Peter Basua Reyes (1957-2012)

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved father, grandfather, son and brother, on Thursday, January 26, 2012.
Peter was born on July 14, 1957 in Ventura, California, to Edward and Tomasa Reyes. He attended schools and resided the majority of his life in Fillmore.
Peter enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was always willing to help a family or friend in need.
He is survived by his children Erika Reyes, Peter Joseph Reyes; grandsons, Joshua Reyes, Jacob Vasquez; brothers, Edward Reyes (Tommie), Louie Reyes; sisters, Eleanor Lopez Reyes and Rachel Reyes.
Peter was predeceased by his mother, Tomasa Reyes; sisters, Lucy Reyes Chavez, Olga Reyes; grandparents, Pedro and Eleanor Basua, Luis and Salvadora Valencia Reyes.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 3, at First Assembly of God Church, 703 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA. Committal and Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr., Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula, CA. 805.229.7054

Samuel Armond Gunter (1924-2012)

On January 14, 2012, Samuel Armond Gunter went home to the Lord. He was 87 years old. Armond was born in Oakland, CA on April 8, 1924. He moved to Fillmore, CA at a young age and attended Fillmore Union High School, where he was the student body president and quarterback on the football team.
ONE MORE WWII HERO HAS LEFT US
After graduation he joined the US Navy and became a pilot, flying Corsairs. He served in the Pacific on board the USS Franklin. While he was in the air, the carrier was attacked and destroyed. He had no place to land. He was finally able to ditch his plane in the water next to a rescue ship. After the war, he returned to Fillmore and met Wanda Basolo. Three months later they were married. Armond and Wanda lived and raised their children in Fillmore. Armond worked in agriculture, spending most of that time working for Agri-Serv in Santa Paula. Armond was also an active member of the Fillmore Rotary Club. After retiring, Armond and Wanda moved to Poinsettia Gardens in Ventura where they volunteered at the Ventura County Medical Center.
Armond would always say that his dear Wanda was the love of his life and that he was blessed to be her husband. They were married for 66 years.
Armond is survived by his loving wife Wanda, their three children and their spouses. David and Donna Gunter, Lynn and Bob Williams and Jill and Bill Williams, all of Fresno CA. He is also survived by six grand children, eight great grand children and a nephew.
Graveside service will be held at Bardsdale Cemetery on Friday, January 27 at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Malcolm Lloyd Jackson (1917-2012)

A Legend Is Gone
Malcolm Lloyd Jackson passed away on the morning of January 15th, 2012, as the result of a fall at home on January 2nd. Malcolm celebrated his 94th birthday on December 10th, 2011.
He was born in 1917, in Sneed, Oklahoma. He spent his early years growing up near Ardmore, Oklahoma. His first trip to Fillmore, California, was in 1924, arriving on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, in the midst of the Rose Parade. He often recalled his disbelief that there were that many people and cars in all the world. After just one year his parents and he returned to Oklahoma. Then at the age of seventeen he returned to California on his own in the midst of the Depression years.
After a few years at various labor jobs, he was hired by the State Department Of Transportation to act as the blaster on the Hwy 33-Maricopa Hwy improvement project. Evidence of his drilling and blasting can still be seen along the lower portions of the Maricopa Hwy. Near the end of the project, a large boulder struck Malcolm on the side of the head crushing his skull. He was off work for nearly two years. He rehabilitated himself by using the time to explore the eastern Sierra High Country by pack horse and on foot. Upon returning to work he entered the oil industry as a wireline technician. He retired from Sun Oil in 1976 to work full time at his vocation of gunsmithing. He had already become famous among shooters from all walks of life, business people, movie actors, politicians, judges, and just plain folks. The shotguns he made for trap shooters and the rifles he built for target shooters and hunters have become much sought after. He also repaired literally thousands of guns. All of that becomes almost a footnote to the stories he told, the life lessons he shared and his view of the world through eyes that saw everything as either right or wrong. His ability to communicate with generations of young people became legend.
Malcolm Jackson had many more true friends than most people. Over 400 friends attended his 75th birthday event and again on his 90th birthday from such diverse places as New Jersey, Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and Nevada. He was loved far more than this written account can possibly portray.
Malcolm was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Annabelle Marie, in 1998, and his daughter Christina Jackson Warring in 1984, and great grandsons Logan and Parker Farstad.
He is survived by his daughter Linda Ann Durand, grandchildren Holley Hammond (Chris), Mandy Farstad (Spencer), Kevin Warring, Brian Warring, Pierre Durand (Maria) and Mario Durand. Also, son and daughter Larry and Jeannie Carpenter. Also surviving are great grandchildren Payton Christina Hammond, Kiefer Farstad, Jadon and Kiera Durand.
Special thanks to caregivers Helen Riesgo and Liliana Vazquez.
Malcolm was a founding member of the Piru Sportsman Club and also a founder of the Piru Petroleum Club. He was, as well, a Life Member of the National Rifle Association since 1948.
In Lieu of flowers, Malcolm asked that donations be made to the Piru Petroleum Club, P.O. Box 178 Fillmore, CA 93016.
Graveside services, open to all, Monday January 23rd at 11:00am, Bardsdale Cemetery. Shuttle service will be provided by Wm. L. Morris Chevrolet from the lot located at 211 Central Ave (North of Hwy 126). There will be a shuttle at 10:00am and 10:20am with return service directly following the service.

