Ken Holladay (1944-2015)

Kenneth (Pop) Roddie Holladay, 70, born November 3, 1944 in Summerville, South Carolina. Grew up in Six Mile, SC. and lived in Fillmore, California for 43 years. He went home to Jesus, May 11th, 2015 at the Vista Cove in Santa Paula after a battle with a long illness and strokes.
Ken is survived by his wife Marion of 46 years and children, Peter (Tracy) Holladay, Spring (Brian) Kraft, Hope (Viktor) Lillvik, Lacey (Rob) Myers, Faith (Wayne) Walters and Levi (Abbey) Holladay and 19 grandchildren and his sister Carolyn Crowe. He is preceded in death by his parents Roddie and Evelyn and his two children April and Luke.
Kenneth met Marion Hardison while he served in the Navy Seabees. They were married after he served in Vietnam in 1969. They were blessed with 8 children. He was a welder by trade. Entered into a farming business in 1972. He’s a member of the Gideon’s. Long time member of the Fillmore Bible Church. IN 2002 he was called to Skid Row to spread the gospel. He became a pastor and he and his wife started the One At a Time church in LA to bring the good News of Jesus to the people there. Pop was all about bringing Glory to God and getting the word out to people. He had a heart for the lost and would want each and everyone reading this to KNOW the Lord!
Let’s celebrate his life! Memorial Service will be held at the Faith Community Church (Central campus) 461 Central Avenue at 1:30PM on Wednesday May 20th. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Marion Holladay for the Ken Holladay Memorial fund to help cover funeral expenses. Bank of the Sierra, 527 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, Ca. 93015 Account 93880

Frankie Lee Hibbard (1926-2015)

Frankie Lee Hibbard, 88, died peacefully in her sleep, at home, on Thursday, April 30, 2015, in Cleveland, TN, after a brave three year battle with cancer.
Frankie is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Loy Hibbard; her son Jimmie (Gigi) Hibbard; Jim’s son Jeff (Rosary) Hibbard, and Jeff’s mother Cheryl Nichols, all of Cleveland; son Ricky (Debbie) Hibbard, and their children, Stacy (Heidi) Hibbard and Stephanie (Berkeley) Dains; daughter Terrie (Michael) Metzler; Terrie’s children April (Sean) Hastings and Justin Tipps, all of Ventura County, CA; daughter Lynn (Daniel) Hernandez, and their children Joey and Alyah, of Cleveland, TN; Lynn’s children, Air Force First Lieutenant Ashley (Chad) Van Winkle, Oklahoma City, OK and Melissa (David) Wilhelm of Lake Tahoe, CA; Frankie’s brother Jack (Faye) Dixon of Flagstaff, AZ; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mabel (Owen) Dixon; son Gary Hibbard; sisters Polly Ogden, Louise Harper and Marie Allen; and brother Odell Dixon.
Frankie was born on November 29, 1926 in Hastings, Oklahoma. She was a long time resident of Fillmore, CA, where she raised her family and was loved by all who knew her. She was the pillar of strength for her entire family, and we will miss her wonderful smile, her infectious laughter, and nurturing spirit. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN. She belonged to the Oriental Shrine Club of Ventura County, CA. She enjoyed camping with the “Rig-Runners” of Ventura County, CA; crocheting; bowling; and making crafts of all kinds for her family members.
Interment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery, at a date to be determined. The family would like to thank Dr. Krueger and her staff; Dr. Virostek and her staff; Dr. Waycaster and her staff; Dr. Campbell and his staff; and Dr. Bacha and his staff, for the kind and compassionate care they provided over the years of her residence in Cleveland, TN.

