Marcos Rios Olivares (1942-2015)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, Marcos Rios Olivares aka Papa or Nito. On Nov. 29th, 2015, at the age of 73, Our Lord decided it was time to relieve him of his suffering and bring him Home to Everlasting Life. Marcos was a lifelong resident of Fillmore, California. He was born on Nov. 11, 1942 in Fillmore to Marcos and Isabel Olivares. He was a boy scout for several years where he learned many of his skills. He then attended Fillmore High School where he played football, baseball and trumpet, and graduated in 1961. In 1962 at the tender age of 19, he married the love of his life, Jessie Vega. Marcos worked at the Fillmore (MOD) Packing House, Fortin Plastics, PPG and eventually retired as a toolmaker from Northrop Grumman, in Pico Rivera, California, where he took pride in being part of the development of the B2-Bomber. After he retired, he was determined to stay busy and continued working at various jobs including Fillmore High School as night maintenance for several years. One of Marcos’ biggest accomplishments was being a father to his six children. Although he was a very hard worker, his weekends were dedicated to relaxing and spending quality time with his large extended family. His favorite thing to do was to be barbequing his famous ribs and tri-tip in his patio. Marcos had a great love for the outdoors and spent many summers camping and going to theme parks with his family. He also enjoyed going to the mountains and deer hunting with friends. He not only took pride in his family, but in his home. Marcos was a natural when it came to craftsmanship and creativity. He enjoyed doing projects around the house and eventually designed the beautiful addition in their home where he spent the last remaining years of his life. Marcos also enjoyed spending time in his yard caring for his plants and relaxing in his garage with the garage door open ready to welcome friends and family while he watched football games and the cooking channel.
In his final years Marcos became very close to God and would pray the rosary daily with his wife, whom he loved so deeply. Although we will miss him dearly, we are at peace knowing that he is no longer suffering and we look forward to one day being at his side again in Heaven. Marcos was preceded in death by his parents Marcos and Isabel Olivares and is survived by his sister Becky Martinez, his beautiful wife of 53 years Jessie, his children Marc (Maria), Benjie, Tricia (Alex Estrada), Catherine (Doni Mays), Bernadette (Bill Sablan) and Lisa (Armando Magallanes) and by his grandchildren, Debani, Breanna, Miguel, Joseph, Bella, Jimmy, Nathan, Danae, Kiana, Gregory, Lexi, Gracie and Mia.
A recitation of the rosary will be held Sunday December 6, 2015 at 7:30pm at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Monday December 7, 2015 at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share memories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula. 805.229.7054.

Gabriel Casas (1956-2015)

Gabriel Casas, beloved son, brother, father, uncle and grandfather passed away peacefully on November 23, 2015 at Community Memorial Hospital after a long illness. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his family and love ones. Gabriel was born on May 17, 1956 in Santa Paula, California.
Gabriel was raised in Rancho Sespe and Fillmore. Gabriel, as most boys did, enjoyed the many adventures of being from a small town. He enjoyed telling his stories of the mischief he, his brother and friends would get into in the small community they lived in. He attended Fillmore High School and enjoyed sports. He played football and enjoyed playing basketball. He enjoyed shooting hoops with his friends and his two sons. He appreciated a challenging game of Chess.
Gabriel later enlisted in the National Guard for 4 years. Gabriel was employed by the DMV State of California for over 30 years where he retired. Gabriel had a great sense of humor, always wanting to tell a story with a punch line that would have everyone laughing.
We love you dearly and will miss you every day for the rest of our lives. Until we meet again.
He is preceded in death by his father, Francisco C. Casas. He is survived by his mother, Dominga C. Casas; sister Maria Pippins (Phillip); brother Victor Casas (Amalia); sons Gabriel H. Casas and Adrian H. Casas (Crystal); grandchildren, Juanito Casas; Adrian Esteban Casas Jr. ; Apollo Brandon Casas and Roslyn Hope Casas.
A Rosary will be recited at 7:30pm on Friday, December 4, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fillmore, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.
To sign the family’s on line guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com and click on Gabriel’s name located below "Obituaries."
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of GARCIA MORTUARY, 629 South A Street, Oxnard. For further information, please call (805) 486-9148.

