Edwin C. Rice

Edwin C. Rice of Fillmore, CA. passed away on November 1, 2008. He was born on January 30, 1923 in Fresno, CA and was raised in Fillmore. He served in the Marines during World War II. He was an administrator, teacher, and track coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School for 32 years. He also taught at Orange Coast College and Newport Harbor High School, and was a substitute teacher at Fillmore High School. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Bards dale Cemetary, 1698 S Sespe Street, Fillmore, CA., (805) 524-3877. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on his behalf to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Sally T. Espinoza

In Memory of: Sally T. Espinoza
January 24, 1924 to September 16.2008
Ventura County was moms home turf, specifically Piru and Fillmore. Mom’s last nine months were spent living with her daughters and families in Santa Clara County of northern California.
With fire storms in California this year, we thought it would be a fitting memorial to our mom by planting trees. She loved her garden…… …Join us.. $1 plants 1 tree.
https://www.americanforests.org/planttrees/
With Love and Regards,
Sally’s children Ruth Kent, Lydia Lujan, Michael Celaya

Mary T. Owen, 91, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Mary was born in Irvine Ranch, CA and was a resident of Ventura County for 86 years. She was a Beautician. She volunteered her time to Santa Paula Hospital, Braille Institute Ventura, and Fillmore Convalescent.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill Owen in 1991, son-in-law Wayne Fields in 1991 and brother George Anlauf on August 1, 2008.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie Fields of Riverside, grandsons Ryan Fields, Jeremy Fields of Riverside granddaughter Melissa Martinez of Riverside,
great-grandsons Zachary Hanley-Fields of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Owen Luis Fields of Riverside.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. at Skillin Carroll Mortuary , 600 N. Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015

In Honor of Mary Memorial Donations can be made to Fillmore Convalescent Center, 118 “B” Street, Fillmore, CA 93015

Arrangements under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 600 N. Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015 (805) 524-0744.

Viva J. Ramirez

Viva J. Ramirez, 91, of Fillmore, CA passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2008. She was a resident of Ventura County for 7 years.
Viva loved her family and friends. She enjoyed going to swap meets, playing cards, going to Chumash Casino and swimming. She was a great lady and will truly be missed, yet joyfully remembered.
Viva is preceded in death by husband Pete Ramirez, son Larry Ramirez, brother Bill Nielsen, brother John Robinson and sister Betty Johnson.
She is survived by son Tom Ramirez (Kristy) of Washington, daughter Sheila Campos (Joe) of Fillmore, son Pete Ramirez (Diane) of North Fork, son Gilbert Ramirez (Lynn) of Irvine, brother Daniel Nielsen of Washington, brother Dick Robinson of Washington, grandchildren Tom Ramirez of Concord, Simone Ramirez of Concord, J.D. Campos (Marina) of Ventura, Desiree Tarango of Fillmore, Chantee Campos of Fillmore, Ryan, Ceaenna and Larry Ramirez of North Fork, Nicholas and Jessica Ramirez of Irvine, great grand children Christine Cardona Threadgil of Palmdale; Brandon, Andrew and Lauren Campos of Ventura; Kianna, Cheyanne and Roman Tarango of Fillmore; Evan and Serena Ramirez of Concord, Monique Deradntz of Concord; Great grandchildren Tianna Gregoire of Concord and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805/ 524-0744. Internment will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 12:00 noon at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach.

John Joseph McKinnon

John Joseph McKinnon passed away peacefully, at home, lovingly surrounded by his family, on Sept. 9, 2008.
John was born in Dorchester, MA. He and his family moved to California, and settled in Fillmore, which he loved, 28 years ago.

John will lovingly be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lorraine and their seven children: Joanne Peddell (spouse Alex), Catherine McKinnon, John Daniel McKinnon, Ellie Davison, Arlene Daniels, Stephen McKinnon and Lauren Vigil (spouse Paul); 19 loving grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; goddaughter Julie Welch; sisters Ann Simmons and Marie Curtis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father John Joseph McKinnon, his mother Mary McKinnon, and his sisters Patricia and Margaret.

Anyone who knew John knew that they would be greeted by a huge smile, a hearty handshake and an Irish joke.
John was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and as anyone who knew John can imagine, his favorite calling in the church was official greeter.

Services will be held Monday, September 15, 2008, 10 a.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1017 First St. Fillmore, Ca.

Hazel Rose Griffin, 96 of Fort Smith passed away Friday, September 05, 2008 in Fort Smith. Her family came to Arkansas on one of the Trail Of Tears excavations, and her grandfather homesteaded land in Washington and Crawford Counties. Her grandfather and father pioneered the first Masonic lodge in that region. She was orphaned at the age of ten, and had to help raise her brothers and sisters. She learned to pick cotton and worked as a machinist in the ship yards at San Diego, CA during WWII. She is preceded in death by her siblings Dessie Naomi Rose Holt, Clara Ethel Rose Archibald, Sarah Lou Rose Lamadrid, and Charley Bill Rose.

