Dorothy Mae (Smith) Hall (1924-2011)

TRIBUTE TO "GRANDMA DOT"
"Grandma Dot" graduated to her heavenly home on her 87th birthday on May 31, 2011 following complications from hip replacement surgery. She was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully slipped away.
Dorothy Mae (Smith) Hall was born on May 31, 1924 in Booneville, Arkansas to Calvin and Pearl Smith. She was the third youngest of 11 children and learned what it was to work hard at an early age. She worked in cotton fields to supplement her family's income and began working for Dr. and Mrs. McConnell at age 14 as a cook and housekeeper. She always said Mrs. McConnell taught her how to cook, and her family has enjoyed the fruits of that for many years. Nothing compared to Grandma Dot's home cooked meals and her homemade rolls!
She married her one and only true love, Floyd Hall, on May 17, 1941, and she was devoted to him until his death in 1988.
She was an accomplished seamstress and in earlier years was always making clothes for her daughter and two grandsons who proudly wore her handiwork. Her proudest work achievement was her 25+ years working at the Olga Company as a Training Supervisor. She always gave God credit for her good job because she had very little formal education. She was respected by the ladies there because of her fair mindedness and sweet disposition. It was a mutual admiration. She always considered the "girls" her extended family.
She leaves behind her son-in-law and daughter, Frank and Peggy Boblett. She had the gift of always making her daughter feel like she was the most treasured thing in the world. She was also so proud of her grandsons and their wives, Michael Warren Boblett (Shelley Evans) and Andrew Wade Boblett (Rosemary Hidalgo), and great-grandsons Justin Michael Boblett (21), Logan Edward Boblett (14), and Diego Andrew Hidalgo Boblett (11 months).
Her family was the love of her life and she constantly demonstrated her unconditional love and devotion to them her entire life. Everyone in her family knew that she loved them beyond measure because of her constant words of encouragement and loving actions. Nothing will ever replace that. She leaves a void in all of our hearts that will not be filled until we see her again in heaven....which we will!
Her greatest gift to her family and those around her was her steadfast dedication to her Lord Jesus Christ. She constantly showed by example what it meant to put God first in everything.
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Alexander Meyer, her Family Physician, who showed unending compassion and caring, as well as the staff of Westside Family Practice, who always went the extra mile for her. Dr. Meyer's patience and listening ears always made her feel like she was the only patient he had. We would also like to thank her Surgeon, Dr. Larry Schatz, her Anesthesiologist, Dr. Citrenbaum, her Med/Surg. Nurses, Jennifer and Leanna, Nursing Assistant, Rosa, and the ICU staff of Santa Paula Hospital. Their tender care and comfort helped ease the pain of losing someone so precious.
We love you Grandma Dot and miss you so much already. When God made you, He "threw away the mold." There will never be another angel like you!
Visitation will be at Fillmore Skillin-Carroll Mortuary on Friday, June 3, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and a graveside service were held at Bardsdale Cemetery on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.

Mary V. Morales (1919-2011)

Mary V. Morales, 91, of Fillmore passed away at home surrounded by family and friends in the early hours of May 29th, 2011.
Mary was born on June 8th, 1919 in Saugus California to Mary Turner Videgain and Miguel Videgain. By the age of 5, both of her parents had passed away and she was raised by her 6 bothers in the San Martinez Canyon area (near Val Verde). At that time children attended school in Piru, Ca. After Mary completed the 6th grade she did not return to school, instead she began working cleaning houses to help support herself. She was able to find work at this early age by saying she was much older than she was.
At the age of 19 Mary met and fell in love with Raymond Morales of Fillmore. They were married soon after and moved to Fillmore where she lived until the time of her death.
Mary was an active member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church as well as “The Guadalupanas” church group for many years. She mostly enjoyed the fundraisers where they made tamales.
Through out her life she continued to work as a house cleaner, in the catering business and retired after 25 years from a local packinghouse due to a work injury. It wasn’t until after she recovered from her injury that she began to enjoy being a full time homemaker. She enjoyed embroidery, sewing, cooking, baking, playing cards with family and friends but especially her gambling trips to Laughlin, Nevada. This was all second to her love for her grandchildren.
Preceding her death, are husband Raymond S. Morales and infant daughter, Arsenia Morales.
Mary is survived by her children Linda Alba, Dorothy Sandoval & Phillip Morales, grandchildren, Jerome, Michael & Robbie Alba, Joseph, Crystal & Anthony Sandoval, Natasha Morales, 13 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Rosary will be held Monday, June 6th 7:45p.m. and Mass will be on June 7th at 9:30 am Saint Francis Church of Assisi. Burial immediately following at Santa Paula Cemetery. Arrangements are under Skillin Carroll Mortuary.

