Priscilla Cobb Baker, 94, died Tuesday, May 19, 2015 in Sonoma, California. Her parents Milo and Laura (Taylor) Cobb and her husband, Eugene Baker, preceded her in death. She was born December 6, 1920 in California. Her sons James (Michele) and Jeffrey (Dianna) also grandchildren Justin and Asheley, and Whitney, sisters Harriet Fremlin and Betty Simpkins and many nieces and nephews survive.
After graduating from Fillmore High School she attended UCLA and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1942. She married Eugene Baker, of Piru, CA on Christmas day 1941, then traveled with Gene to Louisville, KY until he was shipped to Africa with the US Army Medical Corp for WWII. Priscilla worked for the Navy at Port Hueneme, CA and later for the Fillmore Refinery. After the war she was a substitute teacher for the Fillmore Elementary School. After many years in Fillmore, Priscilla and Gene moved to Aptos, CA and in her last years she lived in Sonoma near her son, Jeffrey.
At her request there were no services.
Conception (Connie) Dolores Alvarez age 72 went home to be with our Lord she was surrounded by her loving family and peacefully lost her battle to Cancer Saturday August 1, 2015. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Connie was born April 16, 1943, in Piru, Ca. a resident of Ventura County all her life and united in marriage June 29th, 1962 to Sidney Alvarez and proceeded into death by her parents Benny and Angelina Vega, husband Sidney Alvarez, and a son Paul Anthony Alvarez. Connie loved to be around family and friends. She enjoyed Barbeques, family gatherings, watching FOX news, QVC, and sports. She enjoyed garage sales and thrift store shopping. Connie was a very giving woman who cared for many and had so many friends. Recently retired from Villa Park Orchard in Fillmore with a total of 58 years in Citrus packing house. Connie is survived by her sons James wife (Gina), Michael and (Veronica), grandchildren James II (Huero), Erica, Brenda and great grandchildren James III, Aubrylin, Abigail, and Serenity. Also brothers Eddie and Tony Vega, sisters Lupe Ramirez, Dolores Maynard, Jessie Olivares and Becky Pillado and many nieces and nephews. She will forever be in our Hearts and truly missed.
A recitation of the rosary will be held Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 7:00pm at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Friday, August 07, 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.
Conception (Connie) Dolores Alvarez age 72 went home to be with our Lord she was surrounded by her loving family and peacefully lost her battle to Cancer Saturday August 1, 2015. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Connie was born April 16, 1943, in Piru, Ca. a resident of Ventura County all her life and united in marriage June 29th, 1962 to Sidney Alvarez and proceeded into death by her parents Benny and Angelina Vega, husband Sidney Alvarez, and a son Paul Anthony Alvarez. Connie loved to be around family and friends. She enjoyed Barbeques, family gatherings, watching FOX news, QVC, and sports. She enjoyed garage sales and thrift store shopping. Connie was a very giving woman who cared for many and had so many friends. Recently retired from Villa Park Orchard in Fillmore with a total of 58 years in Citrus packing house. Connie is survived by her sons James wife (Gina), Michael and (Veronica), grandchildren James II (Huero), Erica, Brenda and great grandchildren James III, Aubrylin, Abigail, and Serenity. Also brothers Eddie and Tony Vega, sisters Lupe Ramirez, Dolores Maynard, Jessie Olivares and Becky Pillado and many nieces and nephews. She will forever be in our Hearts and truly missed.
A recitation of the rosary will be held Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 7:00pm at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Friday, August 07, 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.
Altagracia LĂłpez Oliveros, aged 92, died peacefully on July 22, 2015 in Fillmore, California. Altagracia was born on January, 6, 1923 in Mascota, Jalisco the daughter of Santiago Oliveros and Petra Morales. She was the fifth of eleven children.
In 1940, Altagracia married her late husband Jesus LĂłpez in Atenguillo, Jalisco. She was the proud mother of eight children; Esperanza, Livier, Eva, Leopoldo, Ninfa, Raquel, JesĂşs, and Isabel. In 1967 Altagracia moved to Fillmore, Ca with her husband and children. She was a strong woman that despite encountering hardships always maintained a beautiful outlook in life. She is remembered as a woman of faith that always helped others and welcomed people into her home with open arms. A natural caretaker, she loved to cook and would not let anyone leave her home without eating. Her caring nature and playful sense of humor always brought a smile to those around her. Those who knew her, know that she lived for her family and loved to spend her free time with her children and grandchildren. In addition to raising her eight children, she also helped to raise many of her fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, beautiful smile, and love for her family touched the hearts of many.