Rene Campos Reyes (Cepillin) (1953-2015)

Rene Campos Reyes (Cepillin) was born in Choix Sinaloa, Mexico. on May 12, 1953. Died November 17, 2015 of complications due to his illness. Rene at the age of 17 years old immigrated to Fillmore, California. where he began working in construction. In 1981 his daughter Elaine Marie Campos was born.
Rene was preceded in death by his his parents Ramon Campos and Jesus Reyes. Survived by loving partner Martha Espinoza of Fillmore, daughter Elaine Marie Campos, sister Manuela Campos, son-n-law Cecilio Gurrola Jimenez, nephews Jesus Alfredo Campos, Ivan Campos and David Campos. And a loving circle of friends.
Throughout his life Rene loved to travel, loved to play soccer, enjoyed music and fishing. For those who knew Rene, he was a hard worker and a kind hearted man. His family and closed friends meant a lot, he would do the most to make sure they were taken care of.
We will also be asking for any donations to cover any expenses. Thank you and God Bless.
A recitation of the rosary will be held Tuesday December 1, 2015 at 7:45pm at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Wednesday December 2, 2015 at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share memories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula. 805.229.7054.

Elvira Carrillo, 82, returned to her heavenly Father on November 6, 2015 after a struggle with a heart condition. Elvira’s devotion to her family and her faith in God guided her through her journey to a peaceful rest.
Elvira was born in Zacatecas Mexico on October 23, 1933. She left Mexico as a young girl to make a better life in the United States. She lived and worked in the Oakland, CA area for several years, often visiting family in Fillmore. It was during one of those visits that she met her future husband, Pete Carrillo.
Elivra and Pete were married on June 18, 1961 in Fillmore where they remained and raised four children on the family ranch. Elvira was a devoted mother and a homemaker throughout their 54 years of marriage. She enjoyed tending to her plants, baking, preparing family meals. Elvira was a long-time supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to which she donated annually.
Elvira is survived by her husband, Pete; son Marco; daughters Kathy Saavedra (Rodney) and Josie Carrillo; son-in-law Manuel Ruvalcaba; grandchildren Corrina, Erica, Daniel, Alexis, Nicholas and Sophia; great-grandchildren Anthony, Nathaniel, Gene Jr and Amelia; sisters, Elisa Alamillo and Estela Barrios, brother Juan David Cabral and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Angela Rojas and her daughter, Bernadette Ruvalcaba.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Elvira Carrillo Memorial Fund benefiting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit http://giftfunds.stjude.org/elvira_carrillo

Clarence John Lemons Sr. (1942-2015)

Clarence John Lemons Sr., 73 of Ardmore, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at his home in Ardmore. He was born on August 2, 1942 in Fillmore, California to the late Hobert Lemons and Ruth Wheeler Lemons. Clarence was raised in Russett and Pettijohn Springs area. Clarence graduated from the Russett High School before going to Murry State College in Tishomingo. He also attended the Eastfield Community College and El Centro College in Dallas. Texas and received a Bachelor Degree. He served in the United State Air Force from 1960 to 1963. Clarence married Sonya Diane Waggoner on June 5, 1960 in Madill and she preceded him in death on May 31, 2010. Clarence worked for the United States Postal Service and retired after 37 years. He was a member of the Full Gospel Holiness Church in Mannsville and he enjoyed painting and collecting stamps, coins and all kinds of basketball, baseball and football cards.
He is survived by: Children:
John Lemons, Mannsville, Oklahoma
David Lemons, Austin, Texas
Steven Lemons, Ravia, Oklahoma
Samantha Pirek, Mannsville, Oklahoma
11 Grandchildren
3 Great Grandchildren
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 1 son; Hobert Tip Lemons and 1 grandson; Daniel William Lemons.
Visitation will be Monday, November 9, 2015 at Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Services will be Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Mannsville Cemetery, Mannsville, Oklahoma.
Services will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.