Elvira Villa Tovar Perez (1922-2015)

Vera was born to Bonifacia Torres Villa and Primitivo Villa on December 17, 1922. She was the 10th of 11 children. All of her family were seasonal pickers, going up north every year to pick grape and other fruits in season. She attended the schools in San Fernando. She met her future husband Dick Tovar when they were picking grapes. She was 16 and they were married one week after she turned 17.
They moved to Fillmore when their first daughter was born. She and her children would go to Moorpark to pick apricots and walnuts. Her husband Dick, became a field foreman for Sunkist. They lived on “C” street for 14 years. At that time there were about 30 homes for citrus workers. Everyone there knew her well because of her kindness to many. She took many to Drs. Appointments and shopping to Ventura, Oxnard, and even Los Angeles. She was a seamstress for many years and never used a pattern. She made clothes for many and even some wedding dresses and veils, and she would sew bead and pearls by hand. Being one of the first ones to buy a TV in Fillmore, their home was packed every night by all the neighbors, even her husband’s boss. After 14 years they bought the old chicken restaurant called “The Grape Arbor.” She made it into a home. Often people would walk in thinking it was still a restaurant.
She was a great friend. She took children to school daily for years. Bought school clothes for many children.
She was a great cook, and will always be remembered for her tamale pie, apple and pumpkin pies, and turkey dinners and many other specialties.
An unbelievable gardener. Throughout the years people would come by and take pictures of her yard. She raised many fruit trees and many kinds of flowers. Roses were her favorites.
When her children were small, Hobos would come to the house asking for food. She always prepared them a full meal.
The greatest thing about Vera was her great love and faith for Jehovah God, and his son Jesus. She was a true Christian in every sense. She loved and cared for others in God’s caring way. She never complained about her life and was always grateful for what she had. For many years she and her husband would go to Mexico often, taking many gifts and clothes for many relatives and others on the ranches. Most important she took many Bibles to the many people who wanted to learn about God. At 2 of 3 O’clock in the morning, with kerosene lamps on, she would read the Bible to those who wanted to listen and learn about God. She was 92 years old when she died, but it was still too soon for all those who loved her so much. She was the dearest of mothers, grandmother, great, great, great grandmother and aunt and cousin to so many. She treasured God before anyone, and then she loved everyone else. She had great love for all of her loved ones. She may have been small but when she spoke she was heard.
She was married to Dick Tovar for 35 years until his death in 1974. She later married Salvador Perez for 20 years until his death in 2006, They were married for 20 years. She is survived by her daughter Helen Tovar Lopez. Her daughter Rosalie Arias and her husband Jesus. Her son Ruben Tovar and his wife Dolores. Son Phillip Tovar and his wife Sally. Son David Tovar.
Services will be at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 818 Fifth Street on Saturaday, May 2, 2015 in Fillmore, At 2:00 O’clock.

Ismael O. Martinez (1950-2015)

Ismael O. Martinez, 64 of Fillmore, Ca. passed away Sunday April 19,2015. Ismael was born December 14, 1950 in Jalisco, Mexico by the age of 16 his father brought him to America.
Ismael worked at P.P.G. also as a machinist for ABEX Aerospace division. His true calling was to transport children to and from school safely. He was a school bus drvier/grounds keeper for Fillmore Unified and up till the time of his death currently working for Briggs School District, He loved driving his school bus.
Ismael enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with family and friends, Visiting his family in San Bernadino. And also enjoyed going fishing trips. He loved to end his day with prayer and a cold one.
Ismael was a beloved son , father ,uncle ,grandfather, and friend.
Ismael was proceded in death by his father Elias Ortiz Martinez. He is survived by his loving Mother Amalia Martinez Children Ricardo Martinez (andrea) Veronica Martinez, Pablo Martinez Grandchildren Maritza, Ava, Jordan Martinez 6 Brothers and 6 Sisters and Godchildren He is also Survived by his long time companion Michelle Medina and her son Gilbert Medina.
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.

