|














Copyright (c) 2010
Winters Express
312 Railroad Avenue, Winters, CA 95694
(530) 795-4551
news@wintersexpress.com
Web site by
shawnpatrickcollins
@yahoo.com
|
|

Click here for Old
Obituaries
Evelyn F. Carroll Sweeney, age 97, passed away at peace
on May 25, 2013 in San Luis Obispo at Garden Creek Assisted Living. She
was born to John and Frances Carroll and raised in Edna Valley on her
parent’s ranch. She was a lifetime resident of San Luis Obispo and
one of seven siblings, all who preceded her in death. She was very proud
of her Irish heritage on both sides of her parents.
Upon graduating from SLO High in 1933, she went to Beauty College and
worked a short time as a beautician. She married her high school sweetheart,
Edward Sweeney, in October 1939 and had two children, Georgianna and Tom.
Their lives were always surrounded by family and friends, celebrating
life with barbecues, parties, travel and days at the beach. Evelyn and
Ed were avid sports fans, most of all football.
Evelyn will be remembered for her love of family, ready smile and positive
attitude to all things in life. She was always first in line to help if
needed and appreciated all things she received. She was an exceptional
lady who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, her daughter Georgianna
Mariani and her son, Tom Sweeney.
She is survived by her son-in-law Dennis Mariani; daughter-in-law Susan
Sweeney; grandchildren Dennis Mariani (Bridget) Mark Mariani (Shannon)
of Winters, Molly Louer (Tom) of Phoenix, Arizona, Tim Sweeney (Vickie)
and Amanda Sundstrom (Eric) of San Jose; 11 great-grandchildren and several
nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held at the The Old Mission San Luis Obispo on Wednesday,
June 5, at 10 a.m.
Jose Escarsega Jr., known around town as “Joe”
by his friends and family, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home
in Winters on April 22, 2013. He was surrounded by loved ones during his
passing.
Joe was born on Feb. 6, 1931 in the town of Smelter Town, Texas to his
parents, Presiliana Licon and Jose Escarsega, who preceded him in death.
His younger brother, Armando Escarsega, also preceded him in death. He
spent his childhood living with his grandparents after the tragic passing
of his parents. He lived in Villa Ahumada, Mexico with his grandparents
before subsequently living with an aunt and uncle in Juarez, Mexico. He
then moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he encountered his life partner,
Josephine Dominguez. Joe and Josephine were married and subsequently moved
to San Jose before finally setting down roots in Winters.
Joe was a man of many talents despite limited education. He was a mechanic,
ranch-hand, truck driver, welder, farmer, and carpenter amongst many other
things. He loved to raise chickens, pigs, sheep, and many other animals.
He was known as the town mechanic often fixing the vehicles of the locals
for little money or a trade of goods. He worked for Gaddini Top Soil and
Ramos Orchards for most of his employment while living in Winters, and
worked until he no longer was able.
He loved travel to Texas, New Mexico and Mexico annually to visit family.
He enjoyed fishing, billiards, and above all, gardening. He had a green
thumb and his garden was filled with chilies, tomatoes, watermelon, and
squash.
He is survived by his beloved and dedicated wife of 62 years, Josephine
Escarsega; daughters, Patricia Escarsega and Betty Chavez; only living
sibling, Juan Escarsega; eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and
one great-great granddaughter.
The memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, May 10, in Winters,
beginning with a mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church; followed by a burial
ceremony at the Winters Cemetery. The services will end with a memorial
reception at the St. Anthony Parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations
can be made to the Jose “Joe” Escarsega Memorial Fund at First
Northern Bank in Winters.
Wilma “Willie” Keith abruptly passed away
on March 13, 2013, while recuperating from a hip fracture.
She was born at home with the assistance of a mid-wife in Omaha, Arkansas
in the Ozark Mountains. She spent her youth there before moving to Winters
with her family during the Depression. She then met and married her life-partner,
Elton Keith, who passed in 2006. She then moved to Oregon with two of
her daughters.
She was a devoted stay-at-home mother when her children were in school.
After her children left, she and Elton traveled in their motor home throughout
the United States, particularly in the Midwest. After the traveling bug
came and went, they accepted the responsibilities of pastoring The Faith
Tabernacle Church in Winters for the next 10 years. She was a deeply spiritual
woman and relied upon her faith to help herself and other’s when
life’s inevitable adversities occurred. She often knew of other’s
needs before they did.