Josephine Lorenz (1923-2015)

Josephine Lorenz passes Thursday, October 22, 2015.
She is survived by her daughters, Darlene Lorenz of Fillmore, and Ruth LoCurto, son-in-law John LoCurto, grandchildren Mark Wilk of Placentia, Thomas Christopher Styron LoCurto, Jon and Samantha LoCurto and their daughter Gianna Marie LoCurto of San Jose, and Veronica LoCurto of Sacramento, CA.
Born March 24, 1923, in Pagosa Springs, CO, to Edward Harris and Maria Pascualita Gallegos, fourth born of seven children. She had four brothers, Ernest, Jimmy, Ruben and Gilbert Harris, all deceased, and has two sisters, JoAnn Jackson and Dee Harris, both living in New Mexico with many descendants. Josephine Lorenz also has three living first cousins, Alice Contreras and her son Deacon Don Contreras of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Peggy Vautier, Ray Montoya, Maxine Lattin and her husband Dewey Lattin.

Abundio R. Gabriel (1953-2015)

Jan 12, 1953 – Oct 19, 2015
As a new day was beginning at 12:17am, surrounded by his loved ones our beloved father, husband and friend peacefully passed away at the Community Memorial Hospital. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico to parents, Jose and Andrea. He is survived by his loving and caring wife Maria, of 45 years. They met in Tijuana 1968, fell in love and married on Nov. 28, 1970, immigrated to the United States and started their life and family in Fillmore. A Fillmore High School graduate in 1985. He worked for Robinson and Lamey, Ameron Pole Products, Smoggies Smog Shop, and Main St. Smog. Enjoyed, watching documentaries, reading his Readers Digest, listening to a variety of music (especially The Beatles), camping in Yosemite and spending time with his family. Abundio was extremely loving and proud of his children. Daughter, Gisela and husband Anthony Gutierrez, Son, Billy, wife Lupe Gabriel, and Daughter, Diana Gabriel. Five loving grandchildren: Lil. Billy, Ariana, Julieta, Gabriel and Olivia. His father Jose Gabriel, Brothers, Tony and David Gabriel, preceded him in death. A special thank you to all the doctors and nursing staff of Community Memorial Hospital for going above and beyond in loving, caring and supporting our father. Visitations will be Thursday, October. 29, 2015 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. At Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 738 Santa Paula Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. Funeral mass is Friday, October. 30, 2015 at 10:00 am. St. Francis of Assisi Church 1048 Ventura Street, Fillmore, CA 93015. Burial is Friday, October. 30, 2015 at 11:00 am. Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 S. Sespe Street, Fillmore, CA 93015.

Phillip Marion Stehly (1957-2015)

Phillip Marion Stehly, 58, died October 17 in Valle de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico.
Phil was born June 4, 1957 in Orange, Ca. and moved with the family to a ranch in Fillmore in 1962. Phil graduated from Fillmore High in 1975.
While at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, he double majored in English and Spanish. Phil moved to Valle de Banderas, Mexico in 1995 and had a small farm there.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Stehly. He is survived by his mother, Mary, and brothers and sisters: Fr. Jim Stehly of St Jude the Apostle, Westlake, Vincent (Patty) Stehly, Marie (Edgar) Alviz, Damian (Rosa) Stehly, Regina (Lupe) Nunez, William (Jeanne) Stehly, and Margaret (Chris) Arentz, all of Fillmore; Anne (Andy) Sobel of Santa Paula, Aileen (Jeff) Collitti of Bakersfield, CA, and Catherine (Stephen) Jackson of Windsor, CA; and his 17 nieces and nephews.
Rest in peace. Our good Lord was waiting with open arms for Phil...and Dad right behind Him!
Funeral Mass will be Friday at 2 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore, reception in the Hall following. All are welcome.
If you would like to make a donation in the memory of Phil, please consider 'Alcoholics Anonymous, attention: Maria, at Trinity Church, PO Box 306., Fillmore, CA 93016.

David C. Gurrola (1927-2015)

