Geneva Eileen Taylor Rich (1924-2014)

Geneva Eileen Rich, 90, was born in Wilson, Oklahoma on June 11, 1924 to James C. and Ellen Taylor, the first of five children. She passed away September 9, 2014 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
The Taylor family moved to Fillmore, CA in 1936 and Geneva attended Fillmore schools, graduating from FHS in 1943. On Nov. 26, 1944 she enlisted in the WAVES U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and was trained as a Pharmacists Mate, discharged Feb. 23, 1946.
Geneva [Gen] married James W. Pierce in 1949 in San Diego and they had two children, Michael and Kathy. She was later married in 1972 to Norvell Rich, Jr.[USAF]. They lived in Riverside, CA, Anchorage, Alaska, Kona, Hawaii and Poway,CA. Gen was employed throughout her working career as a secretary/ bookkeeper. After her retirement she was a very popular house sitter in the Poway area for people having dogs or cats.
Gen was completely content when gardening with both flowers and vegetables. She was very accomplished in knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts. Many in her family and friends have appreciated the lovely afghans, sweaters, baby blankets, etc. she created for them. Other favorite pastimes were reading and watching TV broadcasts of baseball and football games, also golf tournaments [especially if Phil Michelson was playing!]
Gen was a woman of deep and abiding faith in God. Wherever she lived, regular church attendance and daily Bible reading were a part of her life. She also enjoyed going to gospel quartet programs for many years with her close friend, Carol DeBaca. During the time she last lived in Fillmore she became a member of the Bardsdale Methodist Church.
Because of failing health Gen moved to a condo in Kona, HI, in 2010 to be nearer her son and daughter-in-law. She was lovingly cared for by Michael and Margaret and lived in their home this past year.
Geneva was predeceased by her parents, brother Boyce Taylor, sister Kathy Kappler and husband N.J. Rich, Jr. Survivors are brother JC [Eva] Taylor of Long Beach, sister Maxine Merry of Fillmore, son Michael [Margaret] Pierce, daughter Kathy [Chris] Bumpus, grandchildren Chris Bumpus,Jr. and Michelle [Michael] Johnson, great grandsons Michael and Maddox Johnson. Also, three stepchildren, Grace Tutack, Norvell Rich Ill, Becky Rich and their families, and several nieces and nephews.
Gen’s beautiful smile, friendly and generous nature will be lovingly remembered by family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Maria Aparicio Reyes (1919-2014)

Maria Aparicio Reyes was born on July 20, 1919 in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico and grew up in the village of El Huejote, together with her two sisters and three brothers. Working alongside her mother, Maria learned to work, to keep house, to cook and garden. Maria married Manuel Reyes in 1943 and together they immigrated to the United States in 1954. In the United States, Maria spent most of her working years caring for an elderly couple. She cooked their meals and cleaned their house. Although Maria loved children she did not have any children of her own. Together with her husband they helped raise some of their nephews and nieces. They took much pride in having dozens and dozens of godchildren who they cared for very much. They loved, cared for and took one of their godchildren Cristina Balderrama as their own daughter, whom she would refer to as, “la luz de mis ojos” (“the light of my eyes”). In Maria's latter years and particularly at times of illness Cristina lovingly helped care for her as a daughter would have. After her husband's passing, her nieces and nephews cared for her. For a period of time Manuel and Nico Olague lovingly welcomed Maria into their home. Then, Manuel and Margarita Aparicio cared for her during her final years. Maria grew very attached to Manuel and Margarita’s daughters and had a special bond with their youngest, Ariana, from the time she was born. As Margarita says “Ariana was more hers than mine.” Maria enjoyed gardening year round, growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. Always happy to be with her friends and family, she enjoyed traveling, music and dancing. Maria was kind and loving to all of her nieces, nephews and everyone whom she encountered throughout in her life time. Her husband Manuel Reyes preceded her in passing and Maria is survived by her nieces and nephews, who are many and reside in different places, including Fillmore, Los Angeles, Texas, Colorado, Zacatecas, and Guadalajara, Mexico.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 2-5:30pm at Faith Community Church, 355 D Street, Fillmore, with a rosary to be recited at 7:30pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W, Ventura St, Fillmore, California 93016. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30am on Monday, October 6, 2014 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Committal and interment will follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave, Mission Hills, CA 91345.
To sign the family's on-line guestbook, and to share stories, and post pictures, please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Maria's name located below "Obituaries".
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the funeral owned and operated, Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula, CA. For further information please call (805) 229-7054.