Altagracia is survived by her sisters, Viviana and Olivia; sons, Leopoldo López and Jesus López; daughters, Eva Magaña, Ninfa Carrillo, Raquel Gonzáles and Isabel Campos; step-daughter, Florisa López; sons in law, Salvador and Manuel, daughter in law, Eva; grandchildren, Tony, Nora, Nancy, Violet, Meño, Esmeralda, Claudia, Rubi, Yvette, Elba, Joshua, Angel, and Edgar; great-grand children, Justine, Jazmine, Reina, Amber, Sierra, Jessica, Jacob, Ruben Jr., Caleb, Mia, Dominic, and soon to be Meño Jr. In heaven she joins her parents, siblings, and beloved husband Jesus; daughters Livier and Esperanza; and grandchildren, Martin and Alfredo.
The family of Altagracia Lopez would like to thank the loving staff of Greenfield convalescent center and hospice for the great care and comfort she received in her last days. There will be a viewing held at 9:00 am followed by a memorial service at 10:00 am on Friday July 31, 2015 at Faith Community Church on 461 Central avenue in Fillmore, Ca. The service will be followed by burial at Bardsdale Cemetery and reception at Faith Community Church at 1:00 pm. Services entrusted to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 805-524-0744.
Annis Jane Morris, born Oct. 7, 1910 in Harvard, Nebraska went to be with her Lord and Savior, July 9, 2015. She will be interred next to her husband, Earl R. Morris in Bardsdale Cemetery. Her final earthly service with family and friends will be in Fillmore, Skillin-Carroll, July 24, 10 AM.
Isaac and Alice Jones moved to the Santa Paula, Bardsdale, Fillmore area from Missouri a few years after the birth of Annis and twin brother Carlos; brothers Wayne and James Arnold as well. The family eventually settled in Fillmore; Isaac, Alice, Wayne and Carlos lived out their life here.
Earl and Annis married in Santa Paula, lived in various dwellings in the area eventually moving to the home residence in 1945, still in family, where all the children were raised. Earl worked for the packing house then the Fillmore High School District as bus driver and custodian. Annis continued to live in the Fillmore home after Earl’s passing until shortly after the Northridge Quake. She then lived with her daughter in West Covina, and then a son in Orange for the last ten years.
She lived to be 104 years and nine months with most all her faculties working well for such age. She leaves behind a daughter, Shirley Cannon (Arthur) of Springfield, Mo.; Sons: James Morris (Doreen) of Eureka Springs, Ark.; Leonard Morris (Nevelyn Carlson Morris) of Orange and Fillmore, Ca.; G. Dean Morris (Jean) of Valley Springs, Ca. (Annis was predeceased by daughter Sharon (Whiteley Dunn) of Beaver Creek, Or.) Annis also leaves eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren.
In childhood, Annis lived on the Boosey Ranch between Santa Paula and Fillmore and was a student at Little Red School House and Santa Paula High.
Her final earthly service with family and friends will be in Fillmore, Skillin-Carroll, July 24, 10 AM.
March 15, 1932 - June 28, 2015
Wallace "Wally" Stanley King passed away on June 28, 2015 at the age of 83. A teacher to all, he was born on March 15, 1932 in Fillmore, Ca. Wally was the youngest of four children born to Dale B. King Sr. and Vernie King. Wally was raised on the family ranch in Piru, Ca. He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1950. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Cal-Poly, he proudly served his country as a medical technician in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he began his teaching career. He taught at various California high schools, and spent 33 years at Tulare Union High School. In addition to teaching science and math, he sponsored the Asian Club at Tulare Union High.
While teaching at Tulare Union High School, Wally met and married his best friend and the love of his life, Billie Anne Range. They spent 43 amazing and happy years
together. They were both avid readers and shared their love of books. Wally and Billie had no children of their own, but developed a very strong friendship with Sophea and Suzie Chhean and their family. He is survived and missed by his loving wife Billie, his "honorary daughters" Sophea and Suzie Chhean, many nieces, nephews, friends and students.