David C. Gurrola was born in Merced, California on June 6, 1927. He was a lifelong resident of Ventura County and passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2015.
As a young man he grew up farming and working in the county for local ranchers Pop Johnson and Leroy Goodenough.
It was during this time that he met his sweetheart Esther Alcocer from Piru and they were married on October 14, 1950.
Shortly after his marriage and while working for Leroy Goodenough he was offered a job at Mountain View School in Fillmore in the Maintenance Department. After working for the school for a few years he served our country during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. After returning from military service he came back to work for the school eventually having a successful 36 year career as Supervisor of Facilities, Grounds and Transportation for the Fillmore Unified School District.
He had a lifetime love for working outdoors which led him to having his own citrus orchards in Santa Paula and Piru, and also a successful landscaping business which included landscaping numerous residential, industrial and commercial properties. He was also the landscape architect for Sheills Park in Fillmore.
He and his wife Esther were very active in the local Catholic Church St. Francis of Assisi in Fillmore and the churches service clubs. His service continued into the community. He was instrumental in the foundation of the Fillmore Athletic Boosters and Fillmore Youth Football. He also served on the Fillmore Planning Commission. While working for the Fillmore Unified School District he was instrumental in creating a strong cooperative working relationship between the City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Unified School District.
David and his wife Esther had 3 children Tim Gurrola (wife Amy) Keith Gurrola(wife Sandy) and Nancy Vargas(husband Carlos) 10 grandchildren, 21 great- grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
David enjoyed frequent trips to Las Vegas with friends and family as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren camping and attending their sporting events and school activities.
After the passing of his beloved Esther in 1977 David met Virginia Marquez Montañez and was married for 17 years. Her family from a previous marriage includes her children Steven, Denise, Joey, Danny and 3 grandchildren.
David spent the remaining 19 years of his life living and working on his citrus ranch in Piru, tending to his many animals that brought him so much happiness, attending the grandchildren’s games and school activities.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking to please make donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, www.alzfdn.org in the name of David C. Gurrola.
A Rosary will be recited at 7:45pm, Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 also at Saint Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Jim Stehly officiating. Committal and Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family’s online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on David'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 805.229.7054

Florence Schor (1922-2015)

Florence Schor was born on March 11, 1922 in New York where she grew up. She was one of four siblings (Alexander, David and Irwin ) and the only girl. She moved to Van Nuys in southern California and finally to Fillmore in Ventura County where she lived for most of her adult life.
She combined her passion for natural health and common sense and opened a health food store in the San Fernando Valley. When She moved to Fillmore, she opened a health food store in Santa Paula and served that community until she retired.
She loved Fillmore. But she loved her dogs even more. Her last dog, Sunny, was her full time companion until he died in the late 2000’s. Because of failing health, Florence moved to Fillmore Convalescent Center (now Greenfield Care) in 2010. She always said she wanted to live until she was 93 and she did! She died of complications due to old age and Parkinson’s on September 26, 2015. Until the onset of the disease, she rarely took medicine. She is survived by her niece, Joan Johnson, her nephew, Robert Schor her sister-in-law, Nora Schor, and her great nephews, Adam Doberne-Schor and Ben Schor.

Max Lee Barrow (1934-2015)

Fillmore, CA
Max Lee Barrow, age 81, a life time resident of Fillmore passed away on October 13, 2015. He was born on May 29, 1934 in Santa Paula, CA to Eugene and Eula Barrow. He worked for Shell Oil Company for 35 years in the oil production. His joy was the love for his wife, his pug Peaches, watching hummingbirds and the LA Dodgers.
Max is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Beverly, daughter Diane Tello, grand-daughters Katie and Andrea Tello, parents Eugene and Eula Barrow.
He is survived by his son Keith Barrow, daughter Melinda Barrow, son-in-law Andy Ehrhart, 4 grandchildren Molly Neely, Sarah Wells, Nicole Zarate and Arron Tello, 1 great grandson Joshua Wells.
Graveside will be held on Saturday November 14, 2015 at 10:00am at Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 S. Sespe St., Fillmore, CA. Officiant Fr. Bob Hammond
Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 N. Central Av., Fillmore, CA (805)524-0744

Robert E. Agler (1924-2015)

Former Fillmore resident, Robert E. Agler, passed away peacefully in Portland, Oregon on August 10, 2015. He was 90 years of age. Bob was born November 13, 1924 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Lucille and Charles Agler. After serving in the Navy during WW II in the Pacific Theater, Bob moved to Fillmore to work with his parents at the Agler Café on Central Avenue. There he met Anna Mae MacDonald, whom he soon married. They were married for 56 years before her unexpected passing in 2003. Bob spent most of his career working for Superior Tank and Construction in Fillmore and Ventura, which later became Rheem Manufacturing and then TriCo Industries. He started as the Yard Supervisor and later became the Branch Manager. He was a long-time member and deacon of the First Brethren Church in Fillmore. He was an avid outdoors person, preferring to spend his free time fishing in the Sierras, Idaho, or Montana. Upon retirement, Bob and Anna Mae moved to northern Arizona and traveled extensively. Bob eventually moved closer to his children and settled in Portland, Oregon. He is survived by his daughter, Bev Agler, Juneau, Alaska; his son, Bruce Agler, Portland, Oregon; his nieces, Anne Mercer of Ojai and Carolyn Porter of Ventura; and his sister-in-law Barbara Agler, Ventura. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Jack, of Santa Paula. A graveside service will be held Friday, 13 November 2015 at 1 pm at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Kathryn Elaine Hunter (1945-2015)

