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Lucille Lopez passed away peacefully at home with her family on April 24, 2008 at the age of 80. She was born in Vallejo to Clifford and Ila Meagher on March 27, 1928. She grew up in the Monticello Valley and graduated from Winters High School as the salutatorian. She was married to her husband, Pete, for 62 years. She loved to be with her family, and get on her Honda and check on her cattle. She was in the cattle business all her life.
She is survived by her husband, Pete Lopez; son, Howard Lopez and wife, Bonnie; daughter, Candy Hatanaka and husband, David; grandsons, Kevin Lopez and wife, Donna, Anthony Lopez and fiancée Michelle Redmond, Wayne Hatanaka and Russell Hatanaka; great-grandchildren Michael Lopez and Annaelise Hatanaka, all from the Esparto Area.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Cliff Meagher, Jr.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 1, at the Capay Cemetary.

Scott Derrick Steffen, 49, died unexpectedly on Friday April 11, 2008 at his Winters residence. Born in Fullerton on Aug. 10, 1958 to John and Carolyn (Petersen) Steffen, he attended schools in Simi Valley and Sun Valley, Nevada. prior to moving to the Davis area in 1981.
While residing in Davis, he worked in the construction field and in 1993 the family moved to Winters. Mr. Stefeen was employed by UC Davis for the past four years, and utilized his landscape skills in the grounds department.
A longtime member of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Vacaville, he is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carol Steffen of Winters; daughter Christene Tognarelli and husband Darryl; son Brian Best both of Reno; brothers Brett and Mark Johnston of Sparks, and Shawn and Steven Pease of Alabama; granddaughter Chanelle Pagano and husband Nathan of Winters: seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
His mother Carolyn Belle Isle preceded him in death. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday April 26, 2008 at New Hope Christian Fellowship, located at 730 East Main Street in Vacaville. Memorial contributions may be directed to the New Hope Christian Fellowship Building Fund in his memory.

Carolyn Purtill, a longtime Winters resident, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2008. She was 75. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 18, 1933 to Joseph and Pearl Chaney, and attended Gonzaga University where she met her beloved husband, Thomas Purtill. They moved to Winters in 1965 where they raised their 11 children.
She was active in the parish of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, where she taught catechism for many years and was a member of the Altar Society. She was a devout mother and grandmother. Her family and friends will remember her for her love of Christ, grace, insight, and unique sense of humor.
She is survived by her children; Thomas, John, Stephen, Joseph, Michael, Mary Carolyn, Mary Claire, Mary Anne, Margaret Mary, Frank and James; grandchildren, Stephen Jr, Tullio, Christopher, Samuel, Katherine, Daniel, Elizabeth, Jessica, Heather, Julia, Ethan, Booker, Lincoln, Sarah, Indiana, Zachary, Sydney and Benjamin; sister, Claire Elliot, and brother, Evan Chaney.
She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas, daughter Mary-Elizabeth, and granddaughter Gretchen.
A Rosary was held Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, followed by a Mass on Wednesday, April 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Mary Molina Perez passed away at her Winters home on Wednesday, April 2, following an 11-year illness. Born on Jan. 5, 1920 in Pilar De Lubrin, Spain, to Diego and Adelaida Molina, she was 88 years old.
She and her husband, Frank R. Molina, were married in 1939, and were longtime Winters farmers. She was widowed on May 2, 1975. She and her daughter, Gloria, and son-in-law, Lorin, continued to farm as F&M Orchards. In June 1979, she married Chris M. Perez and continued to live in her Abbey Street home. She was very proud of her family and loved to attend all her grandsons’ activities, and always cooked lunch for the boys and their friends during their school years.
She was active at St. Anthony Catholic Church and in the Altar Society until her illness prevented her from participating. Her faith was very precious to her, say family members, and she attended Mass faithfully.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Lorin V. Warren of Winters; grandsons and their wives, Lorin and Gina Warren, Robert and Sharon Warren, Richard and Lora Warren, Ryan and Tori Warren, and Monte and Jeanette Molina; grandchildren Gary, Jim, Cerise and Rachelle O’Conner, Rich and Lyn Rudolph, and Dennis and Doug Dow; great-grandchildren Danny, Noelle, Robert, Sarah, Steven, Cody, Gary, Karlee and Lillie;.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank R. Molina; husband, Chris M. Perez; son, Gary J.; parents, Diego and Adelaida Molina; brother, Antonio Molina; sisters, Natividad Martinez and Francisca Martinez.
Visitation and Rosary will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Monday, April 14, 6-8 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 15, at 11 a.m. Internment will be at the Winters Cemetery following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony Altar Society, St. Anthony Building Fund, the Winters Healthcare Foundation, or the organization of donor’s choice.

Winters resident Douglas Ray “Mazza” Warrick Collette passed away in Winters on March 22, 2008. Born on Dec. 16, 1944 to John and Genevieve Warrick in Cypress, California, he was 63 years old. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He is survived by his brothers, Bruce, Bobbie, David and Wayne Warrick, and Jerry, Tim and Steve Collette; sister, Sherry Collette; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are planned on Friday, April 11, at 2 p.m. at the military cemetery on Midway Road in Dixon. Donations are needed to help with funeral expenses, and donation jars have been placed around town.

Samuel Kirk Sanders of Dunnigan passed away in Vallejo on March 17, 2008, following a brief illness. Born on Jan. 27, 1960, in Whitesburg, Kentucky, he was 48 years old. He was employed in the City of Winters Public Works department for one year, and enjoyed spending time with his five granddaughters, riding his motorcycle, attending rock concerts, and having fun with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Hayley O’Neil of Winters; son, Eric Gordon of Winters; grandchildren, Kayla, Kari, Kelli and Kaitlyn O’Neil, and Taylor Gordon; sister and brother-in-law Mishael and Steve Segovia of Trona and sister Marcia Hall of Whitesburg, Kentucky; brothers and sisters in law Tim and Becky Sanders, Wendall and Stacy Sanders of Box Elder, South Dakota, Steve Sanders of Bristol, Tennessee and Kent and Karen Sanders of Whitesburg, Kentucky.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Sanders and William Bruce Sanders, grandparents Thomas and Lola Sanders, and great-grandparents Sam and Pollyann Sergent.
Funeral services were held on March 21 at McCune’s Garden Chapel in Vacaville. Pastor Scott Yamato officiated. Burial took place at the Winters Cemetery.

A graveside service for Tony Garcia Jr. 86, of Dixon, was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, in Silveyville Cemetery, Dixon.
Mr. Garcia died March 11, 2008, in Santa Rosa following a short illness.
Born February 2, 1922, in Mankas Corner, Mr. Garcia was a lifelong resident of Solano County. He was a local rancher, retired Solano County deputy sheriff and proud WWII Naval veteran.
Mr. Garcia was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Frances Garcia.
Mr. Garcia is survived by sons, Dennis (Jeanette), Ron (Carol), Richard (Ronica) and Michael (Fiancé Teresa); brother, Angelo (Manuela); Grandchildren, Kimberly (Scott) Robben, Brian Garcia, Beth (Brian) Schroeder, Cicely (A.J.) Bernhardt, Victoria Garcia and Daniel Garcia; and nine great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of Milton Carpenter Funeral Home 678-2189.

Frances C.E. Cameron 95, passed away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 14. She was born Nov. 2, 1912 in Winters to Louise and George Chapman. She grew up in Winters and resided in the Mountain View area for many years, where she was very active in the community and with friends.
She is remembered for her patriotism, kindness and caring for others. She was caregiver for many years for her family and friends who needed her.
She is survived by her daughters; Francine Wagner and husband George of Piedmont, OK., Dixine Sanford and husband David of San Diego, grandchildren Ryan Wagner and wife Karen Wagner, Blaine Wagner and wife Patricia Wagner, Shalene Smith and husband Jeff Smith, Micah Sanford, Noel Medina and her husband Ryan; great-grandchildren, Lacey Smith, Makenzi Wagner, Luke Sanford, Jake Medina, Sadie Medina, Michela Sanford; sisters, Virginia Pelganti and husband Harry and Alice Mae Briggs.
She is predeceased by her parents, sister, Rhoda Johnson, brother, George Chapman, Mandarin Eugene Chapman, and her husband Lt. Col. Don I. Cameron, to whom she was very devoted. She and Mr. Cameron thoroughly enjoyed attending various military functions together.
A celebration of life service will be held in San Diego.

