Vera Li Lopez Garcia

Vera Li Lopez Garcia, 46, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2008 in Fillmore, CA. She was a resident of Ventura County for her entire life. She loved working on cars, spending time with her children and drawing.
She was preceded in death by her father Richard Robert Lopez in October of 2000.
Vera is survived by her mother, Helen Tovar Lopez, her son Richard Emanuel Garcia (violeta) and “soon to be” grandson Alex, Daughter Angelita Michelle Garcia, son Jose Angel Villa Jr., Brother Eric David Lopez (Chris), sister Felina Holt (Greg).
Memorial donations can be made to Papa’s Loys in Fillmore, Victor’s Market in Fillmore and Manny’s Auto Repair in Santa Paula.
Arrangements were done under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805/ 525-3391.

Jacob Gregory Henry

08/31/81-06/26/08
Jacob Gregory Henry passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 26, 2008. He was 26 years old.
He was born August 31, 1981 in Ventura. California and was a life long resident of Ventura County. He was loved and will be dearly missed by his 4 year old son Austin, father Dennis, and mother Anita of Fillmore, brother Dylan, wife Chelsea and nephew Payton of Tehachapi. He is also survived and will be greatly missed by his grandmother Carolyn Henry of Santa Paula and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jacob lived in Fillmore and attended Fillmore schools, obtaining his GED in 2000. He loved music, playing his guitar, and watching movies of all kinds. He loved hiking in the hills behind Fillmore and spent many hours reading at the Fillmore Library. Above all else Jacob loved his son Austin and the times they spent together. We will miss his presence in our lives immensely.
A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fillmore on Friday, July 11 at 11:00 a.m.
Jacob - may you have found the peace you sought but could not find in this world.

RoseMarie Gallardo

In the morning hours on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, a small light that was the life of RoseMarie Gallardo faded from our sight, with her husband and their children at her side.
Rose, 69, was born on April 23, 1939, in Fillmore, and has been a lifelong resident ever since.
She played in the walnut, avocado and citrus orchards that were Ventura County, graduated from Fillmore High School in 1958 and met the love of her life in 1959.
Rosie and Richard were married on June 11, 1960, and worked hard together in the agricultural industry. Rosie continue her involvement with the community throughout her life by working for the Fillmore Unified School District as a school nurse and continued involvement in the Fillmore Alumni Association and other local organizations. She was the backbone of the family trucking business. With Richard working the truck and Rosie working the books, they provided a comfortable home for their children, Lani Rene, Christina Marie and Richard Edward, friends and family.
Rosie enjoyed traveling, and she and Richard were no strangers to New Mexico, Arizona, Las Vegas, the East Coast, Mexico, Europe and various cruise lines.
Rosie's home knew no strangers, and she enjoyed feeding the neighborhood and making any and all manner of baked goods.
She maintained her determination and personal independence to the end, having the final say in the treatment of her illness.
RoseMarie "Rosie" Gallardo will be missed by daughters Lani (Ken) Farr, Christina (Greg Mauro) Gallardo; son Richard (Stacey) Gallardo; grandchildren Joshua Gross, Samantha and James Farr, Sophia and Amelia Gallardo; along with numerous brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews; very special and close family friend, Millie Shackleford; brother Robert Cruz; and, of course, "Monty," her four-legged friend.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society in Rosie's memory would be appreciated by the family.
The family whishes to thank the ICU staff at Ventura County Medical Center, especially night nurse Sue.
A celebration of Rosie will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Skilllin-Carroll Mortuary. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 7, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with burial to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, N. Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015; 805-524-0744.

