Jose A. Perez

Jose A. Perez passed away from a long time illness at the age of 70 on May 9, 2011, at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital. Jose was born on December 4, 1940 in Mexico. He lived in Fillmore all his life, as a wonderful father, son, brother, grandfather, grate grandfather, uncle and friend. Jose was proceeded in death by his wife Margaret F. Perez. He is survived by his beloved mother, Amelia Perez of Oxnard, two daughters Josie Perez of Fillmore and Sylvia Perez of Boston, Ma, eight grand children, four great grand children, four brothers and ten sisters.
The memorial service will be held at Perez Family Funeral Home, 1347 Del Norte Road, Camarillo, Ca 93010. Visitations will be from 5pm-7pm with a rosary begining at 7pm-9pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011. Mass will be held at 10am, on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Saint Francis Of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore, Ca 93015. Burial will follow after mass at 11am to Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe Street, Fillmore, Ca 93015. For more information please go to www.cemarillomorturary.com. Arrangements have been made by Perez Family Funeral Home.

George A. Todd, Jr.

Ventura, California
George A. Todd, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 2011.
George was born in Pasadena, California and moved to Ventura as a young man. He joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 16, later joining the US Navy in World War II.
Married Bernadine Todd in 1949. The Todds lived in Bardsdale for many years before moving to Lemon Wood Estates in Ventura.
He was a 55 year member of Operating Engineers Local 12. In 1979 he was at the controls of the first Caterpillar D10 Bulldozer that debuted in Southern California. In 1962 he set a record that stood for 20 years by winning the 100 mile McCulloch Marathon at Lake Havasu in his hydroplane boat.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Bernadine. He is survived by his daughter, Londa; and sons, Phillip and George “Sanky”; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, May 14 at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura, California.

Jenna Caryl Bedau (1988-2011)

Jenna Caryl Bedau of Fillmore entered into eternal life on April 11, 2011, at age 22. She was born on June 20, 1988, in Canoga Park, CA, and lived most of her life in Fillmore. She was educated in Fillmore schools, graduating from Fillmore High School in June, 2006.
Jenna’s favorite school activity was participating in color guard beginning in middle school and continuing into her junior year in high school. In her senior year of high school she was on the wrestling team at Fillmore High School and thoroughly enjoyed it. Furthermore, in both middle school and high school Jenna loved acting in school plays. She was a natural on stage. Jenna also greatly enjoyed working with children and persons with severe disabilities. Her beautiful smile and energetic personality would light up any room.
Jenna will be greatly missed. She is survived by her mother, Cathy Bedau, her father, Steve Bedau, and her brother, Lennon Bedau, all of Fillmore. In addition, she is survived by her half-sisters Danielle and Suzanne and their families, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and one niece. She will also be missed by many friends.
The funeral service was officiated by Rev. Dr. Gerald FitzGerald at First United Methodist Church in Fillmore on April 18, 2011. Interment was at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA. Prayers and fond memories of Jenna may be submitted for the family at www.mem.com. May our beloved Jenna rest in the eternal peace of God Almighty.

Ralph F. Leon (1925-2011)

Ralph F. Leon, age 85 of Fillmore passed away peacefully on March 26, 2011 at Fillmore Convalescent Center surrounded by his loving wife and family. Ralph was born on September 19, 1925 in Los Angeles, CA to Gabriel C. Leon and Nicolaza Z. Frias.
A product of local schools Ralph graduated from Fillmore High in 1943. Soon after graduating high school Ralph became a member of the U.S. Army Air Corp. serving honorably during WWII in the Pacific Theatre from 10/11/1943 until 8/1/1945. Returning home from the war Ralph continued his education and attended Ventura College and received an Associate’s Degree in 1949. He then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California and in 1952. All of his education prepared him for his position as a Senior Bridge Engineer having retired in 1989 after 37 years of service.
Our father enjoyed coordinating family functions, especially our annual family reunions. He was an avid traveler. He has traveled all over the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada and Africa. Our father was a lector for St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Santa Paula as well as a parishioner of the church and that of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore. He enjoyed watching sports especially USC Trojans and building projects. His memberships included the VFW, Knights of Columbus, Optimist, Oddfellows, Toastmasters and California Parlimentarians.
He is survived by his wife Rosemary Hernandez Leon, son and daughter in law Ralph & Betty Leon, son and daughter in law Gabriel and Cecilia Leon, son and daughter in law Gilbert and Marguerite Leon, daughter Susanne D. Leon, daughter and son in law Patricia and Manuel Torrez, son and daughter in law Jose Luis and Irma Hernandez, his sisters Evangelina and Lupe and brother Jess, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Ralph F. Leon will begin on Thursday, March 31 at 9:30am with the recitation of the rosary followed by the mass of Christian burial at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore. Committal and interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery. Providing military honors will be the Mercer- Prieto VFW Post 2043 and Korean War Veterans Assoc. Chapter 56.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family’s online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula 805.229.7054