Maria Amelia Espinoza (1948-2015)

Maria Amelia Espinoza, better known as Molly, 67, of Fillmore, CA, formerly of Piru, CA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2015 in her home surrounded by her family.
Molly was born on February 22, 1948 in Los Angeles, CA at White Memorial Hospital, daughter of the late Maximo Gonzalez and Victoria Ramirez Gonzalez.
Survivors include two daughters; Daria Espinoza and Jazmin Rodriguez; son-in-laws, Ronnie Simon and Gerardo Rodriguez; seven grandchildren, Dezarae Rubio, David Rubio, Enrique Rubio, Adrian Rubio, Ezra Simon, Lexus Rodriguez and Hazel Rodriguez; two step-grandchildren Nicolas Rodriguez and Gerardo Rodriguez Jr.; five sisters, Maria Lucy Godinez, Marie Carolyn Jimenez, Maria Abelina Gonzalez, Mary Maximina Gonzalez, and Victoria Gonzalez, and one brother, Francisco Gonzalez.
A Rosary was said on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 9:00a.m. at San Salvador Mission in Piru, CA with a Mass that followed. She was buried at Piru Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony location, and to sign the family’s on line guest book, share stories, post pictures please visit www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com and click on Maria’s name located below "Obituaries".
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the family owned and operated Garcia Mortuary 629 South “A” Street. Oxnard, California. For further information please call (805) 486-9148.

Jeffrey ‘JK’ King (1957-2015)

Jeffrey ‘JK’ King, 58,(FHS class of 1974) of Atascadero passed away April 12, 2015. He was born to Stan and Lucy (Lehrke) King in Los Angeles, California.
He was baptized and confirmed at Ascension Lutheran Church in Torrance. He loved to play basketball and to fish.
Jeff is survived by his sister Julie (Raul) Tarango; nephews Marc (Heather) Tarango and Brian (Sarah) Tarango; nieces Michelle, Paige and Chloe Tarango; aunts Evelyn Witz, Elaine Anderson and Marlisse Klimas; uncle Hartley Ellingson; and many cousins. He will also be missed by his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held May 2, 2015 in Ventura, California at 1298 Martha’s Vineyard Court at 1:00 p.m. Parking space is limited. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of San Luis Obispo, 1304 Pacific Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in care of Zion Lutheran Church, 1010 Foothill Boulevard, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. If you have any questions call (805) 801-0024.

Steven John Barr (1975-2015)

Steven took his first breath in Ojai Community Hospital on the early morning of September 16, 1975. He had a happy childhood growing up on Village Square in Fillmore, CA attending all their schools and also Ventura College. He moved to the loving UCP home August 20, 2003 in Thousand Oaks, CA and took his last breath in Los Robles Hospital the evening of March 11, 2015.
We are so happy that Steven had such a positive influence on so many. We are thankful that he shared his life, his love and smile with us. We love and miss you Steven.
In honor of Steven's memory, contributions may be sent to United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, 6430 Independence Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367-2607

Scott Harold Hobson (2015)

Scott Harold Hobson passed away of heart failure on Friday, March 13, 2015. He was born in Santa Paula and raised in Fillmore where he attended school. Scott was the fourth and youngest child born to Kathleen C. Hobson and the late Harold O. Hobson of Santa Paula.
For several years, Scott owned his own tree service with a partner and worked for the Rivcom Ranch and Hobson Ranch. He loved the land and working in the open air with his dogs.
Scott also loved music, providing is nephew with the tools and encouragements to form his own band, which culminated in gigs at House of Blues and Whiskey a Go Go.
He had a keen mind and will be remembered by his friends and family for his beautiful smile, senses of humor and heart of gold.
Scott is survived by his mother; brothers, Chris and Jeff; his sister, Linda Hodgson; and a niece and two nephews.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
In honor of Scott’s memory, contributions may be sent to the Brain Injury Center, PO Box 1477, Camarillo, CA 93011, Nami of Ventura, PO Box 25510, Ventura, CA 93002-5510 or your favorite charity.