A celebration of Wally's life will be held at Tulare First Assembly of God Church located at 316 South Mooney Blvd., in Tulare on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wally's memory to the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements by Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service, Tulare.
Roberta Paregien Loffswold Fournier, a 1961 graduate of FUHS and a former long-time Fillmore resident, died on Friday, June 5, 2015 in Ione, California. She was 71 years of age. She had been virtually house-bound for several years and died from complications of COPD. Her body was cremated and there was a private rememberance. Her brother, Stan Paregien, did write an illustrated essay about her life which can be viewed online at The Paregien Journal on Wordpress.com.
Mrs. Fournier was the daughter of the late Harold Paregien (long-time citrus farmer with the Edwards Ranch in Piru) and the late Evelyn Paregien Spradling (long-time school cafeteria manager in both Piru and Fillmore). All were at one time members of the Fillmore Church of Christ.
She and her late first husband, David Loffswold, had two sons: Douglas Loffswold of Portland, Oregon; and Bradley Loffswold of Ione, Calif. Brad and his wife, Michelle, have two children: Madelynn and Roland.
Roberta and her late second husband, Norm Fournier, had no children together. They lived in Fillmore while owning and operating "The Record Fan" (selling ceiling fans and used records) in Saticoy and Santa Paula, then lived in Jackson, Calif. and operated a store there for years.
In addition, she is survived by her brother, Stan Paregien (FUHS Class of 1959) and his wife Peggy of Bradenton, Florida); by her nephew, Stan Paregien Jr and his wife Becky of Waterloo, Illinois; by her niece Stacy Paregien Magness of Snook, Texas; by her aunt Thelma Cauthen Reeves of Ft. Worth, Texas; by her cousins Paul, Reggie and Melvin Cauthen and Janet Reeves all of Arlington, Texas; by her cousin Jerry Russell Paregien and his wife Muriel of Kingsport, Tenn.; by her cousin Danny Paregien and wife Pat of Bakersfield, Calif.; and by her cousin Mrs. Troy (Lucille) Gary, formerly of Fillmore and now living in Oxnard.
She is also survived by most of the members of the FUHS Class of 1961 and by many other relatives and friends. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.
A much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Edcker Collins (AKA Poppy), 77, passed away June 16, 2015, with his beloved family by his side at his home in California City, Calif.
He was born June 20, 1937 in Oklahoma. He graduated from Fillmore Union High School in 1955.
He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball at Ventura Coast Little League in the 1960s. He also coached VYBA during that time. He was an avid golfer and winner of numerous golfing tournaments. He enjoyed watching Oklahoma Sooner Football and the Oakland Raiders. His family was the most important thing to him.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Johnnie. Sister Shirley; Brother Elton; Son Steve and his wife Karen; Daughter Cindy; Son Doug and his wife Jonni; granddaughters, Amy, Amanda, and Anna; grandsons Jason, Steven, Richard, Peyton; great-grandchildren Jystin, Aaron, Kiana, Jaysen, Brendan, Xavier, Ezekial, Bristol.
He is Predeceased by his parents Walter and Velma Collins; brothers Marvin and Arthur; grandson Robert Collins.
Funeral services will be held at Bardsdale Cemetary, Fillmore, Calif on June 22 at 1pm.
Born in Spring City, Tennessee on July 22, 1922 to Clay and Virginia Groefsema, Ken Groefsema passed away peacefully on June 9, 2015 at his home in Merced, California, surrounded by his family. He was just shy of his 93rd birthday. Ken was raised on the family homestead in Mountain Home, Idaho. After losing his parents at the age of 10, Ken was raised by his extended family and graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1940 and enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley that fall where he began his studies in Agricultural Sciences and played football and rugby for the Bears. In 1943 he enlisted in the Naval Officer Training program, from which he became a captain of a rescue boat and was ultimately stationed on Martha’s Vineyard Island where there was a military flight training school. The significance of this assignment is that it was on that island that he met a local young lady named Priscilla Ann Bunker whom he married in 1946. He and Priscilla were married for almost 62 years until she preceded him in death in 2008.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, Ken and Priscilla returned to Berkeley to complete his studies graduating in 1948. And though his humility and character kept him from often talking much about his athletic accomplishments at Cal in football and rugby, Ken was a proud member of Pappy’s Boys and was honored to have been on the great Pappy Waldorf’s first football team at Cal in 1947 when they went 9-1 after being 2-7 in the prior year under a different coach. Ken was the 1946 winner of Cal’s Andy Smith Memorial Award for most minutes played in conference games. Ken and Priscilla had 5 children: Clay, Bruce, Anne, Sue, and Leigh who have always been proud to have been his children.