Genevieve Catherine Hasbrook came into this world on Nov. 12, 1916 and passed away peacefully at her home on March 7, 2008. She was the oldest daughter of Henry and Myrtle Pratt, who with her nine brothers and sisters lived and worked on her parents’ farm in Escalon. She and her siblings represented the 4th generation of the Pratt family in California and were deeply rooted to this country in part through their Native American heritage passed to them from their mother, Myrtle.
She graduated from Ripon High School and attended Community College in San Jose, where she also worked as a telephone operator for Pacific Bell. A mutual friend introduced her to a young corporate attorney, Stanley S. Hasbrook. They were married at the Catholic Cathedral in San Jose on May 2, 1943.
The couple moved to Santa Clara and were blessed with a son, Stephen Noble Hasbrook. Stephen attended St. Clare grammar school in Santa Clara where Mrs. Hasbrook was active in the Ladies Guild, Alter Society and Carmelite Monastery. Stephen passed away at age 8, following a fatal accident. The Hasbrooks were again blessed in 1959 and 1961 with the births of John Stephen and Stephanie Clare.
Mrs. Hasbrook was always very active in the lives of her children and family, serving on numerous school committees, spearheading special projects and fundraising for St. Justin Grammar School, Bellarmine College Preparatory and the Villa Siena elderly care and religious retirement community. Later in life, she served as a docent for the de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University. She moved to Winters following the passing of her husband in 1990. In Winters, she made many friends and was active with St. Anthony Catholic Church Alter Society and its Abby House food and clothing charity.
Mrs. Hasbrook is described as a gifted artist and created many “heritage wreathes,” wall plaques and freestanding art from conifer cones, tree pods and numerous other natural materials. She rarely sold any of her art, preferring to donate her work for charity events or as gifts for special friends. She was known to many for her incredible floral arrangements and her lifelong love of plants and flowers. Up until her final days, she was helping her family plant bulbs in her garden.
She is survived by seven siblings; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Roger Hasbook~Fetter of Grass Valley, son and daughter-in-law John and Erin Hasbrook of Winters; grandchildren, Catherine Siena, Clara Rose and Stephen James of Winters; many loving friends.
She was honored when the almonds trees were blooming, which was her favorite time of year. Memorial services took place at St. Anthony Catholic Church on March 12. Interment will be at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery on Thursday, March 13, at 11 a.m.

James Fowler Baker, 75, died on Monday, March 10, 2008 at Woodland Memorial Hospital in Woodland. Born on Sept. 30, 1930 in Lampasas, Texas to Marion and Irene (Filmore) Baker, he attended area schools there. In 1945, the family moved to Winters. He was a 1950 graduate of Winters High School.
A Woodland resident for the past 63 years, he was employed as a manager at the Rent All Center for 10 years, then worked at Wal Mart from 1995 until his retirement in 2005. Following retirement, he returned to work at Wal Mart within the same year. He was a member of Woodland Bible Church.
He is survived by his sons, Troy Baker of Woodland, Bryson Baker and fiancee Summer of Magalia, and Joe Wolfinbarger and wife Elana of Colorado; sister, Pat Brown of Woodland; brother, Tom Baker and wife Sandy of Fair Oaks; grandchildren Ashley and Nicolas Baker of Woodland, Nyah Rose Baker and Jettre Hampton of Magalia, and Sabrina and Katie Wolfinbarger of Colorado; great-grandson Jose “Pops” Reyna of Woodland.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m. at Woodland Bible Church, located at 433 California Street in Woodland, with pastor Verl Taylor officiating. A reception will follow services at the church hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Woodland Bible Church in Mr. Baker’s memory. Evergreen Funeral Service of Woodland is in charge of the services.

Keith Alan Stewart, 52, passed away Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 at Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was born Dec. 5, 1955 in Pensacola, Florida. He grew up in Pace, Florida, and graduated from Milton High School in 1973. He moved to the Pascagoula, Mississippi area where he learned to be an electrician by trade in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Jr. College apprenticeship program through Litton Industries at Ingalls Shipyard. He moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1978 where he held a Master Electrician License and lived there until 1991 when he moved to Sacramento.
He married Donetta Smith Fitzgerald on May 28, 1994, and their son, Zachary, was born that same year. They lived on a ranch in Winters until August 2006 when they moved to Donetta’s dad’s farm in Auburn, Iowa. He was employed by Menninga Electric, Inc. in Carroll.
Mr. Stewart loved to golf, especially with his best friend Dave McIntire in California. He loved nature and wildlife and taking long walks around the farm. He said he always dreamed of living on a property with a creek passing through, and he couldn’t believe it had come true. He cherished time spent with his son, and his favorite moments were those spent with family and friends. Family members say he was a good man, a man of his word who lived his life by the principles “take pride in all you do and help somebody when you can.”
He is survived by his wife, Donetta and son Zack of Auburn, Iowa; mother and step-father, Shirley and Leo Halpin of Pace, Florida; brothers, Craig (Joy) Stewart of Pace, Florida and Mark (Tina) Stewart of Navarre, Florida; sister-in-law, Diane (James) Lansdon of Pace Florida; father-in-law, Don Smith of Lake City, Iowa; sister-in-law, Sheila (Denny) Moulds of Auburn, Iowa; sister-in-law, Marylyn (Jim) Gillespie of Lake City, Iowa; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Stewart and brother, Frank Stewart.
Funeral service were held on Tuesday, March 4, at Lampe Funeral Home in Lake City, Iowa with Reverend Betty Weidert officiating. Burial took place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Auburn, Iowa.

Joseph Ramos Rubio, 75, of Winters passed away on Jan. 26, 2008 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident between Winters and Davis. He was born in Marchal de Lubrin, Almeria, Spain, on Feb. 8, 1932 to Jose and Esperanza Rubio, and came to the U.S. at the age of 2. He and his mother, sister and brother met his father in West Virginia and then moved to Gary, Indiana. The whole family moved to Winters when he was 6 years old and he lived in Winters for the rest of his life. He graduated from Winters High School in 1950. He also had his own electrician business after retiring from the Civil Service. His favorite pastimes were spending time with his family, gardening and Giants baseball.
Mr. Rubio served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Following his service, he had a career as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic and electrician, and was employed in the civil service and worked at military bases in Winters, Davis, Sacramento, Dixon and Concord. He retired in 1987 and started his own business, Rubio Electric, and did electrical work for the next 20 years. He was a charter member of the local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and gave the chapter its name, the Golden Harvest Chapter. He was also a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Winters.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carmen, of Winters; daughters and sons-in-law, Diana and Miles Weber of Loomis and Elaine and Dan Fiser of Hanford; grandchildren Matthew Joseph and Mark Edmund Weber of Loomis and Jeanine Michelle and Amy Nicole Fiser of Hanford; sister, Marie Pitts of Winters; sister-in-law Esperanza Rubio of Glendale, Arizona; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ralph and Josie Cuberos of Winters and brother-in-law Joseph Cuberos of Selma, Oregon; many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Esperanza Rubio, brother, John Rubio, and brother-in-law, James Pitts.
A visitation will be held for Mr. Rubio on Thursday, Feb. 28, from 6-7 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with a Rosary Service. A funeral Mass is planned for Friday, Feb. 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Mary Edith Sharp Steele died on Feb. 13, 2008 in Woodland at the age of 97. She was born on Jan. 1, 1911 in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended Peabody College for Teachers and worked in a book store and was the purchaser for children’s books. She later worked as a journalist for a small newspaper. She was married to Gordon Kirkpatrick Steele, a career Army officer, in 1943. They lived briefly in Kentucky, Germany, France and Arkansas, and then for many years in Hawaii. After Gordon died in 1976, she moved to California to be closer to her children.
She is remembered for her southern hospitality, graciousness, generosity and love of family. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She also loved her pets, which included a German Shepherd dog, several cats, parakeets, a wild mongoose, and wild birds. She was interested in Hawaiian plants. She made beautiful hand embroidered quilts for family and friends. More recently, she enjoyed scrabble and crossword puzzles, and always enjoyed literature and reading.
She is survived by her son, Kirk Steele of Los Angeles; daughter, Lee Wilce of Winters; and grandson, Brendan Wilce of Placerville.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Winters Friends of the Library, P.O. Box 963, Winters, CA, 95694.

Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008 for Tracy resident James “Jim” Snodgrass, 75, who died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 at his home in Tracy with his wife, Lois, by his side.
He was born on Oct. 17, 1932 in Winters. After marrying Lois in 1964 they moved to Mountain View. In 1966 they moved to Sunnyvale, then in 1972 the family moved to Campbell. Mr. Snodgrass and his family lived in Campbell until 1995. He and his wife then moved to Morgan Hill in 2000 until their move to Tracy in 2006.
Mr. Snodgrass served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. While serving as a radioman onboard the icebreaker USS Burton Island he participated in the Bering Sea Explorations. He owned his own business for many years enabling him to have time to go to his children’s school and sporting events while they were growing up. He was an avid 49er fan, Valley Christian High School Warriors Football fan, and he enjoyed breakfast each morning with his wife at Perko’s, going to the Bethany Activity Center in Ripon and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of more than 43 years, Lois Snodgrass of Tracy; daughter and son-in-law Cherie and Carl Mealie of Tracy; sons and daughters in law Jeff and Patty Snodgrass of Castle Rock, Colorado, Jason and Carrie Snodgrass of San Jose, and Justin and Rebecca Snodgrass of Castle Rock, Colorado; grandchildren Michael, Matthew and Rachael of Tracy and Jacob and Jared of Castle Rock Colorado; many nieces and nephews.
His mother Anna Snodgrass, father Rupert Snodgrass, brother Richard Djubek and granddaughter Natalya Mealie preceded him in death.
Donations may be made in Mr. Snodgrass’ name to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Maria Gervacia Morales-Nieto passed away at Alderson’s Convalescent Hospital on Tuesday, February 12 at the age of 107.
Maria was born in Chihuahua, Mexico on February 28, 1900, to Martin and Pilar (Mendoza) Morales, who have predeceased her. She had been a Yolo County resident for the past 45 years.
Surviving Mrs. Nieto are sons Miguel Nieto of Mexico and Ramon Nieto of Woodland; daughters Esperanza Navarete of Woodland, Concepcion Nieto-Ramirez of Winters, Cristina Jacquez (Vicente) of Mexico, and Irma Nieto (Victor) of Sacramento. Also surviving are 29 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Anastacio Nieto, and son Belisario Nieto.
A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19 from 5-6 p.m. at Kraft Bros. Chapel, 175 Second Street, Woodland. Rosary to follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 301 Walnut Street, beginning at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20, beginning at noon at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 301 Walnut Street in Woodland, with Father Uriel Ojeda officiating. Interment will be at Monument Hill Memorial Park, 35036 County Road 22, Woodland.
Memorial donations in Mrs. Nieto’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Assn., 2720 Gateway Oaks Dr. Ste. 110, Sacramento, CA 95833.
Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors of Woodland, CA is assisting the family with arrangements. Inquiries may be made by calling 662-4658.

Reino Wellonen passed away January 24, 2008. He was 90 years old. Reino was born in Gebo, Wyoming on July 16, 1917. He was the youngest child of Jack and Olga Wellonen. His parents had immigrated from Finland. Reino had one brother, Axel, and two sisters, Sally and Lila.
All of them are deceased. Reino met the love of his life, Lorraine, when she was a young woman and they married in 1940. Their marriage lasted 67 years. Lorraine passed away in April, 2007. They had tree sons: Dennis, deceased (Rosemary); Jack (Georgian) and Carl.
Reino was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was greatly loved by many people. He was kind, always helpful towards others, funny, and hard working. He was a master cabinet maker, involved with his church, and always willing to help those in need.
Reino and Lorraine lived many years in southern California, a few years in Missouri, and finally in Winters, for the past 30+ years. Services were held on Feb. 4, 2008.

Michael Joseph Webb died at Woodland Memorial Hospital on Sunday, Feb. 3 2008. He was born in Holdenville, Okla., and moved to Woodland at age 4. He graduated from Woodland High School in 1964 and received his associate of arts degree from Sacramento City College Mr. Webb served in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserves in both Washington and California. He fulfilled his life’s dream of working in law enforcement, first as a Winters police officer and later retiring as a Yolo County deputy sheriff. He enjoyed going on jeep trips to the Rubicon, fishing and a good football game.
Mr. Webb is survived by his wife, Kimberly Soares Webb; son, James Webb and wife Melissa; daughter, Julie Johnson and husband Marty, and Jody Sizemore. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Courtney and Brittney Johnson, Jordan, Brynn and Charley Webb, and Ryan and McKenna Sizemore; mother Evelyn Webb; sister, Patricia Schapiro and husband Larry; and nieces, Emiley Simpson and Elizabeth Treadwell. He is also survived by in-laws, Joe and Vi Soares, Vickie Soares and her partner Bob, Stephanie and David Pacheco, Stephen and Julie Soares, Corey Taxara and her partner Jim; and nephews, Joseph Pacheco and Matthew Taxara. He was preceded in death by his father, Arley Webb; daughter, Janet Susanne Webb; and nephew, Ron Simpson.
Memorial donations in Mr. Webb’s memory may be made to the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol, 2500 E. Gibson Road, Woodland, 95776.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at the American Legion Hall, 523 Bush St., Woodland. Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lois Raisin Brinck, 76, of El Macero passed away in Davis with her loved ones at her side on Jan. 31, 2008, following a valiant struggle against cancer. She was born in San Francisco on April 4, 1933. She grew up in Hillsborough, California and attended Burlingame High School, then went on to attend UC Berkeley, where she was active in her Delta Gamma sorority. It was here that she met and fell in love with her college sweetheart and future husband, William George Brinck, Jr., who also attended Cal.
The Brincks enjoyed their leisure time traveling and being with friends. She was an avid bridge and tennis player. Through her efforts, a sorority system was implemented at UC Davis. She was also active in the Republican Party.
Family members say they will remember her for her humor, and say she never missed an activity or sports event of her children’s. She is also remembered as encouraging and thoughtful, and proud of her children’s achievements. She found much meaning and subsistence in spending time with her many friends. She loved to entertain, was a consummate hostess, and reveled in family gatherings, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Family members say she conferred much love upon her family and grandchildren, but her true sanctuary was her husband.
She is survived by her children, Suzanne Brinck Malone of Diablo, William Peter Brinck of Seattle, Washington, Lizabeth Chovanes of Orinda, and Jincy Nielson of Saratoga; sister and brother-law Sue and John Ritchie of San Francisco; brother John “Chip” Raisin of Southern California; brother-in-law John Brinck and his wife Diane of Palm Desert; 10 grandchildren, Kate Malone Jackson, Drew Brinck, Evan Malone, Bryte Nielson, Ted Chovanes, Jack Brinck, Bo Nielson, Tom Chovanes, Holden Malone and Hannah Nielson.
A celebration of her life will be held on Feb. 16, 2008 at noon at 33 Bistro in Davis, California. Her charities of choice are the American Cancer Society and the Yolo County Hospice. Those who wish to sign a guestbook online may do so at www.wiscombefuneral.com.

Michael William Buchko passed away on Jan. 27, 2008. Born on July 19, 1960 in Salinas, he was 47 years old. He lived in Las Vegas, Reno, Los Angeles and Sacramento, but considered Winters to be his favorite home. He lived and worked at the Sierra Pacific Resort on Putah Creek. He worked most recently in the construction industry, building custom upscale homes and completing projects for family and friends, who say he could build anything with his hands.
Family members say he had many close friends and touched many lives with his enthusiastic and vibrant personality. He loved spending time with family and friends, and especially his son, Ethan. He is described as “ready with his quick wit and a silly joke to make sure everyone around him was sure to have a good time.”
He is survived by his children, Mike Jr. and Ethan; parents, Mark and Gerry Buchko; brothers, Steve, Dave and Jeff Buchko; sisters, Debbie Buchko-Koll and Jennifer Guetter; companion, Shawna Cooper and her son Kyle; many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
A celebration of his life is planned on Sunday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Creekside Estates clubhouse, 6000 Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights.