Javier Gonzalez

Javier G. Gonzalez passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 8:30am. He is survived by his loving wife Inez of 58 years, his four sons and three daughters, loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Skillin-Carroll Chapel 600 N. Central Ave., Fillmore, CA on Friday, March 18, 2011 from 8:30am-2:30pm. A Rosary will be recited that evening at St. Francis of Assisi Church 1048 Ventura St & HWY 126 in Fillmore at 4:30pm followed by a funeral Mass at 5pm on Friday, March 18, 2011. Arrangements under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805/ 524-0744.

Manuel Victoria Jr. (1917-2011)

Manuel Victoria Jr., 93, Local reknowned outdoorsman, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 6, 2011.
Manuel was born in Michoacán, Mexico, on September 21, 1917, and had been a Ventura Country resident for 90 years. He, his wife and new baby moved to Fillmore in 1945, immediately after WWII where he served as an Army shoe repairman near the front lines. This became his lifetime occupation.
Manuel is survived by his devoted wife, Connie. Four children; Mary Ellen Geibler, Victor, Richard and youngest daughter Elissa Valdivina. Also surviving Manuel are 11 grandchildren, and 24 great-gradchildren.
He was well known for his hiking, fishing, bicycling and backpacking with friends who shared his love of nature. Manuel also loved dancing with his wife and enjoyed taking her out every weekend for many, many years.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am on Friday, March 11, 2011 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 Ventura St., HWY 126 in Fillmore with burial following at Bardsdale. A reception will be held at the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Courtyard and hall.

Marguerite Barbara Bartels Gregory (1912-2011)

Marguerite Barbara Bartels Gregory was born to Dederich Frederich Heinrich and Frieda Bartels Oct. 11, 1912 in Bardsdale, CA and entered into glory with her Lord on March 6, 2011. Her long and productive life reflected her heritage of wonderful parents and eleven siblings of which she was the youngest. She married Wilson Gregory on March 25, 1938 and they had 3 girls; Barbara (Bill), Judy (Lin) and Marie (Mike). She is also survived by 10 grandkids and 28 great grand children and 3 great great grandchildren. Marguerite’s life reflected the Christian morals, ethics and values that she modeled and taught to her growing family. To her many student subjects she loved during her many years serving as a secretary at the Fillmore Junior High School; and her years as secretary with Fillmore First Presbyterian church. As a wife of a farmer, oilfield worker and carpenter Marguerite certainly nurtured her family, helping to support her girls many activities and has certainly earned the admiration, respect and honor that her family has shown for her throughout her long life.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 10am at Bardsdale Cemetery with a Memorial Service following at 11am at Bardsdale United Methodist Church.

Helen Taylor Horn (1923-2011)

1923-2011 Helen Taylor Horn went to see the Lord on Feb. 28, 2011 at the age of 87. She was born Sept.30,1923 in Success Ark. before moving to Fillmore and Ventura Ca. She was a member of the Church of Christ where she spent many years giving back. She was last of her generation. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, husband Robert E. Horn, son David G. Horn and grandson Jason Horn. Helen is survived by her children Bob & wife Pat Horn of Santee, Jim & wife Lori Horn of Fillmore, Allen & wife Sandra Horn of Texas, Sharon & husband David Villasenor of Fillmore, Steven & wife Marinda Horn of Georgia, daughter in-law Linda Horn of Arizona, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. She was a very loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She will always be in our hearts, remembered and missed but never forgotten. Loving you always, your family. Graveside Services on Fri. March 18, 1:00 PM @ Bardsdale Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Helen Horn’s name.