Kathryn Elaine Hunter of Assaria, Kansas passed away on October 2, 2015 at the age of 70. Elaine, as she was known, was the daughter of Avon and Henrietta Selleck. She had four sisters, Maxine, Lois Marie, Lavonn, and Shirley. Elaine grew up in a small farmhouse with her family in Assaria and maintained close ties to the town and its people throughout her life. She graduated from Assaria High School, where she was a cheerleader and accomplished trumpet player.
After high school, Elaine married and started a family. She was an amazing, dedicated, loving mother to her children, George and Christine, and was the solid foundation for her family. As a result of her Kansas farm upbringing, her home was always warm and nurturing. Her strong old-fashioned Swedish heritage and Lutheran-based principles became the cornerstones in her childrens' lives and their resulting successes.
After living abroad and then settling in Fillmore, California for twenty years, where her two children were raised, Elaine returned to her roots in Assaria. She lovingly restored her grandparent’s home, often with her own labor and resourcefulness, until her health intervened.
Throughout her life, Elaine remained committed to learning and education. After raising a family, she returned to school and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Bethany College, where she graduated with highest honors. She taught elementary school for several years and was loved by her students.
Elaine was very involved in her community and church in Assaria. She helped to organize numerous school reunions, volunteered as a librarian at her church, and provided care and companionship to many of her neighbors in need. Her friends and family all admired Elaine for her sweet nature and kind spirit.
Survivors include daughter, Christine Bickel and husband, Kyle of San Anselmo, California; son, George Hunter and wife, Carolyn of Ontario, California; four sisters, Maxine Bilotti of Key Port, New Jersey, Lois Barber of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lavonn Nelson and husband, Eldon of Assaria, Kansas, Shirley Herrick and husband, Gerold of Grand Junction, Iowa, grandchildren, Elizabeth Hunter of Castaic, California, Alexander Harris of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nathaniel Harris of San Anselmo, California; and great grandchildren, Christiana Heredia and Alana Heredia.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 4th, 2015 from 1:00 - 8:00PM at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home, with family present from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Assaria Lutheran Church in Assaria at 2:30 PM on Monday, October 5th, 2015 with Pastor Laura Smith officiating. Internment will follow at Assaria Lutheran Cemetery.
Elaine will be greatly missed by her close friends, her loving family, and the many people whose lives she touched.
To leave online condolences visit www.carlsonfh.net or Facebook.
A Service of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

James Patrick Arias (1960-2015)

PIRU, CA
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and Uncle “JJ”.
James Patrick Arias of Piru died on September 10, 2015 in Fillmore, at the age of 55.
JJ was born June 24, 1960 in Oxnard, California. He was the sixth child of Lupe and Eleanor Arias.
JJ was independent from a young age. After graduating from FHS in 1978 JJ headed to Northern California in his Desoto (with flames), where he graduated from College of the Redwoods. JJ earned his degree in Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology. While living in Arcata California he was employed by Simpson Timber Company. He became a member of Local 12 Operating Engineer’s in 1980. JJ was successfully employed for many years as a heavy equipment maintenance operator and oilfield lease operator.
JJ was an avid outdoors man. He loved to hunt and fish! He loved the mountains and rivers, anything out of doors!
Those who knew JJ know how much he adored children and loved to see them smile. We know there are many who love him and will miss him. To all he was your Uncle “J”.
JJ is survived by his mother, Eleanor Arias Neely of Fillmore.
His brothers David (Yolanda), Richard (Christine) and John (Monica). His sisters, Dee Dee, Monica (Pepe), Kathy (Jonathon) and Melissa. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, the true highlights and loves of his life!
JJ is preceded in death by his father, Lupe Arias, sister Terri Arias Ramirez and brother Andy Arias, all of Piru.
Mass and burial will be Friday, September 25, 2015 at 10 AM in Piru, at San Salvador Mission Church, located at 4045 E Center Street, Piru California 93040.