Luz V. Quezada (1918-2015)

Luz V. Quezada, of Fillmore, passed away peacefully sleeping in her home on Friday, April 10 at the age of 97, surrounded by her loving family.
“Doña Luz” as she was affectionately called by those who knew her, was born on February 21st, 1918 in Jalisco, Mexico. She was one of five brothers and sisters.
Luz learned to work at a very young age and often took care of her siblings. She married Luis Quezada in 1940. She became a mother with the birth of her son, Felipe, in Guadalajara. After several years, they moved from Guadalajara to MacAllen, TX, and from there they came to reside in Fillmore, where her youngest daughter, Lucy was born.
Luz had little formal education, but despite this, she worked for many years at the Saticoy Lemon Association. In 1970 her sister, Clara came to live with them. They were best friends. Luz devoted herself entirely to her family. She enjoyed music, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family over chats and any ordinary occasion. She loved telling stories, and listening to friends and family tell anecdotes over a home-cooked meal.
Luz was a strong, quiet, gentle woman who loved her family very much. She was a woman of great faith and a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Our Abuelita led the family through example. She was loving, generous, and willing to help anyone in need. She and her husband Luis, were godparents to many children who are now grown adults in Fillmore. She taught us all of the value of strength, of patience, of endurance, and of great faith. Though gone from our sight, she will be remembered in all of our hearts and greatly missed.
She was preceded by her husband, Luis B. Quezada, and her son, Felipe L. Quezada. Luz is survived by her beloved daughter, Lucy, and her son-in-law, Ricardo Romero, and her daughter-in-law, Rosa Maria Quezada. She leaves behind six grandchildren: Rosie, Becky, Veronica, Richie, Andrea, David, , and three great-grandchildren, Isabella, Jacoby and Easton.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Assisted Home Hospice and to Josie Plasencia, RN. In particular, we wish to thank Rosa Rodriguez and Maria Hernandez for the tremendous kindness and care they bestowed on our beloved mother, abuelita, and great-grandmother in her twilight years. They provided a beautiful example of love and devotion that we will always remember and treasure.
A viewing is scheduled for Thursday evening, April 23rd, at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore.
The Funeral Mass for Luz V. Quezada will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore on Friday, April 24th at 1:00 p.m. The internment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Michele Kay Cochran (1954-2015)

Michele Kay Cochran passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 29, 2015 in Santa Paula, California after a brief illness.
She was born on May 14, 1954 in Denver, Colorado. Long time residence of Ventura County for 35 years. Retired from Customer Relations of 30+years. She loved crafting, gardening, fishing, camping, taking rides up to the lake, scouting for deer, and loving her family.
Michele is survived by her husband Darrell Cochran; Daughters; Kelly Head, Kristina Sullivan, Shawnee Cheney, Stepsons; Shane Cochran, Joe Cochran, Sister; Vicki Infantino, 7 grandchildren, 1 great grand- daughter with a great grandson on the way, 4 nieces and 4 nephews.
Funeral Service, please contact the family for more information.

Emilia Mariscal Cardenas (1935-2015)

Emilia Mariscal Cardenas left this world peacefully on March 25th, 2015. She was born November 9th, 1935 in Jalisco Guadalajara, Mexico to Don Julian and Victoria Mariscal. She was 1 of 12 children, many of whom she helped raise. In her teen years she enjoyed going to dances with her friends, and enjoying the beautiful music at LA Plaza Tapatia. She also was a master seamstress. In her early 20's she met and married Daniel Cardenas, they later had 3 boys. They came to Fillmore, CA in "1961". Emilia was a homemaker, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and crocheting and visiting her beast friends: Josefina, Chayo and Eva. Emilia enjoyed taking long walks and was a devoted Catholic. She maintained a loving household, and when she had grandkids they were her pride and joy. Everyone was fed, loved and happy. Emilia led a full and happy life and enjoyed it right until the end. She was a very strong and spiritual woman and her faith in The Lord never waivered. She will be remembered by all that knew her as a kind, loving, strong and generous woman. She is survived by her husband and sons Ramon, Angel, Joel (Julie). Her grandchildren Maria, Ray, Daniel, Gabriel, Abraham, Citlali, Sofia, Jake and her great grandchildren Starr and Lucia. She will be deeply missed! Services will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi Church Fillmore, Ca on Wednesday April 8th, 2015. Rosary 9:30am, Mass 10am enterment following at Bardsdale cemetery.

