Robert E. Agler (1924-2015)

Former Fillmore resident, Robert E. Agler, passed away peacefully in Portland, Oregon on August 10, 2015. He was 90 years of age. Bob was born November 13, 1924 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Lucille and Charles Agler. After serving in the Navy during WW II in the Pacific Theater, Bob moved to Fillmore to work with his parents at the Agler Café on Central Avenue. There he met Anna Mae MacDonald, whom he soon married. They were married for 56 years before her unexpected passing in 2003. Bob spent most of his career working for Superior Tank and Construction in Fillmore and Ventura, which later became Rheem Manufacturing and then TriCo Industries. He started as the Yard Supervisor and later became the Branch Manager. He was a long-time member and deacon of the First Brethren Church in Fillmore. He was an avid outdoors person, preferring to spend his free time fishing in the Sierras, Idaho, or Montana. Upon retirement, Bob and Anna Mae moved to northern Arizona and traveled extensively. Bob eventually moved closer to his children and settled in Portland, Oregon. He is survived by his daughter, Bev Agler, Juneau, Alaska; his son, Bruce Agler, Portland, Oregon; his nieces, Anne Mercer of Ojai and Carolyn Porter of Ventura; and his sister-in-law Barbara Agler, Ventura. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Jack, of Santa Paula. A graveside service will be held Friday, 13 November 2015 at 1 pm at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Kathryn Elaine Hunter (1945-2015)

Kathryn Elaine Hunter of Assaria, Kansas passed away on October 2, 2015 at the age of 70. Elaine, as she was known, was the daughter of Avon and Henrietta Selleck. She had four sisters, Maxine, Lois Marie, Lavonn, and Shirley. Elaine grew up in a small farmhouse with her family in Assaria and maintained close ties to the town and its people throughout her life. She graduated from Assaria High School, where she was a cheerleader and accomplished trumpet player.
After high school, Elaine married and started a family. She was an amazing, dedicated, loving mother to her children, George and Christine, and was the solid foundation for her family. As a result of her Kansas farm upbringing, her home was always warm and nurturing. Her strong old-fashioned Swedish heritage and Lutheran-based principles became the cornerstones in her childrens' lives and their resulting successes.
After living abroad and then settling in Fillmore, California for twenty years, where her two children were raised, Elaine returned to her roots in Assaria. She lovingly restored her grandparent’s home, often with her own labor and resourcefulness, until her health intervened.
Throughout her life, Elaine remained committed to learning and education. After raising a family, she returned to school and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Bethany College, where she graduated with highest honors. She taught elementary school for several years and was loved by her students.
Elaine was very involved in her community and church in Assaria. She helped to organize numerous school reunions, volunteered as a librarian at her church, and provided care and companionship to many of her neighbors in need. Her friends and family all admired Elaine for her sweet nature and kind spirit.
Survivors include daughter, Christine Bickel and husband, Kyle of San Anselmo, California; son, George Hunter and wife, Carolyn of Ontario, California; four sisters, Maxine Bilotti of Key Port, New Jersey, Lois Barber of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lavonn Nelson and husband, Eldon of Assaria, Kansas, Shirley Herrick and husband, Gerold of Grand Junction, Iowa, grandchildren, Elizabeth Hunter of Castaic, California, Alexander Harris of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nathaniel Harris of San Anselmo, California; and great grandchildren, Christiana Heredia and Alana Heredia.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 4th, 2015 from 1:00 - 8:00PM at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home, with family present from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Assaria Lutheran Church in Assaria at 2:30 PM on Monday, October 5th, 2015 with Pastor Laura Smith officiating. Internment will follow at Assaria Lutheran Cemetery.
Elaine will be greatly missed by her close friends, her loving family, and the many people whose lives she touched.
To leave online condolences visit www.carlsonfh.net or Facebook.
A Service of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

James Patrick Arias (1960-2015)