Nadine Real, Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on June 21, 2008 in a Long Beach California nursing home after a long bout with Alzheimer’s. Nadine was born January 5, 1922 At Camulos Ranch in Piru. Nadine was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Joe Real and her sister Esther Nunez of Piru along with her parents Gregorio & Manuela Cadena. Joe was a retired Ventura County Fireman that worked his whole career in the town of Piru. Nadine lived all of her life in Piru until she had to be hospitalized. Survived by her daughter Liz & husband Wayne Rutledge of Flagstaff Arizona, sons Joe Real & wife Jenny and their 3 Children of Arroyo Grande, Jerry Real & wife Sabina of Baldwin Park and their son. She also leaves her sister Sara Rivas of Santa Barbara. She had 7 grand children, 5 great grand children along with a slew of nieces and nephews and relatives. Nadine went to Piru School as a child and then graduated from Fillmore High School in 1940. She worked at Piru Elementary School as a teacher’s aide and was instrumental in starting the Head Start program in Piru. She also held various jobs in her life. Nadine will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We thank her for all the kindness and love she gave us. Mom you will always be remembered in our hearts.
A memorial service for Nadine will take place at San Salvador Mission in Piru on Thursday June 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

Fernando “Popeye” Gonzalez

Fernando “Popeye” Gonzalez a resident of Fillmore, passed away on June 12, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.
Fernando was born to Jose and Maria “Jesus” Gonzalez on Dec. 7, 1932, in Fillmore.
“Popeye” grew up in Fillmore, attending local schools. He was voted “wittiest” of the calls of 1952, was an outstanding athlete, and talented artist creating the well-known Fillmore High mascot, “The Flashman”. His family owned and operated La Mexicana Market in Fillmore. Fernando left to serve in the U.S. Air Force, but later returned to help with the family business. He received high accolades working as a car salesman throughout the county and eventually opened Popeye’s Tavern in Oak View and later Popeye and the Big Guy Restaurant in Ojai. He relocated to Palm Desert and eventually retired and returned to Fillmore.
Fernando is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Maria “Jesse” Gonzalez, brother Jose “Pepe” Gonzalez Jr., sister Raquel Ryan and wife Lynn Poole Gonzalez.
He is survived by his children, Debbie (Richard) Hinojosa, Fernando Gonzalez Jr. (Leslie), Laura (Kirk) McDowell, and Nancy (Ricardo) Gonzalez, all of Fillmore, brothers Richard Gonzalez, and Carlos Gonzalez and ex-wife and dear friend, Betty Carreno (Jaime). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Anthony Gonzalez, Richard Hinojosa Jr., Kyle McDowell, Danny Gonzalez, Leah Hinojosa, Matthew McDowell, Ricardo Gonzalez Jr., Kelly McDowell, Krystal Gonzalez, Brittany Gonzalez, Brendan Gonzalez, and Ryan Gonzalez, and great-grandchildren Prayleana McDowell, Anthony Valenzuela, and Maxxwell McDowell. Step-daughters Paula Maxwell, Kim Cavanagh and families.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Pankratz and the Assisted Home Hospice staff for all of their care.
A vigil will be held Thursday at 8:00 p.m. located at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore. A Mass will be held on Friday June 20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. located at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore.
Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is the family owned and operated Rose-Perez Funeral Home & Cremation. “Our Families Putting Your Family First”. Telephone (805) 484-6365.

Elena Leon Canchola

Elena Canchola, 79 years old, a 71 year resident of Fillmore passed away Saturday June 14th, 2008, in her room at the Fillmore Convalescent Nursing Home after struggling with an illness for 7 years.
She was born Elena Leon, on August 18th, 1928, in Riverside California; where she lived with her family until moving to the San Fernando area, and later to Fillmore at the young age of 8 years old. When Elena was old enough she went to work for Fillmore and Piru Citrus; where she graded and helped pack some California’s best oranges for 42 years. When Elena wasn’t at work she would love to be out tending to her garden, or when she was looking for a little more fun you could find Elena at the casinos of Chumash, Laughlin, or Las Vegas.
She was preceded in death by her father Gabriel Leon and mother Nicolasa Leon and brother Elias Leon.
She is survived by her husband Jose Canchola, step-son Joey Canchola, brother Ralph Leon of Fillmore and family, brother Jess Leon of Fillmore and family, sister Eva Diaz of Ventura and her husband Larry, sister Lupe Ramos of Ventura and family, and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Fillmore Convalescent for everything they were able to do for Elena during her stay with them.
There will a Chapel Visitation held in Elena’s honor on Monday, June 23rd, 2008, starting at 8:00 A.M. and ending at 9:30 A.M., at the Skillin Carroll Chapel located at 600 N. Central Ave. in Fillmore. The Rosary will also be spoken for her at 9:00 A.M., on Monday, June 23rd, 2008, at the Skillin Carroll Chapel. The Mass to celebrate Elena’s Life will be held on Monday, June 23rd, 2008, at 10:00 A. M. at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore, and the burial services will follow at the Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore. After the services the family would like to invite Elena’s friends and loved ones to join them at a reception that will be held in her honor at the St. Francis of Assisi Hall located directly behind the St. Francis of Assisi Church building in Fillmore. Arrangements were done under the care of the Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805-524-0744.