Beverly Ann Barrow (1935-2015)

Beverly Ann Barrow, of Fillmore passed away March 11, 2015, she was a 79 year resident of Ventura County. Beverly was born in Fillmore, California on April 08, 1935.
Beverly being a homemaker enjoyed and loved her family, the Lakers and Dodgers; her interest was reading and crossword puzzles.
Beverly is preceded in death by daughter Diane Tello; grand-daughters Katie and Andrea Tello; brothers Richard, Robert and Roger Pyle, mother Freda Pyle, father Hess Pyle.
Beverly is survived by husband Max Barrow, son Keith Barrow of Fillmore, CA., Daughter Melinda Barrow and Andy of Fresno, CA., grand-children Molly Neely and Nicole Zarate of Fresno, CA., Sarah Wells of Healdton, OK, Aaron Tello of Ojai, CA., great-grand son Joshua Wells of Fresno, CA.

Melanie Lynn Wileman (1970-2015)

Beloved Mother
Melanie Lynn Wileman passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 22, 2015 after a brief illness.
She was born November 2nd, 1970 in Fort Rucker, Alabama to Ross and Cindy Wileman. She was Ross and Cindy’s second child. Her siblings include Lori Wileman Bennett and Ryan Wileman. Melanie was raised in Fillmore, California. She graduated from Fillmore High in 1988. She worked for Henry Mayo Hospital and the United Postal Service.
Melanie was a beautiful person, on the outside, but more importantly she was beautiful on the inside. She had an uncanny ability to love, unconditionally, anyone with whom she came in contact. Her huge smile could light up a room and her laughter was infectious. She enjoyed bringing joy to others. She loved music and singing. There was nothing Melanie loved more than spending time with her family. Her children were the light of her life. They referred to her as their best friend. Anyone who knew Melanie saw that at her core was love. 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.
Melanie is survived by her six children, Frankie Lozano (Cheyenne), Keanna Lozano, Carmen Pineda, Cody Pineda, Mathew Pineda and Kailyn Pineda; one grandchild Riley Lozano; parents Ross (Susan Leon) and Cindy Wileman (Jess Leon); maternal grandparents, Bill and Pat Stocker; siblings, Lori Bennett (Don), Ryan Wileman (Marko), Kendall Wileman and Dennis “Bo” Wileman; nephew, Tim Bennett; nieces, Alyssa Bennett and Brianna Wileman as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Don and Jesse Wileman.
Graveside services will be at Bardsdale Cemetery on Thursday, March 5th at 11:00 a.m.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile – Mother Teresa
Melanie did just that.

Ernest Leon Holmes (1961-2015)

Ernest L. Holmes, 53, passed away February 14, 2015 in Ft. Mohave, Arizona surrounded by family members. Ernie was born December 19, 1961 in Santa Paula, California, the youngest of 4 siblings. Ernie is survived by his wife Dorothy Latham-Holmes who he married April 28, 1997. He is also survived by his stepson, Jeremiah A. Hirzel, step daughters Billie J. Hirzel, Tanya Olertegui and husband James, Grandchildren Ariana and Isaac and Cody, his mother Patty S. Cartwell, brother Bradley Holmes and wife Darlene, sister Brenda Moore numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his father Curtis B. Holmes, his step father, who raised him most of his childhood, Kenneth Cartwell his sister Shelley Eyler and her husband Jeff and his brother in law Tim. Ernie graduated from Fillmore High School in 1980, working from a young age Ernie was a hard worker all his life. Ernie is loved and remembered for his loving and giving nature his sense of humor his deep hearty laugh and love for the outdoors and sports of which he excelled in. He was active at many things and spent his free time playing softball, hiking, camping, boating, riding bikes, golfing, bowling, dancing and billiards. Full of fun and over flowing with love Ernie volunteered at his church’s yearly Fourth of July fireworks booth in Fillmore. He was always there helping family when they asked for a helping hand. The strong arm and back with a smile that never faded in labor. Visitation will be held on Thursday Feb. 26 from 12-7pm at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary. Graveside will take place Friday Feb. 27 at 1pm at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Adon "Chepe" M. Chavez (1930-2015)