PIRU, CA
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and Uncle “JJ”.
James Patrick Arias of Piru died on September 10, 2015 in Fillmore, at the age of 55.
JJ was born June 24, 1960 in Oxnard, California. He was the sixth child of Lupe and Eleanor Arias.
JJ was independent from a young age. After graduating from FHS in 1978 JJ headed to Northern California in his Desoto (with flames), where he graduated from College of the Redwoods. JJ earned his degree in Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology. While living in Arcata California he was employed by Simpson Timber Company. He became a member of Local 12 Operating Engineer’s in 1980. JJ was successfully employed for many years as a heavy equipment maintenance operator and oilfield lease operator.
JJ was an avid outdoors man. He loved to hunt and fish! He loved the mountains and rivers, anything out of doors!
Those who knew JJ know how much he adored children and loved to see them smile. We know there are many who love him and will miss him. To all he was your Uncle “J”.
JJ is survived by his mother, Eleanor Arias Neely of Fillmore.
His brothers David (Yolanda), Richard (Christine) and John (Monica). His sisters, Dee Dee, Monica (Pepe), Kathy (Jonathon) and Melissa. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, the true highlights and loves of his life!
JJ is preceded in death by his father, Lupe Arias, sister Terri Arias Ramirez and brother Andy Arias, all of Piru.
Mass and burial will be Friday, September 25, 2015 at 10 AM in Piru, at San Salvador Mission Church, located at 4045 E Center Street, Piru California 93040.

Teresa Toussau (1954-2015)

Teresa Toussau, age 61 of Royse City, TX, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in Dallas, TX. She was born June 16, 1954 in Oxnard, CA, to Roy Lee & LaRue (Hutchins) Hays. Jesus came first in her life. Teresa was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a LVN for 42 years, taking care of others in California, Idaho and Texas, most recently at Hunt County Regional Medical Center in Greenville, TX. Teresa was a member of Cornerstone Community Church in Rockwall, TX.
She is survived by her beloved husband: Michael Toussau of Royse City, TX; children: Marie Boehme & husband Chopi of Cabo San Lucas, Jason Merry & wife Sofia of Cabo San Lucas, Sarah Strickland & husband Aaron of Royse City, TX, Simon Toussau of Boise, ID, and Michael “Cody” Toussau & wife Kimmie of Boise, ID; brother: Tom Hays & wife Laura Lynn of Mariposa, CA; sister-in-law: Jean Hays of Roseville, CA; and grandchildren: Kai, Kiara, Kisa, Lauren, Serena, Katie, Abby, Samuel, Shelley, Kayla and Natalie. Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers: Bob Hays and Bill Hays.
Memorial services will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Cornerstone Community Church, 1950 Alpha Drive, Rockwall, TX, with Pastor Doug Fox and Pastor Duane Burton officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Word of Life Christian Fellowship, PO Box 2164, Rockwall, TX 75087.

Our beloved mother, Bernice Michel passed peacefully September 8, 2015. Her enriched life began in the small Midwest community of Coweta, Oklahoma May 18, 1925 with parents, Barney and Inda Blythe. Most of her childhood was spent in Fillmore where she graduated from high school with the unforgettable Class of 1944. By 1946 she found the love of her life, Harold Michel. They married and began life together on Harold’s family citrus ranch in Bardsdale where they shared a home until his passing in 2011. Bernice remained on the family property in her home that she loved so much.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, and sisters, Willa Blythe Hawkins and Peggy Blythe Button. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Sandra and Frank Crowe, Elizabeth and John Kemp, Martha and Kenny Rogers. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Margaret Kemp, Sarah Kemp, Jacob and wife, Nichole Kemp and their son Peyton, Jennifer Crowe, Alison and Chris Crowe Purdy with their sons William and Bryce, Amy Rogers, and Marie and Brian Haase with their sons Carson and Austin. Missing her so much is her sister Mary Blythe Purves of Montana.
Bernice was an integral part of the Fillmore and Bardsdale community. As a family they enjoyed times at the Bardsdale School where she wore many hats nurturing her own children and their friends. She was a member of the Fillmore Presbyterian Church, Fillmore Ebell, the Santa Paula Hospital Auxiliary and the Fillmore High School Alumni Association. She took great pride in her membership with the Fillmore/Piru Citrus Association through which she carried on the family legacy of agriculture in Ventura County.
She will especially be remembered by the community for the beautiful and welcoming home and yard that she and husband Harold created for family and friends. All enjoyed her strong will, sense of humor and determination to live life.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for support from Kelly Gomez, Dr. Gary Deutsch and staff and the Community Memorial Hospital Staff who briefly and so respectfully attended to our mother.
Graveside services will be held September 28, 2015, at 1pm at the Bardsdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Fillmore High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 385, Fillmore, California, 93015.

