Rosa Maria Romero Villela (1949-2014)

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother Rosa Maria Romero Villela born April 8, 1949 who passed in her sleep on January 26, 2014.
Rosa was born in Tuxpan, Nayarit Mexico to Felipe Romero and Dolores Villela.
At a young age Rosa moved to Mazatlan Sinaloa where she married Jose Martin Herrera and gave birth to her two oldest sons, subsequently becoming a widow in 1973. She moved her family to the United States in December 1981 where she has remained a lifelong resident of Fillmore, CA.
Rosa was well known and well loved in the community and had a dedicated group of family and friends who will miss her deeply.
Rosa was a beautiful woman, who cherished all of her friends and family and lived life with a smile on her face.
She enjoyed spending time, with family and friends, dancing and playing bingo.
Left to cherish her memory is her partner Roberto Silva, brother Beto Romero, sister Eva Ortiz, her children Jose Martin Herrera Jr., Miguel Angel (Yazmin) Herrera, Roberto Carlos Silva, Alejandro Silva,
her grandchildren Jose Martin Herrera, III, Marco Antonio Herrera, Marisa Herrera, Jose Omar Herrera, Jonathan Angel Herrera, Isabella Silva, Robert Isaac Silva, Nico Silva
and great grandchildren Rayleen Herrera, Aubrey Sofia Herrera and countless other family and friends.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually.
A visitation will be held from 4:00-9:00pm, Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Faith Community Church, 355 "D" Street, Fillmore. A rosary will be recited at 9:30am followed by the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am, Friday, February 7, 2014 at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore. Committal & Interment to 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 Rosa Maria'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

David John Roegner (1950-2014)

David (Dave) Roegner was a 25 year resident of Fillmore, until he moved to Pahrump, NV to be closer to his sister. Dave lived with his parents, Vern and Irene Roegner, at El Dorado Park, where he helped them until their respective deaths. While in Fillmore, Dave was often involved in town and community politics, and liked to help out at the Fillmore Senior Center, teaching residents how to use their computers. Through his life, Dave spent time driving trucks on short and long hauls, as a meat cutter for Albertsons, and finally as a computer consultant. He loved to travel, especially exploring local areas on his motorcycle or in his car. Dave was born on April 3, 1950 in Morris, IL and passed away on January 19, 2014 at home in Pahrump. Dave was preceded in death by his son, Lee, who passed in March, 2011 at 38 years old. He is survived by his sister, Gail Stacy of Las Vegas, NV; his brother, Bill Roegner of Crescent Hill, IL; nieces Dawn Kuykendall of Santa Clarita, CA, Kristen Hufstettler of Tucson, AZ and Kathy Roegner of Berlin, Germany; and nephews John Roegner of Tucson, AZ and Mike Reymann of Renton, WA, and his beloved kitties Tabby, Shadow and Peanut. We will really miss you, dearest brother and uncle, but now you are at peace with the Lord.

Carolina R Avila (1944-2014)

Carolina R Avila, 69, went to be with the Lord, peacefully, on Friday, January 24, 2014. She was surrounded by her family. Carolina was born on February 6, 1944, in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and has been a resident of Piru for more than 60 years. She married the love of her life, Raymond Espinoza Avila, on November 19, 1966 and began her family which grew to include their 5 children. Carolina worked for the Piru Citrus Association, and also for the Fillmore Unified School District, from which she retired in 2010. She was a devoted Catholic and Member of the Sacred Heart. She enjoyed spending time with her daughter, her grandchildren, traveling, and going to Disneyland. She was preceded in death by her parents, Levi Ramirez and Juana Garcia, and her sister, Elisa Rangel. She is survived by her husband, her children: Raymond Jr., Jaime, David of Cedar City, UT, Yolanda, and Andrew of Roseville, CA, her 13 grandchildren, her brothers Pablo, Luis, Nephi, and Ruben Ramirez, and her sisters Rosa Riebeling and Bartola Mendez. Her family would like to give great thanks to all their friends and family, who helped and supported them at this time.