Helena Mary King née Kathman

Helena, or Helen as she was more commonly known, was born at home on 12 October 1918 in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, near Lawrence, to Theresa Margaret (Lutkenhaus) Kathman and William H. Kathman. With her daughter Deborah attending, she slipped away to be with her Lord on 13 September 2014 at her home of over sixty years in Piru, California.
In a great adventure for her day, Helen came with friends from Nebraska by automobile in 1938, to Oxnard, California. There she worked for several prominent families as a housekeeper. Helen also worked as a shoe saleswoman for J.C. Penney where she once waited on Hopalong Cassidy actor, William Boyd.
While living in Oxnard, Helen met William (Bill) Austin King of Piru, California. They were married on 21 June 1943 at Saint John the Evangelist Church in San Marcos, Texas, where he was stationed as a Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corp. She often joked that when her wedding band wore through, she would be free. While it had worn down to little more than a wire, it was still intact at the time of her death.
After the war, Helen returned with Bill to Piru, where she raised her six children and lived the rest of her life. She was an exceptional homemaker and seamstress. Her wonderful meals were eagerly anticipated by Bill and her kids after a day of work on the family cattle ranch.
Helen is survived by her brother William Kathman of Lawrence, Nebraska, five of her six children - Margaret Ann (King) Queen of Oxnard, California, Dorothy Mae King also of Fillmore, Deborah Helen King of Piru\New York, Michael William King of Turlock, California and James Patrick King of San Miguel, California - nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 2001. Sadly, her daughter Carol Agnus King of Fillmore, passed away just days after Helen.
Services for Helen will be held at 9:00 a.m. on 10 October 2014 at San Salvador Mission Church in Piru, followed by a graveside memorial at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore.

Jesus G. Molina (1918-2014)

Our beloved Uncle, Jesus “Chuy” Molina passed away peacefully on September 16, 2014. He was 96 years old. Jesus was born on February 23, 1918 in Guanajuato, Mexico. He came to the United States with his family in 1920. They originally lived on Camulos Ranch before moving into the family home in Piru, where Jesus remained living until few months before he passed. Uncle Chuy worked hard all his life, working on local ranches early on. During WWII he worked for a time at Bermite in Newhall then began his career at Fillmore Piru Citrus Association where he worked until his retirement in 1986. Chuy was a humble, quiet, shy, man who was always kind and caring. Although Uncle Chuy never married, he was loved by everyone in his family, including his brothers and sisters, cousins, and his many nieces and nephews. Chuy was very independent and was very determined to remain so as long as he possibly could. He was a fixture around Piru, often seen walking to and from the market with his walking stick in hand. Everyone in town knew Chuy and in his later years he would reluctantly accept help from friends and family carrying his groceries home for him. After his sister Del and nephew Rick Sr. passed away, his great-nephew Rick Jr. and his wife Cindy began looking after him. We were determined to honor his wishes to remain in his home as long as possible, checking on him daily, preparing his meals and helping him with his household duties. When the time came when the doctors told him he could no longer live on his own, he replied, “Well, what can I do?” We took him into our home and were blessed to have him, getting to know more about him and the family history through his stories and memories. He had great sense of humor and we had many laughs and happy moments during the time he was with us. Chuy really developed a bond with our kids and he considered little Ricky his best friend. He was with family at our home as he passed away. Chuy was preceeded in death by his parents, Jesus and Adelaide Molina, brothers, Jose(Chepe), Procopio(CoCo), Benjamin, Guadalupe(Mitz), sisters Lucy and Delphina, nephews Rick Cadena Sr. and Roy Molina, and niece Barbara Real.Chuy is survived by numerous nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center. We would also like to give a special thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Access TLC Home Health Care for all their help, especially Melissa, Ilya, Penny, and Jessica. Services for Chuy will be 9:00 AM Friday, September 26, 2014 at San Salvador Mission in Piru, under the direction of Skillin and Carroll Mortuary.

James Joseph Stehly (1928-2014)

James Joseph Stehly, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 16, 2014. Jim was born in Anaheim CA, on March 5, 1928 and was one of 13 children.
In 1952, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary DeCoursey. Over the next 63 years, 53 of which were on a farm in Fillmore, they raised their 11 children.
He was a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Jim was a loving friend, neighbor, and a passionate gardener. During Jim's lifetime he was involved in a variety of ministries and organizations such as Food Share, Lions' Club, 4H, and Knights of Columbus. He was also a Registered Rare Fruit Grower. Jim was a U.S Army Veteran of the Korean War.
Jim is survived by Mary and their eleven children, Fr. Jim Stehly of St Jude the Apostle,Westlake, Philip Stehly of Puerta Vallarta Mexico, Vincent (Patty) Stehly, Marie (Edgar) Alviz, Damian (Rosa) Stehly, Regina (Lupe) Nunez, William (Jeanne) , 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. Jim has 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild all of whom will miss him dearly.
A rosary will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 21st, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1028 Ventura St.(corner of Highway 126 and C Street), in Fillmore. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 22nd at 2p.m. at Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The burial for Jim Stehly will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St Francis Adoration Chapel Fund, the St Vincent de Paul Society (both of St Francis of Assisi in Fillmore), Life Centers of Ventura County, or, your own favorite charity.

