Fred R. Howarth (1930-2013)

A longtime resident of Fillmore spanning sixty years, Fred R. Howarth, died Saturday, July 6th following a brief illness. He was 83-years-old and was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Fred was born on June 11, 1930 and moved to Santa Paula in 1942. A student and graduate of Santa Paula High Class of ’49, Fred was involved in school activities including being a member of the Varsity tennis team. Following graduation, Fred attended Cal Poly majoring in Agriculture before being drafted in the Korean War where he ranked as Master Sargent.
Upon discharge, Fred moved to Fillmore in 1953. In 1956, Fred married his wife Janet. Together, they became active in the Farm Bureau Young People’s Group. They started a family with daughter Joan and son John.
While raising his young family, Fred became a successful citrus rancher; owning and managing his ranch in Bardsdale which he maintained for the next sixty years. During this time, Fred also served as a Field Representative for Calavo Avocados from 1969-1984 and was recognized as one of the company’s
“Top Field Representatives” in 1971.
Fred was raised to the sublimed degree of Master Mason in 1963 in Fillmore Masonic Lodge No. 379 F. & A.M. of the State of California. He served as Master in 1969 and was a fifty-plus year member of Fillmore-Santa Paula Masonic Lodge No. 29l to which he received his fifty-year pin honoring his membership and service.
In 1992, Fred was honored with the HIRAM Award, the highest honor a Lodge can bestow on one of its members. Fred was a member of the Santa Barbara Scottish Rite of Freemasonary of U.S.A., a Charter member of the Ventura County Scottish Rite of Freemasonary of the U.S.A., a member of the York Rite Bodies of Freemasons of California, a member of Al Malakah Shrine of North America, The Fillmore-Santa Paula Shrine Club and a member of Shriners International. In addition, Fred mentored the Jobs Daughters Bethel No. 90 and served as Associate Bethel Guardian for ten years.
A long standing member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Fillmore, Fred served on the Vestry and was active in the Church’s agenda, participating in numerous fundraisers and outreach. His Christian faith was always the center of his life.
Fred’s pride was his family followed by his passion and love for boating. Summers and holidays were spent in Nevada City where the family enjoyed a second home in the mountains aptly named “The Hollow Leg Ranch.”
A Caring husband, father and grandfather, Fred is survived by his wife Janet Howarth of 57 years, daughter Joan Swift (Tim), son John Howarth (Barbara) and, his biggest pride and joy, grandson Kyle and granddaughter Sara.
Masonic graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday, July 26th at 11:00 am at Bardsdale Cemetary.
Church services will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 2:00 pm at Trinity Church,
in Fillmore. A reception in the parish hall will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in the name of
Fred Howarth to further the ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church,
PO Box 306, Fillmore, CA 93015.

R. Conway Spitler (1921-2013)

The family of R. Conway Spitler is sad to announce his passing on July 7, 2013.
Conway, as he is best known, was born March 3, 1921 in Santa Paula, California. He lived his early life in Fillmore, California graduating from Fillmore High School in 1938. He continued his education at Antelope Valley Junior College and received his Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State College in 1942. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army where he serviced with the Seventh Corp and landed at Omaha Beach on Day D +1. After the war he returned to Stanford University where he received his Master of Arts.
For many years he taught business education at Salinas High School in Salinas, California and eventually became assistant principal at that same school. He left teaching for several years but returned to southern California and became a business education teacher at William S. Hart Union High School.
He retired from teaching and enjoyed working in his garden, hooked rugs, working with the computer and growing his orchid plants. He was well known for his participation in the Fillmore Flower Show and for walking around Fillmore giving flowers to his many friends and acquaintances.
He was then drawn back to becoming involved in the development of the Fillmore High School Alumni Association where he became its executive director. He spend many hours encouraging his fellow alumni to get involved and contribute back to the organization so scholarship could be provided to graduates of Fillmore High School who wish to continue their education.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ottilie Spitler. He is survived by his two sons Thomas Spitler and Russell Spitler, two grandchildren Joshua and Megan and a new great granddaughter Clara.
If you would like to make a donation in Conway’s memory please consider a donation to the Fillmore High Alumni Association.