Gilbert S. Medina (1935-2011)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a loving and wonderful man. Dad entered into heaven, embraced by our heavenly father to join his parents, on Friday, February 25, 2011, surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and siblings by his side.
Dad was born in Fillmore on July, 27, 1935, and lived in Fillmore his entire life. He was a humble and hardworking man who always put his family and friends first. Family was very important to him. He loved to cook for family BBQ’s and was always looking for that next great recipe to try out. Our family will miss his “Santa” visits on Christmas Eve, which he so proudly looked forward to surprising his family and grandchildren. Dad loved fishing with his children, Dodger baseball games, trips to Las Vegas and visiting with his grandchildren. He was an avid gardener, and took great pride in caring for his home and that of his parents. Dad proudly served in the United States Army. He was an active parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore.
Our family would like to thank everyone who comforted, visited and prayed for dad and our family during this difficult time. A special thank you to Shari and Jose from Assisted Home Hospice for their warm and loving care given to our dad.
He is survived by his wife Peggie Medina; children, Pam (Phillip) Garcia, Lisa (Kyle) Dock, Laurie (Valentin) Montano, Bridget (Steve) Gangl, Joseph (Arisela) Medina, Michelle Medina (Ismael), Mitchell (Elizabeth) Medina, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Vera Urrea, Lucy Sanchez, Chula Pozo, Gloria Reyes, Cynthia Reyes, Felix Medina and Arthur Medina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Jennie Medina, and sister Pauline Medina. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church Building Fund, in memory of Gilbert S. Medina.
On Thursday, March 3, 2011 Rosary will be recited at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore at 9:30 am and the Holy Mass to follow at 10:00 am, with Fr. Art Gruszka officiating.
Interment to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Evelyn Cauthen Paregien Spradling (1922-2011)

Evelyn Cauthen Paregien Spradling, 88, of Edmond, Ok., passed from this life to the next at 5 am on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. There will be no funeral, just a simple graveside celebration of her life conducted by family members at the Enterprise Cemetery near Wapanucka, Oklahoma at 1:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 26th.
She was born Evelyn Lilly Cauthen to John and Vada Cauthen in Wapanucka, Ok., on May 13, 1922. She married Harold A. Paregien in Davis, Ok., on Dec. 21, 1940. She graduated from Wapanucka High School in 1941.
Evelyn and Harold and baby son Stanley moved to Santa Paula, CA., in 1942. They had a second child, Roberta, in 1943 (also born in Wapanucka). Evelyn lived most of her life in or near Fillmore, CA., and retired there after working many years as a cafeteria manager for the schools in Piru and Fillmore. At home she loved making her delicious cinnamon rolls and fried pies for family and guests. She spent countless hours tending her flower gardens, calling each “pretty, pretty”. She committed her life to Christ at an early age, and was a member of the Fillmore Church of Christ for nearly 50 years. Wherever she saw a need, she gave help freely.
Her first husband died in 1978. She married Chester Spradling, a long-time family friend, in 1982. He died in 1989. She left Fillmore in 1993 and lived with her son in Oklahoma for 10 years, with her daughter in northern California for 6 years, and back with her son in Oklahoma in March of 2010. Evelyn entered a nursing home on Jan. 10, 2011 due to complications related to Alzheimer's Disease.
She is survived by her children, son Stan Paregien and wife Peggy of Edmond, Ok., and by her daughter Roberta L. Fournier of Ione, CA. Other survivors include grandson Stan Paregien Jr & wife Becky and great-grandson Daniel of Waterloo, IL.; granddaughter Stacy E. Magness and her husband John and great-grandchildren Dylan and Christal of Caldwell, Tx. Also by grandsons Douglas Loffswold of Portland, Or., and Bradley Loffswold and wife Michelle and great-grandchildren Madelynn and Roland Loffswold of Ione, CA. And by great-granddaughter Jodi P. Barrow and husband Brandon and two great-great grandchildren Dominic and Bailee. Also by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Marvin Cauthen of Tulsa, Ok., and by a host of cousins and nephews and neices.
Evelyn was a dear friend to all, and the impact of her love lives on. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association or to a favorite charity. Cards and letters may be mailed to Stan Paregien, PO Box 3937, Edmond, OK 73083. Emails may be sent to stanparegien@gmail.com.