Jeff Newell Lowe (1960-2014)

Jeff Newell Lowe, a beloved son, father and grandfather, passed away with his children by his side, on January 8th, 2014, at the age of 53. He lived the majority of his life in Fillmore and was loved by many people. Jeff loved the outdoors; hunting, camping and fishing were among his cherished hobbies. He was a proud and dedicated member of The Operating Engineers for 36 years and had a passion for driving heavy equipment for Lowe Construction Company.
He is survived by his children; Sarah Ann Lowe and Jeffrey Newell Lowe Jr.; daughter in law, Stephanie Ann Lowe, and Grandbabies: Aubree Lynn Lowe and Logan Floyd Lowe. He also leaves behind two loving parents: Bud Lowe and Marlene Lowe.
There will be a private family burial and a Celebration of Life in Jeff’s honor that will be open to family and friends alike on Saturday, January 18th at 1pm at the Historical Museum in Fillmore. He asked that everyone remember him with a smile on his face. We thank you for your growing support.

Marion Ballard (1917-2013)

Marion Ballard, 96, longtime member of the Fillmore community, passed away at Sallie’s Care Facility in Camarillo on December 12, 2013. Marion was born in Clinton, Iowa on August 25, 1917 to Alma and Gustave Eggers. She graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA. She continued her education and graduated in 1939 from UCLA. After graduation she accepted her first teaching job in Fillmore, CA. While in Fillmore she met Sherre Ballard. They were married during World War II in Florida while he was on a leave. Their marriage lasted 39 years before Sherre passed away on October 21, 1981. Marion taught for Fillmore School District for over 30 years until her retirement. After retirement she enjoyed playing bridge, walking, traveling, and she was an active member in Ebell and Garden clubs. She was involved in Fillmore Bible Church on various committees and serving as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Marion is survived by her sons James Ballard (Carol), John Ballard (Pam) and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and her sisters Alice Johnson and Helen Newsham. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 2pm., Faith Community Church, Fillmore, CA, with Pastor Mark Rathe officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Arrow Child & Family Ministries of Ca (arrow.org) or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 1075 E. Daily Dr., Camarillo. (805)482-1166.

Carmen Ponce Ortega (1957-2013)

Carmen (Pecas) Ponce Ortega passed away peacefully, surrounded by her siblings and children on November 26, 2013 following a 2 year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Heaven has gained an amazing, strong beautiful angel so full of life who will be missed dearly. Carmen was born January 10, 1957 in Tijuana, Baja California to Ramon and Sara Ponce. Her family moved to Fillmore in 1968, following her graduation from Fillmore High School in 1976, she worked for The Olga Co.
Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Sara Ponce. Carmen is survived by her husband of 35 years, Silvestre Ortega, her children Silvestre L. Ortega IV, Adrian (Monica) Ortega, Marco Ortega, Kristian B.Ortega, Veronica (Vicente) Barajas; her grandchildren, Alize, Solae and Saben Barajas, Amber, Reina, Aaron, Elizabeth, Crystal, Liliana, Adrian and Daniel Ortega; 6 brothers, Adolfo (Irene) Ponce, Ramon (Edith) Ponce, Francisco Ponce, Jose Luis (Gloria) Ponce, Raul (Cornia) Ponce and her twin Gonzalo Ponce; 3 sisters, Rosa (Adolfo) Huerta, Martha Ponce and Susana Ponce; numerous nieces and nephews and tons of friends who loved her.
Carmen was so grateful for all the thoughts and prayers during her illness, you were all a part of her journey. She loved life and despite it all, she always kept on smiling. Carmen will forever be branded in our hearts. A memorial mass will be held on Friday January 10, 2014 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street in Fillmore at 10:00am, a burial will immediately follow at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 South Sespe St. Fillmore, Ca.