Along with the daily duties of the church, she and the ladies groups worked
endlessly with the elderly. She gave freely and tirelessly of herself.
She often said, “God had given her the strength and the hands of
eight people to do the work required her.” She was a member of several
Christian organizations, participated in missionary work and was very
supportive of The La Grande Orphanage in San Luis, Mexico. She and her
soul-sister, Betty Oldeneas, made annual trips to deliver clothes, supplies,
etc. They stopped, without fail, in Sun City, Arizona and Bakersfield
to visit. The years co-pastoring the church were one of the happiest times
of her life.
She wasn’t all work and no play, however. She loved her kitchen,
cooking, baking or canning fruits and veggies from Elton’s garden.
She could hold her own with a fishing pole and had a great appreciation
of the outdoors. She loved music and attended many concerts and music
festivals. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling. She went to most of the U.S.,
cruised throughout the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, and visited several
cities in Mexico and Hawaii. She moved to Oregon to retire, and visited
the coast and other natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
Wilma was the mother of Phyllis Keith, twin-daughters Rhonda Keith-Gonnella-Kimball,
Linda Estepa (Frank) and surrogate mother to many. She was blessed with
six grandchildren, Sherry Mack (Bob), Ron Gonnella, Joey Seigel, Carrie,
Angela and Ryan (Leslie) Estepa. She also had six great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Elton; stepson, Daniel; infant
daughter, Lela; sisters Pauline Tate, Lucille (Pete), Bounty and Vivian
Nelson; several in-laws and friends.
“She leaves a legacy of being a loving mother, friend, wife, confident
and counselor. Although her physical presence leaves a huge void in many
lives, she will be remembered for her graciousness, wisdom, compassion
and wit,” says a family member.
A graveside service is planned for Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m. Pastor Ted
Selby will officiate. Memorial Contributions may be made to Sunny Valley
Ministries, P.O. Box 79, Sunny Valley, OR, 97497.
Joe Zane was born Sept. 13, 1955 in Woodland. Surrounded
by family and friends, he passed away on April 11, 2013.
Raised in Woodland through his junior high years, Joe moved to Winters
and attended Winters High School, graduating in 1973. Joe attended Cosumnes
River and Butte colleges before starting his career in agriculture.
Joe was a farmer’s son and had a great love of the land. He was
a fifth generation farmer and was extremely proud of the family legacy.
Among the companies he worked for were Petoseed, Nunhemseed and most
recently Capay Canyon Ranch.
Joe had many passions, including coaching his sons’ hockey teams
and entertaining and barbecuing for family and friends. He was a sports
fan for all seasons.
Joe will always be remembered for his kindness and good cheer.
Survivors are: his loving wife of 29 years, Wendi; his devoted son Stuart;
brother Neil Zane; sisters Rebecca Ewert (Corky) and Mary Parrish (Dennis);
mother-in-law Doris Warden; brother-in-law Dean Warden (Linda); and many
loving nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his son
Logan, sister-in-law Alice and parents, Joe and Louise Zane.
Because of Joe’s loving and generous nature, he also leaves many
friends and loved ones in the area and throughout the state.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 17, at the United Methodist
Church of Woodland. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be
made to the Logan Zane Memorial Scholarship Fund at Woodland High School,
21 N. West St., Woodland, or the donors’ favorite charity.
Jose L. Escarsega was born Feb. 6, 1931, and died April
22, 2013, at home in Winters.
Services will be announced later.
Irene Campos Ramos, 83, of Woodland, passed away on
March 29, 2013, with her two sons at her bedside. She held fast to her
faith in Christ during her illness.
She was born on April 19, 1929, to Arturo and Joaquina Campos. Born and
raised in Winters, she grew up on her parents’ ranch, off Olive
School Lane. She attended Olive School and Winters High School. After
marrying Jack Ramos, on June 22, 1947, they lived in Winters until 1958
when they moved to Davis and bought and managed the Davis Motel and raised
two sons. She was devoted to her family, and especially loved her three
grandchildren.
One of her great passions was developing real estate; she built several
homes, acting as her own architect and general contractor. Her proudest
project was a Spanish-style home she built near the ocean in Morro Bay.