Stephen Warren Baum (1940-2014)

Stephen Warren Baum departed this life on September 3, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving wife, Patricia, and dear friends. He was born in Flint Michigan, March 15, 1940, the second of four children born to Nathan and Lillian Baum.
He attended Flint Community College and then transferred to Eastern Michigan University and received a BS in Chemistry. His Master’s Degree was in biochemistry from Michigan State University.
His first teaching job was in Flint, Michigan and after a couple of unfortunate meetings with snow banks, he decided to relocate to a snow-less climate, and therefore, he chose Southern California.
Stephen married his soul mate, Patricia Keneally, on June 25, 1977 and they spent thirty seven wonderful years together. They taught together at Fillmore High School and enjoyed their various shared interests. They delighted in each other and were as they coined it: two halves of a whole.
He was honored as outstanding secondary teacher by the Fillmore Women’s Service Club and the Fillmore Soroptimist Club.
He and his wife Patricia were honored as the Homecoming Grand Marshalls of the Fillmore High School homecoming parade in 1989.
Stephen was very active at Fillmore High School, teaching chemistry, general science, and physics. He served as Science Department Chairperson for over 10 years, started the science club, organized a science museum at the school, and supervised basketball games for almost 30 years.
He was known to run a tight class where his students were expected to work to their limits. Later many of his former students would come to him and thank him for preparing them for college.
He leaves behind his cherished wife, Patricia, and one brother, Joseph Baum of Huntington, Indiana.
There will be a celebration of his life on October 7th at the Fillmore Historical Museum, in the depot, at 350 Main Street, Fillmore. Friends may drop in between 11 and 2, and share reminiscences of Stephen’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stephen W. Baum Memorial Science Scholarship. Donations may be dropped off at the celebration or sent directly to the Fillmore Alumni Association, P.O. Box 385, Fillmore Ca 93016.

Veda Vest Southwick (1928-2014)

Veda Vest Southwick
Veda Southwick, a long-time resident of Fillmore, passed away peacefully at home on Friday morning, September 12, at the age of 86, due to a long battle with dementia. Her loving and devoted husband, Leland, was at her side, as he has been throughout her illness.
Veda was born on July 23, 1928, in Bolivar, Missouri. Her family moved to Fillmore in 1937 when Veda was 9 years old. She attended Fillmore elementary schools, then Fillmore High School, where she met her husband, Leland, They were married for 68 years and had three children together.
Veda worked for the City of Fillmore for 20 years, first as a clerk, then working her way through almost every department in City Hall until she became Finance Director in 1980. She was even appointed by the City Council to take over as Interim City Manager for three months in 1985. Because of her hard work and devotion to the city, she was selected to be Grand Marshall of the Fillmore May Festival parade in 1985.
Veda was also a member of the Soroptimist Club in Fillmore, where she received the Woman of Distinction Award for her outstanding achievements in professional and volunteer work in the community. She was very involved in her children’s school activities, attending every program or sporting event in which they participated, and was an active member of the football and basketball booster clubs.
After retiring in 1988, Veda and Leland enjoyed many excursions in their motorhome, making three trips from coast to coast. They developed a passion for travel, visiting relatives and sightseeing in every state. Veda also had many hobbies on the side, such as refinishing furniture, painting, reading, and working in her rose garden.
Even though her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were spoiled with toys, gifts, and food, what impressed them the most about “Grammy” was the love, attention, and time she spent with them. They all remember the lavish feasts that she would prepare for family, cooking more food than any crowd could possibly eat and stocking the cookie drawer full of sweets.
Veda was a kind, loving person who had a wonderful sense of humor and a knack for finding the bright side of any situation. She had many friends who loved being around her because of her “joie de vivre.” She will be greatly missed by her husband, Leland, her daughter, Diane Southwick Arundell and son-in-law, Jim, her daughter, Barbara Southwick Thorn, her son, Gary Southwick, and daughter-in-law, Susan.
Veda and Leland have six grandchildren: Marty Burdsal, Robbie Burdsal, Julie Arundell Grimstad, Jamie Arundell Latshaw, Stephanie Southwick Smith, and Ryan Thorn, along with ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Audie and Addie Vest and her brother, Daryl Vest.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Assisted Home Hospice for their loving care of Veda for the last 11 months, especially Shari, Linda, Diana and Rosario. We would also like to thank her caretaker, Stella, for her devotion and her willingness to be there anytime she was needed.
Friends and family are invited to help us celebrate Veda's life on Friday, September 19 at 12:30pm at the Skillin-Carroll Mortuary at 600 Central Ave. in Fillmore. A private family service will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Monica Denise Satterwhite (1974-2014)