William "Mark" Stevens (1955-2011)

Born August 13, 1955, passed away May 19, 2011, of hearth failure.
He is survived by his two brothers and one sister, Ron (Audrey) Stevens, Bob (Penny) Stevens, and Beverly Myers, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by his "Friday Night poker Buddies," who he loved and looked forward to having each Friday night. No services at his request, just leaving his memory. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Mark's name.

Josephine Guerrero Flores (1916-2011)

Josephine Guerrero Flores, 95 of Fillmore, peacefully passed away May 19, 2011 at home with family by her side. Josephine was born on March 11, 1916 in Fillmore, where she had been a resident all her life.
She met and married the love of her life Merced Sandoval Flores for 68 years.
Josephine was truly devoted to her loved ones. She was present at all of their special events and in their times of need. She was surely the #1 Nana around. Her favorite pastimes included cooking and baking, tending to her rose garden, walking into town to pick up a refreshing Coors, and resting on her front porch in the summer where she’d wave to family and friends passing by. She cherished the company of others and her church St. Francis.
Preceding her death are her husband, Merced Flores; her son, Robert G. Flores; her mother and father, Cleto and Maria Guerrero; her brothers, Tony, Charlie, and Manuel Guerrero Dominguez; and her sister Concha Guerrero Domingues.
Josephine is survived by her daughters; Cecilia Flores and Rita Flores Talamantez; her grandchildren Ruben (Gracie) Talamantez III, and Rosanne (Edward) Talamantez Limon. She is also survived by her great-grand children; Deanna, Ruben, Joseph and Micheal Talamantez and Alyssa (Adrian) Limon Nunez, Robert Limon and great-great grandchild; Darian Nunez.
The family wishes to thank family, friends and neighbors for all of their prayers and loving support. A very special thank you to Assistant Hospice: Sherry, Jose, Rosaro and Diane and well as Lupe Solis and Marlene Cervantez .
A Holy Rosary will be recited in her honor at ?? P.M. at Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore on Monday, May 23, 2011. Mass will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at ?? A.M. at Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore, with Internment immediately following at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore.
Arrangements under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805/ 524-0744.

Ruth Jones (1914-2011)