Described by many as “legendary” and “an icon,” longtime Winters High School coach and teacher Jack Delbar succumbed to complications related to diabetes on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 in a Sacramento hospital. He was 69.
Delbar, a 29-year resident of Winters prior to moving to Davis in 1993, began his coaching career at WHS in 1965 as the head junior varsity football coach. He also coached Warrior baseball and when necessary, Warrior basketball, softball, and track. He took the reigns of head coach of the WHS Varsity football squad in 1977 with the retirement of Coach John Kammerer.
Under Delbar’s leadership over 23 seasons, the Warriors racked up North Section AA titles in 1978, ‘80 and ‘81 and the section AAA crown in 1994. In 1978 and ‘94, they went 12-0 and were ranked the No. 1 small school in the state. With a career win total of 169, Delbar ranks as one of the all-time successful High School football coaches in California.
His Warriors baseball teams won the North Section AA title in 1982 after Butte View League championships in 1976 and ‘81. In addition, he coached varsity softball in 1988 and won the BVL and section titles in 1989 and the BVL title as co-coach with Polita Gonzales in 1999.
Delbar was the WHS athletic director from 1988–2002 as well as PE coach. He was named Coach of the Year and Athletic Director of the Year. He also taught a myriad subjects at WHS, including yearbook, journalism, drivers’ education, typing and first aid during his 37 years at WHS.
Delbar grew up in the gold country town of Sonora where he was the quarterback for the Sonora High Wildcats and pitcher for the Wildcats’ baseball. After graduation, he attended San Mateo Junior College for one year before transferring to Chico State University where his childhood friends were attending college. At Chico, Delbar once again was the star quarterback and pitcher for the Chico State Wildcats. He traveled to Calgary Canada in the summer of 1960 where he played semi-pro baseball for the Calgary Buffaloes.
While at Chico, he met Eloise Cutler, and they were married in 1961. Delbar took his first teaching job at Beale Air Force Base in Wheatland for one semester, before moving to Lompoc where he taught at Lompoc Jr. High School for two years. From there, he taught at Freemont before moving to Winters to begin his distinguished career in 1965.
Delbar remarried Linda Guisti in 1995 and made their home in Davis. He retired from WHS in 2002 after 37 years of teaching and coaching generations of Winters youth. Until his death, he continued to teach drivers education to WHS students.
He is survived by his wife Linda; son Michael and wife Katie of Potter Valley and their three children, Kayla Taylor, and Matthew; daughter Michelle Dunsing and husband John of San Rafael and their children Breahna and Kennedy; stepsons Matt and Paul Mezzetta; and stepdaughter Laura Mezzetta and son Christopher; brothers Bill Delbar and Randy Selesia of Sonora; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Manuel Delbar, mother Alice and stepfather Victor Selesia, and sister Sandra Hamilton.
A memorial celebration of Jack Delbar’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, in the Winters High School gymnasium. Memorials can be sent to: Jack Delbar Memorial Scholarship Fund, First Northern Bank, 48 Main Street, Winters 95694.

RoseMarie (Paul) Fischer passed away in Sacramento on Jan. 28, 2008. Born in Woodland on Sept. 21, 1955 she was 52 years old. She grew up in Winters, and graduated with the class of 1973. She received a business degree from Heald Business college in 1975 and moved to Sacramento, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She ran a daycare out of her home, caring for children for nearly 17 years. In 1996. she accepted a position at Sacramento State University and was a supervisor of graduate studies by the time of her departure in November 2007.
She loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed gardening in her back yard, antique collecting, beading, dark chocolate, turquoise and John Wayne. She had an enormous soft spot for children, say family members, and was a surrogate mom to dozens of neighborhood kids. She is described as “always quick with a laugh or a knowing smile.”
She is survived by her children, Ryan Marino, Rebekah Gutierrez and Rick Marino, all of Sacramento; grandchildren, Joshua and Ryan Gutierrez of Sacramento; brother, Michael Paul of Winters; sister, Connie Wallis of Paradise; many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.
Information on funeral services is pending.

Arnie McBurnett of Winters passed away in Sacramento on Jan. 19, 2008. Born in Abilene, Texas, on May 11, 1961, he was 46 years old. He enjoyed fishing with his sister, Shane.
He is survived by his parents, Loretta Ramos and John McBurnett; sisters, Shelly Pardi, Shane McBurnett and Dawn Mayes; brother, Jason Ramos; nieces, Andrea Mayes Duran, Leah Mayes, Jenna Mayes, Taylor Mayes and Ashley Pardi; nephews, Christopher Mayes and Jonathan Pardi; great-niece, Alexandria Duran.
Graveside services are planned for Monday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. at the Winters Cemetery. Father Chuck Kelley will officiate.

Myrtle Francis Ichtertz passed away at home in Winters on Jan. 20, 2008. Born on Nov. 6, 1917 in California, she was 90 years old. She worked for Yolo County Housing for 17 years and retired in 1978, organized bus trips to Reno for 20 years, and served as a 4-H leader.
She is survived by her daughters, Gaylene Anderson and Joan Larsen; grandchildren Eric Anderson, Brian Anderson, Michael and Kim Larsen, and Lanisa and Jeff Howerton; great-grandchildren Kylie, Alexis and Makaila Larsen, and Annabella and Jens Howerton.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Albert G. Ichtertz in 1998, and her parents, Sadie Oleta Little and George McClandon Little.
Private services are planned in Winters. Memorial contributions may be made to Yolo Hospice, the Winters Fire Department or the charity of donor’s choice.

Ralph H. Gustafson Jr. died at Woodland Healthcare on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007, at the age of 60. Mr. Gustafson was born in Los Angeles on May 3, 1947 to Ralph H. and Marjorie H. (Kirn) Gustafson Sr., who have predeceased him. Mr. Gustafson had been a Yolo County resident for the past 18 years. Upon completing high school, Mr. Gustafson entered the Navy in the fall of 1965 in Lakewood, and then went to Pensacola, Fla. for training before serving in the Western Pacific Unit of the Naval Security Group in Guam, as a radio operator and maintenance technician with the Navy, where he completed his training for advancement to chief petty officer. During his service, Mr. Gustafson was awarded the Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. He was also a member of S.V.S.S. (Sacramento Valley Soaring Society) in Davis.
Surviving Mr. Gustafson is his wife of 27 years, Sylvia Gustafson of Winters; son, Marshall Gustafson of Anaheim; brothers, Robert Gustafson and wife Judy of Huntingon Beach, and John Gustafson and partner Jim Moore of Laguna Beach. He is also survived by mother-in-law, Dorothy Hunnell of Woodland; and sister-in-law, Dona Hudson of Woodland.
Memorial donations in Mr. Gustafson’s memory may be made to the Diabetes Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio, 44720.
A funeral service was scheduled for noon, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at Kraft Bros. Chapel, 175 Second St., Woodland, with Pastor Ted Selby officiating. A graveside committal followed at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon. Military Honors were presented. Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors of Woodland, assisted the family with arrangements.

Robert “Bob” Martin, born in Winters on June 20, 1939 to Antonio G. Martin and Josephine Ruiz Martin, died at his home in Woodland on Jan. 5, 2008 of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Bob worked as a truck driver for more than 40 years, retiring from Teichert Construction in 1999.
He is survived by his children, Tom Martin, Cindy Imbach and husband Steve, a step daughter Susan Tyree and her husband Sean, granddaughters Tori Martin, Shannon Hiatt, Jordan and Maisie Tyree and grandsons Andrew and Jason Imbach. He is further survived by his sisters, Mary Carrion, Josephine Smith, Ann Brown, Frances Johnson and Janet Martin Clarke, and brother Anthony Martin Jr. Bob is also survived by his faithful friend and companion Carol Hilton and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gayle, stepson Jim Gary, son Steven Martin and daughter-in-law Shirley Martin.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, Jan. 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, located on 509 College St.
Memorial contributions may be sent in Bob’s memory to ALS Greater Sacramento Chapter, 2717 Cottage Way, Suite 8, Sacramento 95825, or to the charity of their choice. Visit the guest book online at www.dailydemocrat.com.

Jackson Stevenson Wallace passed away peacefully at his home in Carmel Valley, CA on January 7, 2008, at the age of 89. Born in Bonham Texas on July 23, 1918 to an early pioneering family, his paternal grandfather was a Texas Ranger and his maternal grandfather was the first Fire Chief of Bonham. After the untimely death of his father, the family moved to Los Angeles. It was there that 16-year-old Jack learned to fly under the auspices of a neighbor, a notorious bootlegger of the Prohibition era. Jack’s love of flying inspired him to enter the Army Air Corp and he earned his wings as a Second Lieutenant in November of 1941. After a whirlwind two-week courtship, he married Lillian Strand in 1942 with whom he had three children.
In 1944, Jack was assigned to the 330th Bomb Group stationed in Guam. He was the captain of a B-29 named “The Spirit of Fort Worth” and he was affectionately known as “Fuji Jack” for almost colliding with Mount Fuji on his first bombing run over Japan. He went on to complete 25 combat missions over Japan and earned a Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor.
After the war he held assignments throughout the United States and overseas. His adventures included trips to Cuba where he made a one engine landing in a B-29, an impromptu meeting with King Olaf of Denmark, a visit to 10 Downing Street, London, and an emergency parachute exit from a crippled aircraft.
During the Vietnam War, he spent one year at Tan Son Nhut Air Base from which he commanded all USAF missions into North Vietnam. He was also responsible for directing all rescue missions for downed American pilots behind enemy lines. In 1969 he retired from the Air Force and endured the tragic loss of his beloved Lillian to cancer.
He settled in the Sacramento area and attended McGeorge Law School. After admission to the California Bar in 1973, he moved to Monterey where he met and married Susan Davis with whom he had one son. He and Susan started their own law firm and he practiced law until his mid-80s. He also began a writing career which included the book “Death of a B-29”, numerous articles in military magazines, and his soon-to-be-published memoirs, “Fuji Jack.” Family members say he loved golf, tennis, travel, the USAF, and a good party.
He is survived by his spouse, Susan; children Chris (John) Castanon of Winters, Terry (Georgia) Wallace of Sacramento, Cynthia (Bruce) Jansen of Montgomery, Texas, and Andrew Wallace of Carmel Valley; grandchildren Sonia Castanon Olton, Emiliano (Emily) Castanon and Steven Jansen, Brian Jansen; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Christie Wallace, brother Edwin Henley Wallace, and wife Lillian Strand Wallace.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2008 at the Christ the King Chapel, Herrmann Hall, Naval Postgraduate School, in Monterey. The family suggests that anyone planning to attend notify them at (831) 659-2721 so that their name can be placed on a list to facilitate entrance through the Navy security gate. The family also suggests that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made to the American Cancer Society, the VNA Hospice Association, or the Air Force Aid Society.