Lupe C. Dominguez (1918-2013)

Lupe C. Dominguez, 94 of Fillmore passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer's surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. She was born on August 31, 1918 in Aguas Caliente, Mexico, and later in life was proud of becoming a U.S. Citizen.
Lupe married the love of her life, Pula Dominguez on October 31, 1943. They moved to Newhall Ranch where they lived for 46 years, and during that time they raised their four daughters. She worked for many years at the Piru Packing House, and later went to work at Henry Mayo Hospital, where she retired. Lupe always had a sense of humor, or a funny story. She loved listening to music, and loved to dance. She was a loving, generous person. She enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas, camping, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Lupe was preceded in death by her husband, Pula Dominguez, her parents Marcos and Gregoria Cardona, and two sisters Monica Castro and Elsie Cardona. She is survived by her three sisters, Jennie Herrera, Amelia Mulberry, Penny Cardona and one brother Tino Cardona. Her four daughters, Diane(Steven Breig), Susie Herrera, Margaret (Ron Perea), and Dee (Enrique Alvarez), 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Staff of the Fillmore Convalescent Center for their loving care, and to Robert Rey Garcia Jr Funeral Services in assisting our family with funeral and graveside arrangements.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore, CA. Committal & Interment followed at Bardsdale Cemetery.
To sign the family's online guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Lupe's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral Arrangements were under the direction of the family owned and operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula 805.229.7054

Kathleen (Kay) J. Dray (1924-2013)

Kathleen J. Dray (8-31-24 to 6-14-2013) was born in London, England to Emily Grace and William E. Pedler, and was the second youngest of 7 children.
Kay grew up through the aftermath of World War 1 and the depression. She excelled in school and was on the swim team.
She worked in a London Hotel until a revision of the Child Labor Law prevented children under 14 from working.
Kay worked in a bakery 6 days a week, through her mid-teens, until the building was bombed killing her best friends.
In 1943, at the age of 18, Kay married Francis H. Dray whom she had known since she was 14. He was in the army and sent to Euope and Norway during World War II.
Losing family and friends during the war. She was known to make a meal from the meager food rations for people visiting or had run out of their rations.
Her only daughter Susan was born in 1945 during a buzz bomb raid on London. When Susan was 7 she returned to work. In 1971 Kay and Frank followed their daughter to the USA making their home in California. In 1989 they moved to Fillmore to be closer to their family.
Kay was known as a beautiful lady, with a lovely sense of humor, a kind heart and a love of animals. She had a passion for gardening and music. She loved to travel, camping throughout England and Europe and returned to England regularly.
Kay is survived by her daughter Susan, her three grandchildren, Dray, Taurie and Davin ( Segio Casas), and her great grandson Sabian. Kay will be missed by all her family and friends around the world. She will long be remebered for her kindness and generousity and remained a true English Lady.
Funeral service will be graveside at the Bardsdale Cemetery, Firday at 2 pm, followed by a gathering at the house on Bardsdale Avenue to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to the Fillmore Women's Service Club COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND. www.fillmorewomensserviceclub.com

Pauline Campbell (1930-2013)

Pauline Campbell was released from this earth on June 11, 2013. Born in Blythville, Ark. on May 14, 1930, she was mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend.
Born at the beginning of the Great Depression, her family was forced to send her to live with her aunt Sally Abbott in Fillmore when she was nine years old. She graduated from Fillmore High in 1949 and married Bill Jim Campbell in 1950. Together they had four children, daughter Terry Kaye and sons James Martin, John Allen and Robin Lee. After Bill passed away in 1972 she moved shortly to Lancaster where she lived for over 30 years.
A definite people person, she worked in the convalescent industry in various positions and was an active member of the American Eagles in Lancaster serving as president and chaplain of the “Aerie”, the women’s portion of the club.
Aside from her family and friends, her two great loves were cooking and crafts and she was excellent at both. She rarely turned down an opportunity to help anyone with either.
In addition to her children, she is survived by grandson Kevin, greatgranddaughters Kaya and Kaylone, daughter-in-law Nancy (John) as well as sisters Mary and Bobbie.
The family would also like to extend an issue of thanks to Fillmore Convalescent Hospital for caring for our mother in her last trying years. Living in that world is never easy.

Kathy A. Otis (1942-2013)

March 27, 1942 - May 28, 2013
Born in Perry, Michigan
Kathy A. Otis of Fillmore passed away in Mission Viejo on May 28, 2013 at the age of 71. Kathy was a long time resident of El Dorado Mobile Home Estates in Fillmore. She was active in her community and remained committed to St. Francis of Assisi, the Catholic Church she called home. Kathy was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and aunt. Over the years in Fillmore, Kathy created an amazing network of friends in her community. She touched the lives of many and she will be remembered and celebrated for the love she showed all those she came in contact with. Kathy is survived by her three sons, John Otis (wife Donna), Chuck Otis (wife Chris), Bill Otis, her six grandchildren, Maddy, Kamran, Keean, Kellie, Katie, and Kylie and by her brother, Ron Murphy and his family.
A rosary and memorial service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi in Fillmore:
Rosary on June 30, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Memorial Service on July 1, 2013 at 9:30 - reception immediately following Graveside Service on July 1, 2013 scheduled for 12 noon at Bardsdale Cemetary.