Teresa Toussau (1954-2015)

Teresa Toussau, age 61 of Royse City, TX, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in Dallas, TX. She was born June 16, 1954 in Oxnard, CA, to Roy Lee & LaRue (Hutchins) Hays. Jesus came first in her life. Teresa was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a LVN for 42 years, taking care of others in California, Idaho and Texas, most recently at Hunt County Regional Medical Center in Greenville, TX. Teresa was a member of Cornerstone Community Church in Rockwall, TX.
She is survived by her beloved husband: Michael Toussau of Royse City, TX; children: Marie Boehme & husband Chopi of Cabo San Lucas, Jason Merry & wife Sofia of Cabo San Lucas, Sarah Strickland & husband Aaron of Royse City, TX, Simon Toussau of Boise, ID, and Michael “Cody” Toussau & wife Kimmie of Boise, ID; brother: Tom Hays & wife Laura Lynn of Mariposa, CA; sister-in-law: Jean Hays of Roseville, CA; and grandchildren: Kai, Kiara, Kisa, Lauren, Serena, Katie, Abby, Samuel, Shelley, Kayla and Natalie. Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers: Bob Hays and Bill Hays.
Memorial services will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Cornerstone Community Church, 1950 Alpha Drive, Rockwall, TX, with Pastor Doug Fox and Pastor Duane Burton officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Word of Life Christian Fellowship, PO Box 2164, Rockwall, TX 75087.

Our beloved mother, Bernice Michel passed peacefully September 8, 2015. Her enriched life began in the small Midwest community of Coweta, Oklahoma May 18, 1925 with parents, Barney and Inda Blythe. Most of her childhood was spent in Fillmore where she graduated from high school with the unforgettable Class of 1944. By 1946 she found the love of her life, Harold Michel. They married and began life together on Harold’s family citrus ranch in Bardsdale where they shared a home until his passing in 2011. Bernice remained on the family property in her home that she loved so much.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, and sisters, Willa Blythe Hawkins and Peggy Blythe Button. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Sandra and Frank Crowe, Elizabeth and John Kemp, Martha and Kenny Rogers. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Margaret Kemp, Sarah Kemp, Jacob and wife, Nichole Kemp and their son Peyton, Jennifer Crowe, Alison and Chris Crowe Purdy with their sons William and Bryce, Amy Rogers, and Marie and Brian Haase with their sons Carson and Austin. Missing her so much is her sister Mary Blythe Purves of Montana.
Bernice was an integral part of the Fillmore and Bardsdale community. As a family they enjoyed times at the Bardsdale School where she wore many hats nurturing her own children and their friends. She was a member of the Fillmore Presbyterian Church, Fillmore Ebell, the Santa Paula Hospital Auxiliary and the Fillmore High School Alumni Association. She took great pride in her membership with the Fillmore/Piru Citrus Association through which she carried on the family legacy of agriculture in Ventura County.
She will especially be remembered by the community for the beautiful and welcoming home and yard that she and husband Harold created for family and friends. All enjoyed her strong will, sense of humor and determination to live life.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for support from Kelly Gomez, Dr. Gary Deutsch and staff and the Community Memorial Hospital Staff who briefly and so respectfully attended to our mother.
Graveside services will be held September 28, 2015, at 1pm at the Bardsdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Fillmore High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 385, Fillmore, California, 93015.

Joseph Beyerl (1920-2015)

Joseph Beyerl was born September 5th 1920 in Colby Wisconsin. He joined the Air Force in the 1940's He married Mary Wheelock, and they lived on a ranch in Oregon, and later moved to Fillmore California where the ranched Oranges and Avocados. After Mary's passing Joseph stayed very involved with his Church St Francis of Assisi, there he fell in love with Susan Austin, and they were married September 2005. Joseph passed on August, 14 2015 just three weeks shy of his 95th birthday. Joseph Beyerl was a solid mad of faith! He will be missed but not forgotten.
There will be a service held in his honor at St. Francis Catholic Church, Friday September 25th at 10:00 AM.