A descendent of several generations of farmers, Ken continued the family tradition upon graduation from Cal and devoted his lifetime to California agriculture. He spent much of his career with the Newhall Land and Farming Company where he ultimately became the Senior Vice President for agriculture and oversaw Newhall’s diversified farming operations on 10 ranches throughout California. By the time he retired from Newhall in 1982, he had long been personally investing in California farmland that he began to farm and manage himself. Having raised his children to believe in the future of California agriculture, he provided them all with the opportunity to be involved in the ranches and other than his children, his most proud legacy is undoubtedly the successful farming operations he helped to build and pass on to his next generations.
A man of principle, Ken Groefsema believed in personal responsibility and hard work to accomplish whatever goal was in front of him. Combining his inner strength, determination and dedication with his work ethic, he was indeed successful. He taught his children not so much with what he had to say, but rather how he lived his life. He has been a role model for all of the current 3 generations that are following him.
Ken leaves behind his 5 children: Clay (and Jan) Groefsema, Bruce (and Gail) Groefsema, Anne (and Chris) Hurd, Sue (and Mark) Jones, and Leigh Beermann. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Ken’s services will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 1 P.M. in Merced, California at the Central Presbyterian Church (1920 Canal Street, Merced, California 95340). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to the Central Presbyterian Church, the Pacific Legal Foundation (930 G Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814), Hinds Hospice (410 W. Main Street, Merced, Ca 95340), or your favorite charity.
Linette Harrold, 65, passed peacefully in her home in Brick, on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Linette was born on July 12, 1949 in Santa Paula, CA. The daughter of Wilbur W. and Betty J. Carpenter. In 1967, Linette married the love of her life, Leo Harrold. They owned and operated a fiber glass company in N.J. for many years. The last ten years she was a devoted caregiver in the community. She touched many lives with her honesty, humor and compassion. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her.
Linette is survived by her husband, Leo of 47 years; three children, Lia Conti, Jason and Bryon Harrold; three grandchildren, Rob, Chloe & Kane; her sisters, Lois (John) and Georgia; 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and numerous relatives and close friends. Services will be held at a later date.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." By Maya Angelou.
Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great-grandmother
Magdalena (AKA Maggie) P. Garcia passed away in the loving arms of her Husband Johnny Garcia at the age of 73 yrs. June 6, 2015.
Maggie was a beautiful person, on the outside, but more importantly, she was beautiful on the inside. Her huge personality and honesty made her a one in a million and her laughter was infectious to anyone around her. She enjoyed sharing values, stories, lessons and spending time with her family and friends. Every year you would find Maggie enjoying time making tamales and menudo with family, sharing recipes, and laughter. However, in her older age she loved to take her annual trip to Laughlin with her husband and best friend. Johnny. Anyone who knew Maggie saw that at her core was love and being surrounded by her family. She had deep compassion and empathy for others. That type of acceptance and love is rare. It made it so easy to love her, yet so hard to lose her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Maggie is survived by her husband Johnny Garcia of 41 years, five of her children, 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. She was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, 2 bothers, 1 sister and beloved son.
Maggie will be remembered and greatly missed by her family & friends remaining forever in our hearts.
A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday evening, June 17th, at 6:00 p.m. with a rosary to follow at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore.
The Funeral Mass for Maggie P. Garcia will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore on Thursday, June 18th at 10:00 a.m. The internment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
To sign the family's online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.dignitymemorial.com/skillin-carroll-mortuary-fillmore and click on Magdalena (Maggie) P. Garcia’s name located below "Obituaries."
Magdalena (AKA Maggie) P. Gracia
March 7, 1942 – June 6, 2015
God saw you getting tired
and a cure could not be
So he put arms around you and whispered,
“Come to Me.”
With tearful eyes we watch you
and saw you pass away
and although we loved you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best.
Beverly Gage Haase
1/11/1933-5/29/2015
Beverly Gage Haase died peacefully from complications do to a stroke May 29, 2015 in
Santa Barbara, CA.