Joseph Beyerl (1920-2015)

Joseph Beyerl was born September 5th 1920 in Colby Wisconsin. He joined the Air Force in the 1940's He married Mary Wheelock, and they lived on a ranch in Oregon, and later moved to Fillmore California where the ranched Oranges and Avocados. After Mary's passing Joseph stayed very involved with his Church St Francis of Assisi, there he fell in love with Susan Austin, and they were married September 2005. Joseph passed on August, 14 2015 just three weeks shy of his 95th birthday. Joseph Beyerl was a solid mad of faith! He will be missed but not forgotten.
There will be a service held in his honor at St. Francis Catholic Church, Friday September 25th at 10:00 AM.

Jess Frias Leon (1942-2015)

Jess Frias Leon, born November 21, 1942, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 30, 2015. Born in Fillmore, CA to Gabriel C. Leon and Nicolasa F. Leon, he was the youngest of six children. Jess graduated from Fillmore High School in 1961 where he was a star athlete excelling in football, basketball and track. He later used his talents to coach Pop Warner Football and the Cassidy Girls Softball and Bobby Sox leagues.
Jess’s passions included working on cars and motorcycles. He spent his younger years racing his Chevy 409 Impala on the streets of Fillmore and Santa Paula. Always surrounded by his friends, he spent many years fishing Crowley Lake on Opening Day. With his family he spent as much time as possible camping and water skiing at lakes all over California. He enjoyed playing pool, collecting old coins and photography. Later in his life he could often be found at The Derby Club at Seaside Park betting on the horses, or alongside his beloved Cindy at Chumash Casino. Jess loved sight seeing and traveled to many places including Mexico where he traced his family roots. He cherished his time spent at many large family reunions where he was able to tell his many humorous stories of yesteryears.
Jess was known as one of the good ol boys in the oilfield business having worked in the field for fifty-two years. He worked offshore on most of the platforms off Southern California and drilled, completed, repaired and abandoned oil wells all over California and also in Bolivia and Argentina. Everywhere he worked he was respected and well liked. Jess had retired in December 2014 from Oilwell Services of Santa Paula.
Jess was preceded in death by his parents Gabriel and Nicolasa Leon, brothers Ralph and Elias, sister Helen Leon Canchola and granddaughter Amber Leon. He is survived by the love of his life, his companion for twenty-eight years, Cindy Wileman, sisters Eva (Angie) Diaz (Larry), Lupe Leon Ramos (Jack), children Kelly Gomez (Albert), Lisa Lopez, Kathy Leon, Jim Leon, Jeff Leon, Tina Cloninger (George), Kristina Leon, Terri Leon and Sonja Solis, 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 4-8 pm with a rosary starting at 7 pm at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA. Mass will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura St., Fillmore with a graveside to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St., Fillmore, CA.