James A. Pennington (1915-2012)

An angel on earth earned his wings this last Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, when James A. Pennington, 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Paso Robles. James was born to Samuel K. and Ethel Pennington of Booneville, AR. in
Jan. of 1915. James was one of nine children who persevered through the hard times of the Great Depression Era. After taking up work at a Service Station, James fell in love with his employer’s housekeeper, Muriel Hall Pennington), to whom he recently celebrated 73 years of marriage. James came to California with family in 1939 and resided in Ventura County before retiring and moving to San Luis Obispo County. It is no secret that James was a living piece of history. He saw and participated in some of our Country’s most somber and most celebrated years. He shared his memories to all who took time to visit and was most known for being a wonderful toryteller. His stories and life-lessons will never be forgotten by any of those who were lucky enough to meet this special man. Thanks to James’s family, caregivers Pam F., Helen G., Grace J, and his Doctor, Joseph McCowin, James ended his journey at home with wife Muriel close by. He is survived by his loving wife, Muriel (90); his sister Sue Waldren (92) and Husband Harvey, children Jim and wife Pam Pennington, Grace and husband Jack Collins, and Cindy Brennan. James was also blessed with nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. As James’s last words suggest, “Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord;” James reminded us of his gifted life and the spiritual connection he carried until the very end. Memorial services and viewing will be held at the Stetler Mortuary on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 at 8:00a.m. in Santa Paula. Graveside service will follow at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.

Patricia Marie Dann Rivera (1958-2011)

"Patty" Dann Rivera, originally of Fillmore, CA and later Columbia, TN entered into eternal life at the age of 53 in her Santa Paula home after a four year battle with lung cancer. The 5th of ten children she was was predeceased by her father Jerry Dann. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her mother, Carol Newberry Dann, husband Jessie Rivera, five children Sean (Kylee) Rivera of Knoxville, TN, Patrick (Margot) Rivera of Ventura, CA, Eric (Jennifer) Rivera of Ontario, CA, Melanie Rivera of Santa Paula, CA and Maria Rivera of Santa Paula, CA; sisters Cherie (Drew) Ferguson, Laurie (David) Pillado, and Julie (Mark) Gallegos; brothers Jeff (Tiffany) Dann, Steve (Joyce) Dann, Mike Dann, Tom (Tori) Dann, Matt Dann, and Robert (Lynne) Dann. In the last two years of her life she was blessed with five grandchildren, Sophia, Carver, Mia, Rudy, and Marcella. Patty was born in Norwalk, CA and was raised in Fillmore, CA where she and high school sweetheart Jessie first met. He proposed to her before their Senior Prom and they were married in 1978. Patty was also a nineteen year resident of Columbia, TN where she raised her five children and was a devout member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
A faithful Catholic woman, she was a beautiful Christian witness to her family and friends. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and even to the last days of her life she prayed her rosary daily. She was also completely dedicated to teaching her children the values and importance of Christian virtue and the power of sacrificial love. Her son’s will not forget the long one-on-one conversations, whether across the country or in person, they shared with their mother, nor will her daughters forget the hours she would spend praying, singing, or dressing them for formal events.
She was a true woman of joy, and her sweet nature will be dearly missed by her family. The precious time we were given with our beautiful Patty will always be cherished. Her joy was a most promising sign of God's infallible presence. Jessie remained vigilant and present at her side with his five children until her death. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that donations be made to Catholic Charities or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Ventura County.
The family would also like to recognize Assisted 1 Hospice services who lovingly cared for her toward the end of her life. Their compassion and caring were living examples of Christian charity.
Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Patricia will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3169 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, beginning with visitation from 5pm-8pm with the recitation of the rosary at 7pm, Monday, December 26, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10am. Committal and Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore.
For map and direction to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Patricia's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula. 805.229.7054