Services will be 10:00 AM Monday, September 8, 2008 at Fentress Mortuary Chapel with burial to follow at Garrett Creek Cemetery near Natural Dam, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary of Fort Smith.

She is survived by three daughters; Jane Rose Griffin Gibson of Anchorage, AK, Rebecca Sharon Griffin Squire of Little Rock, AR, and Doris Jean Griffin Nichols of Fillmore, CA, one son, Loyd Olen Griffin of Huntington, AR, and one brother, Ray James Rose of Roland, OK She also has eleven grandchildren; Steven Loyd Griffin, Sunday Lea Griffin Lorenz, Danielle Terrazo Oliver, Michelle Terrazo, Franklin Scott Gamble, Stacy Lee Gamble, Andrew Ray Gamble, Michael Lowery Nichols, Matthew Loy Nichols, Melissa Ann Squire, and Robert Justin Squire. Thirteen great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4p.m. to 6p.m. Sunday at Fentress Mortuary.

To sign an on line guest book please visit www.fentressmortuary.com

Brian Joseph Roud

Brian Joseph Roud, 39 years old, passed away on August 28, 2008, after a courageous two year battle with leukemia. Brian was born April 18, 1969, the youngest child of Tom and Maureen Roud.

Brian grew up in Fillmore and graduated from Rio Mesa High School. Brian was confined to a wheelchair most of his life due to Ataxia Telangiectasia. His disability could not dampen his spirit for enjoying and living life to the fullest. His adventures took him to Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Hawaii, fishing in Alaska, river rafting down the American River, and many road trips to Las Vegas and across the United States.

Brian was generous and loving, and what he enjoyed most of all was spending time with his family. His passing has left a large void in our lives which we will try to fill with the many beautiful memories we have of him.
He will be dearly missed by his father Tom Roud, brothers Thomas and Daniel, sister in law Deborah, sister and brother in law Kathleen and Andrew Aguirre, nephews and niece Benjamin , Noah, and Brooke Aguirre, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Maureen and sister Anne Roud.

Rosary will be at 5:30 pm Thursday Sept. 4, and a celebratory Mass will be at 10 am Friday Sept 5 both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore.

Marie Cole

Marie Cole 80 of Fillmore passed away August 22, 2008 in Oklahoma surrounded by family. She was born on January 1,1928 in Stotts City Missouri and came to the Fillmore area at the age of 14 residing in Fillmore for the last 45 years. Marie was a homemaker and Avon Representative for 40 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers and 6 sisters.

Marie is survived by her husband Rex Cole of Fillmore, children Linda and Leonard Boynton of Fillmore, Wayne and Cleta of Newalla Oklahoma, Jim and Cathy Cole of Bakersfield, Stephen and Sherri Cole of Newalla Oklahoma. Grandchildren David and Dana, Cynthia, Becky and Cary, Brian and Charity, Missy, Suzy and Carl, Kimberly and Lance, Jeffrey, Nathan, Tamira, Daniel, and Harley. Great Grandchildren Dakota , Katie, Julie , Myles, Ethan, Brittney, Emily, Garrett, Tyler, Ashley, Samantha and Austin. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Vistation will be held on Wednesday August 27, from 4-8 p.m. at Skillin Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore. Funeral Services will be Thursday August 28, at 2 p.m. at the Bardsdale Cemetery with Pastor Dion Brooks of Faith Community Church, officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association.