Constance (Connie) Downey (Arundell) (1934-2015)

Constance (Connie) Downey (Arundell), born January 6th, 1934, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on August 23rd, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband Dorwin (Dody) Downey and is survived by her sister Janet Ming [Garlon], children, Mike Downey [Mary Jordan], Sheryl Downey, Timothy Downey [Lois], Sean Downey, Kathleen Steller [Edward], Darren Downey [Debbie], 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Born in Oxnard, California to Lester and Thelma Arundell, she attended Fillmore High School. Shortly after graduating she was wed to the love of her life Dody. After the wedding they established their home in Ventura where they were blessed with six children. An active member of the PTA and CSTA, she spent much of her time raising the children while Dody earned a living as a bus driver for the Ventura Unified School District. After all the children were in school she worked at Ventura Unified School District, Beverly Fabrics, and concluded her career at Montgomery Wards. Dody and Connie 8 spent years working together at Roller Gardens in Oxnard, where they shared their love of Roller Skating with their six children, who then passed it on to their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
More recently, Connie enjoyed her retirement and filled her days with sewing, reading, spending time with family, and playing cards. She was known by many as a talented seamstress, creating the majority of the clothing her children wore, leather jackets, and beautiful embroidery.
A very heartfelt thank you to her caregivers late in life; Treacy Villa, Aegis, Community Memorial Hospital, Oakhurst Hospice and Stephanie. The immediate family will have a private service, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 4th at 4pm in the home of Timothy and Lois Downey. Please email services@porchlightpr.com for the address. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contact your friends and family and let them know you love them.

Mary (Ruth Ellen) Miller Sexton, 68, a 1964 graduate of Fillmore High School, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2015, in Santa Paula, California after a battle with cancer.
She was born on November 27, 1946, in Oceanside, California, to the Rev. Ernest D. Miller and Ruth Miller. She spent her early years, with her family, in numerous S. California towns and moved to Fillmore with her parents, when she was in Jr. High School. After graduating from college she lived most of her adult life in Ventura County. Mary enjoyed long walks, reading and caring for her beloved cats.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sons, Isaac and Jonathan Sexton, her brother, Robert Lee Miller and sister Violet Miller Reyes. She is survived by her brother, Daniel Miller and many cousins.
Arrangements for the scattering of her ashes at sea were made through The Neptune Society.

Priscilla Cobb Baker (1942-2015)

Priscilla Cobb Baker, 94, died Tuesday, May 19, 2015 in Sonoma, California. Her parents Milo and Laura (Taylor) Cobb and her husband, Eugene Baker, preceded her in death. She was born December 6, 1920 in California. Her sons James (Michele) and Jeffrey (Dianna) also grandchildren Justin and Asheley, and Whitney, sisters Harriet Fremlin and Betty Simpkins and many nieces and nephews survive.
After graduating from Fillmore High School she attended UCLA and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1942. She married Eugene Baker, of Piru, CA on Christmas day 1941, then traveled with Gene to Louisville, KY until he was shipped to Africa with the US Army Medical Corp for WWII. Priscilla worked for the Navy at Port Hueneme, CA and later for the Fillmore Refinery. After the war she was a substitute teacher for the Fillmore Elementary School. After many years in Fillmore, Priscilla and Gene moved to Aptos, CA and in her last years she lived in Sonoma near her son, Jeffrey.
At her request there were no services.

Conception (Connie) Dolores Alvarez (1943-2015)

Conception (Connie) Dolores Alvarez age 72 went home to be with our Lord she was surrounded by her loving family and peacefully lost her battle to Cancer Saturday August 1, 2015. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Connie was born April 16, 1943, in Piru, Ca. a resident of Ventura County all her life and united in marriage June 29th, 1962 to Sidney Alvarez and proceeded into death by her parents Benny and Angelina Vega, husband Sidney Alvarez, and a son Paul Anthony Alvarez. Connie loved to be around family and friends. She enjoyed Barbeques, family gatherings, watching FOX news, QVC, and sports. She enjoyed garage sales and thrift store shopping. Connie was a very giving woman who cared for many and had so many friends. Recently retired from Villa Park Orchard in Fillmore with a total of 58 years in Citrus packing house. Connie is survived by her sons James wife (Gina), Michael and (Veronica), grandchildren James II (Huero), Erica, Brenda and great grandchildren James III, Aubrylin, Abigail, and Serenity. Also brothers Eddie and Tony Vega, sisters Lupe Ramirez, Dolores Maynard, Jessie Olivares and Becky Pillado and many nieces and nephews. She will forever be in our Hearts and truly missed.
A recitation of the rosary will be held Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 7:00pm at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Friday, August 07, 2015 at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share memories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula. 805.229.7054.