John A. García (1915-2011)

John A. García passed away on December 19, 2011 due to complications from a stroke incurred in June of this year.
John was born in what’s now South Central Los Angeles on November 7, 1915 to João and Esperanza García, the third of four siblings. As a small boy, being very adventurous, he helped his father with a small commercial fishing business. When he became a teenager, he lived for a short while with his older brother in Yuma, Arizona where he learned to drive at the age of 14 owning his own car. He returned to Los Angeles having attended Jordan High School.
John immediately joined the WPA in the 1930s in the midst of the depression helping clear brush, establish and pave road throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. He also was involved in the construction of many schools also throughout the area. He returned again to Los Angeles working in the mattress manufacturing industry. Then, in 1944, he joined the Merchant Marines enrolling in cooking school in Long Beach before his first assignment refueling naval ships and carriers in the perilous South Pacific. His rose to the rank of Chief Cook as he traveled to Australia, India, Mozambique and Brazil with the Merchant Marine Corps.
Continuing in manufacturing, John held various positions as plant and operations manager with various furniture manufacturers in the greater Los Angeles area. In 1973, he also spent a short stint working in San Antonio, Texas. In 1975, he became plant manager of the old Carter West furniture plant still located on the corner of A Street and Old Telegraph Road in Fillmore.
In Fillmore, he was very involved in the community. He was a member of the Lions Club and the Parent Advisory Council with the Fillmore Unified School District. He also extensively volunteered with the Fillmore Senior Center providing medical appointment transportation and helping organize bingo.
Retiring in 1981, John would walk almost five miles a day and read old National Geographic magazines. Eventually, he could only last with this routine for six months before he returned to working full time again. He worked for Alpenlite in old Ventura and Abel Reels in Camarillo until retiring again in 2003 at the age of 86.
He spent his second stint in retirement extensively in San Diego and Oceanside, CA leading a very active lifestyle until this year. He could often be caught eating a roast beef sandwich while sail boat watching at the Oceanside Harbor, enjoying Chinese buffet in Pacific Beach or drinking his Starbuck’s coffee at the end of Shelter Island Drive in San Diego.
John is survived by his wife Josephine of over 41 year, his sons John, Jr. of Long Beach, Tom of Bellflower, daughter Cynthia of Whittier, Philip of Fillmore, Arnie of San Diego, and Mike and Joe also from Fillmore. He will be missed by all including his many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A rosary and funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, December 23, 2011 at 9:30 at St. Margaret’s Parish, 4300 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA followed by graveside services at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.

Rae Wilson (1921-2011)

Rae Wilson departed this life on November 23, 2011, in Ventura, after a rapid decline in her health. As she had wished, she died in her home. Her passing was peaceful and her daughter, Cheryl, was at her side. She was 90 years old.
Born Minnie Rae Lewis on January 3, 1921 in Madisonville, Tennessee, she was the first of three children born to Walter Earley Lewis and Sally Emeline Lewis nee Millsap. Minnie Rae often used her middle name, Rae. When Rae was six years old, the family moved to the Bardsdale-Fillmore area and, later, to Santa Paula. She had a talent for music, playing the piano in church and teaching her sister to play. Rae graduated from Fillmore High School with the class of 1944. She took classes at Ventura College and worked in banking, payroll, and secretarial work.
Rae worked as a secretary to the geologists at the Union Oil office in Santa Paula in the heyday of oil exploration in Ventura County. During this time, she met Gayford "Gay" Wilson and they soon married. Rae and Gay enjoyed entertaining guests and hosted many gatherings such as bridge club. They were active in the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Paula.
Summer vacations for the Wilson family frequently involved camping and water-skiing trips throughout California and Nevada. Gay and Rae visited Hawaii and Europe and traveled across the US in a motorhome. They moved to Ventura in 1985. Gay passed away in 2000. Rae enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, and playing golf with her many friends at the Saticoy Country Club. She was active in Loyal Friends, Ebell, and P.E.O. Her highest priority was always her family. We will all miss her.
Rae is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Boyce, and his wife, Maxine. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Cooper (Bryan), daughter, Cheryl Wilson, son, Gary (Cindy), and grandchildren, Kyle Tripoli, Tyler and Nicole Wilson, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.
A memorial and life celebration will be held on January 7, 2012, at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Paula, 121 Davis Street, Santa Paula CA 93060. A reception in the fellowship hall will follow immediately after. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rae's memory can be made to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice (1996 Eastman Avenue, Suite 101, Ventura, CA 93003). Rae's family wishes to extend a special thanks to Rae's nurse, Janet, and caregivers Constance and Beth. They were kind, patient, and comforting.