Monica Denise Satterwhite passed away on August 14, 2014 in Goleta, California with her mother and step-father by her side. Monica was born on October 26, 1974 in Los Gatos, California. She attended elementary schools in San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande and graduated from Fillmore High School in 1992.
Monica loved Basketball and was an avid supporter of the Cuesta Men's Basketball Team where she was awarded the Cuesta College Fan of the Year. She loved Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers so much so that she named her dog after him. She was the life of any party that she went to and you could always find her on the dance floor.
Monica is survived by her mother, Yolanda Tarazon Pederson, Jim Pederson, her sister Mandy Norris, and her niece Madison Norris, as well as Geoff and Tyson Kimler and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She joins her 2 children, Daniel Satterwhite and Jacqueline Brown in heaven. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday September 6th - Rock Harbor Church, Morro Bay, CA 2pm.

Helen Balades (1941-2014)

Helen Balades passed away in her hometown of Fillmore CA, Tuesday Aug 5, 2014. Surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Ventura Ca. and raised in Fillmore. Helen is survived by Her husband David Balades and her two boys Kenny Balades and Chris Balades. She left behind four grandchildren Randy Balades, Cody Balades, Brad and Taylor Balades and one great grand baby. Helen also had 3 sisters & 1 brother, Margret Torres, Bellen Osuna, Belia G. Sanchez, David Sanchez and numerous nieces and nephews and godchildren.
Helen attended Fillmore High School, then worked for Saticoy Lemon co. for a number of years.
She also Attended New One Harvest Church In Ojai Ca. on a regular basis; where she made many friends and who became more like family. Helen donated her time always helped those who were in need such as food, clothing or just prayer.
Always ready for fellowship as far as Jamaica. Helen's love for god became her passion where she became a powerful prayer warrior. not only in her church but also in her hometown. Helen's greatest strength was never to fear always press forward even through the toughest storms that life may bring.
To know Helen was to her Love her. She will be deeply missed. Now we lay her to rest so she may carry out her great journey in heaven. Rest In Paradise our Angel.
Services will be held at the Fillmore Mortuary Friday Aug 15th 2014 @ 11:00 a.m.

James O. King (1945-2014)

James O. King passed away on August 18, 2014 at the age of 68. He was born on November 28, 1945 in Arkansas. He worked as a machinist for over 25 years and always made time for some of his hobbies like fishing, camping and boating. James is survived by wife Elaine, Step daughters Beth Jones and Trudy Chunn. Grandchildren; Brittany Jones, Mason Jones, Caleb Chunn, Courtney Chunn and Chance Chunn and Great Granddaughter Braylie Chunn. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 11:00am at Skillin Carroll Mortuary 600 N. Central Ave. Fillmore, CA. In leu of flowers please make donation to Kidney Foundation. Tel: (818)783-8153

Jesse Henry Reynolds (1934-2014)

Born in Oklahoma to parents William & Clara Reynolds, Jess was 2nd oldest of seven children. His family moved to Fillmore, California in 1943 when he was age 9. In 1956-57 while stationed in Germany Jess served in the U.S. Army, Artillery division.
He returned to Ventura County to work in the burgeoning space industry in the 60’s. Jess was employed by companies such as Raytheon, Packard Bell and Spa-Com Electronics working on such space programs as Mariner, Pioneer, Apollo and Viking. He went on to work for General Signal Corp. which designed and produced flood control equipment for various municipalities. Jess finished his career as Manufacturing Manager for MPO Videotronics, Inc., making custom integrated audio/video systems for the professional market.
A loving Father who invested his time helping coach little league, basketball and anything asked of him for his sons and grandchildren. An avid Lakers fan since they were in Minnesota. He also followed both the Dodgers and Angels, but mostly the Angels recently. He taught his sons to have a great work ethic and to be moral and just men. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, sons Scott & Tom, daughter-in-law Susie, Grandchildren Kyle & Rebecca. His siblings, Billy (deceased), Elma-Lou, Pat, Grace, Joyce and Merle.
Graveside Service to be held on Monday, August 18, 2014 at 10:00am, Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 South Sespe Street, Fillmore, CA 93015. Services entrusted to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015.

Elaine Margaret Dunst (1916-2014)