Conception (Connie) Dolores Alvarez (1943-2015)

Conception (Connie) Dolores Alvarez age 72 went home to be with our Lord she was surrounded by her loving family and peacefully lost her battle to Cancer Saturday August 1, 2015. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Connie was born April 16, 1943, in Piru, Ca. a resident of Ventura County all her life and united in marriage June 29th, 1962 to Sidney Alvarez and proceeded into death by her parents Benny and Angelina Vega, husband Sidney Alvarez, and a son Paul Anthony Alvarez. Connie loved to be around family and friends. She enjoyed Barbeques, family gatherings, watching FOX news, QVC, and sports. She enjoyed garage sales and thrift store shopping. Connie was a very giving woman who cared for many and had so many friends. Recently retired from Villa Park Orchard in Fillmore with a total of 58 years in Citrus packing house. Connie is survived by her sons James wife (Gina), Michael and (Veronica), grandchildren James II (Huero), Erica, Brenda and great grandchildren James III, Aubrylin, Abigail, and Serenity. Also brothers Eddie and Tony Vega, sisters Lupe Ramirez, Dolores Maynard, Jessie Olivares and Becky Pillado and many nieces and nephews. She will forever be in our Hearts and truly missed.
A recitation of the rosary will be held Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 7:00pm at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura Street, Fillmore CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Friday, August 07, 2015 at St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share memories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula. 805.229.7054.

Altagracia López Oliveros (1940-2015)

Altagracia López Oliveros, aged 92, died peacefully on July 22, 2015 in Fillmore, California. Altagracia was born on January, 6, 1923 in Mascota, Jalisco the daughter of Santiago Oliveros and Petra Morales. She was the fifth of eleven children.
In 1940, Altagracia married her late husband Jesus López in Atenguillo, Jalisco. She was the proud mother of eight children; Esperanza, Livier, Eva, Leopoldo, Ninfa, Raquel, Jesús, and Isabel. In 1967 Altagracia moved to Fillmore, Ca with her husband and children. She was a strong woman that despite encountering hardships always maintained a beautiful outlook in life. She is remembered as a woman of faith that always helped others and welcomed people into her home with open arms. A natural caretaker, she loved to cook and would not let anyone leave her home without eating. Her caring nature and playful sense of humor always brought a smile to those around her. Those who knew her, know that she lived for her family and loved to spend her free time with her children and grandchildren. In addition to raising her eight children, she also helped to raise many of her fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, beautiful smile, and love for her family touched the hearts of many.
Altagracia is survived by her sisters, Viviana and Olivia; sons, Leopoldo López and Jesus López; daughters, Eva Magaña, Ninfa Carrillo, Raquel Gonzáles and Isabel Campos; step-daughter, Florisa López; sons in law, Salvador and Manuel, daughter in law, Eva; grandchildren, Tony, Nora, Nancy, Violet, Meño, Esmeralda, Claudia, Rubi, Yvette, Elba, Joshua, Angel, and Edgar; great-grand children, Justine, Jazmine, Reina, Amber, Sierra, Jessica, Jacob, Ruben Jr., Caleb, Mia, Dominic, and soon to be Meño Jr. In heaven she joins her parents, siblings, and beloved husband Jesus; daughters Livier and Esperanza; and grandchildren, Martin and Alfredo.
The family of Altagracia Lopez would like to thank the loving staff of Greenfield convalescent center and hospice for the great care and comfort she received in her last days. There will be a viewing held at 9:00 am followed by a memorial service at 10:00 am on Friday July 31, 2015 at Faith Community Church on 461 Central avenue in Fillmore, Ca. The service will be followed by burial at Bardsdale Cemetery and reception at Faith Community Church at 1:00 pm. Services entrusted to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 805-524-0744.

