espinoza, Tony B. Espinoza, Toni Irene Espinoza and Emma Espinoza. He has survived by his caring wife Mary Espinoza and his children. Linda Smulczenski, Richard Espinoza, June Manzano, Martha Espinoza, Tom Espinoza, Andice Tharp and Lisa Todd as well as his Grandchildren. Family & friends are invited to attend the memorial services which will be held at 11am on Sunday November 20, 2010 at Faith Community Church 355 D st. Fillmore Ca,93015

Bernadine Todd

Bernadine Todd passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2010.
Bernadine was born July 9, 1925 and moved to Ventura County in 1948 from Atoka, Okla. Married George A. Todd, Jr. in 1949. The Todds lived in Bardsdale for many years before moving to Lemon Wood Estates in Ventura. She was the first president of the Ladies Auxillary of the Operating Engineers Local 12. She belonged to the Elkins Ranch Ladies Golf Club and was also involved with the Ladies of the Moose, Ventura.
Bernadine is survived by her husband of 61 years, George; her daughter, Londa; and sons, Phillip and George "Sanky"; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A private family memorial has been held.

Roland Daryl Vest, Born on November 13, 1932, passed away on September 30, 2010 at his home in Fillmore, California. He was self employed as an electrical contractor for 20 yrs. He was a master wood carver and master mason. He was a Korean War Veteran, and he loved fishing and traveling.
He was preceded in death by his wife Imogene Vest. He is survived by his sons, Mark and Robert Vest, daughter Daralyn Balden, sister Veda Southwick, grandchildren, Kirsten Myers , Kevin Vest and Tarah Balden, great grandchildren, Madison, Marcus, Ryan, Bradyn and Kayleigh, brother and sister in laws, Leland Southwick, Weeda & Arvolle Long, cousins Ken Vest and Sue Maynard, and many nieces & nephews.
Graveside service will be held on Friday, October 8, 2010 at Bardsdale Cemetery officiated by Masonic Lodge.
Services under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary (805)524-0744

Dale Shelby Hooten

Dale Shelby Hooten passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010. He was 83 years old.
Dale was born May 3, 1927 to Clara Mae (Hugg) and John Shelby Hooten in Strawberry, AR.
Dale attended elementary schools in Strawberry and was a graduate of Egypt High School in Egypt, AR.
Dale was a WWII vet and after his discharge from the Navy he worked as a machinist at Rockford Ordnance Division in Rockford, IL for 11 years. In 1958 he moved to Fillmore where he worked in the Public Works Dept. for the City of Fillmore for 23 years. He retired from that position in 1981.
Dale enjoyed his time deep sea fishing, going to Santa Anita Park, Hollywood Park and OTB at the Ventura Fairgrounds for a day of playing the horses and spending time in Las Vegas and Laughlin. He also enjoyed getting his friends together for some friendly games of poker, and camping with friends and family each year at Silver Lake above Mammoth. Dale was also a longtime member of the Fillmore Club. Many days he would meet other members at the club for card games and just to visit with each other.
Dale was happiest when the house was full with his children and grandchildren. He would entertain us for hours with stories of his life. Most of them were true but he did enjoy exaggerating for the benefit of the grandchildren. We will all miss him telling his stories.
Dale is survived by Joan, his wife & companion of 33 years; son Allan of Ojai, CA, daughter Linda Kinsler of South Shore, KY; step-daughters Lori (Ray) Medrano and Diane Arnett both of Fillmore; brothers & sisters-in-law Thomas (Jeri) of Oak View, Ellis (Mae) of Walnut Ridge, AR, William Paul (Patsy) of Jonesboro, AR, Joe (Janet) of Victoria, TX; and sisters Barbara Alsup and Brenda Smith both of Fillmore; nine grandchildren Justin Hooten of Santa Paula, Jonathan Medrano of Davis, CA, Brandon Lloyd, Christopher Medrano, Bryanna Arnett and Bryan Arnett all of Fillmore, Amber Martin and Jessie Kinsler of South Shore, KY, and Angie Coldiron of Wheelersburg, OH; 2 great grandchildren Caleb Martin of South Shore, KY and Jamison Coldiron of Wheelersburg, OH and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clara Mae and John Shelby Hooten, sisters Verna Petrek, Maxine Huskey, Rose Marie Hooten and Linda Wilson.
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Louis Lovelace.
At Dale's request there will be no services.

Thomas Robert Smith

Thomas Robert Smith passed away unexpectedly on June 26, days after celebrating his 83rd birthday. Tom was born in Oxnard , California on June 19, 1927 and grew up in Fillmore. He attended Fillmore High School , where he played football and basketball. As a child, he was stricken with an illness that damaged his hearing..
After graduating from high school in 1945, Tom moved to Ventura , where he lived for the rest of his life. He worked for the Shell Oil Company for 36 years, and retired in 1981.
Tom was a life-long football fan and attended the first Super Bowl in 1967. He was an avid reader of two daily newspapers and every book about World War II. He joined the Marines after graduating, but was discharged after three days because of his hearing. Tom enjoyed traveling. He visited Europe, Mexico and the Pacific islands, including the Republic of Kiribati , where he toured WWII battle sites.
Tom had a sharp mind and a soft heart. He loved animals—cats in particular. He wrote amusing, literate letters filled with wit and stories. Tom was generous, honest, and an intelligent, thoughtful person.
Tom was the son of Thomas E. Smith and Adele (Della) Smith, and the sister of Emma Marie Ditello. All predeceased him. Surviving are his niece Sherida Bush (and husband Tim Platt) and nephew Byron Bush, Cousin Sally Chizek, many extended family members and his beloved cat, Puddy. He will be deeply missed.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), The Humane Society of the United States , or the animal welfare organization of your choice.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on October 2nd at 5:30 at Familia Diaz Restaurant in Santa Paula . All who knew Tom are welcome. For more information, please contact his niece Sherida : peanutbushcat@yahoo.com or (925) 372-5479.