She also loved to travel with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Arturo and Joaquina
Campos; brothers, Joseph, Eleutario and Clarence Campos; and sisters,
Juanita Campos Martinez and Jeanette Campos Hayes.
She is survived by her children, Edward Ramos and wife Margaret of Woodland,
and John L. Ramos of Woodland; grandchildren John R. Ramos of Sacramento,
Joseph R. Ramos of Oak Harbor, Washington, and Samantha J. Ramos of Woodland;
sister, Pearl McCullough of Hemet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at St. Anthony’s
Catholic Church. A reception will follow at St. Anthony’s Hall,
also in Winters.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Vitas Community Connections,
2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95833.
Frank Martin, Jr., 80, a wonderful husband, father and
grandfather died peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2013 at Woodland Memorial
Hospital after his battle with blood cancer; Multiple Myeloma.
Born in Winters to Frank and Amalia Martin on Oct. 29, 1932. He grew up
in Winters and graduated from Winters High School in 1950.
He served in the Army and was stationed at the San Francisco Presidio
and then Alaska for eight months.
He started farming with his older brother Antonio Martin & brother-in-law
Tony Jimenez after being discharged from the Army. He served on several
boards including the Land Bank and Sunsweet Growers. He continued farming
in Winters all of his life.
He married Ramona Ramos on Nov. 15, 1953 at St. Anthony Catholic Church
in Winters.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ramona, daughter, Kathryn, son,
David, son-in-law, Michael Massman, and grandchildren, Matthew and Megan
Massman. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, up to the third
generation.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Antonio and Joe Martin and his
sister Madeline Jimenez.
A vigil was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2013, and a funeral Mass
of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at St. Anthony
Catholic Church. Burial was at the Winters Cemetery, followed by a reception
at St. Anthony Parish Hall in Winters.
Janet Darlene Ferrell passed away on March 1, 2013 at
5:50 a.m. in Tecumseh, Oklahoma after a three-year battle with a liver
and kidney disease. Born on Dec. 26, 1945, she was 67 years old. She lived
in Winters for six years, and was co-owner of Curves for Women and a member
of First Baptist Church of Winters.
She came from a military family; her father (the late Robert T. Aliff)
retired from the Marine Corp in 1971. Her husband also served in the Marine
Corp and most family members served in the armed forces in some fashion.
She had an unwavering loyalty to her family, country and to those who
serve or served her cherished United States of America.
She is survived by her son and his wife, Jeffery and Melinda Ferrell,
grandchildren Alyssa and Ethan Ferrell, all of Norman, Oklahoma; sister
and her husband, Linda and Sam Masteller of Winters; sister and her husband,
Bonnie and Tom Hrinya of Salem, Virginia; brother Roger and Marylynn Aliff
of Mechanicsville, Virginia; and several nephews and nieces.
Her family takes comfort that she is now in heaven with the God she so
loved and served and has been reunited with her beloved husband Larry,
sons Christopher and Michael and many other family members and friends.
In her words, “Please do not grieve for me once I go, I will be
where I want to be”.
There will be a memorial service celebrating her life at 3 p.m. on April
7, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Winters.
Connie DeLeon of Medford, Oregon, and formerly of Winters,
died on March 9, 2013. She was 79.
She was born in El Centro on Aug. 26, 1933.
She worked at U.C. Davis for 28 years, retired, and became very active
in the Winters community. She volunteered with Pop Warner football cheerleading
and Meals on Wheels for many years. She remained in Winters until moving
to Oregon in 2009.
She is preceded in death by her husband Inocencio and her parents Eugeno
and Librada. She is survived by: her children, Larry, Frank Sr. and Delia;
her siblings Genie, Jane, Ramona, Michael Sr. and Vera; and her grandchildren
Kasandra, Mann, Aaron, Connie, Michael, Frank Jr., Isaac and April.
A funeral service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, at St. Anthony Catholic
Church, 301 Main Street, Winters. A graveside service will follow in the
Winters Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Connie DeLeon Memorial Fund at First Northern
Bank.
Gussie Bee Fridae, mother of Woody Fridae, former Mayor
of Winters, passed away Wednesday morning, March 6, 2013. Gee Bee, as
she was known by friends and family, was three weeks away from celebrating
her 94th birthday in April.