Annis J. Morris (1910-2015)

Annis Jane Morris, born Oct. 7, 1910 in Harvard, Nebraska went to be with her Lord and Savior, July 9, 2015. She will be interred next to her husband, Earl R. Morris in Bardsdale Cemetery. Her final earthly service with family and friends will be in Fillmore, Skillin-Carroll, July 24, 10 AM.
Isaac and Alice Jones moved to the Santa Paula, Bardsdale, Fillmore area from Missouri a few years after the birth of Annis and twin brother Carlos; brothers Wayne and James Arnold as well. The family eventually settled in Fillmore; Isaac, Alice, Wayne and Carlos lived out their life here.
Earl and Annis married in Santa Paula, lived in various dwellings in the area eventually moving to the home residence in 1945, still in family, where all the children were raised. Earl worked for the packing house then the Fillmore High School District as bus driver and custodian. Annis continued to live in the Fillmore home after Earl’s passing until shortly after the Northridge Quake. She then lived with her daughter in West Covina, and then a son in Orange for the last ten years.
She lived to be 104 years and nine months with most all her faculties working well for such age. She leaves behind a daughter, Shirley Cannon (Arthur) of Springfield, Mo.; Sons: James Morris (Doreen) of Eureka Springs, Ark.; Leonard Morris (Nevelyn Carlson Morris) of Orange and Fillmore, Ca.; G. Dean Morris (Jean) of Valley Springs, Ca. (Annis was predeceased by daughter Sharon (Whiteley Dunn) of Beaver Creek, Or.) Annis also leaves eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren.
In childhood, Annis lived on the Boosey Ranch between Santa Paula and Fillmore and was a student at Little Red School House and Santa Paula High.
Her final earthly service with family and friends will be in Fillmore, Skillin-Carroll, July 24, 10 AM.

Wallace “Wally” Stanley King (1932-2015)

March 15, 1932 - June 28, 2015
Wallace "Wally" Stanley King passed away on June 28, 2015 at the age of 83. A teacher to all, he was born on March 15, 1932 in Fillmore, Ca. Wally was the youngest of four children born to Dale B. King Sr. and Vernie King. Wally was raised on the family ranch in Piru, Ca. He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1950. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Cal-Poly, he proudly served his country as a medical technician in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he began his teaching career. He taught at various California high schools, and spent 33 years at Tulare Union High School. In addition to teaching science and math, he sponsored the Asian Club at Tulare Union High.
While teaching at Tulare Union High School, Wally met and married his best friend and the love of his life, Billie Anne Range. They spent 43 amazing and happy years
together. They were both avid readers and shared their love of books. Wally and Billie had no children of their own, but developed a very strong friendship with Sophea and Suzie Chhean and their family. He is survived and missed by his loving wife Billie, his "honorary daughters" Sophea and Suzie Chhean, many nieces, nephews, friends and students.
A celebration of Wally's life will be held at Tulare First Assembly of God Church located at 316 South Mooney Blvd., in Tulare on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wally's memory to the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements by Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service, Tulare.

Roberta Paregien Loffswold Fournier (1944-2015)