Guadalupe Galvez (1923-2013)

Guadalupe Galvez, a resident of Fillmore, CA, passed away in Santa Paula after a brief illness Friday, December 13, 2013.
Lupe Galvez was born on February 17, 1923 in Colotlan, Jalisco and was a resident of Ventura County for 42 years. Though a housewife for most of her life, she was a devout Catholic and enjoyed organizing and producing traditional religious ceremonies for the church.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Luis Galvez as well as 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 1 grandson and a daughter in law.
She is survived by 8 children and their spouses, as well as 27 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

Christine Elisabeth Litschinger Cardona (1940-2013)

Christine Cardona passed away peacefully on the morning of December 7th, 2013, with both of her daughters by her side. Christine was born in Mannheim, Germany on November 21, 1940 to Karl Friedrich Litschinger and Maria Litschinger and lived in Germany until the age of 19.
She met and married an American soldier (Tino Cardona) and they both later moved to the United States with their first born daughter. After the birth of her second daughter, Christine was a stay at home mom for awhile until she went to work at one of the packing houses in Fillmore. When Christine was not working and taking care of her family, she did what she loved best and that was swimming (she was a swimmer from a very early age while living in Germany). She spent most of her summer months at the Fillmore High School swimming pool, where she met a group of other women swimmers. They all immediately became friends and would swim together for years to come. Christine started working at JC Penney’s in Ventura in the early 70’s and worked there for 32 years. She met and made many friends while working at JC Penney’s and absolutely loved her job.
Christine was a beautiful woman, a loving mother and grandmother (who is known to her grandchildren as “Oma”), who loved her family and cherished every day of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her and her memory will live on in their hearts forever. Christine is preceded in death by her mother, Maria Litschinger of Ladenburg, Germany and sister, Klara Becker also of Ladenburg, Germany.
She is survived by daughters, Joann Cardona of Santa Paula and Marina Cardona Campos of Ventura, grandchildren, Christine Cardona Threadgill (Tyler) of Simi Valley, Brandon Campos, Andrew Campos and Lauren Campos of Ventura, and great-grandchildren, Amelia Threadgill and Alexander Threadgill of Simi Valley. She is also survived by Tino Cardona whom she was married to for 17 years. Christine leaves behind sisters-in-law, Jenny Herrera, Penny Cardona and Amelia Mulberry, and also Lupe Dominguez, Elsie Cardona and Monica Castro who preceded her in death. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. Christine’s family would like to thank Marie Ramos who lovingly cared for her for 3 years and also the staff at Fillmore Convalescent Center for their excellent care.
A graveside service will be held at 11a.m., Thursday December 12, 2013 at Bardsdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
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 Christine'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

Carmen Chavez Torres (1941-2013)

Carmen Chavez Torres lost her battle with a lengthy illness December 5, 2013. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a fifty one year resident of Fillmore CA.
She was born on November 21,1941 in Villa Montemorelos, Durango Mexico where she met and married her husband of 51 years Thomas F. Torres. Carmen worked at The Olga Co. and retired in 1996 after 35 years of service. She enjoyed going to Chumash Casino with her circle of friends and also enjoyed traveling to Mexico and Hawaii with her family. As a true blue Dodger fan she could recite and talk stats with the best of them.
We will all miss her zest for life, her kind generous heart. Carmen was preceded in death by her parents Felix and Guadalupe Chavez, sisters Juanita Chavez, Maria Luisa Moreno and brothers Federico Chavez, Manuel Chavez.
Carmen is survived by her husband Thomas F. Torres and loving children Norma Torres-Vasquez of Fillmore CA, Cindy(Danny) Alcozar of Lancaster CA, Tom (Marianne)Torres of Visalia CA, Patty(Hugo) Virto of Fillmore CA. Carmen will be greatly missed by siblings Jose Chavez, Consuelo Chavez, Maria Elena Gonzalez, Aurelio Chavez, Isabel Chavez and Lourdes Alarcon. Carmen was a proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephew's and cousins.
Family and friends are welcome to gather from 4-8p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2013 for a time of tribute and reflection at Faith Community Church, 355 "D" Street, Fillmore. A rosary will be recited at 10:00a.m., Friday, December 13, 2013 and followed immediately at 10:30a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be Celebrated at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore with Father Art Gruszka Officiating. Committal and Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Carmen'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