Winters resident Mario Santos Sengo passed away in Woodland on Dec. 31, 2007. Born on Nov. 1, 1921 in Sacramento, he was 86 years old. A 31 year resident of Yolo County, he worked as a real estate broker and farmer most of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Isabel; sons and daughters-in-law, Marty and Deborah Sengo of Davis, and Gary and Laurie Sengo of Winters; grandchildren and their spouses, Vesta and Vic Vong of Santa Clara, Theresa and Jared Stahl of Santa Clara, Allyn and Mike Magaletti of Chico, Marlena and Pablo Marin of Woodland and Martin Sengo of Davis.
Graveside services were held on Jan. 1 at the Maxwell Cemetery in Maxwell. Father Oscar Gomez-Medina officiated.

Barbara Wehr passed away at Sutter Davis Hospital on Dec. 24. She was 92. Her granddaughter Carole Brooks Niehues, who she raised, was at her bedside. Wehr had been living at Sierra Health Care for the last 3 years.
Preceding her in death was her husband Willis Wehr in 1990. They were members of the Pioneer Presbyterian Church where they served as an Elder and deacon. Barbara was a member of the Auxillary and Guild at the church for many years. They moved to Winters from Lancaster in 1966. They had been married in La Habra and lived in Pasadena and in Oregon. Barbara was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1915.
Barbara and Willis had three daughters: Penny Lou Burris and Mary Linda Wilson. Karen Lee Spiller preceded them in death in 1969. Barbara and Willis raised Karen’s two daughters here in Winters: Carole Brooks Niehues and Barbara Brooks Mateer .
Other grandchildren surviving are Dan Wilson of Tennessee, Jon Burris of Dixon, David Wilson of Cloverdale, Pamela S. Lewis of Arkansas, Dale Wilson of Las Vegas, and Joseph Burris of Idaho. They had a total of 12 great grandchildren.
Barbara was a member of Winters Senior Citizens and she was also a member of Fortnightly club in Winters and played bridge with members and friends. When she moved to Sierra Health Care she became known as the most avid Scrabble player and excelled at various other games. She was also known to be a singer of hymns and other songs during sing-a-long activities. She had a very subtle sense of humor which will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Noah Leeland Farnham, 71, died on Wedneday, December 26, 2007, at Alderson’s Convalescent Hospital in Woodland.
Born on January 24, 1936 in Woodland to Jack and Helen (Hubbard) Farnham, he grew up in Yolo County graduating from Esparto High School’s class of 1954 and was valedictorian prior to his attendence to U.C. Davis. After his educational years, Mr. Farnham entered ranching and was a member of the Yolo Cattlemens & Wool Growers Association for over 50 years.
A lifelong Yolo resident, he is survived by his wife of 50 years Ruth J. Farnham of Brooks; daughters Karen Reeves, Sharon Farnham, and Susan Reyes and husband Martin all of Brooks; sons Mike Farnham and wife Faye of Sacramento, Steve Farnham and wife Penny of Capay; sisters Dolores Moe of Woodland and Mary Vannucci and husband Fred of Capay; brother Jack Farnham and wife Sharai of Woodland; grandchildren Tyler, Sophia, Jessica, Jennifer, Inez, Bradley, Roman, Miranda, and great-grandson Jerry.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Reyes family ranch, located at 18063 County Road 70 in Brooks. In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Capay Valley Fire Department in his memory. Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is Evergreen Funeral Service of Woodland.

Gladys Julia Bond passed away on December 20 at her home in Winters. She was 94 years old.
Born March 5, 1913, in Springfield, Missouri to Matthew and Inez Carpenter, Mrs. Bond worked at Vacaville Basic and was a homemaker. During WWII, she worked in Long Beach and was a member of the Boiler-makers union. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, fishing and camping.
Mrs. Bond was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Bond, on July 1, 1973, and by her sons Charles and Billy.
She is survived by her daughters Betty and Charles Nelson, of Winters, Anita and Bruce Welch, of Louisiana, and Mary and Jim Turner, of Surprise, AZ; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews; sisters Catherine Dantzler, of Winters and Ernestine Hensley, of Missouri; and longtime companion Jim Morgan.
A graveside service will be held Monday, Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. at Winters Cemetery.

Doris Tyalor passed away on Dec. 21, 2007 in Woodland. Born in Muscatine, Iowa on July 11, 1922, she was 85 years old.
A longtime Winters resident, she and her husband Tom owned the hardware store from the mid 1960s to the late 1970s. She worked at City Hall for several years, was a real estate broker and a city clerk, and worked in several other occupations as well. Her most important role, says her family, was being a wife and mother.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Tom Taylor of Esparto; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Pat Taylor of Winters; sonMike Taylor of Kona, Hawaii; son and daughter-in-law John and Monica Taylor of Newfoundland, Canada; son and daughter-in-law Patrick and Nanette Taylor of Woodland; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Stella and W.H. Milton and brothers, Ralph, Harold and Bob Milton and brothers, Ralph, Harold and Bob.

Rolen L. Hughes, affectionately known as “Papa” by those close to him, passed away on Dec. 20, 2007 at his home in Esparto. Born on Feb. 28, 1926, in North Carolina, he was 81 years old.
He proudly served in World War II (enlisting before he was of legal age), and was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Before retiring he was a truck driver (Teamster) for many years with PMT and after retiring, his love of driving stayed with him.
His family says he was “such a special man, always with a smile and ready to help whoever he could. He loved children and they loved him. He had a heart of gold.”
He is survived by his son, Ken Hughes, and his stepchildren Veronica Martin, Carroll Quam, and Lorrie Quam; grandchildren Erica Martin, Jeremy Martin, Brant Quam, Jessica Crumley, Timothy Crumley and Emily Crumley; great-grandchildren, Chase Morton, Gavin Morton and Jackson Morton; brother Thomas Hughes; sisters, Ruby Ennis, Bernice Paul and Evelyn Lloyd; niece, Ann Marie Hughes.
He was preceded in death by his second wife, Eugenia (Ramos) Hughes. They lived many years in Winters and Vacaville.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. at the Pioneer Presbyterian Church on Russell and Second Streets on Thursday, Dec. 27. Following the service there will be a gathering. All who cared about Mr. Hughes are welcome.

Dennis M. “Izzy” Isbell, a member of the Sacramento-area motorcycle and recovery community, died of cancer at his home in Davis on Dec. 2, 2007 surrounded by family and friends. He was 62.
Born May 24, 1945 in San Francisco, he lived in Alaska for 49 years before moving to Davis in 2001. He served in the military between 1967-69, operated heavy equipment on the Alaska pipeline and worked as a civil servant at the Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks.
An avid Harley rider, he loved California’s year-round riding season. Described as a role model for scores of young men in recovery, he celebrated 21 years clean on April 8, 2007.
Family members say he wished to thank everyone who was part of his recovery journey. He is survived by his wife, Maggie; mother, Deede; children, Melissa, Jeremiah and Wendy; grandchildren, Riley and Taden; and brothers, Steve, John, Ayden, Bob, Dan, Greg, Barry, Tim and Lee.