Mary Ann (Gathright) Palmer

Surrounded with the love of her family, Mary Ann (Gathright) Palmer went to be with the Lord Monday, November 21st.
She graduated from Fillmore High in 1950 and married her high school sweetheart, Dale Palmer, in 1952. Together they made their home in Bardsdale with daughters Janet and Susan and son Don. She was then blessed with 8 grand children and they have blessed her with 10 great grand children.
Mary Ann spent many summers camping and fishing, spending time at the beach and hostessing numerous parties for her kids. Later, she and Dale were able to travel and experience several cruises. She enjoyed gardening and was very active in the Garden Club and Orchid Society. She was also an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs.
Preceded in death by her parents Walt and Viola Gathright, Mary Ann is survived by her sister Gertrude Lovelace and brother Ed Gathright.
A celebration of Mary Ann Palmer's life will be held at the Faith Community Church Tuesday, November 29 at 1:00pm, 355 D Street, Paster Mark Rathe, residing. A private graveside service for the family will be held at Bardsdale Cemetery.

Arturo Contreras Gonzalez (1941-2011)

Arturo Contreras Gonzalez
Fillmore, CA
Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Arturo Contreras, passed away on November 19, 2011 in Fillmore, CA. He lived in Ventura County for 39 years. He was born in Caurio de Guadalupe, Michoacan, Mexico on May 2, 1941.
Arturo loved going to his “ranchito” and growing vegetables for his family. He retired from Gardenia Nursery, Camarillo in 2005. He enjoyed watching soccer and collecting recycling. He loved babysitting his grandchildren.
Arturo is preceded in death by his mother, father and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Josefina, sons; Carlos, Arturo Jr., Roberto, Jorge and Ruben, daughters; Eva, Olivia, Nubia, Raquel, Susana, Margarita and Leticia and 9 grandchildren.
Viewing will be held from 3:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, November 25, 2011 at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 600 N. Central Ave, Fillmore CA 93015. Funeral service will be on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 8:45 am at St. Francis Church followed by the graveside at Bardsdale Cemetery.
“We love you and we will miss you very much.”

Darrell Antonsen (1951-2011)

August, 1951 - November 10, 2011
Darrell Antonsen passed away peaceful in his home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. Darrell was born to Lloyd and Lillian Antonsen and was a life long Fillmore resident. He enjoyed gardening fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He also loved working on and collecting old cars. He worked in the oilfields for 41 years and was employed by Nabors for 32 yrs. He had a reputation of doing a great job and took a lot of pride in his work. Darrell was a decorated Veteran who served the Vietnam.
He was preceeded in death by his father Lloyd Antonsen, mother Lillian Antonsen and brother Larry Antonsen. He is survived by Pam keeling, son Scott Antonse, daughter Tracy Antonsen-Molina and grandchildren, Taylor, Brandon and Kinzie. He is also survived by his sisters Carol Talbot, Diane Tallent and Cathy Kozar and many other friends.
He was loved and will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Services will be held at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary (600 Central Ave., Fillmore)on Friday, November 18. 2011 at 12:30pm followed by a celebration of Darrell’s life held at Fillmore Senior Center (533 Santa Clara Ave.). In lieu of flowers, donation to the American Cancer society in honor of Darrell Antonsen would be appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, Fillmore, CA.

William L. Garfield (1933-2011)

William L. Garfield, 78, of Fillmore, CA died peacefully on October 24, 2011 at his beloved ranch home as a result of end stage dementia.
William was born on June 9, 1933 in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. After finishing college he moved to Fillmore, CA where he began teaching and was able to touch the lives of three generations of students over his memorable forty-five year High School teaching career. His passions involved family, friendship, life-long learning, travel, critical thinking and social justice. Many heartfelt thanks go out to the numerous friends and thousands of students who filled William’s life with joy, love, affection and humor.
William is survived by his wife, Irma Vazquez-Garfield, their daughter, Alina Michelle Vazquez-Garfield, daughter Barbara J. Garfield-Rueger (daughter of William and Rita Garfield), grand daughter Sarah Ann Rueger and son-in-law Peter Rueger of El Dorado, CA. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1017 First Street, Fillmore, CA 93015. In lieu of flowers or donations please consider honoring William by selecting a day upon which to perform three extra acts of kindness.