Pearlee Broughton (1924-2013)

Our loving mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother Pearlee Broughton of Fillmore, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2013, at the age of 89.
Pearlee was born on April 17, 1924 in Lavaca Arkansas. She was the eldest child of 10 children.
Pearlee was married to William (Bill) Broughton on September 15, 1942 and has been reunited with him now in heaven. She was the mother of 4 children and is survived by her daughter Karen Broughton. Also preceding her in death, Pearlee had a daughter Shirley Wheatley, and 2 sons Jesse and Wayne Broughton. She also had 13 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 16 great great grandchildren, 6 sisters and 3 brothers and many nieces and nephews.
In her youth she worked in the oil fields as a yard tender, she also worked in the cotton fields in Bakersfield Ca. she worked at the packing house in Fillmore and the Bra Factory in Fillmore. She enjoyed life by playing Bingo at the senior center in Fillmore where she was also active for 36 years as a volunteer for Food Share. She loved the trips to Las Vegas with her family, and her daily hobby was playing video hand held games. Pearlee was loved greatly and will be missed by all her loved ones she had in her life, remaining always in our hearts until we meet again.
Graveside Memorial service were held Tuesday, June 11, at 10:00 am. At the Bardsdale Cemetery.

Steve E. Wren (1949-2013)

Steve E. Wren quietly passed away at home in Fillmore May 25, 2013 after a long illness at age 64. He was born in Santa Paula, California May 11, 1949 and was the only son of Gene and Marie Wren.
After Steve graduated from Fillmore High School he joined the Army and served a year in Vietnam where he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He also had the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters with the usual campaign medals for his service with both the 39th and 60th Infantry.
Steve worked at Kenney Grove Park near Fillmore for over 15 years before moving to ranch work for the next ten years. When his health failed, he returned to Fillmore to be near his mother who provided care and transportation for him until his death.
Steve was honored with Life Membership in the Fillmore VFW and was a member of the Fillmore Presbyterian Church as a teen and local Boy Scout Troop 406. He loved the out-of-doors and nature everywhere. His favorite past time was writing poetry and Indian and science fiction stories. Steve will be remembered as a very kind, caring and generous friend to everyone.
Steve is survived by his mother, Marie Wren of Fillmore, sisters Kathryn Wren Gavlak (Ray) of Vacaville and Jessica Vincent (Greg) of Ridgecrest, nephews Andrew Beekman (Sara), Patrick Beekman and Jon Beekman with great niece Siena Beekman, and aunt, Geraldine Furr of Oxnard. He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Wren of Fillmore.
Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday June 14th at Bardsdale Cemetery at 11 a.m. Retired Col. John Gritz will be in charge of the service with Greg Vincent leading the Patriot Guard Riders as escorts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fillmore Alumni Scholarship Fund, Box 385, Fillmore, Ca 93016. Skillin-Carroll Mortuary will be in charge.

Donna Rene U Reeder (1933–2013)

Donna Rene U Reeder November 14, 1933 – April 23, 2013
Wife of Fred Reeder and sister Sharon, passed away in San Marcos, Tx. She worked for the US Post Office. Mother of 4, 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Donna will be interred with grave side Memorial Service on Saturday, June 8th 10:00 am. Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 South Sespe, Fillmore Ca. 93015.

William F. Reeder (1917–2013)

William F. Reeder April 3, 1917 – April 28, 2013
William was born in Fillmore and worked at People Lumber Co. in Santa Paula. Was a World War II Captain, was a father of 5 boys: Fred, John, Wayne, Sam, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. William will be interred with grave side Memorial Service on Saturday, June 8th 10:00 am. Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 South Sespe, Fillmore Ca. 93015.