Roberta Paregien Loffswold Fournier, a 1961 graduate of FUHS and a former long-time Fillmore resident, died on Friday, June 5, 2015 in Ione, California. She was 71 years of age. She had been virtually house-bound for several years and died from complications of COPD. Her body was cremated and there was a private rememberance. Her brother, Stan Paregien, did write an illustrated essay about her life which can be viewed online at The Paregien Journal on Wordpress.com.
Mrs. Fournier was the daughter of the late Harold Paregien (long-time citrus farmer with the Edwards Ranch in Piru) and the late Evelyn Paregien Spradling (long-time school cafeteria manager in both Piru and Fillmore). All were at one time members of the Fillmore Church of Christ.
She and her late first husband, David Loffswold, had two sons: Douglas Loffswold of Portland, Oregon; and Bradley Loffswold of Ione, Calif. Brad and his wife, Michelle, have two children: Madelynn and Roland.
Roberta and her late second husband, Norm Fournier, had no children together. They lived in Fillmore while owning and operating "The Record Fan" (selling ceiling fans and used records) in Saticoy and Santa Paula, then lived in Jackson, Calif. and operated a store there for years.
In addition, she is survived by her brother, Stan Paregien (FUHS Class of 1959) and his wife Peggy of Bradenton, Florida); by her nephew, Stan Paregien Jr and his wife Becky of Waterloo, Illinois; by her niece Stacy Paregien Magness of Snook, Texas; by her aunt Thelma Cauthen Reeves of Ft. Worth, Texas; by her cousins Paul, Reggie and Melvin Cauthen and Janet Reeves all of Arlington, Texas; by her cousin Jerry Russell Paregien and his wife Muriel of Kingsport, Tenn.; by her cousin Danny Paregien and wife Pat of Bakersfield, Calif.; and by her cousin Mrs. Troy (Lucille) Gary, formerly of Fillmore and now living in Oxnard.
She is also survived by most of the members of the FUHS Class of 1961 and by many other relatives and friends. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Edcker "Poppy" Collins (1937-2015)

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Edcker Collins (AKA Poppy), 77, passed away June 16, 2015, with his beloved family by his side at his home in California City, Calif.
He was born June 20, 1937 in Oklahoma. He graduated from Fillmore Union High School in 1955.
He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball at Ventura Coast Little League in the 1960s. He also coached VYBA during that time. He was an avid golfer and winner of numerous golfing tournaments. He enjoyed watching Oklahoma Sooner Football and the Oakland Raiders. His family was the most important thing to him.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Johnnie. Sister Shirley; Brother Elton; Son Steve and his wife Karen; Daughter Cindy; Son Doug and his wife Jonni; granddaughters, Amy, Amanda, and Anna; grandsons Jason, Steven, Richard, Peyton; great-grandchildren Jystin, Aaron, Kiana, Jaysen, Brendan, Xavier, Ezekial, Bristol.
He is Predeceased by his parents Walter and Velma Collins; brothers Marvin and Arthur; grandson Robert Collins.
Funeral services will be held at Bardsdale Cemetary, Fillmore, Calif on June 22 at 1pm.

Neil Ken Groefsema (1922-2015)