Richard V. Gallardo (1934-2011)

Richard V. Gallardo passed away on Oct. 26, with his daughters at his side.
Richard was born in Moorpark on June 1, 1934 in the area that is now the Target shopping center. He spent his youth exploring the Tierra Rejada among the walnut trees and cattle ranches. After serving in the U.S. Army, Richard met his wife of 48 years, Rosie. While working with the Saticoy Lemon Assn., it was there that he was exposed to trucking and after working his way up, he and Rosie began R. Gallardo Trucking. He established a strong business relationship with Ameron that continued after his active participation in the company. They established their business, home and family in Fillmore. His spare time was spent traveling with Rosie. They cruised, went through the Panama Canal, visited most of the U.S., and Europe. He was also an avid coin collector, wood worker, train collector and enjoyed tending to his garden. He continued to tend to his beloved roses, even after losing the use of his right arm. He continued to maintain his independence until the very end, something that was very important to him. Richard was predeceased by his loving wife Rose Marie in 2008.
Richard leaves behind his children, Lani Farr (Ken), Christina Mauro (Greg), and Richard Gallardo (Stacey), and grandchildren Josh Gross, Samantha and James Farr, Sophia and Amelia Gallardo, brother John, sister Dolly, longtime family friend Millie Shackelford, many other family members and friends and of course his canine companion Monty.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Assisted Home Hospice for their compassion, care and dignity that was given to Richard during his last few days. We would also like to thank Lupe Mercado for her gentle kindness and care.
The family is planning a private family service at a later date, and requests that in lieu of flower that an in kind donation can be Made to Assisted Home Hospice of Ventura.

Joe Meraz (1929-2011)

Joe Meraz passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside at the age of 82 on October 8th. He was born August 25, 1929, in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He came to California in the 1940’s and settled in Fillmore where he became a rancher.
Joe spent many years coaching Fillmore Little League, as well as serving as an umpire. He loved sports and most of all watching the Dodgers. In his later years he spent time traveling the world to places such as Europe, Egypt, Alaska and Jerusalem to name a few. He lived a full life and now joins his lifelong companion Hope Garcia; as well as his grandson, Dustin Joseph Meraz.
He is survived by his sons, Ben Meraz, Dan (Michelle) Meraz, Dave (Trisha) Meraz and Fred (Frances) Segura. His grandchildren Christie (Vince) Roman, Aaron (Nicole) Meraz, Christi (Tyler) Threadgill, Ben (Judy) Meraz, Veronica and David Tyler Meraz. Great grandchildren, Ally, Tori, and Dustin Roman; Aleena, Travis and Isaac Meraz; Lilyanna Meraz and Amelia Threadgill.
Viewing will be held at Skillin –Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore on October 13th at 4:00 p.m. with a rosary following at 6:30 p.m.
Gravesite burial will be held on Friday, October 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Bardsdale Cemetery, Bardsdale, CA.

Josephine 'Alice' Luna (1942-2011)

Josephine 'Alice' Luna, 69 of Fillmore passed away on Friday, September 16, 2011. Alice was born on March 25,1942 in Santa Paula to John and Josephine Aguilar.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Luis M. Luna, Sr.; brothers, Raymundo H. Aguilar and John Raymond Aguilar.
Alice is survived by her children, Luis and Jackie Luna, Daniel Luna, Edward and Ana Luna, Josephine and Alfred Valles, Andrew and Yenira Luna; Grandchildren, Heaven, Johnny, Michael, Andrew Jr., Diego, Yvette, Julie and Alonzo; Brothers, Jim and Ruth Aguilar, Armando A. and Elaine Aguilar, Henry and Cecilia Aguilar; Sisters, Virginia and Hector Araiza, Amelia and Ralph Alcoser, Lupe and Ruben Carrillo and many loved nephews and nieces.
Alice was a loving and caring person to all that knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
Funeral Services Honoring The Life of Josephine 'Alice' Luna will begin with visitation at 4pm followed with the recitation of the rosary at 5pm, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 Ventura Street, Fillmore. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am, Thursday, September 22, 2011 also at St. Francis of Assisi with Father Barney Gatlin Officiating. Committal and Interment will follow at Pierce Bros. Santa Paula Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Alice's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula, CA. 805.229.7054