Gee Bee was born to Beatrice and Agustus (Gus) Peterson, hence her nickname,
on April 1, 1919 in Helena, Arkansas. When she finished high school she
worked as a clerk and waitress in various shops around El Dorado, Arkansas.
She met her future husband, Don Fridae, there in 1940, and they were married
in September of 1941. He told her she had the prettiest lips he’d
ever seen. They spent the war years in Vallejo California, where Don was
a recruiter for the Navy.
After returning to El Dorado, the couple started a family. They had three
girls and a boy, Dona, Dixie, Gracie and Woody. In 1955, the family moved
to Doyle, to live near Gee Bee’s brother, Harold Peterson, who lived
in Chester at the time. Two years later, they settled in Willits, where
Don took a job teaching English at the Pine Street School.
Don and Gee Bee enjoyed golfing when the golf course was first built at
a local resort, Brooktrails, in 1960. She won several trophies in her
early years playing golf. Gee Bee was well known as a seamstress and cake
decorator, making wedding dresses and wedding cakes for many brides in
the Willits area.
For a dozen years, she was a cook at the Willits Boy Scout Lake. She also
worked as a lookout for the California Division of Forestry and worked
at Two Rock Lookout for nearly 20 years. Gee Bee was an avid bridge player
and was part of many bridge groups that met regularly in Willits.
When Don retired in 1976, they began a tradition of spending the early
spring of each year at their son’s condominium in Moloka’i
for a couple of months. They made a cadre of friends there, and enjoyed
their honorary “kama’aina” status with many locals.
Gee Bee remained active after the passing of Don in 2001. She continued
their annual trips to Moloka’i in Hawaii for several years, and
she travelled to Vermont and New York last June to see her grandson, Andrew
Fridae, graduate from Bennington College. After suffering a stroke last
August, she came to live with Woody and Rebecca Fridae in Winters. She
made a remarkable recovery from her stroke and made acquaintance with
many people in Winters and played bridge with a local group occasionally.
She had moved to an assisted living facility in Ukiah at the time of her
death.
Gee Bee lived a long and fruitful life. She is survived by Dona Fridae,
of Willits; Dixie Southwick, of Winnemucca; Gracie Fridae, of Willits;
and Woody Fridae, of Winters; 14 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren
and 6 great-great grandchildren. She will be missed by many friends and
family members.
Patricia Lynn Ireland was born Nov.16, 1945 in Sacramento
to Wayne and Winona Ireland of Winters. She graduated from Winters High
School in 1963, attended UC Davis for two years and went on to receive
her BA in physical education and English from Sacramento State University
in 1968.
In the fall of 1968, she became an English and physical education teacher
at Esparto High School. She also coached varsity tennis, field hockey,
and basketball.
In 1970, she married Jim Naekel, and moved to Woodland. She gave birth
to daughter Heidi in 1973, and to son John in 1977. She also helped start
a family-owned self-storage business in 1973.
In 1986, Pattie and her children moved to Missoula, Montana. She fell
in love with western Montana, and bought a home in the Lincolnwood neighborhood
on Rattlesnake Creek in 1987. She lived at her home on Fox Farm Road for
26 years, and cherished her neighbors and her beautiful backyard. She
never took her surroundings for granted, and loved to walk in the woods
with her dogs almost every day, throughout the Rattlesnake wilderness.
Pattie married CJ Tornabene on May 26th, 1991. The pair met playing tennis,
where they became a successful mixed doubles team for years. They won
countless tournaments in mixed doubles and on their respective USTA teams.
They loved spending time on their sail boat at Flathead Lake, as well
as sailing anywhere they traveled. They scuba dived in Mexico, the British
Virgin Islands, Dominica, The Cayman Islands, Honduras and Hawaii. They
attended both the US Open in New York and the French Open in Paris together.
No matter where they traveled throughout the years, most every vacation
was an appropriate balance of tennis, the outdoors, and water.
Pattie was an exceptional athlete in high school, where she competed in
field hockey, tennis, track, basketball, and volleyball. She played collegiate
field hockey and tennis at UC Davis. She was an active tennis player,
golfer, and skier her entire life. She was immensely competitive and never
ashamed of her love of winning. She returned to tennis coaching in Missoula-
running the Loyola Sacred Heart tennis program from 1993-98.