Geraldine Doud Morris

September 22, 1933 – June 15, 2008
Geraldine Doud Morris “Jeri” passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2008 at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital at the age of 74. She was surrounded by family and friends.

Jeri was born in Oxnard, California on September 22, 1933 to parents Robert and Laura Doud. She was the younger sister to Jim and Charlie and older sister to Sally. She attended Santa Clara Elementary School in her early years and finished High School at Ramona Convent in Alhambra. A graduate from UCLA, Jeri went on to pursue a teaching career in education and taught kindergarten at El Rodeo School in Beverly Hills.

In 1958, Jeri married John Chapman Morris “Chappy” of Fillmore, California which is where she has resided for the past 50 years. She loved all sports especially her Bruins and was an avid tennis player. Over the years, she gave back to her community in support of many local charities including Las Patronas Auxiliary, Assistance League of Ventura County, National Charity League and the Ventura County Museum.

Her greatest joy in life was her family: husband Chappy, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins – of which there are many. She was a favorite Aunt and relative and was famous for her annual “McGrath Family” Easter party where the “Geraldine Classic” open volleyball tournament was a spirited occasion enjoyed by all. She was also known for her love of animals.

She is survived by Chappy, her husband of 50 years and her four children: Laurie Morris Smith of San Clemente, John Chapman Morris, Jr. of Ventura, Tina Morris Thomson of San Marino and William L. Morris, III of Fillmore; sons in law David B. Smith and John E. Thomson; daughters in law Lori Morris and Shelly Morris.

Oma, Namaw, Nana and Grandma was how she was known to her beloved grandchildren Chasen, Brennan and Lauren Smith, Sydney and Maggie Morris, Katie and Charlie Thomson and Hunter, Grant and Griffin Morris.

The Rosary will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fillmore on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm. A service celebrating Jeri’s life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:00 am at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Museum of Ventura County “Geraldine Doud Morris” memorial fund, 100 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001.

Marie Teresa James, 66, of LaGrange, GA, formerly of Piru, CA, died Monday, June 09, 2008 at Twin Fountain Nursing Home, LaGrange, GA.

Mrs. James was born December 21, 1941 in Ventura, CA, daughter of the late Maximo Gonzalez and Victoria Estrada Gonzalez.

Survivors include her husband, Clarence James; four children, Clarence James, Jr., Anna Noyola, George James, and Frank James; twelve grandchildren; six sisters, Lucy Godinez, Carolyn Jimenez, Abelina Gonzalez, Amelia Espinoza, Maximina Gonzalez, and Victoria Gonzalez; and one brother, Francisco Gonzalez.

The Funeral Mass was said Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. at St. Peterʼs Catholic Church, LaGrange, GA. Another service will be held in Piru, CA at San Salvador Mission. Mrs. James will be laid to rest in the Piru Cemetery beside her parents.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Felipe Daniel Tapia

Felipe Daniel Tapia, 43, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2008 in North Carolina.

Felipe, who worked in construction, was born in Mazatlan, Mexico and was a resident of Ventura County for 27 years.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother Dolores Villela, sister Rose Marie Mendez and aunt Graciela Romero

He is survived by his parents Frumencio and Bertha A. Tapia, brother Frank Tapia, sister Nancy Patricia Tapia, wife Tillie Tapia, daughter Mariah Tapia, step-sons Joseph, Paul and Raymond and Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2008 from 5:00-7:30 P.M. with a rosary at 6:00 P.M. at the Skillin Carroll Chapel in Fillmore. Mass will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore with Father John Love officiating, Internment immediately following at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore. Arrangements were done under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 600 North Central Ave., Fillmore, CA, 805/ 524-0744.