Jennie Reyes Hernandez Holmes passed away on Nov. 29, 2007 at Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento, following a battle with gastric cancer. Born on Nov. 23, 1947 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, she was 60 years old.
She was the daughter of migrant farm laborers who moved their family to the U.S. when she was 5 years old. Her family settled in Indio, where she met and married Consuelo Hernandez in 1964. They moved to Esparto and started a family there. For the next 44 years, she made Yolo County her home, and also lived in West Sacramento and Davis.
She worked for 26 years in Davis at the Hunt Wesson cannery as a shuttle truck and forklift driver and warehouse operator, where she met Carl Holmes, whom she married in 2001. She furthered her education and achieved certificates in both general education and as a licensed esthetician. She was a legal resident for 50 years, and became a U.S. citizen and was naturalized in 2002.
Family members say she appreciated nature and enjoyed tending her vegetable garden, hiking and viewing wildlife. In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling to beautiful places, and visited Alaska, Mexico, Yellowstone and Hawaii. She took pride in her work, her family and herself, and enjoyed cooking meals for family and friends, shopping for special gifts, and laughing out loud.
A vigil took place on Dec. 4 at McNary’s Chapel in Woodland. A funeral Mass took place on Dec. 5 at Holy Rosary Church, followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

William F. McMenomey Sr. passed away on Dec. 1, 2007 in Woodland. Born on Nov. 4, 1927 in San Francisco to Charlotte Mitchell and William F. McMenomey, he was 80 years old. He was the youngest of four children, and was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helga C. McMenomy; children Richard Sarro, Shelly C. Sarro-Tieso, Laureen Valencia, Linda M. Bruce, William F. McMenomy Jr. and Kathleen McMenomy; 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A viewing was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 5-8 p.m. at Wiscombe’s Funeral Home in Davis, 116 D. Street. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m., at the Veterans National Cemetery on Midway Road in Dixon. A reception will follow the funeral service at the home of Shelly Sarro, 622 Ivy Loop in Winters.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. McMenomy’s behalf to the Veterans National Cemetery in Dixon.

Louise McFarland passed away on Nov. 10, 2007, in Placerville. Born on Feb. 8, 1917 in San Francisco, she was 90 years old. She attended Esparto High School and Sacramento City College, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Yolo Fliers Club, the Cameron Park Country Club and the Esparto Countryside Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Joan Humphrey, and grandchildren, Laura Schumacher, Desiree Emmett and Deanna Lamb; six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John McFarland; brothers George and Harvey Forbes; and parents, Stanley and Anne Forbes.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Nov. 16, at McNary’s Chapel. Burial followed at Monument Hill Memorial Park in Woodland.

Lt. Col. Joseph Dwight Griffin, (retired US Air Force) passed away after a lengthy illness in Davis, on Nov. 1, 2007, just 25 days shy of his 90th birthday. A member of one of the oldest Yolo County pioneer families, he was a longtime resident and farmer from Winters, and graduated from Winters High School in 1936. He was on the family ranch approximately three miles north of town on Nov. 26, 1917.
He attended Stanford University, where he majored in economics. He joined the United States Army Air corps in 1942 as a Second Lieutenant, flying numerous aircraft, from single engine to multi-engine bombers and transport planes. He received the Air Medal for working to author the aircrew training manual for the B-17 bomber, and even at the age of 82, became a pilot of ultralight aircraft.
An avid duck hunter, he used his ultralight for reconnaissance flights over his duck club in the off season, and was still hunting at the age of 88. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge but was not active. He was also involved frequently on various advisory boards such as the Prune Advisory Board and the Yolo County Water Board, he helped insure the completion of the Indian Valley Reservoir.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jarrett and Tandy Griffin of Lochaber, Scotland, and Leavenworth, Washington, and son, Stephen of Fresno; granddaughters Jeanette Griffin of Eureka, Octavia and Claudia Kadow-Griffin of Australia, and grandson Scott Griffin, of Eureka.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean DeHaven Griffin, and his second wife, Evelyn Ryan Griffin.
The family requests any remembrances to be sent to California Waterfowl Association. Services are pending.

Voydell “Pinky” Pinkston, 83, passed away peacefully on Nov. 8, 2007 at his home in Winters. Born April 27, 1924 in Culp, Arkansas, Voydell was the eldest of three children born to John and Eula Pinkston. He married his wife Lois on Aug. 26, 1942. In July 1943, Voydell and pregnant Lois relocated to Winters to start their family. He was a resident of Winters for 64 years.
He made his living as a business owner. He opened V. Pinkston Trucking in 1946. His company hauled various products such as gravel, grain, tomatoes, apricots, peaches, almonds and walnuts. They would sometimes haul as much as 125 loads a day. He retired from the business in 1991 after 45 years of service in the Yolo/Solano area.
As a resident of Winters, he began serving his community in 1965 by becoming a volunteer firefighter for the Winters Fire Department. His duties included extinguishing fires, assisting in medical emergencies and helping wherever else necessary. In 1975 he was promoted to Assistant Volunteer Chief which ultimately led to an appointment to the Winters Fire Department’s Board of Commissioners in 1984. In 2002 he decided that after 37 years of active service to his community that it was time to retire.
In his spare time he had a passion for flying. He belonged to the Golden Gate Navion Society, an organization dedicated to Navion enthusiasts. He also enjoyed traveling to places such as Germany, Hawaii, South Dakota, Montana and recently Thailand. He and Lois also made an annual trip back to Arkansas to visit family and celebrate Decoration day, a holiday in May that honors family members who have passed away by decorating their graves.
Known affectionately as Pampaw by those closest to him, his later years were spent enjoying time at home with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his one great-great-grandchild. Even on the eve of his passing, he was with those he loved.
“Voydell touched the lives of many people in the Winters community and beyond,” says a family member. “He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.”
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Lois Pinkston; Kenneth Pinkston of Saraburi Thailand, Marilyn Goodwin of Winters, Dennis Pinkston of Winters, John Pinkston of Red Bluff, Marcia Hayes of Woodland and Leslie Pinkston of Sacramento; siblings Doyle Pinkston and Faye Haywood, both of Winters; 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Eula Pinkston.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at Main Street Church, 205 Main Street. Burial will follow at the Winters Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of McCune Garden Chapel and services will be officiated by both Reverend Ron Pinkston and Reverend James Allen.

Lt. Col. Joseph Dwight Griffin, (retired US Air Force) passed away after a lengthy illness in Davis, on Nov. 1, 2007, just 25 days shy of his 90th birthday. A member of one of the oldest Yolo County pioneer families, he was a longtime resident and farmer from Winters, and graduated from Winters High School in 1936. He was on the family ranch approximately three miles north of town on Nov. 26, 1917.
He attended Stanford University, where he majored in economics. He joined the United States Army Air corps in 1942 as a Second Lieutenant, flying numerous aircraft, from single engine to multi-engine bombers and transport planes. He received the Air Medal for working to author the aircrew training manual for the B-17 bomber, and even at the age of 82, became a pilot of ultralight aircraft.
An avid duck hunter, he used his ultralight for reconnaissance flights over his duck club in the off season, and was still hunting at the age of 88. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge but was not active. He was also involved frequently on various advisory boards such as the Prune Advisory Board and the Yolo County Water Board, he helped insure the completion of the Indian Valley Reservoir.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jarrett and Tandy Griffin of Lochaber, Scotland, and Leavenworth, Washington, and son, Stephen of Fresno; granddaughters Jeanette Griffin of Eureka, Octavia and Claudia Kadow-Griffin of Australia, and grandson Scott Griffin, of Eureka.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean DeHaven Griffin, and his second wife, Evelyn Ryan Griffin.
The family requests any remembrances to be sent to California Waterfowl Association. Services are pending.

Norman “Normie” Wayne Hobden passed away on Oct. 20, 2007 at Sierra Healthcare in Davis. Born on July 15, 1955, in San Jose, he was 52 years old. He was a Winters resident for the last five years, and worked in the janitorial field for 10 years.
He is survived by his sisters, Caroline Covey of San Jose, Diane Davis of San Jose, Debbie Singles of Marysville, Beverly Sears of Marysville and Nancy Vanderputt of Ferney, Nevada; brother, Gary Hobden of Richmond, Washington; numerous nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Frances Hobden, sister Bonnie King, brothers, Larry and Kenneth Hobden.
A visitation was held on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McNary’s Chapel in Woodland. A memorial service followed at 1 p.m.