Mrs. Haase came to Santa Paula from Sacramento when she was a child. She graduated from Santa Paula High School and married Richard "Dick" Gage of Fillmore. They resided on his family's citrus ranch in the Bardsdale area for over forty years until his passing in 1995. She then married Paul Haase, who passed away in 2003.
Her career included work as a legal secretary, a bank auditor, and her own business, Beverly Gage Haase, EA, and Associates, Bookkeeping Services, from which she retired April 1, 2015.
She was active in both the Fillmore Presbyterian and Trinity Episcopal churches. She taught Sunday school and played piano and organ.
Beverly and her husband "Dick" Gage were leaders of a Girl Scout troop, organizing many camping trips and making their own sailboat and sail. She served as president of the Rotary Club and volunteered at Faulkner Farm, teaching children about California agriculture.
She made many items for charity, including stuffed animals for children and blankets for babies in the Neonatal Unit at the hospital and also for the Rescue Mission. Beverly volunteered at the Blanchard Library, teaching English as a part of the Student Literacy Program.
She was an avid traveler, a selfless friend, and loved her pets.
Beverly leaves behind to cherish her memory step-daughters Michelle Haase and Kathleen Haase and friend Karen Garrett. She also leaves her dogs Buddy and Freckles.
Arrangements are being handled by Neptune Society and services will be private. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 3 p.m. Contact Michelle Haase at 805-990-5133 for details.
Fillmore resident Virginia “Jean” Griffin passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2015 after a 2 ½ year-long courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Jean is preceded in death by her parents Ivan and Naomi Winteregg of Van Nuys, CA and her identical twin sister Pat Dixon (Fillmore, CA).
Jean was born and raised in Van Nuys, CA. As a young person Jean’s life centered around her family and the extended family of the Van Nuys Missionary Church.
Jean began a career in the banking industry shortly after graduating from Van Nuys High School. She married her high school sweetheart Kenny Griffin at the age of 19 and together they had 3 children: Steven Ray Griffin, Karen Griffin Thayer (Fillmore, CA) and Denise Griffin Carter (Conway, AR).
Jean devoted her energy to raising her three children in the San Fernando Valley. Her hobbies included cycling and walking. In her 50’s she and a group of friends walked 60 miles in one day! After retirement Jean moved to Fillmore to be near her daughter Karen and her family. In 2006 Karen and Jean started Mimstar, a personalized photo gift and apparel shop in Fillmore. Jean was hardworking, silent partner in the business…quietly keeping the books and the inventory while stealing the hearts of all who met her.
Jean is survived by her sisters: Colleen Lehman (Placerville, CA and Norma Hanson (Carlsbad, CA) her children: Steve, Karen (Fillmore, CA) and Denise (Conway, AR); her grandchildren: Maia Thayer (Fillmore, CA), Stephanie Rodriguez (Dover, DE), Kirk Kuykendahl (Conway, AR) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial and celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 2pm at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 N. Central Av., Fillmore, CA with Rev. Ed McRae officiating.
Our Beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother, Madeline M. Davis, 67, of Fillmore, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. She was born on May 12, 1948 in Fillmore, CA to Modesto and Maggie Cardona. Madeline was surrounded by her Family at her home in Fillmore.
She worked at the Olga Fashion Development upon graduation from Fillmore High School in 1966. After retirement, she began working for the elderly as a Caregiver. Madeline loved serving others, never have we known a more Caring, Selfless and Loving Person who always put others first. She touched so many of our lives in many ways because of her “AWESOME SPIRIT”. We will never forget her for “GENEROUS HEART”.
She loved going to the local high school sporting events supporting the players. She was an avid LA Dodger and LA Lakers fan. Trips to Las Vegas and Chumash was what she enjoyed doing, she was ready to go in a heartbeat! She also had to have her kitchen clean at all times!!!
She met her future husband and best friend, Adrian, while in high school. They married October 5, 1968. They have three children, Eddie (Marina) Davis, Debbie (Marcelo) Andrade and Valerie (Larry) Tovar. This is where Madeline was already in Heaven with her 9 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren!
Madeline was preceded in death by her parents Modesto and Maggie Cardona and her sisters Rosemarie and “Nina” Ruby.