Edward Joseph Martinez Sr.

Edward Joseph Martinez Sr. was born October 31, 1923 in Piru, Ca. and died May 21, 2008 in Ventura Ca. surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness. Burial was at Bardsdale Cemetery on May 27, 2008 under the direction of Skillin Carroll Morturary.
He is proceeded in death by his parent’s Merced & Julia Martinez, his 3 sons Edward Jr., Kenny and Robbie Martinez.
His is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Helen his 4 sons, Vince (wife Chris) of El Monte, Johnny of Delano, Adrian (wife Marisa) of Fillmore and Marc (wife Stella) of Castaic. 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchildren due in September. He is also survived by his 3 brothers Jesus (Chuy) and Salvador (Chavie) both of Piru and Manuel (wife Eleanor) of Fillmore, 2 sisters Lucy and Carmen both of Santa Barbara.
Edward was born and raised in Piru and was a World War II Veteran of the 82nd Airborne. He retired from the company Bermit, in Saugus. He had a love of garage sales and a passion for fixing televisions. He will be greatly missed!
The Martinez family would like to thank Ventura Convalescent Home “The Californian” & their wonderful staff, the Ventura Assisted Home Hospice, Dr. Snow of Ventura Community Hospital and her great staff. We would also like to thank the communities of Piru and Fillmore for all your love, support and prayers through this difficult time. Edward always cherished the memories he had growing up and through out his life.

Kurt Harold Ingalls

1956 – 2008
Kurt passed away after a lengthy illness on May 10, 2008 at his home in Taft, CA. Kurt had moved to Taft in 2007 to be near his daughter and grandchildren.
Kurt was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on February 29th, 1956. He moved to Piru, CA in 1963 where he spent his childhood and then joined the United States Marine Corp.
After returning home, Kurt was on a mission to find his career path. This path took him from being a roughneck in the oilfields of Northern and Southern California, to working with his hands as a carpenter and then onto being a successful realtor. However, in 1994 Kurt found his true passion working with his father on their citrus ranch.
Kurt loved farming, fishing, playing golf, making pottery, collecting unique pieces of artwork and was an avid reader. He also loved football, basketball and baseball. Those who knew Kurt know that he was kind and generous and that his heart was as big as his hearty laugh and sense of humor. Kurt was a special person who touched many hearts in his lifetime.
Kurt is survived by his daughter, Tara Waldrop and husband Scott, grandchildren Jordan, Sophia and Emma, brother Thomas Ingalls of Hawaii, sister Jennie Mann of Pennsylvania and many friends in the Piru and Fillmore area. Kurt was preceded in death by his loving parents Dave and Pauline Ingalls.
At Kurt’s request his ashes were scattered so that he will remain in the cycle of life.

Alberta Renee Ortega

Alberta Ortega, 44, of Piru passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2008 after a long illness. Alberta was born in Santa Paula and had been a Ventura County resident her entire life.
Alberta was a homemaker who loved music and Indian artifacts.
Alberta was preceded in death by her parents: Albert and Eliza Carter and brother Mark Carter.
Alberta is survived by her husband Victor (Rusty) Ortega; sisters Lorie Ponce, Shelly & LaDawn and Kimberly Carter; brothers Allen and Eric Carter; brother and sister-in-law Debbie and Richard Alcozar; numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, family and friends.
A Rosary will be held Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 3:00 P.M. with Mass immediately following at San Salvador Mission Church in Piru, CA. Arrangements are under the directions of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 600 N. Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 805/524-0744.

Jane Robertson

“Guess what? I’m selling my house and moving to Bakersfield!” These are the words that greeted Jane Robertson’s family and friends almost 2 years ago. Despite having lived in Fillmore, CA for 81 years, Jane decided to begin a new chapter of her life in a retirement community in the San Joaquin Valley.