Robert Grazier Peterson (1922-2013)

Robert Grazier Peterson-10/24/1922 to 5/1/2013
Grandpa Bob slipped the bounds of earth and got his angels wings after a long and happy life. He was a man of quiet nature who carefully considered his words when speaking. He graduated Penn State with his first Bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry. Then Bob served in the US Navy during World War II and the Korean War as a Lieutenant Commander aboard an LST Landing Craft. He continued serving the US Navy as a reserve officer and later honorably retired from service. While working and supporting a family, Bob completed his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and then a Master’s degree in Accounting. Bob worked for General Electric, Rocketdyne, and eventually retired from Lockheed. After retiring, Bob received his CPA license and worked in Post Falls, Idaho and Fillmore, California for many years providing financial advice and preparing tax forms. He also volunteered many hours with his church and as a member of the Fillmore Lions Club. Bob has lived and worked in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Idaho, and California in Glendora, Simi Valley, Glendale, Fillmore, and Port Hueneme. He is predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Gill Peterson, and second wife, Gladys Densmore Peterson. Bob is survived by his loving wife Margaret Barber Peterson, brother Warren Peterson; sons David, Ronald, Robert Jr. and Jerome, step-children Margaret Hoffman, Raymond Bond, Brian Barber, Robert Barber, Ann Barber, and David Barber; grandchildren Kelsey Peterson-Bannan, Brian, Austin and Alex Peterson and great-grandchild Olive Peterson. Arrangements are by the Neptune Society. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Bardsdale United Methodist Church in Fillmore on June 8th at 11:00.

Myrtle (“Myrt”) Martha (Minneman) Brothers (1929-2013)

Myrtle (“Myrt”) Martha (Minneman) Brothers, educator, musician, lover of people and of the outdoors, died in Davis, California on April 23 at the age of 83.
Myrt was born August 8, 1929, in Dayton, Ohio, where she was raised. She attended Ball State Teacher’s College (now Ball State University) in Muncie, Indiana, where she met John Brothers, whom she married on June 11, 1949. Upon completing their education at Ball State, Myrt and John migrated west, living for two years in Alto, Texas before settling in Calipatria, California in1953. In Calipatria Myrt gave birth to the last of four sons and began her long career as a teacher.
In the summer of 1958 the family moved to Fillmore, California, settling in a home on the corner of Chambersburg Road (Highway 23) and Riverside Avenue, in Bardsdale. Soon after arriving in Bardsdale, Myrt became a member of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church, where both she and John remained deeply committed throughout their time in Fillmore. She also became a member of the Fillmore Chapter GY of the PEO, in which she served for many years.
Within a short time of her arrival in Fillmore, Myrt began teaching kindergarten at Sespe Elementary School, a position she held for 29 years. In this capacity, she influenced a host of children. Myrt was a dynamic educator: energetic, creative, and always open to innovation. Her students remember her as an energetic, enthusiastic, graceful, and loving presence in the classroom. Particularly sensitive to the needs of Fillmore’s large Hispanic community, she learned Spanish in order to communicate affectively with her Spanish-speaking students and their parents.
Myrt was an excellent musician and pianist; she accompanied Fillmore singer Angela Young in numerous concerts and performed many duo piano recitals with John. She also sang in a female a cappella trio and was involved as a singer and pianist in the music program at her church. In retirement from teaching, she sang with John in the Ventura Master Chorale.
Myrt enjoyed physical activity and the outdoors. She loved the Sierras of California, where she camped and backpacked many summers with John and her sons. She also enjoyed day sailing in the Ventura Harbor. Myrt thrived on physical exercise and for several years rode her bike before sunup to her work. She liked to travel and enjoyed trips within the U.S. and to Europe, Latin America, and New Zealand with John.
Myrt was a giving person. She enjoyed opening her home to others and making them feel welcome; her well-attended Thanksgiving dinners were legendary. She delighted in delivering baked treats to coworkers and friends at Christmastime. She loved her family and enjoyed nothing more than having her home full of sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.
Myrt was beloved by many and will be fondly remembered for her vivacious personality, her boundless energy, and her generous hospitality. She is survived by her husband John, her sister Millie, and her four sons and their families, including nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for June 22 at 4:00 p.m. at Dixon United Methodist Church, 209 North Jefferson Street, Dixon, California. John Brothers may be contacted at 1111 Alvarado Ave. #238, Davis, CA 95616. Gifts in Myrt’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Esther Ramirez Robles (1927-2013)