Ruth Jones was born in Bardsdale, Calif on July 28, 1914. She attended Bardsdale and Fillmore Schools. She then attended Claremont College before going to the University of California Berkley where she received her Bachelors degree. Upon graduation from Cal she returned to Southern California to study at the Armstrong Business School.
She then moved back to Fillmore and began work as a Bookkeeper at William Morris Chevrolet in Fillmore. She married Charles L. Dunn in April of 1936. They had a son, Joel in 1938.
During this period she and 8 of her close friends formed a Bridge Club that kept them involved for many many years. Just a year ago when driving home from one of her favorites, lunch in Santa Barbara, she had her family get off the freeway at Sea Cliff to show them Maggie Baldens's beach home where the club spent a few days every summer.
She was very active in the Fillmore PEO (Philanthropic, Educational Organization) chapter. During one of the years that she severed as President she became a State Representative at the National Convention in Philadelphia.
Travel was a big part of her life. In 1933 she and her college roommates traveled to Chicago to attend the World 's Fair. Many stories were told over the years including how hot the summer was that year.
One of her biggest travel adventures covered Europe in 1952. With many trips to the Auto Club she and her family planned taking their '51 Red Ford Convertible from Fillmore across the Atlantic on the USS America. They toured France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Holland on the continent then Ferried to England where they toured from London to Edinibourough and back to Southampton for the return crossing on the USS United States.
She and her husband spent a few winters in Manzillo Mexico with friends and family.
She assisted her son, Joel and his wife, Sherry with welcoming her two grandsons into this world. One in Grosse Pointe Michigan in 1966 and the other in Fremont Calif in 1969.
Her husband Charles for over 30 years passed in 1968. A few years later she married a long time family friend Roy Jones. They were married for over 25 years and again enjoyed traveling. They took a trip to Monte Carlo as a reward for Roy's work in his Pontiac Dealership. They also traveled to Troy Michigan to celebrate Christmas with her family.
She and Roy moved to Oxnard in the late eighties. There she was active in the Senior Center Bridge group.
In the mid nineties Ruth was off on another adventure. She toured China including Beijing, the Great Wall and Hong Kong.
In 2007 Ruth moved to Cypress Place Independent Living. There she made many new friends. Also many friends and family members enjoyed visiting her there. She became active in Bridge, Bingo and Canasta. Always looked forward to the monthly Bingo Store to used her "Bingo Dollars".
Ruth passed away peacefully at home on Thursday May 5, 2011 after a short illness.
She is survived by her brother Tommy and his wife Lordes, son Joel and his wife Sherry, grandson Sean and his wife Valerie, great granddaughter Sasha, and daughter in-law Julie Dunn.
A Memorial Service will be held in the near future at Bardsdale United Methodist Church.

Jose A. Perez

Jose A. Perez passed away from a long time illness at the age of 70 on May 9, 2011, at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital. Jose was born on December 4, 1940 in Mexico. He lived in Fillmore all his life, as a wonderful father, son, brother, grandfather, grate grandfather, uncle and friend. Jose was proceeded in death by his wife Margaret F. Perez. He is survived by his beloved mother, Amelia Perez of Oxnard, two daughters Josie Perez of Fillmore and Sylvia Perez of Boston, Ma, eight grand children, four great grand children, four brothers and ten sisters.
The memorial service will be held at Perez Family Funeral Home, 1347 Del Norte Road, Camarillo, Ca 93010. Visitations will be from 5pm-7pm with a rosary begining at 7pm-9pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011. Mass will be held at 10am, on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Saint Francis Of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore, Ca 93015. Burial will follow after mass at 11am to Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe Street, Fillmore, Ca 93015. For more information please go to www.cemarillomorturary.com. Arrangements have been made by Perez Family Funeral Home.

George A. Todd, Jr.

Ventura, California
George A. Todd, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 2011.
George was born in Pasadena, California and moved to Ventura as a young man. He joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 16, later joining the US Navy in World War II.
Married Bernadine Todd in 1949. The Todds lived in Bardsdale for many years before moving to Lemon Wood Estates in Ventura.
He was a 55 year member of Operating Engineers Local 12. In 1979 he was at the controls of the first Caterpillar D10 Bulldozer that debuted in Southern California. In 1962 he set a record that stood for 20 years by winning the 100 mile McCulloch Marathon at Lake Havasu in his hydroplane boat.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Bernadine. He is survived by his daughter, Londa; and sons, Phillip and George “Sanky”; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, May 14 at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura, California.