Julie Ruth Sandoval (1962-2013)

Julie Ruth Sandoval, 51, passed away on December 3, 2013, following a three-year battle with kidney cancer. Born March 14, 1962 to Jim and Charlene McGuire, she was a lifelong resident of Fillmore. Following her graduation from Fillmore High School she worked as a teacher aide at Sunshine Pre-School and Sespe School before becoming Library Clerk at Sespe School, a position she held for twenty years. Her last position was in the School District Food Services Office.
Julie’s life revolved around her two children, Jonathan (31) and Jenna (28), never missing any school or church activity they were involved in. The three of them were avid sports fans, baseball being their favorite, and they visited 21 stadiums together. During Jonathan’s Little League years Julie was on the board for several years, two years as the President. A lifelong member of the Presbyterian and Fillmore Bible Church she served in the nursery, and was a leader in the Awana after-school program for many years.
Her Faith Community Church family has played a vital role in her life in recent years and her faith and trust in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have sustained her especially during her illness.
She is survived by her parents, daughter Jenna, son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Nikki, and brother Jeff of Texas. She is also survived by Joseph Sandoval, to whom she was married for twenty years.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 11, at 4 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 461 Central Avenue, Fillmore, 93015. In lieu of flowers her family suggests that memorial donations be made to Faith Community Church or the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, 1996 Eastman Avenue, Ventura, CA 93003, or a charity of your choice.

Hermilia Valencia Vasquez (1930-2013)

January 13, 1930 – November 22, 2013
Church and Memorial Services
Saint Francis of Assisi Church
1048 W. Ventura St
Fillmore, Ca.
Friday, November 29th, @ 2:00 pm
Skillin-Carroll Mortuary
600 Central Ave.
Fillmore, Ca
Saturday, November 30th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

William (Bill, Billy) R. Mitchell

A true legend passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.
William (Bill, Billy) R. Mitchell went to be with the Lord while his wife, Lana and daughter, Susan were at his bedside at home. He was born in Cord, Arkansas. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Zelma (Jones) Mitchell. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Lana; children, Jo Anne (Jon) Layton, Susan (Rex) Wilson, Jeffrey Mitchell and Desiree Perez; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Bogey.
Bill was raised in Fillmore, California where he raised his family until he moved to Bakersfield, California where he and his wife Lana spent many years raising Desiree. At the time of his death, Bill was living in Westerville, Ohio with his wife and daughter, Desiree.
Bill worked for Southern California Edison for 23 years and then upon retirement became the founding partner of Diversified Utility Services, a successful utility construction company that is still in operation today in Bakersfield, California. Bill always said he was fortunate enough to enjoy the work he did each and every day of his life.
Bill was an avid golfer and loved to fish, hike and spend time with his family. Bill loved life, his friends, and his family. He touched the lives of many with his outgoing demeanor, generosity and sense of humor. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 Riverside Blvd, Bakersfield, California 93305. This will be held on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
I Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

James Fredrick Faris (1948-2013)

James Fredrick Faris, 65, passed away June 22, 2013 after a brief illness.
Jim was born in Grand Island, NE on June 5, 1948 and was the only child of James and Anna Faris. The family moved to Fillmore in 1950 when Jim's dad landed a teaching job at Fillmore High School.
Jim graduated from Fillmore High School in 1966, earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 1970, and a teaching credential from California Lutheran College in 1971. His teaching career began at Newbury Park High School in September 1971 and continued at Thousand Oaks High School until June 2010. During his nearly 40 year teaching career, “Mr. Faris” taught subjects ranging from Business/Economics to History. Jim was very passionate about the subjects he taught and was loved by his students because of this passion. While at Thousand Oaks High School, he was elected the first Star Teacher by the Senior Class.
Traveling the United States, sharing his knowledge with others, and being with his family (especially his granddaughter) were some of Jim's favorite things to do.
Jim is survived by his wife Linda Faris, son Jimmy Faris, daughter-in-law Mindi Faris, and granddaughter Bryn Faris.
At Jim's request, there were no services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity.