John J. Kammerer, 86, passed away on Oct. 25, 2007 at his home, surrounded by his family following a long illness. Born on Feb. 23, 1921 in New York City, he was a 54-year resident of Winters. John attended New York University for two years before his education was interrupted to serve in the US Army during World War II. He settled in California after the war and completed his education at California State University, San Francisco.
In 1955, he accepted a position at Winters High School, where he taught for 32 years. During his tenure, in addition to teaching, he passionately coached nearly all sports that were offered at Winters High School and served as athletic director. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Marian.
He was a dedicated and popular member of the Winters community who positively touched the lives of many of its youth. For many years he served as the city’s Summer Recreation Program Coordinator and Little League Coordinator. He was a member of the Winters City Council and served as vice mayor. He was honored as the Winters Youth Day Grand Marshall in 1978 and 1988, SVAL Coach of the Year in 1973 and received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Athletics in 1980 from the State of California Athletic Association.
Although sports were his passion in life, he loved spending time with his family, especially in his later years with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. During his retirement years, he traveled extensively with his wife Marian, together they toured most of North America with several trips to Europe.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marian; children John J. Kammerer III, Andrea McIlvaine and husband Larry, Ellen Pedroia and husband Kirby, John Carbahal and wife Debbie, Edward Carbahal and wife Sheila, and Manny Carbahal and wife Debbie. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Rudolph, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Barbara Kammerer and sister Lillian Collins.
Family members say he always felt fortunate to have a wonderful wife, family and friends, and would have liked everyone to join in the celebration of his life, says a family member.
Vigil services were held at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, 301 Main Street, Winters at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, 2007. Funeral Services were held at the same location at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007. Burial followed at the Winters Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to Yolo Hospice or the American Heart Association.
Those who wish to sign a guestbook online may do so at www.wiscombefuneral.com

Irene Hassett, mother of Susan Hassett and grandmother of Serena Longo and Lucretia Longo, passed away on Sept. 18, 2007. She was 91 years old, born Christmas Day, 1915. She died after a short four-month fight with cancer.
She moved here from Arizona in 2000, living with her daughter on a 30-acre ranch five miles west of Winters, towards Lake Berryessa. Coming from smaller Midwestern towns, she really enjoyed the atmosphere and easy friendliness of this town, and the town made her feel welcome, said her daughter. She chatted with Dr. Davis about music and piano when getting her check-ups, and visited with the pharmacist Gary Bertagnolli waiting for prescriptions.
She worked as a volunteer for the Winters Library for over four years, mending books and covering and cataloging the new ones. She was a steady consistent worker, liked a clean work space and liked to complete all books on the shelves. She spent an average of 3 hours there weekly.
Her favorite project was baking whole grain breads and cookies, every week. She also played the organ for years and could tap out a great boogie woogie.
Her first service was on her daughter’s ranch. She will be buried next to her husband in Arizona next week.

Mary Elizabeth Rebottaro (Wilkes) passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007, at the Courtyard Healthcare Center in Davis at the age of 85. She was born on Nov. 20, 1921 to Robert and Mary Wilkes at home in Vallejo. The home still stands to this day outside the gates of Mare Island. She was a resident of Winters and Davis for the past three years, previously living in Vallejo, Napa and El Cerrito.
She won “Golden Girl of the Golden West” at the age of 17. She loved music, dancing and singing, and played the violin and Hawaiian steel guitar. She was employed as a pipefitter at Mare Island during WWII. In later years, she managed a care home for the elderly, and was a nurse-aid and in-home caregiver with Mediserv Home Care Services of Vallejo.
Family members describe her as a wonderful dancer. She belonged to various dance clubs, and was a member of the Vallejo #0315 Women of the Moose Lodge and a past Health and Awareness Officer. She also was a member of the Son’s of Italy Lodge. She was an avid Bingo player with a lucky streak, and is remembered by family members as a loving mother and doting grandma.
Surviving her are her daughters, Cindy Johnson and husband Jeff of Winters, and daughter Nancy Rebottaro of North Las Vegas, Nevada; son John Rebottaro and wife Phyllis of Hawthorne, Nevada; sisters Kay Wick of Lafayette; grandchildren Jeremiah, Justin and Jerred Johnson, Kenneth Risser, Christa Farr and Mandy Rebottaro-Dyer; five great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth West and brother Robert Lee Wilkes, Jr.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Twin Chapel’s Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee Street in Vallejo. A gathering will follow to celebrate her life for anyone who wishes to attend. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696.
Memorial donations in Mary Rebottaro’s name may be made to Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA, 95617 (758-5566).

Norman E. Halley passed away on Oct. 17, 2007 at his home in Winters. Born on Sept. 17, 1910, on the plains of North Dakota, near the small town of Harlem to Edward and Inga Halley, he was 97 years old.
His family moved from North Dakota to California in 1919 and bought a farm in the Wolfskill district in Winters in 1920. He attended Wolfskill Grammar School and graduated from Winters High School in 1929. After graduation, he moved to Rodeo, California and went to work for Union Oil Company. It was during this time that he met Marjorie Nicols, and they were married in 1933. In 1944 they moved to Winters to take over the family farm. Norman continued farming until his retirement at the age of 93.
Mr. Halley was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He also was a California history buff and loved to reminisce about his childhood in North Dakota. He loved panning for gold, fishing, and hunting. His fondest memories included deer hunting trips first with his brothers, then with his sons and grandsons. He was devoted to his family, and his family was devoted to him.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Marjorie, of Winters; daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Frank Molina, of Vacaville; son and daughter-in-law, David and Jeannie Halley, of Winters; seven grandchildren; Bob Molina and wife Sheri, of Arbuckle, Don Molina and wife Rhonda, of Winters, Lisa Molina and partner Keri, of Vallejo, Shannon Halley-Cox and husband Zachary, of Sherman Oaks, Brian Halley of Winters, Norm Halley of San Luis Obispo, and Lyn DeShaw of Modesto. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his son, Norman E. Halley, Jr. in 1970.
The family invites friends to a visitation Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. in Nadeau Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Winters Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Nadeau Family Funeral Home.

Joe R. “Paa Joe” Martinez died peacefully at his Winters home on Oct. 14, 2007. Born on March 10, 1921 in Cement, California to Juan and Juana Martinez, he was 86 years old. He served in the US Army during World War II, where he saw combat in Normandy, Rhineland and the European African Middle Eastern Campaigns.
After leaving the Army, he farmed in Winters and also worked at Travis Air Force Base as a civil service employee. He was a member of the Winters VFW Post 11091 and Club Iberico de Espana.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Juanita; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Robert Paschoal of Winters; son and daughter-in-law John and Christine Martinez of Yuba City; daughter and son-in-law Cynthia and Carl Stillwell of Winters; son and daughter-in-law Ruben and Jeanie Martinez of Loveland, Colorado; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Winters Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sutter Hospice Foundation, 2800 L Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA, 95816.

Mont Ray Spencer of Winters passed away at his home on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, at the age of 58. He was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on May 27, 1949. He worked for Sysco Food Services of San Francisco for 27 years and for Sexton Food Service. He loved boating at Lake Berryessa, at the Spanish Flat Resort.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy, of Winters; daughter, Irene Mildred Nickleberry of Vallejo and son Monty Ray Spencer of Daly City; grandson Isiah Nickleberry and granddaughter Gabriella Spencer; many friends and co-workers.
A graveside service is planned at the Russian River Center, 940 Low Gap Road, in Ukiah on Oct. 18 at 1 p.m.

José ‘Joe’ Melendez-Soto passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007 at the Courtyard Healthcare Center in Davis, at the age of 88.
He was born in Santa Maria Del Oro, Durango, Mexico on March 19, 1919 to Blas and Belen (Soto) Melendez, who have predeceased him. He had been a Yolo County resident for over 47 years.
He served one year in the Mexican Army, then entered the United States Army in 1943, serving in WWII. During this time, he was awarded the American Theater Service Medal, Hood Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon completion of military service, Mr. Soto spent two years at Washington University, and spent the next 47 years farming in Yolo County. He was a member of VFW, past master of the Masonic Lodge Landmark Buckeye No. 195 and past master of Athens-Silveybille No. 201.
Surviving Mr. Soto is his spouse of 63 years, Dora Maria Soto; sons Gerald Melendez-Soto of Roseville, Frederick Soto and sp1ouce Gail of El Dorado Hills, William Soto and spouse Vickie, Joseph Soto and spouse Evangelina, and Richard Soto and spouse Heidi, all of Sacramento; daughter Mary Van Buren of Winters, and Betty Silva and spouse Leo of Sacramento. He is also survived by sister Lupe Bazua; 15 grandchildren, Clara, Quint, Lenox, Rosalyn, Tina, Daniel, John, Whitney, Austin, Lucina, Yeigi, Tomika, Stacie, Kellie, and Terra; and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. at Yolo Masonic Lodge, 1655 Da Vinci Ct., Davis, CA. A private burial will take place at a later date, with military honors presented.
Memorial donations in Mr. Soto’s memory may be made to the Scottish Rite Masonic Center for Childhood Language Disorders, 6151 “H” St., Sacramento, CA 95819, to the Trust Account of Sherise Silva.
Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors of Woodland, CA. Is assisting the family with arrangements. Inquiries may be made by calling 662-4658.