Adon "Chepe" M. Chavez of 85 passed away on February 12, 2015. He was born in Morelia Michoacán on July 26, 1930. He was a long time resident of Fillmore for 66. He was a hardworking, very responsible, a man of all trades. Chepe is preceded in death by Father; Magdaleno Chavez, Mother; Maria Medina, Brothers; Amador, Guadalupe and Demetrio Chavez and Son Adrian "Little Man".
He is survived by Wife; Dolores "Lola" Chavez, Brother Baltazar Chavez Sons; Andy, Michael; Yvonne, And Anthony: Carla.
Grandkids Little Michael;Jesica, Andrew Rachel;Jorge, Sana;James, Doggie, Angela;Art, Adrian, Cici, Ilenne, Josie, Anthony and Delilah. 4 Great-grandkids and numerous Nieces, Nephews Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19th at Skillin Carroll Mortuary from 4-8pm. Rosary will be on Friday, February 20th at 9:30am at St. Frances of Assisi, Mass to follow Rosary. Burial will be at Bardsdale Cemtery. A big Thank You to all the nurses who took care of my husband Adon. Thank You Andrea, Chela, Eva, Coleen, Dr. Phillip and all the staff at Santa Paula Hospital.

Ramona Hernandez (1942-2015)

Ramona Hernandez, 73, passed away on January 31, she died peacefully sounded by her loving family. Ramona was a retired CNA, she died after a long battle of kidney and heart disease. she grew up in Fillmore (canpana) she Loved garage sales, gardening and spending time with her family, especially on Wednesdays her sisters would meet at her parents house for breakfast, when they passed they kept the same schedule every Wednesday spending quality time together.
(golden girl days) She was preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Micael Flores she is survived by her sisters and brothers.
Julia Ramirez Jenny Avila Rita Avila Mary Montelongo, Irene Barreras Manuel Hernandez, Joe Flores; her Children Miky Rabago, Amanda, Phillip, Ben, and Ernie, Pacheco 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grand children. And numerous nieces and nephews No services, please join us for a potluck reception, a memorial of life on Sunday, February 22, 1 o'clock at the Memorial building in Fillmore.

Russell John Garcia (1956-2015)

Born July 6th 1956 in San Fernando; passed away February 9th, 2015 at the age of 58. Russell was a master mechanic employed by LAUSD in Van Nuys. Russell spent much of his life building race cars for himself and others. He is survived by his loving family: mother Lorraine Echevarria Riperto; father John Garcia, son John A. Garcia; brother Steven Garcia, sister Deborah L. Aguilar nieces Valerie Rodriguez and Jillessa Aguilar; nephews Bobby and Gabriel Aguilar. We love you and miss you Rusty.
Viewing will be Friday February 20th from 5:00 to 9:00. Mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. February 21st. Both viewing and mass will take place at Mission Cemetery.

Reynaldo “Nano” Chessani (1941-2015)