Manuela Felix Perez (1937-2013)

Manuela Felix Perez, 75, of Fillmore, passed away suddenly on November 2, 2013 in Thousand Oaks. Manuela was born on December 27, 1937 in Jerez Zacatecaz and lived in Ventura County for 43 years after moving from Mexico. Our loving Mother and Grandmother has gone to be with the Lord. She was an amazing woman who was so giving and loving. We Loved you yesterday, we will Love you Today and we will always Love you. You will be in our hearts forever. God has gained the most Beautiful, strongest and Kindest angel ever. Te Amamos Mela. Manuela is survived by her loving Husband of 65 years Francisco M. Perez and her Children Angelica Santos from Zacatecaz; Fernando Perez (Chirstela) of Fillmore, CA; Manuel Perez (Marilu) of San Antonio, TX; Francisco Perez (Herminia) Fillmore, CA; Erminda Tovar (Eduardo) of Austin, TX; Leticia Vega; Modesta Rojas (Uriel); Griselda Martinez (Albert) Lorenzo Perez (Evelyn); Rita Martinez (Juan); and Sonia Perez. A visitation will be held on Tuesday November 5, 2013 from 7:45 to 10 pm at the St Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore, CA 1048 West Ventura Street Fillmore, CA. 93015, with a rosary at 8 pm. Mass will take place the following day, November 6, 2013 at 10 am at St Francis of Assisi Church as well. Burial will immediately follow at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 South Sespe Street Fillmore, CA 93015. Manuela has been entrusted to the care of the family owned and opperated Reardon Funeral Home in Oxnard CA 511 N A st. To pay tribute to Manuela's life please visit www.reardonfh.com.

Charles S. Ponce (1925-2013)

Charles S. Ponce was born in Mexico on 08-14-1925. He was raised in Piru, CA., He passed away on 10-25-2013. He is survived by his wife Lupe of 65 years, his brother Raymond (Alma) , his sons Carlos (LiAnn), Ernie (Lucille), Ricky, his daughter Sandra (Danny), Grandchildren Tami, Ryan, Amber, Ricky Jr., Raeven, Cory, Milah, Wyatt, Frank, Tony, Ernie, his great grandson Sean Ray and many nieces and nephews.
Our dad loved his sports, especially the Dodgers, he was a proud man he wore his USA cap! He loved parties, our mom’s good cooking and Las Vegas. He will be deeply missed. Our Dad beat cancer twice in 22 years, but he succumbed to chronic heart failure at the age of 88.
Our thanks to the staff at Henry Mayo Hospital, Santa Paula Memorial, Green Valley Nursing Home.
Mass will be held at San Salvador Mission Church in Piru at 10:00am on 11-08-2013. Reception will follow.

Inez Gonzalez (1931-2013)

July 9, 1931 - October 18, 2013
Inez Gonzalez passed away at her home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, October 18, 2013 at 5:00pm.
She is survived by her three daughters, four sons and loving grandchildren.
A rosary will be held at Skillin-Carroll Chapel, 600 N Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015 on Friday, October 25, 2013 from 11:30 to 12:00pm. Followed by a mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 Ventura Street & Hwy. 126 at 12:30pm Graveside to follow at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060.

Louise Garcia (1943-2013)

Louise Garcia was born on June 25, 1943 Jalisco, Mexico and passed away on October 04, 2013 in Ventura, CA at the age of 70 years old. Louise was a resident of Ventura County for 65 years.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, collected glass figurines, birds and gardening.
She is survived by her husband: Phillip Garcia, Sister: Rosie, Sons: Richard Garcia Sr., Victor Garcia (daughter-in-law Ana Garcia); Phillip Garcia Jr.; Grandchildren: Richard Jr., Angelita, Victor Jr., Leonard, Julian, Kristian, Anthony, Desiree. Great Grandchildren: Alex, Tyson, Zachariah, Danny, Jamie.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 5:00 to 9:00pm at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 600 N Central Ave., Fillmore.
Funeral Mass will be Thursday October 10, 2013 at 10:00am at St. Francis of Assisi in Fillmore.
Burial will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.