Bill Deeter passed away at the age of 88 on February 13, 2011 in Pocatello, ID. Bill was born February 27, 1922 in Woodward, OK. He attended schools in Fillmore and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. He served in the Army in WWII and worked in construction much of his life.
Bill was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church in Fillmore and was in charge of construction there of two youth buildings. In 1968 Bill and wife Helen went to Ethiopia where they served for ten years as missionaries for the Presbyterian Church in Dembi Dollo. They built a school and church and were involved with other mission projects.
They returned to the U.S. in 1977 and moved to Arkansas where Bill and his son Bob started their business of building grain storage and drying facilities. After almost 20 years in Arkansas they moved to Pocatello, ID to be near their son and his wife.
Bill is survived by his son Bob (Mary), brother Calvin (Lavonne), son-in-law Bob Dudley, daughter-in-law Kathy (Deeter) Wells, grandchildren Mike Deeter, Dawn (Deeter) Sparks, Kris (Dudley) Zabala Karen (Dudley) Griffith, Susan Dudley, Brehani Sikkema; eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, son Capt. Don Deeter, daughter Diane (Deeter) Dudley, sister Bernice and brother Alvin.
Interment will be at Bardsdale Cemetery. A Memorial service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 26 at the former Presbyterian Church at First and Central Ave, Fillmore.
Friends who wish may make donations to the Mission Fund at Faith Community Church, 355 D St, Fillmore or charity of their choce.

Marvin Duane Smith (1928-2011)

Marvin Duane Smith (1928-2011)
Marvin Smith, of Fillmore, went home to be with the Lord and his loving wife, Bonnie at 4:48 a.m. on 2/11/11. He was born 4/4/28 in Doniphan, MO to Elza and Pearl Smith, making him almost 83 years old.. The last four months were very hard on his health, recovering from a heart attack in October to finally be freed from his suffering with a bout of pneumonia.
In November 1928, he moved to California with his Dad, Mom, and sister Imo Jewel (went to heaven in 1973), staying with his Mom’s brother in Oxnard before moving to the ranch house on Hopper Creek, near Piru. They lived there 28 years before moving to another ranch a few miles closer to Piru. He lived there until he enlisted in the Army after graduating from Fillmore High School in 1946. Marvin married his beautiful wife Bonnie Ruth Maier on June 19, 1949. They lived in their “honeymoon cottage” as Bonnie called it on the Warring Ranch near Piru before moving to their home on Guiberson Road where he worked as Ranch Foreman for Shiells Ranch. He lived there with Bonnie, and their three kids until they moved to Fillmore in 1956 to the orchard and home where Bonnie was born. This was his temporary home of 55 years until Friday, when he went to his eternal home in heaven.
Oh, the memories of gatherings of family and friends at that home! During that time he worked several different jobs from driving Texaco gas truck, vacuum truck, and for Van Noy Trucking working the longest in the oil fields for Texaco in Castaic and Sheills Lease from which he retired in 1983. All that time also working so hard to take care of his orange orchard. He also served the Fillmore Sheriff’s Posse, now called Search and Rescue putting in many unselfish hours from looking for lost Boy Scouts in the Sespe to gathering remains from airplane crashes in the back country. He was a member of the Piru Petroleum Club and had very much missed going to the luncheons and Thursday night dinners as his health failed him.
He loved traveling, camping, fishing, hunting, and partying with friends and family. He took such good care of Bonnie while she had cancer and was the best Dad and Grandpa ever. He had so many friends because he was such a good friend to others. He would give them the shirt off his back and drive thousands of miles to aid a friend in need. Even in his last days in his earthly body his concern was for his family and friends, nurses and doctors - always unselfish. He was loved by so many people - many hearts are aching today, but also smiling and laughing remembering all the trials of life they shared and the good and hilarious times with him.
Until reunited in heaven he leaves behind his close-knit family - his son, Bill (Carolyn) Smith, of Oxnard and their daughters, Shauna (Nick) Trierweiler of MA, Katherine (Will) Fortney of Camarillo and their kids Brenden, Taylor Paige, and Zachary Eccles; daughters, Linda (Terry) Granberry and their daughter Sarah of Camarillo and Judy (Ruben) Gil and their son Brian of Atascadero; sisters, Barbara (Doug) Douglas of MO and their families and Eleanor (Chuck) Dodson of Exeter and their families.
Marvin’s family is so grateful for his many friends who checked in on him on a regular basis, especially in his later years - we love you all.
Arrangements are being made by Skillin-Carrol Mortuary, 600 N. Central Ave., Fillmore, CA, where a viewing for friends will be held Wed., Feb. 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. Graveside service at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St., Fillmore, will be Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