Jane was born to Lacy and Ressie Beem in 1926. She attended Fillmore schools graduating from FHS in 1944. She worked for a short time in a lemon packing house before marrying John Robertson.. They had 2 children, Gary and Linda. Jane was a stay-at-home mom who enjoyed her children—attending their school and sporting events, baking cookies and just being a mom. She babysat for numerous children over the years and had remained good friends with them. She truly loved her “adopted” children: John McCoy, Erin Padgett and Jeremiah Allen who preceded her in death.

The move to Bakersfield was a good one for her. Jane moved to be closer to her brother-in-law, Larry Robertson and his wife Mae. Jane shared her mobile home with her brother Dale Beem and his wife, Elizabeth. They all had great times together planting roses, fruit trees and tomatoes, going out to dinner, and shopping. She was a voracious reader. She either had a book or a crochet hook in her hands. Everyone in the family treasures their handmade afghan.

Jane leaves her daughter and son-in-law Linda and Ray Johnson of Texas, and her son, Gary Robertson and his wife, Ann.

She will be missed by her grandchildren: Nathan (Erin), Sam (Erica), Phillip Johnson (all of Texas) and Miles Robertson of San Diego.

She also leaves her brother Dale (Elizabeth) and their children Robert and Michael (Becky) Beem. Janice, Gloria, GeorgiaLynn and Tommy will also miss their “Aunt” Jane.

Jane died Friday, April 25, in a Bakersfield hospital. A celebration of her life was held May 3, 2008 in Bakersfield.

Danielle (Dani) Lyn “Lil’ Crow Barrett

Danielle (Dani) Lyn “Lil’ Crow Barrett danced her way to heaven Thursday, May 1, 2008, after a tragic car accident. Dani was born August 1, 1991 in La Mesa, CA. She is part of both the Kumeyaay and Coushatta tribes, Being an enrolled member of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, San Diego, and has resided in Fillmore for the past 7 years.

Danielle attended, St. Bonaventure H.S. in Ventura, until this year when she started at Fillmore Community H.S. and attended dance class at Ventura College. She loved music(NOFX), dance, the beach, and camping at Hobson, Gerald, her new twin brother and sister, and all her family and friends. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and kind heart plus her desire for peace amongst all. Oh Yeah and cute Little ducks.

She is preceded in death by Great-Grandparents Luke & Ad Sundquist of Fillmore and Woody & Jane Sampson, Granparents Bobby & Florence Barrett, Grandpa Wayne Sampson her Uncle Tim Sampson, and baby sister Evelyn Ruise.

She is survived by mother Carrie “Angel” Ruise, Rudy M. Padilla, siblings Anthony & Gianni Padilla, Proud grandmothers Roberta (Bobbie) Andrino, and Janet Sampson, grandparents Wes & Norma Ruise, Uncles Matt Rickard and Katie , Scott “Luke” Sundquist, & Marty Sampson, Aunt Mary Sampson father Bobby Barrett , wife Ana, ,Bros.Darren , Bo , and Ethen Barrett sister Olivia Barrett Step Dad Joey Ruise, & Tawney Osuna, Brother Joe Ruise Very .and Uncle Kristi& Greg Condon, cousins Amanda & Josh Condon, Grandma Dana Aunt Missy and Uncle Carlos,,Aunt and.Uncle Alan and Morena Barrett, Uncle Erik and Auntie Sandy, cousin Catrina Stahl, Auntie Joanne Hastings, cousin Danessa and Davina Uncles Man, Robert, John, Aunties Cheryl, Nita ,Eva, Barbara and Tom Jehling. Many cousins from Viejas and La Jolla Reservations(she loved you all) Also, Her Loving boyfriend Gerald Shafer and his family Gerald senior, Donna, Christina and Dominic Shafer. Many friends and loved ones especially Eric, Eddie,and Patty.

Everyone is invited to attend a memorial gathering in her honor on the beach at the end of Seaward Ave. in Ventura, this Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Danielle’s name to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Dept # 7924, Los Angeles, Ca. 90084-7924 or by calling (323)361-3850

Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA (805) 524-0744