Myrth Feldmann (1913–2011)

On August 26, 2011, at the rich and remarkable age of 97 years, Myrth Feldmann went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Atlantic, Iowa, on December 13, 1913, to Robert and Zeta Bell. The family, including her older brother Charles and younger brother Jack, lived in a small apartment above a feed store in Fletcher’s Chapel, a very small farming community. Myrth graduated from Lewis High School, in nearby Lewis, Iowa, and aspired to be a school teacher. She married Glenn Allen in 1934 in Atlantic, Iowa. They moved to Yakima, Washington, and lived for a time with her brother Charles. Their son Bob was born in 1938. In 1942, she and Glenn were divorced. Shortly after, she met Conrad “Connie” Ramirez at a USO function where Connie was singing. She married Connie in 1943. Their daughter Pamela was born in 1944. The family moved to California after WWII, where they settled at Roger Young Village, a housing project for returning soldiers, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Here they made many lifelong friends.
In 1953, they purchased their first home in Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley, where they lived in one of thousands of post-war tract houses, which Myrth made cozy and comfortable with love, good cooking, and lots of elbow grease. The door was always open to friends and relatives, especially after softball games, in which Connie pitched. Twenty years later, it was time to retire and move to Fillmore, California, to the El Dorado Mobile Home Park. Here, there was no more work, there were new friends, a new church, and everyone in the park wanted Myrth’s enchilada and cheesy bean recipes. She was tirelessly active at her beloved Bardsdale Methodist church. Connie sang in the choir and Myrth always took charge of the “project table,” raising money for the church selling articles gleaned from countless weekend yard sales. For many years, she delighted friends and relatives with annual gifts of home-made peanut brittle and jam made from the figs on her own tree.
In 1987, Connie passed away, doing what he loved best, playing tennis. Not content to be a lonely widow, Myrth learned to drive, made new friends, and as always gave her time, her talents, her tithes, and her love to everyone she encountered. In 1990, she married Forrest Feldmann, another resident of the El Dorado park, and the couple honeymooned on a cruise ship in Hawaii. After Forrest’s passing in 1997, Myrth retained her home in Fillmore, but became a part-time resident of Basalt, Colorado, where she and daughter Pamela attended the ballet, concerts, plays, benefits, and shopping trips to thrift stores filled with donations from the rich and famous of Aspen.
In 2007, weary of frequent air travel and the cold Colorado weather, she moved in with her son Bob and daughter-in-law Gail in Glendora, California. After three years, Myrth required more specialized care and lived in two assisted living facilities in San Dimas, California: Rainbow of Care and Atria Rancho Park Assisted Living Facility, where she was visited by many loving friends and relatives.
Myrth is survived by Bob Allen, son, of Glendora, California; Gail Allen, daughter-in-law, of Glendora, California; Pamela Nelson, daughter, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Ron Bell, nephew, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Robert Bell, nephew, of Palm Springs, California; Jennifer Vercelli, granddaughter, of Santa Monica, California; Russell Allen, grandson, of Hemet, California; and Debby Wanland, granddaughter, of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Bardsdale United Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 18, at 11:30 a.m. at Bardsdale United Methodist Church, 1498 Bardsdale Avenue, Fillmore, California. The service will be followed by a luncheon.

Joyce Robertson (LeBard) (1948 - 2011)

Joyce Robertson, beloved wife, mother and friend, fought a battle with cancer and lost. She can now rest in peace.
Joyce was born March 20, 1948 in Rahway, New Jersey. As a young child, Joyce traveled with her mother (Marge LeBard) to the town of Fillmore California. Joyce lived most of her childhood on a ranch in Bardsdale, California, with her mother, adopted father Harold LeBard (deceased), and Brother Jim LeBard.
Joyce attended the Bardsdale Elementary School, Fillmore Junior High School and Fillmore High School. She Graduated in 1966. She attended Colleges in Ventura County.
She worked customer service most of her career. She retired from the Banking Business, to travel and enjoy life with her husband Tom Robertson.
Joyce loved to ride horses as a child, play with her friends, and join in at family outings and activities. As an adult she loved to shop, travel and explore new things. She enjoyed being with family, friends, and most of all, having time with her son, Bryan Stafford.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Tom Robertson, her son, Bryan Stafford, mother, Marge LeBard, brother Jim LeBard, wife Kathy LeBard, nephew , Mike LeBard, sister, Lois LeBard Brown and Family, step children Stacy and Greg Andrews and family, Dawn Robertson and family, and many relatives and close friends.
Honoring Joyces request there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, donations for Joyce, can be made to the Fillmore High School Alumni Association, p/o box 385, Fillmore, California, 93016-0385.