Tillie J. Spitler

Tillie J. Spitler of Fillmore passed away peacefully at her home Friday, Feb 11, 2011. She was 91 years old.

Born in Sunnyvale, California, she is survived by her husband of 65 years R. Conway Spitler and her two sons Thomas Spitler of Hebron, Connecticut and Russell Spitler of Benicia, Califonia.

In addition she has two grand-children Joshua and Megan living in Boston, Massachusetts.

After graduating from San Jose State she began a teaching career in Salinas, California and continued teaching when she moved to Fillmore, California. Upon retirement she spend time as a volunteer at the Fillmore Library, helping at the elementary school and at the Santa Clara Hospice in Santa Paula. She was an avid knitter and loved to travel with her husband making trips to Europe and eventually traveled around the world.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Tillie’s name to the Santa Clara Valley Hospice Home Support Group, Inc. In respect of Tillie’s wishes no service will be held.

Harold C. Michel

On February 5, 2011, Harold Chester Michel passed away peacefully at his home in Bardsdale near Fillmore. Harold was a third generation member of the Michel family who pioneered farming in the Santa Clara Valley.
Harold graduated from Fillmore High School and Ventura Community College. He earned his pilot’s license at the Santa Paula Airport and enjoyed many hours flying. Harold entered the U.S. Army to join the 3rd Division in Europe during World War II. After the war he returned to the love of his life, Bernice Blythe. They were married July 27, 1946. Together they raised three daughters on the family farm.
Harold was a respected member of the Bardsdale School District Board of Education. He was a lifelong Presbyterian. He worked for the Texaco Oil Company and the California Department of Water Resources while maintaining the family ranches. He and Bernice enjoyed camping and traveling. More than anything he loved to be surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Esther Michel. He is survived by his wife Bernice, daughter Sandra Crowe and husband Frank of Carpinteria, Elizabeth Kemp and husband John of Fillmore, Martha Rogers and husband Kenny of Fillmore; grandchildren Margaret Kemp, Sarah Kemp, Jacob and Nichole Kemp, Jennifer Crowe, Alison and Chris Crowe/Purdy, Marie and Brian Haase, Amy Rogers and three great grandsons, Carson and Austin Haase and William Crowe/Purdy as well as a sister Marilyn Wileman and a brother Donald Michel and wife Loretta.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Fillmore High School Alumni Association, PO Box 385, Fillmore, CA 93016.
Graveside services will be held at the Bardsdale Cemetery on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM.