Jess Frias Leon (1942-2015)

Jess Frias Leon, born November 21, 1942, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 30, 2015. Born in Fillmore, CA to Gabriel C. Leon and Nicolasa F. Leon, he was the youngest of six children. Jess graduated from Fillmore High School in 1961 where he was a star athlete excelling in football, basketball and track. He later used his talents to coach Pop Warner Football and the Cassidy Girls Softball and Bobby Sox leagues.
Jess’s passions included working on cars and motorcycles. He spent his younger years racing his Chevy 409 Impala on the streets of Fillmore and Santa Paula. Always surrounded by his friends, he spent many years fishing Crowley Lake on Opening Day. With his family he spent as much time as possible camping and water skiing at lakes all over California. He enjoyed playing pool, collecting old coins and photography. Later in his life he could often be found at The Derby Club at Seaside Park betting on the horses, or alongside his beloved Cindy at Chumash Casino. Jess loved sight seeing and traveled to many places including Mexico where he traced his family roots. He cherished his time spent at many large family reunions where he was able to tell his many humorous stories of yesteryears.
Jess was known as one of the good ol boys in the oilfield business having worked in the field for fifty-two years. He worked offshore on most of the platforms off Southern California and drilled, completed, repaired and abandoned oil wells all over California and also in Bolivia and Argentina. Everywhere he worked he was respected and well liked. Jess had retired in December 2014 from Oilwell Services of Santa Paula.
Jess was preceded in death by his parents Gabriel and Nicolasa Leon, brothers Ralph and Elias, sister Helen Leon Canchola and granddaughter Amber Leon. He is survived by the love of his life, his companion for twenty-eight years, Cindy Wileman, sisters Eva (Angie) Diaz (Larry), Lupe Leon Ramos (Jack), children Kelly Gomez (Albert), Lisa Lopez, Kathy Leon, Jim Leon, Jeff Leon, Tina Cloninger (George), Kristina Leon, Terri Leon and Sonja Solis, 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 4-8 pm with a rosary starting at 7 pm at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA. Mass will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura St., Fillmore with a graveside to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St., Fillmore, CA.

Constance (Connie) Downey (Arundell) (1934-2015)

Constance (Connie) Downey (Arundell), born January 6th, 1934, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on August 23rd, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband Dorwin (Dody) Downey and is survived by her sister Janet Ming [Garlon], children, Mike Downey [Mary Jordan], Sheryl Downey, Timothy Downey [Lois], Sean Downey, Kathleen Steller [Edward], Darren Downey [Debbie], 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Born in Oxnard, California to Lester and Thelma Arundell, she attended Fillmore High School. Shortly after graduating she was wed to the love of her life Dody. After the wedding they established their home in Ventura where they were blessed with six children. An active member of the PTA and CSTA, she spent much of her time raising the children while Dody earned a living as a bus driver for the Ventura Unified School District. After all the children were in school she worked at Ventura Unified School District, Beverly Fabrics, and concluded her career at Montgomery Wards. Dody and Connie 8 spent years working together at Roller Gardens in Oxnard, where they shared their love of Roller Skating with their six children, who then passed it on to their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
More recently, Connie enjoyed her retirement and filled her days with sewing, reading, spending time with family, and playing cards. She was known by many as a talented seamstress, creating the majority of the clothing her children wore, leather jackets, and beautiful embroidery.
A very heartfelt thank you to her caregivers late in life; Treacy Villa, Aegis, Community Memorial Hospital, Oakhurst Hospice and Stephanie. The immediate family will have a private service, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 4th at 4pm in the home of Timothy and Lois Downey. Please email services@porchlightpr.com for the address. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contact your friends and family and let them know you love them.

Mary (Ruth Ellen) Miller Sexton, 68, a 1964 graduate of Fillmore High School, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2015, in Santa Paula, California after a battle with cancer.
She was born on November 27, 1946, in Oceanside, California, to the Rev. Ernest D. Miller and Ruth Miller. She spent her early years, with her family, in numerous S. California towns and moved to Fillmore with her parents, when she was in Jr. High School. After graduating from college she lived most of her adult life in Ventura County. Mary enjoyed long walks, reading and caring for her beloved cats.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sons, Isaac and Jonathan Sexton, her brother, Robert Lee Miller and sister Violet Miller Reyes. She is survived by her brother, Daniel Miller and many cousins.
Arrangements for the scattering of her ashes at sea were made through The Neptune Society.