Ofelia T. Escoto (1927-2011)

“When Someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure”
Ofelia T. Escoto, 83 years old went to be with the lord on Saturday August 6, 2011 after a courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease for over 15 years. She was born Sept.1, 1927 in Villagran Guanajuato,Mexico to Heriberto Teniente and Concepcion Carmona.
She married Miguel Escoto on May 30, 1945 in Guanajuato, Mexico and then moved to Tijuana Mexico where all of her eight children were born. Ofelia came to live in Fillmore, California in 1961, where she worked as a babysitter/housekeeper for local families. In 1962 after a year she was able to bring all her children to Fillmore were they were raised and able to call home. She worked as a housekeeper for St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for over 20 years where she was dearly loved by all the clergy and made numerous long lasting friendships in the community. Her favorite pastimes included knitting beautiful items which she made for all her family and cooking, which she was well known for her famous tamales in which at one time made over 40 dozen for a local company. Nana”which she was known by her family was the 'ROCK” the one to hold and give strength to keep the family together in good and bad times and although shes no longer with us, her legacy of Family shall and will continue in her honor.
She is survived by her sister Elena Ojeda and brother Juan Corrales of Guanajuato Mexico. She is also survived by her children; Raul Escoto, Mike Escoto (Vicky), John Escoto (Chantal), Rosalia Ofelia Agundez (Saul), Joe Escoto (Linda), Maria Rangel (Pedro) and Esther Moreno (Edgar). Grandchildren are; Veronica Cantu, Michael Escoto, Misty Blue Escoto, Fabian Escoto, Joy Escoto, Damon Escoto, Michelle Agundez,Edgar Agundez, Josh Agundez, Anya Castaneda, Angie Escoto, Reva Alcantar, Nia Escoto, Chris Escoto, Eloy Rangel, Pedro JR. Rangel, Jeanette Rangel, Jimmy Rangel, Adrian Rivas, Annabelle Maria and Anthony Moreno. She also left 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her spouse Miguel Escoto of Fillmore and an infant daughter Lourdes. Her Parents Heriberto Teniente and Concepcion Carmona. Brothers Heriberto Teniente and Salvador Teniente. Sisters Concepcion Goday, Obdulia Corrales and Guadalupe Cano all of Guanajuato Mexico.
The memorial service will be held at Perez Family Funeral Home, 1347 Del Norte Road, Camarillo, CA 93010. Visitations will be from 1pm-5pm. Rosary beginning at 7pm on Friday August 12, 2011 and Services to be be held at Noon on August 13,2011 at Holy Cross Church, Moorpark, Ca. 93010. Internment will follow immediately after services at Simi Valley Assumption Cemetary, Simi Valley. In Lieu of flowers, donations to a Parkinsons Disease charity for a cure and research will be greatly appreciated.

Robert L. Gilpin (1925-2011)

Robert L. Gilpin, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph. His wife, Mary Louise Gilpin, passed away May 1, 2008
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Bob and Mary Lou will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Linda Beushausen, Hospice at Home officiating. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan or the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to sign Bob & Mary Lou’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Bob was born August 22, 1925 in Lawrenceville, Illinois to Elmer J. & Alta Mae (Jordan) Gilpin. He graduated from Bushton High School in Bushton, Kansas in 1943. He served his country in the US Army 23rd Armored Division during WWII, stationed in Germany & Austria. On October 6, 1946, he married the former Mary Louise Carpenter in Claflin, Kansas. Bob worked over fifty years in the oil business in Kansas, Oklahoma and California. He was a 60 year member of Grand Lodge AF & AM of Kansas, Claflin Lodge #424, Order of The Eastern Star #428 Holyrood, Kansas, Midian Shriners of Wichita, Kansas, & Scottish Rite of Free Masonry Valley of Wichita Lodge. In his free time, Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, and playing cards & dominos.
Bob is survived by his daughter Bobbe Lou Gilpin (Karl Gersonde) of St. Joseph; his son Bruce L. (Diana) Gilpin of Mount Juliet, TN; three grandchildren-Jennifer Gilpin, Stephanie Hillcher, & Michelle (George) Worthington; one great-granddaughter Elyse Worthington; three sisters Edna (Frank) Frey of Checotah, OK, Doris Glantz of Oklahoma City, OK, Ruth Stratman of Santa Maria, CA; his brother Jack (Bernice) Gilpin of Weinert, TX, and numerous nieces & nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers-Jay & Carl Gilpin, and by a sister-in-law Lorraine Hammer.