Esther Ramirez Robles, 86 years young, of Fillmore passed away on May 16, 2013. She was born in Los Angeles, the daughter of Pablo and Guadalupe Ramirez, and was a resident of Ventura County for 84 years. Esther was raised on the Rancho Sespe in Ventura County and lived there until she relocated to Fillmore with her husband, Nicolas, in 1980.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she will be remembered with much love for her bawdy sense of humor, her outstanding ability to cook, and her artistic talent for drawing and crocheting. Esther loved to laugh and she loved to dance and listen to all types of music. She found great pleasure in her work as a teacher’s aide for the Fillmore School District and those she knew through that effort will remember her fondly.
Esther is joining those members of her family who preceded her, her parents Pablo and Guadalupe, her brothers Raul and Raymond, her sister Carman Davis and her granddaughter, Tracilyn Robles Arteaga.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Nicolas (Nick), her children Hortencia, her husband Jeffrey Parker and their children Bryan, Jessica and Amanda, her son Nicolas Jr, and his children Jennifer Robles Polanco, Veronica and David, her daughter Suzanne and her husband Russell Butler and their son, Samuel. Esther was the proud great grandmother of twelve. She is also survived by her eight brothers and sisters, Rachel Calzada, Henry Ramirez, Paul Ramirez, Jr, Art Ramirez, Tommy Ramirez, Linda Venegas, Gilbert Ramirez, Anita Limon.
Visitation will be held at the Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave., Fillmore, on Monday, June 3, 2013, between 2 pm and 9 pm, with a Rosary at 7 pm. A mass will be conducted at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at 1048 W. Ventura St., Fillmore on Tuesday, June 4, at 10:15 am, with burial immediately following at the Pierce Bros Cemetery in Santa Paula.

Reuel Moegagogo Tamasese (1967-2013)

Reuel Moegagogo Tamasese, 46, of Fillmore, Ca. went to his heavenly home on April 29, 2013.
He was born on April 12, 1967 in Utulei, American Samoa, to the late Diana Ramsey-Kuaea and Nofoaseafa Tamasese.
Moe graduated from Banning High school in Wilmington, CA, in 1985.
He worked at Saticoy Lemon Asscociation in Santa Paula, Ca. and was recently employed at CD Lyon Construction in Ventura, Ca. He was known for working hard and always making people laugh.
Moe was also preceded in death by his step father Morrow Kuaea better known to him as "Pops".
Moe is survived by his only son Philip Tamasese of Fillmore, CA, that he loved with all his heart, his brother Philip and wife Marty Tamasese of Broken Arrow , OK; his sisters Diana Tamasese and husband Keni Rimoni of Berrien Springs, MI; and Jennifer Rose Tusalava Kuaea of Del Rio, TX.
Moe had four nephews: Morrow Alexander Tamasese; Kenric and Kristian Rimoni; and
Kai Smith. He also had two nieces: Anacristina Tamasese and Keiana Smith.
Moe was blessed to have many friends that he loved dearly and he considered them family. They knew him as having a generous heart and would always greet you with "Hey, man!" or "Hi, Sis!" and a contagious smile. He would always remind his son Philip every night before Philip went to bed that "Jesus loves you son."
Moe's celebration of life services were held at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary at 600 Central Ave on May 4, 2013 at 8:30 am. Services were officiated by his uncles: Rev. Andy Leavasa of Lakewood, CA, and Rev. Moegagogo Tamasese of San Francisco, CA. Words of comfort were given by Julian Chaveste of Santa Paula,CA.
Moe was laid to rest at Bardsdale Cemetary in Fillmore, CA.

Heber Kent Jones (1930-2013)

Our dear husband, father and grandfather, Kent Jones, returned to the high country May 13. Kent was born in Heber City, Utah, Feb. 25, 1930, to Elisha Warren Jones and Hannah Cecelia Crook Jones, who taught him the goodness of life. As a young farm boy he loved herding sheep with his dad.
He attended Heber City schools, graduating from Wasatch High before serving in the L.D.S. Southern States mission from 1950-1952. Immediately after, he served his country for two years during the Korean Conflict. Kent graduated from Brigham Young University in 1960, married Carol Diane Wheldon (later divorced), and taught school for 27 years at Fillmore Jr. High School in Fillmore California, serving as president of the Fillmore Teachers Association. He married Marlene Easterwood in 1973. They were sealed in the Los Angeles temple in 1978. He returned to Heber City in 1987 to begin a 21-year career as a utilities system manager on the Uinta National Forest. This he truly enjoyed, believing that being in the forest is the best therapy a man can have.
Kent served in several L.D.S bishoprics, on the high council and in other stake and ward positions. He was a Dutch oven chef and member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
Kent is survived by Marlene, his wife of 40 wonderful years, children Chad (Debbie) Jones; Kenna Jones; Steve (Camilla) Conaway; Cathe (Allan) Cook; Kristi Vandenham; Josh (Steve Finau) Jones. His greatest joy was being with his wife, children, 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, especially in the mountains.
Kent’s funeral will be at the L.D.S. Valley Hills 1st Ward building, at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 16. There will be a viewing beginning at 9 a.m.