Surviving her are her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, plus her brothers Robert, Ronnie, Norbert, Sam and Bill, her sisters Angie, Marlene, Barbara and Gloria (“Cha Cha”), and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Madeline’s family wishes to thank all for your visits, phone calls, text messages, flowers, cards and food. And especially to the VCMC oncology staff and a Heartfelt thank you to the Buena Vista Hospice Care, you made Madeline’s Journey Home Comfortable and peaceful!
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2015 from 8:00am-9:00am at St. Francis of Assisi, 1048 West Ventura Street, in Fillmore, Ca. followed with the recitation of the Rosary at 9:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, June 19, 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.
Leland William Lewis was born on July 5, 1922, to Lillie Francis Branch Lewis and Coin William Lewis, on top of Old Torrey at the head of Torrey Canyon in Piru, CA. He passed away on May 31, 2015. He will be laid to rest on Wednesday June 10th at 2:00pm, next to his beloved wife Luceal in Bardsdale Cemetery, Fillmore, CA.
The first of three sons he graduated from Fillmore High School in the class of 1940 and shortly thereafter married his wife of 55 years Luceal. During his life, Leland served in the US Army during WWII. He entered active duty on July 12, 1944 and was discharged January 11, 1946. He was in the Philippines under General Douglas MacArthur, a member of the 32nd Infantry Division. Leland’s awards and decorations include: Combat Infantryman Badge, Two Purple Hearts, WWII Victory Medal, Asia Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal and Philippine Campaign Medal.
After his time in the service, Leland was a 20 year employee of Union Oil Company retiring in 1972. After both he and his wife Luceal, bought a grocery store in Sheridan, MT which they operated together for 7 years. Upon selling the store he spent his time thereafter with friends and family and donating his time to the Church and to the communities in which he loved.
Leland is preceded in death by his parents Lillie and Coin, Leland’s wife Luceal and his two brothers Floyd and Clarence. Leland is survived by his son Gilbert Lewis from Sheridan, MT and his daughter Gay Newman from Fillmore. He is also survived by 11 Grand Children, 14 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to Sheridan Public Schools Music Department, P.O.Box 586, Sheridan, Montana 59749, or the Fillmore High School Alumni Association, P.O.Box 385, Fillmore, California 93015.
Visitation will be held at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 N. Central Ave. Fillmore on Wed. June 10th from 11am to 1pm.
In the early morning hours of May 19th, 2015, Maxine Basolo Kenfield passed away in the loving arms of one of her daughters, she was 91 years old. She lived her entire life in the town of Fillmore. Daughter of Charles and Amanda Basolo, grandaughter of Carlo and Celistina Basolo who settled in Bardsdale in 1895. The family farmed citrus and cattle for over 100 years
Maxine (Penny) graduated from Fillmore High School in 1941. She held the title of Queen of Jobs Daughter during her Senior year of high school, of which she was very honored! Her Hobbies were gardening, canning, sewing, and of course cooking meals for family and friends. She must have made a million pies, cobblers, and gallons of homemade ice cream. Later in life she and her girlfriends started a once a month “Supper Club”. The food was fabulous and many recipes were exchanged.
Maxine married Dean B Kenfield in June 1942, at he beginning of WWII. Dean and Maxine spent 67 years raising their family, working on their ranch and traveling to several different countries. Dean and Maxine had three children Deana, Sally, and Vernon. When they were in high school, Dean and Maxine joined the Fillmore Booster Club. She enjoyed all the football and basketball games, especially when her son and his gang “the Freaks” were playing.
Graveside service will be at Bardsdale Cemetery, Friday June 12th at 11:00am. A memorial service will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Fillmore on Sunday June 14th at 1:00pm. The Family of Maxine Basolo Kenfield would like to express special thanks to Julie Arroyo for her daily care, love, and kindness she gave to their mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fillmore Alumni Association, Fillmore CA 93015.
Elbert Evans Ward, 95, died peacefully at his home in Oak View, California on May 2, 2015. He was born February 6, 1920 in Fargo, North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Dennis Ward, on March 15, 2015.
While having been born in North Dakota, he moved with his family to Downey, California at the age of two. He graduated from Occidental College in 1941 and served with the Marine Corps in the Pacific aboard the USS Bunker Hill.