When Pattie wasn’t out enjoying the beauty of Montana or playing
sports, she enjoyed nothing more than hosting guests at her home. She
was a gourmet cook and an incredible hostess- someone who always took
great joy in pleasing and providing for others. Pattie had an innate ability
to connect with everyone she met, and simply loved to learn about people.
She was an exceptional listener and contagiously upbeat. Even when her
health wasn’t cooperating, she maintained a unique gift to put others
at ease the moment they stepped through her front door.
Pattie was an active volunteer in various organizations through the years.
In her life, she was a proud PEO member, a volunteer for Camp Mak-A-Dream,
Meals on Wheels, the Missoula Battered Women’s Shelter, the University
of Montana foreign exchange program, Loyola BASH, and was a contributor
to countless other causes.
Pattie loved Montana Grizzly Football from the day she arrived in Missoula.
She first attended games in the fall of 1986, and was a season ticket
holder at Washington-Grizzly stadium the following year. She attended
nearly every home game in the past 26 years, many road games, and the
2001 National Championship game in Chatanooga, Tennessee, her proudest
moment as a Griz fan.
Pattie Ireland Tornabene passed away in her home March 11th, 2013, after
an incredibly courageous and hard-fought two-year battle with pancreatic
cancer. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend CJ Tornabene,
her daughter Heidi Schreiber, her son John Naekel, her grandson Owen,
step-daughter Dana Tornabene, step-son Tyler Tornabene, and her two beloved
dogs Brewster and Buckley.
She leaves the world a better place than she found it, as a remarkable
wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, coach, mentor, volunteer, hostess,
cook, neighbor and friend. A celebration of Pattie’s life will be
held at 2 p.m., on Sunday, March 17, at The Holiday Inn in downtown Missoula.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Camp Mak-A-Dream or the
cancer center at Missoula’s St. Patrick Hospital.
Betty J. Biasi, 81, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 23,
2013 from a rapid progression of Alzheimer’s at the Solano Life
House in Dixon. She was born Aug. 22, 1931 in Kennett, Missouri. She lived
in Dixon for 30 years and previously raised her four children in Winters
for 33 years. She was loved by all and enjoyed being a homemaker. She
loved to sing, sew and paint in her spare time.
She is survived by her husband, Pasquale “Pat” Biasi; daughters
Teresa Gloege (spouse James) and Patti Callahan (spouse Scott); son Michael
Biasi; grandchildren, Dominic Biasi II, Lindsey Dunn (spouse Kevin), Betsy
Guerrero (spouse Victor), Matt Callahan and Brittney Biasi; six great-granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by her son, Dominic Biasi, and grandson, Eric
Speegle.
Graveside services were held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery,
5810 Midway Road in Dixon on March 1. A reception followed at the Dixon
Moose Lodge. Memorial contributions will be
accepted by the Yolo Hospice and/or Solano Life House, which the Biasi
family would like to thank at this time for their
patience, support and loving care.
James Ralph Barker was born in Ashington, England on
Sept. 25, 1921 and died on Feb. 19, 2013.
He came to the United States with his parents, Fred and Ruth Barker, when
he was 1 year old. Fred Barker was hired by PG&E and the family moved
to Winters — where Jim spent the rest of his life.
He graduated from Winters High School with the class of 1940. While in
high school, he maintained good grades and excelled in football, basketball,
baseball and track.
He attended UC Davis for three semesters, but went to work at Mare Island
after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and until he was called into service.
He finished basic training and then transferred to pilot training and
was commissioned in 1943 and
assigned to a B-17 flight group.
On Sept. 24, 1943, he married his high school sweetheart, Mildred Thomson,
at the Presbyterian Church in Winters.
At the end of the war, he returned to Winters where he and his father
opened an appliance store and started Barkers Electric. He remained in
the Air Force Reserve and was recalled into service during the Korean
Conflict. He retired from the Air Force in 1980 at the rank of Lt. Col.
after fulfilling 20 years of service.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, his daughter Joan Lopez (John),
his daughter Jill James (Lyle), four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Respecting his wishes, there will be no public service.