John “Johnny” Chaveste was born on June 3, 1916 in Fillmore, Ca and passed away on September 11, 2013 in Fillmore, Ca. He was 97 years old.
John was a lifelong Fillmore resident and was employed with Ventura County Fruit Growers retiring after 50 years of service. He was also a proud WWII veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as cooking, gardening and was a fan of baseball and boxing. He was a friend to many and will be dearly missed.
He is reunited with his wife, Virginia, parents, Julian and Petra, siblings Frank, Josefina, Simon and Pauline.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Phillip, granddaughters, Eva-Marie and Emily, nephew Steve, nieces Doreen and Brittany, grand nephew Falcon, as well as numerous nephews, nieces and ffiends.
John’s services will be on Monday, October 7, 2013 at Santa Rosa Church (668 S. Workman St, San Fernando, CA 91340) at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura, Ca.

Ronnie Fred "Droop" Smith, a resident of Fillmore for more than half a century, died suddenly on Monday, the 9th of September, of chronic heart disease. He had been horseback riding with friends. He raised and trained American Paint Horses and was a long time amateur team roper.
Ron was also known for his participation in local sports. He coached Cassidy Girls Softball in the seventies, T-ball and Women's Softball in the eighties. In the nineties he coached youth softball and basketball for the LDS church athletic program and was a player-coach for the men's softball teams in both the city church leagues and the LDS men's athletic program.
Ron is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, five children, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind one sister and nieces and nephews.
Services were held on September 17th at the LDS church on First Street, graveside at Bardsdale Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church.

Ruth Geno Musgrave (1917-2013)

Ruth Geno Musgrave was born on January 17, 1917 in Watseka, Illinois to Thomas and Dora Wall. She celebrated her 96th birthday this year with family and friends before passing peacefully to be with her Lord on August 26, 2013 in Fillmore, California after a very brief illness.
Ruth spent her childhood and youth in rural Illinois where she grew up during the lean years of the Depression era with 8 brothers and sisters. She graduated from high school and Illinois Normal College before beginning her teaching profession in Sheldon, Illinois. She married Donald P. Musgrave in 1942 and in pursuit of his medical training resided in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Fullerton, CA, Ventura, CA.,before finally moving to Fillmore where they lived from 1952 until their passing.
During their 55 years together they raised a family of 2 daughters and 1 son. As a homemaker, Ruth was devoted to her family as they are to her. She excelled as a seamstress and never failed to clothe her daughters and son with exceptionally well made outfits and used her sewing talents in home décor. Her involvement in her children’s activities, church and community events lead her to be active in Boy and Girl Scouting, FFA, Ventura County Garden Club, Fillmore Ebell, Fillmore Presbyterian Church as Deaconess, Needlemaster and member of Ruth Circle. She never failed to support her children in their school projects, sports and extracurricular activities. In addition to her outstanding sewing abilities, she was accomplished at gardening, wood working, wood carving, painting, weaving, basketry-she was a true artist. Her love of flowers and birdsis evident throughout her home. Her passion was loving the Lord.An avid bridge player, she taught bridge to many people in Fillmore and still attended 2-3 bridge games a week.
She is survived by the daughter Ann (Gregg), son James (Debra) and daughter, Joy (Gabriel) as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Donald, parents, brothers and sisters and grandson, Jeffrey.
A day will not pass that she won’t be lovingly remembered for being a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, friend and neighbor. She will be dearly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at the Central Campusof Faith Community Church (formerly Fillmore Bible Church). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roze Room Hospice of Ventura, 5675 Ralston St., Suite C, Ventura, CA 93003.