He and Dorothy were married on June 13, 1942, and raised five children: David, Dennis, Mark, Geoffrey and Sarah. In addition, he is survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Evans lived most of his adult life in Palos Verdes, Fillmore and Oak View, California. After a brief career in public school business administration, he moved his family to Fillmore in the late 1950’s where he took up growing citrus and avocados, an endeavor he continued until his retirement. A sincere follower of Christ, Evans was very active in the Presbyterian Church including singing in the choir and serving as elder. He also served on the Fillmore school board and was an active member of the Lion’s Club.
Evans was much loved and appreciated by family and friends alike and will be greatly missed! A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Ojai Presbyterian Church, located at 304 Foothill Road, in Ojai, California.
September 21, 1939 — April 15, 2015
During this time of sorrow, we learn how much our family and friends really mean to us. Thank you so much for your kindness and sympathy at a time when it is deeply appreciated. With much love and gratitude.
Jane
The Schrock Family
Jack Wilson, 91, passed into the arms of our Lord on May 17, 2015 with his wife, Katheryn, by his side.
Jack was born on January 7, 1924 to parents, Addison Wheeler Wilson and Christina Louise Barnhart Wilson. He was the oldest of six children. Because his mother passed at an early age, Jack and the other Wilson children were raised by his father and stepmother, Mildred. Jack is survived by Katheryn, his loving wife of 53 years, his children, Ron Wilson of Arizona, Jack Wilson of Arizona, Rex Wilson of Fillmore, Becky Wilson McCarthy of Camarillo, Steve Curnett of Washington and Tom Curnett of Fillmore. His younger sister, Betty Lewis preceded him in death; however, he is also survived by his brothers, Addison “Junior” Wilson (Thelma), George Wilson (Jeanne), and sisters, Juliene Wilson Tackett and Helen Wilson Utterback. Jack leaves behind ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Like so many of the “Great Generation”, after graduating from high school in 1942, Jack joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He received officer cadet training at the University of Tennessee, flight training (for the B-24 Liberator in Tennessee and aerial gunnery school in Florida. Jack was assigned to the 15th Army Air Corps led by General Jimmy Doolittle. Jack was deployed in early December, 1944 by a “liberty ship” to the Mediterranean Theater of War, landing at Tunisia, North Africa. From there the unit was transported by boxcar to the Pantanella Airbase north of Rome. Jack was assigned to the 781st Bomb Squadron and was attached to the 465th Heavy Bombing Group. During combat, Jack’s duty was as a flight engineer and the ball turret was his combat station. After bombing attacks, Jack’s job also involved photographing the bombing results.
Upon completion of 25 combat sorties, Jack had been decorated with a Battle Ribbon with Silver Star, the Air Medal with Bronze Cluster, air crew wings, and the EAME Campaign Ribbon.
After the war, Jack returned home to Indiana and started civilian life, raising his family and working for International Harvester. In the early 1950’s he sought new opportunities and moved his family to Santa Paula, California where he became a restaurant owner and weekend race car driver. He raced jalopies on dirt tracks with someone many will remember, Rufus P. Parnelli Jones.
Jack and Kay married in 1962 combining their families to include taking all six children on a road trip honeymoon.
Jack worked for over 50 years as a proud union carpenter. Jack served as an officer for the local union hall and worked as building superintendent for such Ventura county landmarks as Santa Paula Hospital, Fillmore Safeway, Rio Mesa High School, and Ventura Bank of America.
In retirement, Jack played golf, gardened and shared his love of carpentry by helping with remodeling/restoration jobs for friends after earthquakes and floods. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fillmore. Jack and Kay also enjoyed extensive travel and had the great pleasure to see much of our country and several overseas countries.
Graveside services will be held at the Bardsdale Cemetery on Friday, May 22nd at 1:00p.m.
Services entrusted to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA (805) 524-0744.
Jeffrey Lynn Lloyd 50 years old of Santa Paula, CA. Entered into eternal rest on Sunday May 10th, 2015. He was taken and pronounced dead at the Ventura Hospital. He was raised in Fillmore, CA for 20 years, and the remanding years in Santa Paula.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Ray and Marie Gill, mother Melvin Lloyd, cousin Douglas Gill, friend Richard Martin.
Survived by brother Ray Nel Lloyd, wife Jody, sister Jackie and her husband Darrell Allen, and father Robert Lloyd.
Service will be at Foursquare Church 323 Sespe Street, Fillmore CA on May 23rd, 2015 at 2:00pm.
Please send donations Santa Barbara Rescue Mission.