Barbara L. Devlin of Winters passed away at Vallejo Kaiser Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 7, at the age of 78. She was born in Roswell, New Mexico, and is longtime Winters resident. She enjoyed playing Bingo and was a supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She worked as a nurse at Yolo General Hospital, and was the manager of the Short Stop in Winters.
She is survived by her children, John Howerton of Woodbridge, Virgina, Paula Russell of Winters, Charles Devlin of Clarksburg, Tom Devlin of Virginia, Dennis Devlin of Vacaville, Pat Devlin of Kelseyville and Mike Devlin of Oregon; two brothers, Tony Hartman of Reno and his wife, Trisha, and Jim Hartman of Marysville, and his wife, Patricia; 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Devlin, in 1982.
There will be a gathering at the family home on Mermod Place on Friday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. for anyone who wishes to attend.

R. Drew Putty. Resident of Sacramento, CA for 40 yrs. Native of OK City, OK. Born Feb. 17, 1922, passed away Sept. 13, 2007. Survived by wife of 59 yrs., Enola “Andy” Putty, children Jill (Jay) Shepherd of Winters, Brian (Alyshia) Putty of Fair Oaks, Kim (Michael) Cimino of Pembroke Pines, FL, and Roger (Amy) of Gold River, grandchildren Jenaye/Jeremy Shepherd, Brieana/ Darren/Kayla Putty, Michael Cimino, and Rachel/ Scott Putty, and nephew George Andrews.
Drew graduated from Stanford University in 1947 w/a B.S. in Mech Engr. After four years of employment he returned to Stanford University for his MBA and graduated in 1953. While at Stanford he lettered in tennis, playing singles for the Stanford tennis team. In the midst of his college education Drew was called into action and served in WWII from 1942 to 1945 in OCS and became a 1st Lieutenant in the 20th Armored Div. Ord. Drew enjoyed a 29 year career with IBM as a sales and marketing manager. During his career with IBM he held positions in San Francisco, Sacramento, Omaha, Washington DC, Frankfurt Germany, Riverside, returning to Sacramento where he retired from IBM.
Drew was a 40 year member of Arden Hills Tennis Club and Sierra Arden UCC. Tennis became his life sport, having started at the early age of 12. As a junior player he reached a ranking of No. 2 in the State of OK. Drew loved the outdoors, gardening, camping, skiing, golfing, traveling and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and pets.
He was an avid follower and cheerleader of his wife’s painting and piano playing. Drew was committed to family, his # 1 priority. He made sure family was cared for and always together.
We’re thankful for the many fantastic and silly memories, memories that will live in our hearts forever. Drew—devoted husband, dad, granpa, and friend—will be missed dearly. Special thanks to UCD Cancer Center staff and Home Health Care. Drew was a fighter in everything he did and never gave up hope in battling cancer. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the UCD Cancer Center or American Cancer Society.

Jeffery Gilstrap, 55, died on Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 of natural causes at his home in Davis. Born in Woodland, he grew up in Davis and Santa Cruz. Family members say he lived an uncomplicated life, gave generously and touched the lives of many. He was a child of the ‘60s and insisted upon marching to his own drummer until he died. For over 25 years Gilstrap ran both AM PM Taxi and the Davis Taxi Company, serving the public in Yolo County and beyond.
He is survived by his sister Geyne, niece Ella, surrogate mom Jackie and devoted friends, David and Alex.
An informal gathering of friends, family and the public-at-large will take place from 12-2 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Redwood Grove near the corner of A Street and Arboretum Drive on the UC Davis campus. Parking is available nearby in Lot 5. Attendees are asked to bring a favorite story about Gilstrap to share.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Yolo County SPCA, P.O. Box 510, Davis 95617. Those who wish to sign a guestbook online may do so at www.wiscombefuneral.com.

Harry “Butchy” Lawrence Fredericks Jr., died Sunday Sept. 23, 2007 at Woodland Memorial Hospital at age 85.
Mr. Fredericks was born in Ross Dec. 26, 1921 to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fredericks Sr., and had been a lifetime Winters resident. He was also a lifetime rancher, attended two years at UC Davis and spent one year dredging with the Navy Sea Bees. He was a school board member, past Master of the Masonic Lodge, VFW, founder of the Amateur Radio Club and Landmark Buckeye No. 195.
Survivors included Mr. Frederick’s wife of 61 years, Joan E. Fredericks, sons, Harry Fredericks III and wife Renae, Jim Fredericks and wife Joan and Bret Fredericks, grandchildren, Tera, Adrienne and Adam, three great grandchildren, Payton, Macy and Caden, nephews, Bill, Steve and John Fredericks, and niece, Vicky Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service was scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at McNary’s Chapel, 458 College St. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery . McNary’s Chapel of Woodland is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clifford Lafayette Birdwell passed away on Sept. 15, 2007. Born in Heavener, Oklahoma, to Robert Lee and Adeline Birdwell on March 7, 1936, he was 71 years old.
He grew up in Winters from 1946 to 1954, and graduated from Winters High School. He served in the military in Texas and Alaska. While in Alaska he met and married his wife of 44 years, Karen. He is described by family members as an amazing and loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed woodworking and cooking. Family members say he touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege to meet him, that his smile could light up a room and warm a heart, and that his personality and sense of humor were one of a kind.
He resided in Renton, Washington for 41 years before moving to Orting two years ago to be closer to his family. He is survived by his wife, Karen Birdwell of Orting; children and their spouses, Bruce Birdwell of Kent, Washington, Beverly and Dale McChesney of Texas, Stacey and Mark Clark of Enumclaw, Washington, Mike and Kandy Birdwell of Orting, Washington, Donna and Steve Adams of Bonney Lake, Washington, and Dave and Ginny Ross of Federal Way, Washington; mother, Adeline Birdwell of Idaho; sister and brother-in-law Bertie and Chas Keith of Idaho; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Birdwell, and grandson, Daniel Gradin-Clark.
Services were held on Friday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. in The Summit Church located in Enumclaw: 920 Roosevelt Ave Enumclaw, Washington, An online guest book may be signed at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.

Ronald J. Richardson passed away at home on Sept. 7, 2007 due to heart failure with his wife, Kathy by his side. He left this earth with a peaceful state of mind, says a family spokesperson. Born on June 2, 1947, he was 60 years old.
He grew up in South Carolina and moved to California in 1985 and has resided here since. He loved fried chicken and was a huge fan of Nascar. He was very dedicated and involved for many years as a recognized leader in his church, community, and family. He served in the military from 1966-71 in the US Marine Corps and Navy in Vietnam. He served as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in North Highlands for 10 years, and formerly served as Senior Pastor of Mission Beth’El in Grass Valley and at First Baptist Church in Winters.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy; daughters and sons in law, Amy and Terry, and Laura and Robert; son and daughter in law Ryan and Sara; two unborn grandchildren; brothers Jerry and Charles; mother Grace; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Almon, and his older brother, Almon Jr.
According to a family spokesperson, “He leaves behind an entire church family, and although his spirit will live on forever in the hearts of many. He enjoyed life to the absolute fullest and with his feisty character always encouraged others to do the same. He instilled values and integrity in all that knew him. His quick wit and incredible sense of humor will be an immense comfort to those he left behind.”
Visitation took place at East Lawn Sierra Hills Mortuary & Memorial Park on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 3-8 p.m. He was honored at a funeral service at the First Baptist Church in North Highlands on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 10:30 a.m.

Charles Lee Smith, 69, of Clancy, Montana, died on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 at a nursing home in Clancy, due to natural causes. He was born Nov. 1, 1937, to Arthur, Jr., and Minnerva (Parker) Smith, in Talapoosa, Alabama, where he was raised and educated. He served in the U.S. Navy.
Charles and Mary O. Everson were married in Fort Benton, Montana. From this union were born five children. He owned and operated his own demolition business, CBS Trucking & Jungking Corporation in San Francisco. He later divorced in 1972, then married Barbara Jean Howard, in Reno in 1976. They had one daughter.
He loved to fish, take Sunday drives, and look at old cars. Family members say he loved to laugh and “there wasn’t enough lobster in the world, and his favorite restaurant was Borries.”
Surviving are his daughters, Debbie Martell of Great Falls, Montana, Charlotte Frye of California, Dinah Standley of Great Falls, Montana, Sandra Frye of Lancaster, JoAnn Frye of Great Falls, Montana, and Christi Smith of Winters; a stepson, Tommy; 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins in Alabama.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy; two stepchildren, Mikey and Terry; and two grandchildren.
At his request, no services will be held. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences for the family may be sent online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.