With great sadness, On January 18th, 2015, a loving Husband, father, Papa, and soon to be great grandfather, Reynaldo A. Chessani passed away after a long illness.
Nano was born on June 23, 1941 to John and Vera Chessani Sr. Nano’s father, John, was the Fire Captain in Piru and his mother Vera worked at Piru Citrus. In the Chessani home, Nano was brought up in a family that truly enjoyed the outdoors. Camping trips with his family and friends to Bishop, June Lake and other beautiful spots in the Sierra’s was always a lot of fun.
Nano graduated in 1959 from Fillmore Senior High School. While attending high school, Nano was very well known for his athletic abilities. He played football, basketball and baseball. Nano was an excellent conversion kicker for his football team. He made the Letterman club for 3 consecutive years for his class of “59”.
Nano, his brothers and friends were always ready to go watch the drag races in San Fernando and Ontario to see the stock car races. Racing was definitely one of his favorite things to go do. You would find the Chessani brothers modifying their own hot rod cars to see whose car was the fastest on the back streets of Piru and Fillmore. It was a great event for all.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Donna K. Hanna, class of 1962, they welcomed two children Tamie and Tim. Nano continued to take his own family on camping and fishing trips. He was always looking forward to his family summer vacations. He would go as far north to the Canadian border and back down the beautiful California coastline, taking in all the back roads for more to explore. Nano would start planning weeks prior highlighting his paper map, all the roads, and points of interest that his family would be visting. Excited and ready to go at the crack of dawn, he would get his sleepy crew in to his Chevy, and get a head start on travelling through the desert before it got too hot. After hours of driving Nano and his family were sight seeing new and exciting places.
Nano’s children, Tamie and Tim were involved in sports at a very young age. He truly enjoyed watching them play sports. While Tim played football for the Fillmore Raiders, Nano would take photographs of everyone involved in the game. He loved taking pictures of the action plays on the field and on the sidelines as well.
Nano was a very kind and caring father. He was very proud of Tamie and Tim. Then along came his three granddaughters, Jessica, Karli and Taylor who became very special to him. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends that would stop by to visit.
For many years Nano worked as an Inspector for PPG Industries in Valencia. While working at PPG, Nano loved to participate in the company Golf Tournaments and was always sure to come home with an award and a quick run down on the day’s event.
Nano also had a big heart for animals. He was a volunteer for the Piru Elementary School on weekends taking care of a variety of farm animals. He was happy spending time with his cats, Rico and Mambo and dogs, Zoey and Tucker.
Listening to music was another great interest of Nano’s. He would make his own home speakers to get the best clarity out of his collection of music that ranged from oldies, classic rock, country western and jazz.
In the last few years of his life, Nano slowed down and was not able to travel comfortably and stayed home due to his health. When visiting Nano, you would find him watching golf, car racing, Amgen bicycle racing, football, baseball and basketball proudly sporting his PAC 12 baseball cap.
His brother Art would check in on him and the two would revisit the past through conversation bringing in pictures and news clippings. Nano also kept the Piru School Librarian, Cindy very busy with his book request. He enjoyed reading books by the great author, Louis L’Amour. Nano also was a collector of Cowboy Art.
Nano leaves behind his beloved wife Donna, of 54 years. Daughter Tamie Chessani, son Tim Chessani (wife Sheri). Granddaughters, Jessica Zanotto (husband Kris), Karli Chessani and Taylor Atkins. Brother, Art Chessani (wife Virginia) along with many nieces and nephews.
Nano is preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Vera Chessani , brother, John Chessani Jr., and sisters, Lucille Ortega, Norma Gonzales, and Alice Chessani.
A Family Memorial will be held at a later date.
Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated by the Chessani Family.
Think of Nano when you see beautiful sunsets……

Kathleen “Kay” Burroughs Amrhine (1925-2015)

Kathleen “Kay” Burroughs Amrhine, 89 of Santa Paula passed away peacefully on January 30, 2015.
She was born in Nebraska to the late Lester and Ruth Burroughs on April 15, 1925. Kay graduated from Fillmore High School in 1942. Later, she met Leonard Amrhine, a long-time Citrus Rancher of Bardsdale and married on January 19, 1947. Leonard preceded Kay in death in 1986.
Kay worked in her earlier years at Pacific Naval Base in Port Huenene and Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank supporting the war efforts. Later, she worked at the County Municipal Courthouse of Ventura and retired in 1985 after fifteen years of service.
Her favorite past times were gardening, reading, shopping (QVC), and camping with family and friends along the California coastline. She also enjoyed her travels to Las Vegas and Laughlin with family.
She is survived by her children; Judy Thiele of Ventura; Terri Johnson of Mission Viejo; Don (Debbie) Amrhine of Cypress, TX and Doug Amrhine of Santa Paula.
Kay’s "Circle of Love"
Grandchildren - Stephanie Ingersoll, Michael (Becca) Amrhine, Dawn (John) Holman and Nicholas (Jackie) Johnson.
Great Grandchildren - Bailey and Logan Ingersoll, McKayla and Jorden Amrhine, Isabella Holman and Cole Johnson.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore. We ask in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Stanley Parnall Hurst (1931-2015)