Carl Junior Branscum was born on Nov. 2, 1925 in Calico
Rock, Arkansas. He was the second of 11 children born to Albert and Beulah
Branscum. His early days were spent hunting and fishing with his brothers
in the Ozark Mountains. He left Arkansas and headed west the age of 16.
In 1949, Carl married Lillie Mae Berry and together they made their home
in Dryden, Washington, where Carl worked as a farmhand and foreman in
the apple orchards. In 1960, they settled in Winters to raise their growing
family. Carl worked hard at a variety of jobs and settled at the UC Davis
as an animal lab technician from where he retired.
Among Carl’s favorite activities were spending time with his son
hunting and spoiling his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Carl passed away quietly in his home
after a brief illness on Feb. 18, 2013. He will be remembered as a loving
husband,
father, grandfather and kind and generous friend.
Carl is survived by his daughter, Brenda Webb of Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas;
son, Lester “Butch” Branscum of Winters; stepdaughter, Darlene
Linley of Winters; numerous grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Mae; son, Stephen Branscum;
and step-daughter, Wyetta Johnson.
Juanita Lorenzo Skaggs was born on July 27, 1935 in
Vacaville. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to Winters, where she
lived happily for 70 plus years.
She met her husband, Charles Skaggs, at the theater in Davis. They were
married on a hot July evening in 1955 in her lifelong church, currently
known as the Main Street Church in Winters. They moved to Long Beach for
a short time, where Charles completed his Naval service. Upon returning,
they started their family and he joined her family’s business, California
Market.
Following in their parents’ footsteps, their three children also
enjoyed serving their community at the market. Juanita balanced her family,
business and community beautifully. Believing one should always give back,
she enjoyed serving her church congregation and was a longtime member
of Soroptimist International filling many leadership positions. In the
early 1960s, she was one of the founding members of a group of friends
who were affectionately called the “Fatty Club.” They met
monthly to discuss weight loss strategies, the latest diet and exchanged
recipes while snacking on sweet treats and coffee. They shared many laughs
and friendship.
As an act of love and support, Juanita made over 80 pink scarves for family
and friends who were also diagnosed with breast cancer. Crocheting, traveling
and her Wednesday Lunch Group were just a few of her favorite things.
The greatest joy of her life was her family, which included her extended
family, whom she deeply loved.
She joined her husband Charles, grandson Nathaniel Skaggs, parents Juan
and Ana Maria Lorenzo, sister Dolores Martinez, brother Aladino Lorenzo
and other loved ones on Feb. 15, 2013. She passed away at her home in
Winters at the age of 77.
Those who will always miss her are her daughter Julie Skaggs-Campbell
(Bob) of Winters, son Andrew Skaggs (Ann) of Davis, daughter Marian Skaggs
of Winters, seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, all her nieces
and nephews, and loving friends.
On Feb. 19, Juanita’s life was celebrated in her childhood church
where she was married and raised her children. A luncheon was held at
St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Winters. Her final resting place is
beside her loving husband and parents at the Winters Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Main Street
Church Building Fund or Yolo Hospice in memory of Juanita Lorenzo Skaggs.
Gertrude (Trudy) Cody, formerly Trudy Robinson, passed
away on Feb. 19, 2013 at home in Sacramento.
Trudy lived a long, full life. She was involved in various organizations
such as Girl Scouts, Little League Baseball and supported her children
and grandchildren as they participated in their many events. She also
enjoyed playing Mrs. Claus at many events throughout the years. One of
her favorite activities was traveling. She was able to visit places such
as Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Mexico, Arizona and Canada. In
recent years, Trudy and Bill have spent their summers salmon fishing on
the north California coast in Trinidad.
Trudy passed with her family at her side including her devoted husband
of 14 years, William (Bill) Cody of Winters. She was the daughter of Dorothy
(Dot) Smith and sister to Stephen Smith, and cherished mother of Karen
Bassford (Travis), Jerrie Kepler, and Dave Robinson (Jaci Jones); stepmother
to Bill Cody (Maura), Ed Cody, Annette Schimmel (Leon), and Theresa Linton
(Rory). She was devoted to her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, Harold (Bud)
Robinson.
A celebration of her life will be held at the home of Travis and Karen
in Elverta on Sat., Feb. 23 at noon. Call Karen, (916) 802-2956, for directions.
Carl J. Branscum passed away Feb. 18, 2013, in Winters.