Elaine Margaret Dunst
3/23/1916 – 6/26/2014
Elaine Margaret Dunst was born in Eyota Township, Minnesota on March 23, 1916. When Elaine was in high school she moved to Phoenix, Arizona to live with her sister. It was there that she met Frank Dunst, the handsome boy across the street. A 75 year love story began. Frank and Elaine were married on October 23, 1940. They were blessed with two children, Larry and Karen. When Frank returned home from WWII they moved their family to California, where Frank began his pharmacy career. In 1948 Frank and Elaine bought Clough’s Pharmacy, in Fillmore, California. It was a family owned and operated business until 1994.
Frank and Elaine loved to dance. Elaine often said she married Frank because he was a good dancer! They were members of the Valley Star Dancers, square dance club. Frank and Elaine also enjoyed traveling. They went on many adventures while traveling around the world together. Elaine always supported her Catholic family and church. She even surprised her family by becoming Catholic four and a half months before she died. She thought it was pretty special that her great grandson Dylan was her Godfather.
Elaine is preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank, and grand-daughter Nancy Dunst.
Elaine is survived by her children Frank Lawrence (Judy) Dunst, and Karen Dunst-Hawkins, her grandchildren, Kari (Gordon) Hawkins-Wilson, Kristen Dunst, Scott ( Kelly ) Dunst, and Ashley (William) Foster, her great grandchildren Dylan and Emma Dunst and Jeremiah and Malakai Foster.
A special Thank- You to Elaine’s caregivers and support staff, Rita, Kelly, Cecelia (CeeCee), Theresa, Maria, Nicole, and Elyid. Your tender loving care means more than words can ever say. You were more than caregivers, you became family.
A Celebration Of Life Mass for both Frank and Elaine will be on Thursday, August 14, at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Dr., Saticoy, CA . A small reception will immediately follow the Mass in Biedermann’s Hall, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Elaine and Frank’s name.
“Do not weep for me, I am at peace.”

Manuel Escobedo Aparicio (1922-2014)

Manuel was born on June 9, 1922 in the town of Jerez, in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico and grew up in the village of El Huejote, near by his home town. Manuel first came to the United States in 1948 as a contracted farm worker, under the Bracero Program. He worked picking cotton, oranges, lemons and peaches and also worked as a cook. By 1955 Manuel had become a legal resident and by 1965 he became a United States naturalized citizen, of which he was very proud. Once he became a legal resident his dream was to bring his family and it took him ten years of hard work and with his boss's support he was able to accomplish his dream, bringing his wife and children as legal immigrants to the United States.
In 1961 his wife and five children were able to join him, his youngest daughter was born in the United States. Manuel's dream was to support his family and to have a “better” life. He accomplished his dream by supporting his children to attend high school, college and universities. Manuel was a strong man, a story teller, a hard workingman, kind, he had many friends, whom he'd visit and assisted them in whatever he could. He wanted his children to learn to work, to appreciate this country and to value where they were from. Manuel also loved and had nostalgic memories of his home village, and the simple ways of life he knew as he was growing up. He became a good farmer, and he loved to cook. He always would find a way to have a garden, to grow vegetables and flowers year round. Manuel had an admiration for the beauty in nature.
Manuel peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his family. Preceding him in passing were his wife Ines Tovar Aparicio, his infant son Rosalio Aparicio and his daughter Rosa Aparicio.
Manuel is survived by his children, Manuela Twitchell, Benjamn Aparicio, Lupe Reyes, Aurelia Aparicio Ruvalcaba, Amelia Aparicio, all presently live in Fillmore, California, also survived by 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, his older sister, Maria Reyes, who also resides in Fillmore, his adopted nephew Jordan Head, who lives in Alberta, Canada, plus his nephews, Nilo Aparicio, Manuel Aparicio, Jose Aparicio and their children, all of Fillmore.
Visitation will be held from 2:30pm - 6:30pm, Monday, July 28, 2014 at Faith Community Church, 355 D Street, Fillmore followed with the recitation of the rosary at 7:45pm at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am, Tuesday, July 29, 2014 also at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Arthur Gruszka Officiating. Committal & 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 Manuel'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 805.229.7054

Alvin John Merkord (1918-2014)

Alvin John Merkord, age 95, passed away on July 20th, 2014 in Fillmore, California. He was born August 11, 1918 in Robstown, Texas to Karl and Ida Merkord. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy Mae; daughter Linda Kay; seven sisters, Clara Merkord (Fritz), Frieda Ahrens (Edwin) Emily Shepherd, Annie Urban (Albert), Alma Yeager (Dewey), Amanda Jones (Virgil), Adele Novosad (Henry); and three brothers, Ernest, Herbert and Edwin.
He is survived by two sons, Randall Lynn and Ronald Lee; daughter-in-law Lisa; two granddaughters, Rachel Saint-Cyr and Rebekah Le Gall; two grandsons, Philip Merkord and Jacob Merkord; two great-grandchildren, Ella and Julien Saint-Cyr; and many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
He served in the infantry in Europe in World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, three battle stars, Combat Infantry Badge, and a commendation as a company commander in charge of troops being sent overseas in combat. After five years in the military he received his discharge with the rank of infantry captain.
After his military service he worked as a chemist for ASARCO, retiring in 1983 as an assistant chief chemist.
In 1948 he joined First Lutheran Church in Corpus Christi and was a member for 50 years until the church was closed. He served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent and a council member for 40 years, many as chairman.
In 1953 he married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Blaschke, a piano and organ teacher until her death in 1989, during which one daughter and two sons were born. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
In 2000 he moved to Fillmore, California to be with his sons, Randy and Ron, daughter-in-law Lisa and grandson Jacob.
Burial will be in Seaside Memorial Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Jennie L. McKnight