Jenna Caryl Bedau (1988-2011)

Jenna Caryl Bedau of Fillmore entered into eternal life on April 11, 2011, at age 22. She was born on June 20, 1988, in Canoga Park, CA, and lived most of her life in Fillmore. She was educated in Fillmore schools, graduating from Fillmore High School in June, 2006.
Jenna’s favorite school activity was participating in color guard beginning in middle school and continuing into her junior year in high school. In her senior year of high school she was on the wrestling team at Fillmore High School and thoroughly enjoyed it. Furthermore, in both middle school and high school Jenna loved acting in school plays. She was a natural on stage. Jenna also greatly enjoyed working with children and persons with severe disabilities. Her beautiful smile and energetic personality would light up any room.
Jenna will be greatly missed. She is survived by her mother, Cathy Bedau, her father, Steve Bedau, and her brother, Lennon Bedau, all of Fillmore. In addition, she is survived by her half-sisters Danielle and Suzanne and their families, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and one niece. She will also be missed by many friends.
The funeral service was officiated by Rev. Dr. Gerald FitzGerald at First United Methodist Church in Fillmore on April 18, 2011. Interment was at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA. Prayers and fond memories of Jenna may be submitted for the family at www.mem.com. May our beloved Jenna rest in the eternal peace of God Almighty.

Ralph F. Leon (1925-2011)

Ralph F. Leon, age 85 of Fillmore passed away peacefully on March 26, 2011 at Fillmore Convalescent Center surrounded by his loving wife and family. Ralph was born on September 19, 1925 in Los Angeles, CA to Gabriel C. Leon and Nicolaza Z. Frias.
A product of local schools Ralph graduated from Fillmore High in 1943. Soon after graduating high school Ralph became a member of the U.S. Army Air Corp. serving honorably during WWII in the Pacific Theatre from 10/11/1943 until 8/1/1945. Returning home from the war Ralph continued his education and attended Ventura College and received an Associate’s Degree in 1949. He then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California and in 1952. All of his education prepared him for his position as a Senior Bridge Engineer having retired in 1989 after 37 years of service.
Our father enjoyed coordinating family functions, especially our annual family reunions. He was an avid traveler. He has traveled all over the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada and Africa. Our father was a lector for St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Santa Paula as well as a parishioner of the church and that of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore. He enjoyed watching sports especially USC Trojans and building projects. His memberships included the VFW, Knights of Columbus, Optimist, Oddfellows, Toastmasters and California Parlimentarians.
He is survived by his wife Rosemary Hernandez Leon, son and daughter in law Ralph & Betty Leon, son and daughter in law Gabriel and Cecilia Leon, son and daughter in law Gilbert and Marguerite Leon, daughter Susanne D. Leon, daughter and son in law Patricia and Manuel Torrez, son and daughter in law Jose Luis and Irma Hernandez, his sisters Evangelina and Lupe and brother Jess, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Ralph F. Leon will begin on Thursday, March 31 at 9:30am with the recitation of the rosary followed by the mass of Christian burial at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore. Committal and interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery. Providing military honors will be the Mercer- Prieto VFW Post 2043 and Korean War Veterans Assoc. Chapter 56.
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.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula 805.229.7054

Javier Gonzalez

Javier G. Gonzalez passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 8:30am. He is survived by his loving wife Inez of 58 years, his four sons and three daughters, loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Skillin-Carroll Chapel 600 N. Central Ave., Fillmore, CA on Friday, March 18, 2011 from 8:30am-2:30pm. A Rosary will be recited that evening at St. Francis of Assisi Church 1048 Ventura St & HWY 126 in Fillmore at 4:30pm followed by a funeral Mass at 5pm on Friday, March 18, 2011. Arrangements under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805/ 524-0744.

Manuel Victoria Jr. (1917-2011)

Manuel Victoria Jr., 93, Local reknowned outdoorsman, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 6, 2011.
Manuel was born in Michoacán, Mexico, on September 21, 1917, and had been a Ventura Country resident for 90 years. He, his wife and new baby moved to Fillmore in 1945, immediately after WWII where he served as an Army shoe repairman near the front lines. This became his lifetime occupation.
Manuel is survived by his devoted wife, Connie. Four children; Mary Ellen Geibler, Victor, Richard and youngest daughter Elissa Valdivina. Also surviving Manuel are 11 grandchildren, and 24 great-gradchildren.
He was well known for his hiking, fishing, bicycling and backpacking with friends who shared his love of nature. Manuel also loved dancing with his wife and enjoyed taking her out every weekend for many, many years.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am on Friday, March 11, 2011 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 Ventura St., HWY 126 in Fillmore with burial following at Bardsdale. A reception will be held at the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Courtyard and hall.