Jean Mullen (1917-2011)

Jean Vivian Murray Thomas Nash Mullen passed away after a brief illness on Monday, August 1, 2011. Her loving sons, daughter, and grandchildren were able to spend the last few days with her reminiscing, reading scripture, and being by her side. She was a blessing to all who met her and the world will miss her.
She was born in Portland, Oregon, on October 16, 1917, and moved to California at the age of three. She lived in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and for the last thirty years in Fillmore, California.
She was the widow of husband Walter R. Thomas, D.O., M.D., and she is survived by her three children: son Walter R. Thomas, O.D.- wife Margaret, and children Jeff Thomas, M.D., and Mark Thomas, M.D.-wife Kristen Thomas; son Brien Leigh Thomas- wife Carolyn and children Christopher Thomas, Andrea Stegeman-husband Jay Stegeman with great-grandchildren Alexis, Nicole and Jack; Matthew Thomas, William Thomas, and step-child Matthew Gillmon-wife Giselle Gillmon; and her daughter Kathleen Smith-husband Gregory Smith and their children Kelly Perry-husband Cameron Perry and Kyle Smith.
She later married and was the widow of Dick Nash, and she is survived by stepchildren Bonnie Wade-husband John Wade and their four children and Nancy Zampelli-husband Jim Zampelli and her two children. Last, she married and widowed Clarence Mullen, and she is survived by stepdaughter Pat Hansen-husband Rob Hansen, Fillmore residents.
She attended UCLA and was a member of the Sorority Gamma Phi Beta, joined Fillmore Ebell Club, was a Docent at Rancho Camulos, was a member of P.E.O. Chapter GY, was a member of Faith Community Church, and thoroughly enjoyed her social bridge clubs.
The family will be holding graveside services at Rose Hills, 3888 Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 90601 on Saturday, September 17th at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Livingston Memorial www.lmvna.org or call (805) 642-0239.

Walker Lee Kozar (1950-2011)

Like a western hero Walker Kozar, 60, of Fillmore, rode off into the sunset on Sunday July 31, 2011. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a two and half year battle with brain cancer. Walker was born October 18, 1950, in Santa Paula to John Sr. and Connie Kozar. He was the fourth child in his family. Walker was a lifelong Fillmore resident. He attended Fillmore schools graduating from Fillmore High School in 1969 where he was an outstanding football player and holds many football records. After high school he was drafted into the Army where he served two years, spending some time in Korea. He went to work for Unocal in 1975 where he worked his way up to become a foreman in charge of Torrey. He worked for Unocal for twenty years and retired in 1995. He then went to work for Bennett Construction as a heavy equipment operator. On April 20, 1974 he married Catherine Antonsen and they had two daughters. They were married for twenty seven years. Walker was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports and was their number one fan. He is preceded in death by his father John Kozar Sr. and his mother Connie. He is survived by his daughters Kimberly “Queen” Villegas and April “Apes” Kozar (Danny Nunez), his five grandchildren Ryan “Squeeks”, Bryce “Billy Bob”, Brooke “Lilly” Nunez, Tori “Victoria” and Sammy “Buster” Villegas. He was Papa Walker to them. He is also survived by all his brothers and sisters, Sam Bennett (Sharon), Nancy Carrillo (Simon), John Kozar Jr. (Lois), Penny Zavala and Bobby Kozar. He also had many nieces, nephews and cousins. Viewing will be held on Thursday August 4th 2011 at Skillin-Carrol Mortuary from 5pm-8pm. Celebration of Walker’s life will be held on Friday August 5th 2011 with a graveside service held at Bardsdale Cemetery at 10am. Gathering of family and friends will be held at the Piru Petroleum Club/ Brit Park on Guiberson Rd. after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society in honor of Walker would be greatly appreciated. We would like to give a special thank you to Kathy “Sharky” Martinez, Dr. Larks and all the staff at the VCMC Oncology Clinic for all the love and support and guidance provided. We would have been lost without you.