Oct. 13, 1920 - Jan. 29, 2011
Clara Valadez of Fillmore of “Clarita” as she was fondly called by those who loved her, passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by her family at Fillmore Convalescent Hospital on Saturday, January 29, 2011.
Clara was a long time resident of Fillmore and a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She was a beloved sister and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Our tia Clara will always be remembered as a woman who was devoted to her family and who was always of service to others. She enjoyed telling amusing stories, and made all of us laugh. Tia Clara’s hands were always busy and she would knit sweaters and make many delicious dishes for family lunches and dinners. Everyone’s Favorite was her home-made flour tortillas. Clarita’s generous nature and the laughter and love she brought to her family will not be forgotten.
She is survived by her sister, Luz Quezada, her niece, Lucy, nephews-Felipe and Ricardo, their spouse and children. As a great-aunt, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
On behalf of our beloved, Tia Clara, the family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Fillmore Convalescent Center, especially to their aides, Sara, Michelle, Robin, Melissa for tending to her needs with love and compassion throughout her stay.
The rosary is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, February 07, 2011 at St. Francis Assisi Church in Fillmore, followed by the funeral mass. The internment will be on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Bardsdale cemetery.

Patricia Ann Stevens

Patricia Ann Stevens
(1925 – 2011)
On January 12, 2011, Patricia Ann Stevens, age 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family. “Pat or Patty” as she was known by family and friends, was born at home on June 27, 1925. The rural family residence was located in Bardsdale at the current entrance to Elkin’s Ranch Golf Course. Pat was oldest of 4 children born to Carl Ward Elkins and Hazel Talmage Elkins. Her great-grandfather, C.C. Elkins was one of the early pioneers of the City of Fillmore. Her maternal grandfather, Clark A. Talmage, was the first Constable of the City of Carpinteria, CA. Tragically, Pat’s father died when she was only 12 yrs old. Following his death her mother moved the family in to Fillmore. Pat graduated from FHS in 1943. She married her high school sweetheart, Harold Stevens, in 1944 just prior to his military deployment to the WWII European Theater. After returning from the war, Harold and Pat remained in Fillmore where they raised their family.
Pat worked as a telephone operator in Fillmore in the early days when you lifted the receiver and heard “Operator, Number Please”. Later she worked in secretarial positions for the County of Ventura until retirement. Pat was known as an agreeable, unassuming, and compassionate person. Friends and family were always welcome in her home anytime, day or night. She was always ready to travel, equally at ease camping outdoors as she was staying in a luxury resort. She loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and hitting the casinos with her daughters. Pat was also a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club and the Faith Community Church.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband Harold in 2002 and her son-in-law Ken Warren also in 2002.
She is survived by her brother Carl (wife Laurice) Elkins of Palm Desert, CA; two sisters, Billie Mae Stimac, of Camarillo, and Carolyn (husband Walt) Boone, of Buena Vista, Mexico; son Larry (wife Hope) Stevens, Las Vegas, NV; daughters, Leslie Warren of Fillmore; and Diane (husband Dave) Wareham of Fillmore. Pat also leaves behind eight grandchildren and their spouses, and twelve great-grandchildren.
Graveside services at the Bardsdale Cemetery will be held on February 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association.

Joan Nichols

Joan Nichols, long-time resident of Ventura County, passed away on December 29, 2010, surrounded by loving family and friends. She is survived by her four sons: Jim, John, Joe and Jeff; her daughter-in-law Sandy; her grandchildren Raymond and “Jimbo,” McKenna and Joey, and Timmony and Christian; and great-grandchildren Tyler and Hannah, Lola and Atticus, and Elijah and Samuel. Born on May 22, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, she came to California where she raised her family and worked for over 30 years with the courts in the County of Ventura, retiring in 1995. Fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, her dream came true following her retirement when she visited Ireland. She cherished her Claddagh ring symbolizing love, friendship and loyalty, and those were the qualities that made Joan who she was. Her love of her family was boundless, and her friends could count on her to always stand by their side. To Joan, from those who loved her, we send this Irish poem: “You’ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today, A cherished place within our hearts, Is where you’ll always stay.”
Rosary on Thursday, January 13, 2011, 7:30 p.m., and Mass on Friday, January 14, 2011, 10:00 a.m., both to be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore, California.
Following the Mass, graveside services will be at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 Sespe Street, Fillmore, California.
Arrangements being handled by Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, Fillmore, California.