Marguerite Barbara Bartels Gregory (1912-2011)

Marguerite Barbara Bartels Gregory was born to Dederich Frederich Heinrich and Frieda Bartels Oct. 11, 1912 in Bardsdale, CA and entered into glory with her Lord on March 6, 2011. Her long and productive life reflected her heritage of wonderful parents and eleven siblings of which she was the youngest. She married Wilson Gregory on March 25, 1938 and they had 3 girls; Barbara (Bill), Judy (Lin) and Marie (Mike). She is also survived by 10 grandkids and 28 great grand children and 3 great great grandchildren. Marguerite’s life reflected the Christian morals, ethics and values that she modeled and taught to her growing family. To her many student subjects she loved during her many years serving as a secretary at the Fillmore Junior High School; and her years as secretary with Fillmore First Presbyterian church. As a wife of a farmer, oilfield worker and carpenter Marguerite certainly nurtured her family, helping to support her girls many activities and has certainly earned the admiration, respect and honor that her family has shown for her throughout her long life.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 10am at Bardsdale Cemetery with a Memorial Service following at 11am at Bardsdale United Methodist Church.

Helen Taylor Horn (1923-2011)

1923-2011 Helen Taylor Horn went to see the Lord on Feb. 28, 2011 at the age of 87. She was born Sept.30,1923 in Success Ark. before moving to Fillmore and Ventura Ca. She was a member of the Church of Christ where she spent many years giving back. She was last of her generation. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, husband Robert E. Horn, son David G. Horn and grandson Jason Horn. Helen is survived by her children Bob & wife Pat Horn of Santee, Jim & wife Lori Horn of Fillmore, Allen & wife Sandra Horn of Texas, Sharon & husband David Villasenor of Fillmore, Steven & wife Marinda Horn of Georgia, daughter in-law Linda Horn of Arizona, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. She was a very loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She will always be in our hearts, remembered and missed but never forgotten. Loving you always, your family. Graveside Services on Fri. March 18, 1:00 PM @ Bardsdale Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Helen Horn’s name.

Gilbert S. Medina (1935-2011)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a loving and wonderful man. Dad entered into heaven, embraced by our heavenly father to join his parents, on Friday, February 25, 2011, surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and siblings by his side.
Dad was born in Fillmore on July, 27, 1935, and lived in Fillmore his entire life. He was a humble and hardworking man who always put his family and friends first. Family was very important to him. He loved to cook for family BBQ’s and was always looking for that next great recipe to try out. Our family will miss his “Santa” visits on Christmas Eve, which he so proudly looked forward to surprising his family and grandchildren. Dad loved fishing with his children, Dodger baseball games, trips to Las Vegas and visiting with his grandchildren. He was an avid gardener, and took great pride in caring for his home and that of his parents. Dad proudly served in the United States Army. He was an active parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore.
Our family would like to thank everyone who comforted, visited and prayed for dad and our family during this difficult time. A special thank you to Shari and Jose from Assisted Home Hospice for their warm and loving care given to our dad.
He is survived by his wife Peggie Medina; children, Pam (Phillip) Garcia, Lisa (Kyle) Dock, Laurie (Valentin) Montano, Bridget (Steve) Gangl, Joseph (Arisela) Medina, Michelle Medina (Ismael), Mitchell (Elizabeth) Medina, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Vera Urrea, Lucy Sanchez, Chula Pozo, Gloria Reyes, Cynthia Reyes, Felix Medina and Arthur Medina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Jennie Medina, and sister Pauline Medina. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church Building Fund, in memory of Gilbert S. Medina.
On Thursday, March 3, 2011 Rosary will be recited at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore at 9:30 am and the Holy Mass to follow at 10:00 am, with Fr. Art Gruszka officiating.
Interment to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Evelyn Cauthen Paregien Spradling (1922-2011)