Jennie L. McKnight’s painting have been the work of a long and wonderful road to finding her style, always focusing on the emotion her paintings evoke in the viewer. Her studies of art began at Compton College receiving her Associate of Arts degree in a double major which were Fine Arts and Engineering. Further studies took her to the Otis Art Institute, of Los Angeles, California.
Jennie’s formal work began at McDonald Douglas, Long beach, Cal. She worked in the design engineering, as an Electro-Mechanical Draftsperson. The artist has exhibited in many places and has won various awards.
Jennie was a true example of a loving, compassionate, respectful person.
She is survived by her siblings Patrick McKnight and Wanda McKnight, her Friend of 44 years Rachel Lopez and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday June 28, 2014 at 11:00am, at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015.

Kathryn Maxine Dodson McConnell Mowrey (1925-2014)

Kathryn Maxine Dodson McConnell Mowrey passed away peacefully on November 15th after a long illness. Several of her closest family members were able to be with her at the time.
She was born to Henry and Ethel (Germer) Dodson on October 18, 1925 in La Puente California. The family moved to Ventura California, where she grew up and attended high school.
In 1945 Kathryn met and married Frank (Mac) McConnell. They had three children: Rodney, Gregory, and Susan. During their marriage Frank worked as a Ventura County Deputy Sheriff, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Frank passed away after a short illness in 1969.
Kathryn married James Robert Mowrey, Jr. on March 18, 1975 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They eventually settled in Yerington, Nevada. James served 20 years in the Navy. During World War II he served on the Destroyer USS Dunlap in the Pacific Campaign. After his Navy career he served on the support team for several flights of the Space Program.
Kathryn was a member of South Lyons Medical Auxiliary, the Rebekah Assembly, the Red Hat Society, the Yerington Toastmasters and of the Yerington Women’s Club. Kathryn was passionate about scrapbooking, painting, traveling and being with her family.
In 2007 Kathryn and Jim moved to Hilltop Commons in Grass Valley to be close to family. Unfortunately, Jim passed away from cancer within several weeks of arriving in Grass Valley.
Kathryn was also preceded in death by by her son, Gregory Gene McConnell , 60, in 2009.
She is survived by her son, Rod McConnell and wife, Marjorie, of Nevada City; daughter Susan McConnell Moreno and her husband, Al, of Big Oak Valley; grandsons Mica Moreno of Pasadena, Casey Moreno and wife, Amanda, of Chico, and P. Alexander Brown of Eugene, OR; granddaughter, Gretchen Demko and husband, Andrew of Ranier, OR; great-granddaughters Isabelle of Chico, Kaitlynn and Paighton of Eugene, OR., and Lilia of Ranier, OR; and great-grandsons Hayden of Eugene, OR.,Logan of Chico, CA and Erickson and Caleb of Ranier, OR.
Kathryn said many times that the years spent at Hilltop were some of the happiest of her life. A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at Hilltop Common, 131 Eureka St., Grass Valley, on Sunday, November 24th at 1:30 PM.
Interment will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery at Dixon, CA.

Jean Joan Haase (1934-2014)

Jean Joan Haase was 80. She was Fillmore residence. Passed away on June 4, 2014 in Ventura, CA. She was born on April 18, 1934 Houston, Texas. Residence of Ventura County for 62 years. Teacher s Aide, Wife and a Mother for 39 years. Her hobbies, being with her children, family and animals.She is preceded in death by her daughter Linda Ellis and two sisters Allene Turk and Mary Stray. Donations to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 800 W. 6th Street Los Angeles, CA 90017. She is survived by her husband Harvard, daughter Kathy, son in law Mike Ellis, numerous nieces and nephews. Grandchildren, Jacob, Sarah and Bryan. Great grandchildren and precious her beloved dog.
A small memorial service will be held at the family Ranch.
Under Skillin Carroll Mortuary Filllmore

Louise Henderson (1927-2014)