Stanley Parnall Hurst, 83, of Fillmore, passed away at home on February 1, 2015, from complications from a stroke.
He was born July 25, 1931, in Hollywood, Calif., to Walter and Hilda Hurst. Stan grew up on the family’s citrus ranch in Bardsdale, where he shared many good times with his younger brother Jim, cousins and friends. He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1949 and went on to attend Ventura College and Stanford University.
In 1954, he went to Elgin Watchmaker College in Elgin, Ill., and returned to Fillmore where he opened Hurst’s Jewelers. It was at this time that he began dating Beverly Chaney, and they were married on Feb. 4, 1961. Stan and Bev moved to the family citrus ranch on Grand Avenue where they raised their three daughters, Heather, Amanda (Mandy) and Diana (Dee Dee).
After selling the jewelry store, Stan worked on the family citrus ranch as well as working at Bowmar T.I.C. in Newbury Park as an electronics technician and later at Dave’s Building Supply in Santa Paula. He also helped oversee the various Haase family properties in the Santa Clara Valley.
Stan loved the railroad, as his grandfather W.C. Hurstwaspresident of the Chicago & Iillinois Midland Railway Company when Stan was a young boy. Stan was a member of the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society and volunteered as a car attendant on the Fillmore Western Railway until health issues prevented him from being involved.
As a lifelong resident of Fillmore, Stan was well loved by his family and members of the community. He was devoted to his family and friends throughout his life. He was an extremely patient, thoughtful and positive person with a wonderful, dry sense of humor. Despite the physical disabilities he endured over the years, he never complained and remained strong yet gentle his entire lifetime.
The following tribute, written by one of Stan’s sons-in-law,describes Stan well:
“Stan the Man”
Good men abound,
And a few great men can be found.
But Stan stands above them –
On much higher ground.
He’s quiet…but not shy.
How smart he is, you might not know.
He likes life plain and simple
And doesn’t put on a show.
Stan has married a good woman
And raised three great girls
They all love and adore him,
And that really shows.
His grandkids are sweet –
The apple of his eye.
They want to follow in his footsteps,
To be just like that guy.
Stan’s friends you cannot number,
Like pebbles on a beach.
Because he makes friends
With just about everyone he meets.
Fancy clothes and fast cars – that’s just not for him.
Work boots and slow trains – now that’s more his game.
Stan wears many hats:
Watchmaker, grower, conductor,
Son, husband, dad and grandpa.
And for lucky guys like Donny, Shad and me,
We’re proud to call him Father-in-Law.
~ Brian Burris
Stan is survived by his wife Beverly Hurst; daughters Heather Burris (husband Brian) of Ventura; Amanda Brady (husband Donny) of Woodland Park, Co.; Diana Hurst (fiancée Shad Reinke) of Woodland Park, Co.; grandchildren Breeanne and Kyla Burris, Matthew, Emily and Jared Brady, and Alaina Hoover; brother Jim Hurst (wife Linda) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hilda Hurst.
The family would like to thank everyone for their loving support, especially over the past two months. Special gratitude goes to Dr. Michael Swartout and staff, caregivers Josie Morua and Helen Riesgo, and the staff of Roze Room Hospice.
An open house celebrating Stan’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, at the Fillmore Historical Museum Depot (350 Main St.) from 1 to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society (SCRVRHS, P.O. Box 492, Fillmore, CA, 93016) or Fillmore Historical Museum (P.O. Box 314, Fillmore, CA, 93016)