Dorothy F. Spangler (1935-2013)

Dorothy F. Spangler, 78, of Fillmore passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
Dorothy will be missed by all her family and many friends.
Dorothy was born in Piru, Calif., on January 18, 1935, to Jesse and Myrtle Baker. Dorothy attended Piru school and later graduated from Fillmore High School in 1952. Most people would remember Dorothy from her 20-plus years working as a checker at Vons in Fillmore. She loved her family and would spend most of her time with them. She enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Spike. She also spent a lot of her time reading, taking pictures, working on her computer, and researching her family history. After her husband passed away, she would spend Friday nights with her girlfriends going to dinner and watching movies. Dorothy loved listening to music and had a very eclectic taste, from Oldies to Opera. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Theodore Baker and Bessie Myrtle Baker (Petro); sister, Nadine; brother, Raymond; husband, Delbert "Spike" Spangler; and grandson, Daniel Legan.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Pete (wife Nita) Legan of Lancaster, Calif., Kenny (wife Kathy) Legan of Montague, Calif., Nadra (husband Jim) Carricaburu of Fillmore, Calif., Karen (husband Chris) McDermott of Fillmore, Calif., and Nicky (wife Vicky) Legan of Oak Run, Calif.; brother, Bud Baker; 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many honorary children. She will be truly missed by her favorite children, cats Charlie and Maggie.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, at Skillin Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Bardsdale Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave., Fillmore, phone 524-0744.

Ernest Herman Hurd, a long time Fillmore, California resident, known to many as Ernie or Paka, died at home in Denver, Colorado on April 26, 2013. He was born on February 9, 1919 in Cosmospolis, Washington to Theodore Truman Hurd and Edith Atkinson Hurd. Ernie’s father died at an early age, leaving his wife with their two young sons to care for. Ernie eventually went to live with Helen Doty, a kind hearted widow lady that needed help on her small farm outside of Eugene, Oregon while his older brother, Theodore Sheldon remained with his mother at her parent’s home in Eugene. Mrs. Doty became “Aunt Helen” to Ernie and her only son Max helped influence him to further his education at a university.
Ernie was in junior high school when he and another student, Nelson Treadway were challenged to build a telescope as a class project and before graduating from high school in Eugene, Oregon, their telescope was the only one completed. While in high school, Ernie also learned code and earned a radio operators license, which benefited him later in his career. He also learned to play the harmonica and he and his pal Nelson, both became quite accomplished playing duets together. They played on the radio at the college station in Corvallis, Oregon, winning accolades with their harmonicas.
Ernie was a second year engineering student at the Oregon State University in Corvallis when he had to drop out due to lack of funds. He then learned radio electronics at a vocational school in Eugene and from there started teaching code to men at the United States Naval station in Seattle, Washington to become qualified radio operators. When this teaching program closed, Ernie was offered a Chief Petty Officers commission but instead went into working for the Civil Aeronautics Association, beginning a series of civilian assignments with the CAA. He worked in Butte, Montana, Minchumina, Alaska, and Palmyra Island in the South Pacific and with assignments on all the islands of Hawaii after World War II ended.
Ernie met his future wife, Marvis Jean Robinson on board the steamship USS Matsonia, when he was coming home on furlough. Marvis had been vacationing in Hawaii and was returning to her home in Fillmore, California. They married July 27, 1946, in Fillmore, a marriage which lasted fifty-one years, until her death in 1997. Ernie and Marvis made their first home in Honolulu, Hawaii, while Ernie continued his work in civil aeronautics. Shortly afterwards, Marvis’s father, in declining health, asked if he would return to California to learn and take over the Robertson family citrus farming business. So Ernie resigned and they moved to Bardsdale, near Fillmore. While farming was always a challenge, he loved the work and was always available in helping others. Marvis and Ernie became the parents to two sons, Mark and Chris. A son, Barry, died in infancy.
While Ernie had no architectural or building experience, he was instrumental in the drafting and construction of the beach house in 1976. In addition to operating the family citrus farming business, he was active in his church. He joined the Bardsdale United Methodist church shortly after he and Marvis moved to Fillmore from Hawaii, remaining faithful to its teachings during his entire lifetime. He served in various capacities within the church and was a member of the board of trustees for many years.
Ernie was a member of and served as Master of the Fillmore Masonic Lodge. He served as chairman of the Bardsdale school board as well as chairman of the Farm Bureau Citrus committee. He was a member of SPEBSQSA, a barbershop harmony singing group, in both the Ventura and Oxnard chapters, serving as their president for many years. For thirty-five years, Ernie was a science judge for schools at the city, county and state levels. He was instrumental in the operation and maintenance of several water boards for the Bardsdale community, until leaving the area a few years ago.
In 1978, they held a meeting with the remaining family members within the Robertson ranch, and it was decided to sell the property and retire. Ernie and Marvis then travelled extensively to various countries around the world, including a visit to Vienna, Austria to see the exchange student who had lived with them, when their own boys were still at home.
After the death of Marvis, he met Bonnie Nijenhuis on an airline flight, and they married in 2000. Until Ernie’s health prevented it, they both continued to travel. For a time, they divided their time between her homes Florida and Colorado, as well as his home in Bardsdale.
Surviving are his wife, Bonnie of Denver, Colorado, his sons Mark Evan and his wife Sharon of Fillmore and Christopher Thomas and his wife Anne of Firebaugh, California, step-daughter Diana Hawkins of Show Low, Arizona, step-son Brent Mickey of Oldsmar, Florida, grandsons Chad (Jennifer), Neal (Carrie Ann), Kevin (Allison) and Dusty (Sarah) Hurd. Also surviving are step-grandchildren Jamie, Trevor and Hannah Hawkins, Austin and Devon Mickey and great-grandchildren Kylie, Justin, Gannon, Yetta, Moriah, Griffin, and Duncan Hurd. Step-great-grandchildren are Emily and Ethan Burroughs.
His Memorial service is to be held at the Bardsdale United Methodist church, 1498 Bardsdale Avenue, Fillmore, California on the 6th of May at 11:00 o’clock. A luncheon reception follows. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the above church or to any community food bank in his memory.