January 17, 1927-May 30, 2014
Louise was born on January 17, 1927, in Biggers Arkansas to Arthur and Flora Johnson. Louise married Clarence Henderson Jr. on August 21, 1946 and shortly after moved to Fillmore. Louise and Clarence had five children. She worked for Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association for over 45 years, retiring in 1986. After retirement Louise worked as a Care Giver for the elderly for several years. She was an active member of the Fillmore and Santa Paula Church of Christ. Louise loved spending time with her family. Her favorite family time was making large dinners or as she called them “suppers”, and having everyone over to visit especially after Sunday church. Her meals were always made with love. Her family’s favorites were her biscuits and gravy and homemade lemon meringue, coconut and chocolate cream pies. Louise also loved spending time with her best friend Maudie Perkins as well as attending annual family reunions in Maynard, Arkansas. She always had a desire to move back to her home state as she loved living in the country. She also enjoyed traveling across the East visiting many places. She loved listening and singing to church hymns and country music, enjoyed gardening, collecting spoons and writing letters to her friends near and far. If you stopped by for a quick moment you needed to plan on having a glass of ice tea and sitting down for visit with her.
Louise left us on May 30, 2014 with her family by her side. She is preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Flora Johnson, brothers Jess and Jack Johnson, Sisters Joanne Garner and Mary Brockus, husband Clarence Henderson, beloved son Larry Henderson, daughter Linda Henderson and grandson Michael Henderson. Louise is survived by her daughters, Pamela Preciado, Donna Mackey and Regina Barragan, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 18 nieces and nephews.
Viewing is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 4:00-8:00pm and Services on Friday 11:00am at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore. Graveside service will immediately follow at Bardsdale Cemetery. Reception will be held at Fillmore Church of Christ following Graveside Services.

Myra Harrison, co-founder of Harrison Industries, dies at age 99
Myra Harrison, co-founder of Harrison Industries, one of the nation’s oldest family-operated trash hauling firms and one of Ventura County's most generous benefactors, died Sunday at age 99.
Myra, was born Marina Velarde on Feb. 17, 1915 in Ventura, California one of 12 children of Francisca Moraga Velarde and Elias Velarde. Myra was proud of her Spanish heritage and so is her family. She was a direct descendent of Lt. Jose Joaquin Moraga, a member of the DeAnza party, which founded the San Buenaventura Mission.
Myra married E.J. Harrison and became a 15-year-old bride and two years later she became a mother and started a trash company with her husband in 1932. That year, E.J. fashioned a truck from several car bodies that he called “Chop Suey” and began making a modest living by hauling his neighbors’ trash to the Ventura dumps for 75 cents a load. In its first year of business, Harrison Transfer Company had 150 customers. Today, Harrison Industries services about 90,000 customers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Myra worked beside her husband to build the fledgling company, keeping the books and enrolling in classes at Ventura College to hone her business skills while raising her young family and being active in the community. Myra was a leader of the women’s movement decades before there was one.
When E.J. died in 1991, Myra became president and worked with four generations of Harrison family members that are involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. When Myra’s oldest son Ralph became president she remained as founder, while her other sons Jim and Myron continued to serve as vice presidents. Lynn and George Harrison, both grandsons, are also members of the board of directors, while other siblings have various important jobs in the comp.
Myra is survived by her daughter Janet Seamands and husband Al of Lander, Wyoming; sons all of Ventura County, Ralph Harrison and wife Jenny, Jim Harrison and wife Mary, Myron Harrison and wife Sharon; grandchildren and their spouses, Katherine Seamands, Mary Ann and Tony Hoyt,, Janet and Steve Iverson, Julia and Jeff Patrick, Lynn and Pattie Harrison, John and Letha Harrison, Richard and Lynn Harrison, Myra and SchlomoRackliff, Edward Harrison, Margaret and Sean Mattern, Kelly and Charles O’Dell, Kimberly and Alex Carriega, Kevin Curtis, Karin Guadagno, Kristin and Bill Millikin, Karisa and Larry Melendez, Sheryl and Donald Abeloe, Michael and Heather Harrison, Caren and Gary Carlsen, Daniel and Victoria Harrison, Donald Harrison, George and Danielle Harrison, Tom Harrison, Darren and Lisa Harrison, Judy and Willie Castillo. In addition, Myra is survived by 71 great grandchildren and 47 great-great grandchildren.
Myra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, E.J. Harrison, an infant daughter Myra Jane, grandson Tim Harrison, her parents, and all of her siblings.
While much as changed since 1932, Myra oversaw a company that kept up with the times and thrived over the years by offering superior customer service at reasonable rates, and by being on the forefront of the recycling movement in the state. All Harrison Industries customers are provided the opportunity to recycle over 20 different materials, which are taken to Gold Coast Recycling & Transfer Station where they are sorted, baled and recycled for use.
Harrison Industries also collects green waste materials and takes them to Agromin Premium Soil Products where they are processed and sold for reuse in agricultural products, fuel and landscape materials. And the future hold promise of making energy from the combination of green waste & commercial food waste. As a result of all of these programs Harrison franchise clients have surpassed recycling mandates of Assembly Bill 939, the 1989 state law that requires cities and counties to cut trash sent to landfills in half and are ready to meet all of the future mandates dealing with recycling and air emissions.
In addition, Harrison Industries has taken several steps toward reducing air pollution by opening the first liquefied natural gas fueling station in western Ventura County and gradually transforming its fleet of trucks to run on the cleaner burning compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas.
For its environmental efforts, Harrison Industries has won a number of environmental awards, including the 2011 Climate Change Action Award by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and the 2010 Environmentally Conscious Business of the Year Award by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.
And In 2007 Harrison was honored for having the state’s Outstanding Recycling Program by the California Resource Recovery Association. The award goes annually to the business, government agency, community-based organization or school in the state that has excelled in implementing and carrying out a recycling and/or diversion program.
And in the same year Former Assemblyman Pedro Nava honored Harrison as the California 35th Assembly District’s 2007 Small Business of Year. Also in 2007, the Pacific Coast Business Times selected Harrison Industries for its “Family Business Titans” category based on the high number of family members involved in the company as well as the company’s accomplishments, reputation and community involvement and in 2011 awarded Harrison Industries with its Legacy Award.
While building Harrison Industries over the years, Myra, E.J. and their sons remained committed to giving back to the communities the company served, providing longtime financial support of local non-profit organizations and community cultural events like the Ventura and Ojai Music Festival and the Camarillo Art and Jazz Festival, the Grant Park Conservancy, and the Rubicon Theatre. The company has been particularly generous to organizations that help children such as Casa Pacifica, the Boys Scouts of America and the Boys and Girls Clubs in several cities. And in 2013, the doors opened at the Harrison Family Youth Center, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura’s new clubhouse in Saticoy, where the company is headquartered.
Myra served as President of the American Business Women’s Association, was active in Native Daughter of the Golden West, the Ventura County Historical Society, Emblem Club, Los Californians, the Garden Club and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.
In 2000 Myra was one of the only two people named as 75 Reasons We Love Ventura County by the Ventura Star. And in the article in her interview this is what she said. “My mother always said you never lose anything by helping other people. We believe in giving back to the community, with both our time and our money.” Myra also said, “Seven generations of my family have been a part of Ventura’s history, and I have had a wonderful life. Lots of hard times, but good. I am grateful for what I’ve been able to do.”
Myra, herself, won numerous awards through the years, and in 2003, she was named “Philanthropist of the Year for Ventura County” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. In 2004, she was honored as “Trailblazer of the Year” by the Women’s Economic Ventures organization and was again honored in 2012 as a Titan for the group.
Also in 2004, Myra was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Ventura County Chapter of the American Red Cross and was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by El Concilio del Condado de Ventura. The bilingual and bicultural non-profit agency cited her for the company’s long history of hiring Latino workers. She was the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year in 2007.
Visitation will take place at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Please call for information 805-643-9977.
Rosary will be recited Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, May 31, at 9 a.m. the San Buenaventura Mission, 211 E. Main Street, Ventura. A reception will follow in the Church Hall (O’Brien Hall). Interment will take place at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, following the reception.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.