Evelyn Cauthen Paregien Spradling, 88, of Edmond, Ok., passed from this life to the next at 5 am on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. There will be no funeral, just a simple graveside celebration of her life conducted by family members at the Enterprise Cemetery near Wapanucka, Oklahoma at 1:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 26th.
She was born Evelyn Lilly Cauthen to John and Vada Cauthen in Wapanucka, Ok., on May 13, 1922. She married Harold A. Paregien in Davis, Ok., on Dec. 21, 1940. She graduated from Wapanucka High School in 1941.
Evelyn and Harold and baby son Stanley moved to Santa Paula, CA., in 1942. They had a second child, Roberta, in 1943 (also born in Wapanucka). Evelyn lived most of her life in or near Fillmore, CA., and retired there after working many years as a cafeteria manager for the schools in Piru and Fillmore. At home she loved making her delicious cinnamon rolls and fried pies for family and guests. She spent countless hours tending her flower gardens, calling each “pretty, pretty”. She committed her life to Christ at an early age, and was a member of the Fillmore Church of Christ for nearly 50 years. Wherever she saw a need, she gave help freely.
Her first husband died in 1978. She married Chester Spradling, a long-time family friend, in 1982. He died in 1989. She left Fillmore in 1993 and lived with her son in Oklahoma for 10 years, with her daughter in northern California for 6 years, and back with her son in Oklahoma in March of 2010. Evelyn entered a nursing home on Jan. 10, 2011 due to complications related to Alzheimer's Disease.
She is survived by her children, son Stan Paregien and wife Peggy of Edmond, Ok., and by her daughter Roberta L. Fournier of Ione, CA. Other survivors include grandson Stan Paregien Jr & wife Becky and great-grandson Daniel of Waterloo, IL.; granddaughter Stacy E. Magness and her husband John and great-grandchildren Dylan and Christal of Caldwell, Tx. Also by grandsons Douglas Loffswold of Portland, Or., and Bradley Loffswold and wife Michelle and great-grandchildren Madelynn and Roland Loffswold of Ione, CA. And by great-granddaughter Jodi P. Barrow and husband Brandon and two great-great grandchildren Dominic and Bailee. Also by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Marvin Cauthen of Tulsa, Ok., and by a host of cousins and nephews and neices.
Evelyn was a dear friend to all, and the impact of her love lives on. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association or to a favorite charity. Cards and letters may be mailed to Stan Paregien, PO Box 3937, Edmond, OK 73083. Emails may be sent to stanparegien@gmail.com.

Bill Deeter passed away at the age of 88 on February 13, 2011 in Pocatello, ID. Bill was born February 27, 1922 in Woodward, OK. He attended schools in Fillmore and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. He served in the Army in WWII and worked in construction much of his life.
Bill was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church in Fillmore and was in charge of construction there of two youth buildings. In 1968 Bill and wife Helen went to Ethiopia where they served for ten years as missionaries for the Presbyterian Church in Dembi Dollo. They built a school and church and were involved with other mission projects.
They returned to the U.S. in 1977 and moved to Arkansas where Bill and his son Bob started their business of building grain storage and drying facilities. After almost 20 years in Arkansas they moved to Pocatello, ID to be near their son and his wife.
Bill is survived by his son Bob (Mary), brother Calvin (Lavonne), son-in-law Bob Dudley, daughter-in-law Kathy (Deeter) Wells, grandchildren Mike Deeter, Dawn (Deeter) Sparks, Kris (Dudley) Zabala Karen (Dudley) Griffith, Susan Dudley, Brehani Sikkema; eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, son Capt. Don Deeter, daughter Diane (Deeter) Dudley, sister Bernice and brother Alvin.
Interment will be at Bardsdale Cemetery. A Memorial service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 26 at the former Presbyterian Church at First and Central Ave, Fillmore.
Friends who wish may make donations to the Mission Fund at Faith Community Church, 355 D St, Fillmore or charity of their choce.

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.