Wilbur “Bill” Thorpe Hardison

Wilbur “Bill” Thorpe Hardison, 80, passed away on Aug. 7, 2008 in his home with his family surrounding him in love and devotion as he ascended into Heaven. He had lived an extraordinary 16 years with prostate cancer that led to the final complication. He approached his cancer with intelligence and an incredible positive attitude. He encouraged many others to learn about the disease and gave dozens of the book “Cancer - 50 Essential Things to Do” by Greg Anderson. He shared his experience with many at The Wellness Community and other support groups giving them hope and information. Bill will be fondly remembered as a wonderful man who brought peace and joy to all.
Bill was the 4th son born to Leigh and Myrtle Hardison on Dec. 13, 1927 in the family home in Fillmore, CA. He was preceded in death by them and his brother Richard. The ranch was a wonderful place to grow up!
Bill graduated from Fillmore HS in 1945. He was proud of his service with the Marines from 1946 – 1948 serving aboard the USS Saidor at Bikini Beach for the 1946 Atomic Bomb Testing.
His degree in engineering from UCSB in 1952 led him to be one of the first employees at Bourns Inc in Riverside, CA to design and patent a potentiometer still being manufactured in 16 countries. His music interest was highlighted by playing the trumpet in the Bourns Dance Band “The Trim Tones.”
He belonged to the Sigma Pi Fraternity, several engineering and investment organizations and a highlight was 30 years in Rotary receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. His devotion to Santa Clara Valley Hospice by serving on the board and as a patient volunteer work was important to him. Living in Poinsetta Gardens he contributed his time to promoting a strong feeling of community.
Bill married the love of his life Mary Ann Zane in 1951 that was the beginning of 57 happy years together. They had three children who were the greatest joy of their lives. They raised their family in Riverside and created many happy memories with trips to the beach, mountains and desert.
In 1976, Bill and Mary Ann returned to Ventura County living in Santa Paula and now Ventura. Bill enjoyed working in the agricultural world; later obtaining his RE broker’s license.
Survivors include wife Mary Ann; son Bob and Paula Hardison of Phoenix AZ; daughter Karen and Mike Mallory of Yreka CA; daughter Linda Hardison of Wrightwood CA; and grandchildren Lindsey Hardison of Phoenix, AZ; Austin and Rachel Sendek and Courtney and Shannon Mallory of Yreka, CA. Also brothers Donald and wife Betty of El Cerrito, CA and Jim and wife Valerie of Carson City, NV.
You are warmly welcome to join us for a celebration of Bill’s life at Church of the Foothills 6279 Foothills Road Ventura on Saturday Aug. 23 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of the Foothills, Livingston Memorial Hospice 1996 Eastman Ave Ste 101Ventura 93003, Santa Clara Valley Home Support P.O. Box 365 Santa Paula, CA 93061, or The Wellness Community 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Maclovia H. Enriquez

It was with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Maclovia H. Enriquez, 86 of Fillmore passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2008.

Maclovia was born November 15, 1921 to Miguel Huizar and Mercedes Loera in Temastian, Jal., Mexico and had been in Ventura county for the past 42 years.

She is survived by her religious daughter Maria Teresa Enriquez and Daughters Maria de Jesus E. Garcia (Ezequiel Garcia sr.) Maria Socorro Enriquez, Mercedes E. Gonzalez ( Richard C. Gonzalez, Jr. A son Rev. David Enriquez and son Felipe Enriquez (Cynthia Tello), 9 grandchildren, Emiliano (Julie) Belen, Gabriel A., Rebecca R., Daniel M., Eric R. (Kaity Roehrick), Jessica L., Ezequiel Jr., Josefina, and 2 great grand children Adrian Enriquez and Emilia A. Garcia. Also her sisters; Maria H. Enriquez of Fillmore, Lupe Huizar Rios Temastian, Jal., Mexico. Lupe Huizar Quezada of Temastian, Jal., Mexico, and Jesus Huizar of Arizona and many nieces and nephews.

Maclovia was preceeded in death by her husband, Andres, and her Brothers Herminio and Salvador.

She was a homemaker for 63 years, she was a good cook and always helped others.

Maclovia dedicated her life to her family and grandchildren and would be very happy when family members and friends came to visit. She was a very devoted and pious catholic.

Arrangements under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805/ 524-0744. A Rosary will be recited Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Mass will be on Friday, August 15, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore 1048 W. Ventura St., Fillmore, CA 805/524-1306, Burial will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Jeffrey Kermit Hansen

After waging a valiant three year battle with cancer, Jeffrey Kermit Hansen died at home on Saturday, July 26, 2008.
Jeff was bon August 7, 1945 to Kermit and Barbara Hansen. He grew up amidst the Bardsdale orange groves and his beloved town of Fillmore. He graduated from Fillmore High School, attended Arizona State, served his country as a soldier during the Vietnam War and eventually found his life's calling at sea. After earning a navigator's license he sailed the seven seas eventually retiring from his last adventure as 1st officer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The world was his workplace but Fillmore was where his heart was and that is where his family and friends embraced, nurtured and loved him.
Jeff’s legacy is one of warmth, humor and love. A friend to all and stranger to none, he was a guy's guy and a woman's friend. A visit with Jeff always left one with at least a smile and more likely a good laugh. He was a joy on earth. He will be missed.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Gloria, aunts Ardis (Hansen) Wilson and Sarah (Bradley) Hansen, cousins«William Wilson, Jim Wilson, Suzi Robertson, Tim Hansen, Lisa Vander Muellen, Lori Nagel and extended family stepdaughter Angelique Pagliano and stepsons Phillip and Eric Pagliano.
A Memorial Celebration will be held on Monday, August 4, at Trinity Episcopal Church comer of Second and Saratoga Streets, Fillmore., at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Trinity Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice are welcomed. (Livingston: 1996 Eastman Avenue, #101, Ventura, CA 93003)

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.