Manuel A. “Sleepy” Martinez (1920-2014)

Manuel A. Martinez, 94 died peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2014 in Oxnard, California. He was born in Piru, California on June 3, 1920 to Merced and Julia Martinez. He married Eleanor Lozano on June 16, 1945 at St. Francis Church in Fillmore. Manuel worked for General Motors in Van Nuys for 35 years. He attended Piru School. He proudly served in the 505th QM Battalion in the United States Army and attained the rank of Sergeant from 1941 to 1945. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was very proud of his military service and made many lasting friendship and his old Army buddies in the Battalion called themselves the “The Squirrels” and they met for reunions from time to time after his discharged. He was the last living member of the group.
He lived in Piru for most of his life, he was known as Sleepy by all, and when he was younger was active in Little League base ball as a coach and then served as an umpire when he no longer coached. He served as a proud godfather to many young people now adults in the Piru area. He had a great love for sports and football and baseball were his favorite, of course the Los Angeles Dodgers was at the top of his must see list. He enjoyed fishing in Lake Piru upon his retirement. Most recently he was an avid Dominoes and poker player with those he lived with at Maywood Acres Health Center and with his family. He was known in Piru for his fun and friendly football and baseball pools. Everyone seemed to like to jump into Sleepy’s football and baseball pools for a chance to win! He also had a great love for billiards and won a number of tournaments. He was active a member of Family Circle Adult Care Center in Oxnard.
Manuel and Eleanor were married for 63 years, he was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor and his brothers Edward Martinez, Jesus Martinez, a sister Lucy Martinez he is survived by his brother, Salvador Martinez of Piru, his sister Carmen Miranda of Santa Barbara, his daughters, Viola Balbinot of Santa Barbara, Rosalinda Preciado of Henderson, NV, sons Deacon Manuel J. Martinez, fsp of Los Angeles and Steven Martinez of Fillmore. Also by four grandchildren, Steven Liebsh Martinez, Shawn Preciado, Christopher Preciado and Adrianna Preciado and two great grandchildren, Mariah Preciado and Shawn Jr. , also by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura St. Fillmore, CA 93015, on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.