Kerry Weber Balden (1958-2012)

Kerry Weber Balden (May 11, 1958 - May 9, 2012), 53, died May 9, 2012 in his home in Seabrook, TX. Mr. Balden was born in Santa Paula, CA to James and Patricia Wilson Balden. He was a graduate of Filmore High School, class of 1976. He and his siblings spent many happy weekend and summer visits at their grandparents’ beach house in Mussel Shoals, CA.

As a young adult, Kerry worked in the maritime industry. Eventually he moved to Hawaii and worked as chief engineer for a firm in the Honolulu Harbor. While in Hawaii he met his wife Maureen Smith Balden. After marrying in Hawaii, the couple relocated and has lived in Seabrook, TX since 1992.
Kerry was an active member and volunteer at the Bay Area Club in League City and the Wheel House in Deer Park. He owned and operated Balden Construction during all of his Texas years.

Kerry was an exceptional athelete. During his youth, he played baseball, basketball, football, and ran track on the local teams in Fillmore where he grew up. He often won awards, and appeared in the area newspapers for his atheletic achievements. During his years at Fillmore High, he was a star on his high school football, basketball, and track teams. He received the honor being his football team’s MVP. But those who knew him will not be surprised that he was also given the distinction of earning the “Most Ejections from High School Basketball Games” award, as well as being voted “The Boy the Girls Most Wanted to be Stranded on a Deserted Island With!” As a father, he continued his passion for sports as he watched his sons play local team sports as both a coach and a spectator.
Kerry was an avid fisherman, and when the flounder were running, fishing often became a distraction from everything else. Until recently, Kerry found great pleasure in trying to get a tiny white ball into a small cup on the greens of beautiful golf courses from Hawaii to Texas and beyond. His newest passion was Nascar, and he could be found most every Saturday and Sunday watching one race or another. He even got to attend Nascar in person at Texas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Talladega Superspeedway.
Kerry was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents. He is survived by his wife Maureen, and two sons, Kerry James, 20, and Shea Evans, 17; his father James Evans Balden and stepmother Elaine Balden of Altadena, CA; his siblings Patrick, Laura Balden Clauson, Michael, Justine Blanton, Alana Balden and Skyla Balden; his numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and too many friends to name.

For those who prefer making a donation to sending flowers, the family has established the Kerry Weber Balden Memorial “Fix-It” Fund to benefit ongoing building maintenance and lawn care at the Bay Area Club, as this was Kerry’s weekly service project and his great passion. Donations to this fund may be sent directly by check to the Bay Area Club, 2111 Webster St. League City, TX 77573, specifying Kerry’s name in the memo. Donations are fully tax deductible.
 Condolences may be sent to the Balden Family, PO Box 813, Seabrook, TX 77586.