Born in Spring City, Tennessee on July 22, 1922 to Clay and Virginia Groefsema, Ken Groefsema passed away peacefully on June 9, 2015 at his home in Merced, California, surrounded by his family. He was just shy of his 93rd birthday. Ken was raised on the family homestead in Mountain Home, Idaho. After losing his parents at the age of 10, Ken was raised by his extended family and graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1940 and enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley that fall where he began his studies in Agricultural Sciences and played football and rugby for the Bears. In 1943 he enlisted in the Naval Officer Training program, from which he became a captain of a rescue boat and was ultimately stationed on Martha’s Vineyard Island where there was a military flight training school. The significance of this assignment is that it was on that island that he met a local young lady named Priscilla Ann Bunker whom he married in 1946. He and Priscilla were married for almost 62 years until she preceded him in death in 2008.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, Ken and Priscilla returned to Berkeley to complete his studies graduating in 1948. And though his humility and character kept him from often talking much about his athletic accomplishments at Cal in football and rugby, Ken was a proud member of Pappy’s Boys and was honored to have been on the great Pappy Waldorf’s first football team at Cal in 1947 when they went 9-1 after being 2-7 in the prior year under a different coach. Ken was the 1946 winner of Cal’s Andy Smith Memorial Award for most minutes played in conference games. Ken and Priscilla had 5 children: Clay, Bruce, Anne, Sue, and Leigh who have always been proud to have been his children.
A descendent of several generations of farmers, Ken continued the family tradition upon graduation from Cal and devoted his lifetime to California agriculture. He spent much of his career with the Newhall Land and Farming Company where he ultimately became the Senior Vice President for agriculture and oversaw Newhall’s diversified farming operations on 10 ranches throughout California. By the time he retired from Newhall in 1982, he had long been personally investing in California farmland that he began to farm and manage himself. Having raised his children to believe in the future of California agriculture, he provided them all with the opportunity to be involved in the ranches and other than his children, his most proud legacy is undoubtedly the successful farming operations he helped to build and pass on to his next generations.
A man of principle, Ken Groefsema believed in personal responsibility and hard work to accomplish whatever goal was in front of him. Combining his inner strength, determination and dedication with his work ethic, he was indeed successful. He taught his children not so much with what he had to say, but rather how he lived his life. He has been a role model for all of the current 3 generations that are following him.
Ken leaves behind his 5 children: Clay (and Jan) Groefsema, Bruce (and Gail) Groefsema, Anne (and Chris) Hurd, Sue (and Mark) Jones, and Leigh Beermann. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Ken’s services will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 1 P.M. in Merced, California at the Central Presbyterian Church (1920 Canal Street, Merced, California 95340). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to the Central Presbyterian Church, the Pacific Legal Foundation (930 G Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814), Hinds Hospice (410 W. Main Street, Merced, Ca 95340), or your favorite charity.

Linette Harrold, 65, passed peacefully in her home in Brick, on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Linette was born on July 12, 1949 in Santa Paula, CA. The daughter of Wilbur W. and Betty J. Carpenter. In 1967, Linette married the love of her life, Leo Harrold. They owned and operated a fiber glass company in N.J. for many years. The last ten years she was a devoted caregiver in the community. She touched many lives with her honesty, humor and compassion. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her.
Linette is survived by her husband, Leo of 47 years; three children, Lia Conti, Jason and Bryon Harrold; three grandchildren, Rob, Chloe & Kane; her sisters, Lois (John) and Georgia; 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and numerous relatives and close friends. Services will be held at a later date.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." By Maya Angelou.

Magdalena "Maggie" P. Garcia (1942-2015)

Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great-grandmother
Magdalena (AKA Maggie) P. Garcia passed away in the loving arms of her Husband Johnny Garcia at the age of 73 yrs. June 6, 2015.
Maggie was a beautiful person, on the outside, but more importantly, she was beautiful on the inside. Her huge personality and honesty made her a one in a million and her laughter was infectious to anyone around her. She enjoyed sharing values, stories, lessons and spending time with her family and friends. Every year you would find Maggie enjoying time making tamales and menudo with family, sharing recipes, and laughter. However, in her older age she loved to take her annual trip to Laughlin with her husband and best friend. Johnny. Anyone who knew Maggie saw that at her core was love and being surrounded by her family. She had deep compassion and empathy for others. That type of acceptance and love is rare. It made it so easy to love her, yet so hard to lose her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Maggie is survived by her husband Johnny Garcia of 41 years, five of her children, 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. She was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, 2 bothers, 1 sister and beloved son.
Maggie will be remembered and greatly missed by her family & friends remaining forever in our hearts.
A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday evening, June 17th, at 6:00 p.m. with a rosary to follow at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore.
The Funeral Mass for Maggie P. Garcia will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore on Thursday, June 18th at 10:00 a.m. The internment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
To sign the family's online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.dignitymemorial.com/skillin-carroll-mortuary-fillmore and click on Magdalena (Maggie) P. Garcia’s name located below "Obituaries."
Magdalena (AKA Maggie) P. Gracia
March 7, 1942 – June 6, 2015
God saw you getting tired
and a cure could not be
So he put arms around you and whispered,
“Come to Me.”
With tearful eyes we watch you
and saw you pass away
and although we loved you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best.