Jimmy Hutchins
Born - August 4, 1948
Died - December 26, 2010 after a long illness
Preceded in death by parents Art and Mary Hutchins
Leaves Behind
wife- Glenna Hutchins of Ariela, Washington
son- James P. Hutchins of Portland, Oregon
daughter- Chris Webb of Vancouver, Washington
sister- Joyce Nash of Las Vegas, Nevada
brother- Roger Hutchins of Mobile, Alabama
4 grandchildren

Mary (Shipley) Real

PIRU, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2011) – Mary (Shipley) Real, a long-time Piru resident appreciated for her warm smile, positive attitude, and courageous spirit, passed January 8, 2011 in the arms of her immediate family.
Just two months shy of her seventieth birthday, Mary was full of life, recently walking in Relay for Life, participating in a 5K with her daughter and granddaughter, a bowler, wonderful member and Eucharistic Minister at San Salvador Mission, and regular “Friday Night Meeting” attendee. The friendliest banker in town, she worked as a teller for over 20 years until her retirement in 2008.
Born in 1941 to Pearl and Herman Shipley in Frederick, Oklahoma, Mary was the second of five children.
As a small child, Mary became a California girl, moving to Piru with her family. Raised in the area, she attended Piru Elementary School and went on to attend Fillmore Jr. High and High School graduating in 1959.
A fun-loving gal, Mary bopped around a bit after graduation, living in Redondo Beach for a time, and even living in Hawaii until she “ran out of money,” she would say. She decided to return, at which point she found love with her husband of nearly 48 years.
Falling for those brown eyes of his, Mary tied the knot with Piru-native George Real in 1963. The two lived in Nevada for a short time then moved into their Piru home where they raised their children Anthony and Debbi, and several horses, cats and dogs along the way.
Starting in 1987, they welcomed their first of four grandchildren. In 1991, with her second grandchild on the way, Mary was diagnosed with Lymphoma, audaciously battled the disease, and was in remission until 2010 when cancer struck a second time, serving as the gateway to her ascension into Heaven.
Mary is survived by husband George, son Anthony and his wife Shelly and son Brandon; daughter Debbi and her husband Lawrence, and children April, Jaymee and Zachary; and sisters Etta Mae, Darla, and Grace, and brother Henry.
Family and friends will forever hold in their hearts the image of her sparkling blue eyes and loving spirit. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Mary’s doctors, friends and family, and to members of the community.
A rosary will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 1:00pm at San Salvador Mission Church in Piru followed by a Funeral Mass and burial at Piru Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 805/524-0744.

Robert Savala Ortega

Robert Savala Ortega, Fillmore High School Hall of Fame Inductee.
Robert, 64, passed away peacefully after a courageous struggle with Cancer at his home with his children and family by his side on December 28th, 2010 in Camarillo.
He was born on December 3rd, 1946 in Oxnard, Ca. to Angel Raymond Ortega and Lucille Savala Ortega.
Robert planted his roots in Piru as a boy and spread his wings into manhood in Fillmore.
Robert’s passion was sports. He excelled as a Fillmore High School Flash at Football and took those talents to Ventura College and then onto New Mexico Highlands University where he was drafted to the Washington Redskins only to be hurt in training camp. He came home to work for Coors Beer Company, got married and had two beautiful daughters. He became a Coach at Fillmore High School and dedicated himself for 23 years as a Line man Coach.
After a life threatening accident, Robert discovered Therapy in Personal Training and had been doing so for the past 19 years, living in Garden City Kansas for the past 7 years.
Robert loved to laugh, loved being outside, loved his friends and family, enjoyed movies, music, hunting and loving on his Grandkids. He was a simple man with big dreams.
We will miss and always remember his humor, his stories, his love and kindness. Never to be out done, Robert was one of a kind.
Robert is survived by his Daughters Camaille Victoria Torres, Tara Rochelle Ortega, Grandkids, Mia and Dallas Torres, former wife Teresa Ortega, Father Angel Ortega, brothers Michael and Mark, sister Lisa Tovar, son in laws, Andrew Torres and Rudy Cortez.
Thank you to all that have sent love and prayers to our Father and our Family.
Services for Robert will be held at Padre Serra Parish 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo, Ca. 93012, 805-482-6417, on Tuesday, January 4th at 11am.
In Leau of flowers please donate to the Fillmore High School Hall of Fame.