Although full funeral services were held at the time of Kerry’s death at his hometown in Texas, the family felt that a service local to Fillmore at this one year anniversary would be fitting as well.
On May 11, 2013, one year after his death, and on Kerry’s 55th birthday, there will be a brief memorial service held at 11:00 am at the Bardsdale Cemetery. Immediately following the service there will be a BBQ at John and Debbie Perkins home. All are invited

Felipe Luis Quezada (1941-2013)

Felipe Luis Quezada, 72, of Tujunga, CA, was called to the Lord on April 18, 2013. Many of his friends called him, Phil. He was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on February 6, 1941, to loving parents Luis B Quezada (deceased) and Luz V Quezada. Phil graduated from Fillmore High School in 1960 and attended Ventura College and CSUN, and received his Masters from UCLA. He proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves.
Phil married the love of his life, Rosa Maria Aguirre in 1968, and had three beautiful and successful daughters, Rosa Maria, Rebeca Leticia, and Veronica Ruth.
Phil worked for Price Waterhouse & Co. before starting his own CPA firm, from which he retired.
Felipe is survived by his mother, Luz Quezada, his loving wife Rosa Maria, his daughters, Rosie, Becky, and Veronica, his son-in-laws, Donald, Brian, Michael, his two grandsons Jacoby and Easton, his sister Lucy and her husband Ricardo, his nephews Richie and David, his nieces Andrea, Amber, and Isabella, as well as many cousins, God-children, and friends.
The Quezada Family would like to publicly acknowledge the staff at Cedars-Sinai for their care. We would particularly like to thank and express our gratitude to Dr. Keith Klein, Felipe's primary physician, for all the loving, compassionate care he provided throughout Felipe's stay in the hospital.
Services will be
Rosary: Thursday April 25, 2013 at 7:00pm
Funeral: Friday April 26, 2013 at 11:30am
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
7315 Apperson St.
Tujunga, CA 91042
818-352-3218

W.L “Dub” Vossler (1922-2013)

Dub passed away peacefully, at the age of 90, after a short struggle with kidney disease. Family and friends gave him encouragement and love during his illness, hoping he would stay with us, but he had other plans.
He was born in Duke, Okla., to Lon and Bertha Vossler, and his family later moved to Texas. He would laugh at the times in his teen years when he and friends would hop on a freight train and ride the rails to any destination the train was going, knowing what lay in store for him when he got home days later!
Dub was always a hard worker, starting when he was still a boy, and worked on his uncle’s farm, planting and picking cotton or crop of the season, but still finding time to sneak off and take a dip in the reservoir on hot summer days. He worked at the Armor Meat Packing Plant in Ft. Worth, Texas, and then in 1939 he moved to Fillmore, where he worked at the M.O.D. Packing Plant, receiving and packing oranges. He would also go out into the groves and tent the trees when it was time to fumigate them for citrus pests, a job that he called dirty and backbreaking.
It was also in 1939 that he met Joyce Patterson, and it became a wartime romance that led into a union of 70 years. They were married in Las Vegas in 1941, and soon moved to Long Beach to help the WWII effort at the shipyards and Douglas Aircraft. Dub was inducted into the U.S Army in 1943, where he served in the South Pacific Islands of New Caldonia, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and New Guinea as an aviation engineer, maintaining fuel storage facilities for aviation fuel, diesel for ships, and regular gasoline for vehicles (total storage facility, 5 million gals). At the end of his military service in 1946, he held the rank of Tech. Sergeant 4.
Returning to Fillmore after WWII, he went to work for Texaco as a meter man. He and Joyce build their first home, raised a son and 2 daughters there, and then he decided to take early retirement in 1979, after 33 years with Texaco. They moved to Sheridan, Montana, where they build their second home. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, and loved to hunt, fish, camp in Montana, he was able to go on cattle drives riding his one-man horse, Babe. He liked to read the old West stories by Louis L’amour, sometimes more than one or twice. Having lived a full life, he always had a funny story to tell on himself or one of his hunting buddies. They made many lifelong friends during their 23 years in Montana, and after moving to Fillmore once again, they continued to travel back to Big Sky country.
Dub was preceded in death a year ago by his wife of 70 years, Joyce; his parents, five brothers and three sisters; grandson, Michael Vossler; Great-grandson, Joshua Chaves; and great-great granddaughter Jordan Willeford.
Survivors include daughter and sons-in-laws, Linda and Jerry Crockett, and Nancy and Raymond Cervantez, all from Fillmore; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Sherry Vossler of Lowell, Ore; Brother, Calvin Vossler of Leakey, Texas; Granddaughters, Jennifer Crockett of Oklahoma City, Ok., and Teresa Blankenship of Sonora, Ca.; grandsons Kelly Brown of Ojai, and Casey (Anne) Brown of Tulare, Ca.; Great-grandchildren Rachel Chavez, Brittany, Taylor and Kelsie Brown, and Julian and Brennan Brown; great-great grandson Devin Willeford and many niece and nephews.
Another of America’s “Greatest Generation” is gone.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Ave, Fillmore. Graveside will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 10 a.m., at Bardsdale Cemetery.