He was born Nov. 2, 1925 in Arkansas.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Winters
Cemetery. Arrangements are by Wiscombe Funeral Home.
Gerald R. Darby passed away on Jan. 14, 2013 after a
long illness, and 2 1/2 years after the passing of his beloved wife, Susanna
“Channing.”
Gerald was born on July 26, 1930 in Chicago, Ill. to Charles Darby of
Nebraska and Violet Carlton Darby of Chicago, Ill.
Gerald is survived by his two daughters, Marion and Dorothy Darby; his
sister,
Virginia Darby Gessler from Mountain Home, Arkansas; and his brother,
John Darby from Chicago, Ill.; Gerald’s niece, Janet Kozak Horst
from Barrington, Ill. and her daughter Cheryl-Ann Horst from Chicago,
Ill.; from Nebraska, his cousin, Jean Darby Large, who lovingly keeps
the current news of the family, for which
Gerald was grateful. He’s also survived by Jean’s brother,
Phillip Edward Darby, Jr., her sister Joann Darby Smith and her cousins
Carolyn Darby Smith and Richard Darby.
Marion and Dorothy were serenaded by beautiful music when their dad played
the piano or his other musical instruments in the house. Throughout their
lives, their mom would accompany their dad by singing. Gerald told them
his mom, Violet Darby, showed him how to play the violin and his dad,
Charles Darby, gave him a small accordion. His Aunt Florence
Carlton Fletcher, introduced him to the
piano and reading musical notes. Dad’s love of his music spanned
through his schools and eventually graduation, from Northwestern University,
majoring in
music and until his passing.
Gerald’s love of words, which led him to be an avid reader of the
classics in many languages and travels, was natural from his grandfather
Carlton. On his graduation from Northwestern, he just traveled to the
blue-grass region. His love of blue grass and banjo were among many musical
influences and instruments he brought to his family and friends.
Gerald continued to travel when he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed
to Cavite City, Philippines, where he met his wife.
Upon his retirement after 30 years in the Social Security Administration,
he and
Susanna decided to drive about the area. Upon seeing Winters, they fell
in love with the town. The things they found on Main Street, the seasonal
theatrical plays and music, the residents and especially their neighbors
and their walks gave them the perfect retirement home they were looking
for.
A graveside service will be at Winters Cemetery at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan.
31.
Virginia Sue (Wells) Pilkinton passed away in her home
in Davis on Jan. 7, 2013. Born in Oakland on Feb.17, 1942, she spent most
of her time in Solano and Yolo counties. She was a dental hygienist and
worked in Vacaville and Winters. She was also involved as a gymnastics
instructor for the City of Vacaville in the early 1970s.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Donna (Phillips) Wells,
and her sister Beverly (Wells) Watkins.
She is survived by her four children Bambi (BJ) Reed, Tiffany Zander,
Jereome Epling, Brodie Wells, and one niece, two nephews, and two grandchildren.
She will be remembered by friends and family as a person who was thoughtful
and kind to those that she could help.
Victor Arthur Ish passed peacefully on Dec. 31, 2012,
in Roseville, California, at the age of 91 after a period of failing health.
He was born on March 6, 1921 in Winters to Carrol and Louisa Ish. After
his mother died when Vic was 2, he was raised by his father and grandma,
Sally Wolfskill, on the family ranch along Putah Creek, which was part
of the original Wolfskill Spanish Land Grant that dates back to the mid-1800s.
He graduated from Winters High School in 1938.
After studying pharmaceutical science for a time at UC Davis, Vic was
called back to work the family farm during WWII in Winters before serving
in the U.S. Army from October 1945 to April 1946. He was honorably discharged
as a personnel technician at Camp Beale, California. He was married to
Lydia Burak of Yonkers, New York on November 15, 1947 in Phoenix, Arizona.
They later lived in Denver, Colorado, as well as Sacramento, Monterey
and Auburn.
After several years as a radio announcer, including KFBK in Sacramento,
Vic worked in retail office supply sales in Sacramento and Monterey, where
he developed a loyal following of many customers who also became his friends.
He and Lee were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Monterey.
Upon retiring in Auburn, Vic enjoyed developing new friendships at the
First Congregational Church of Auburn, while retaining his lifelong activity
of gardening.
He is survived by his brother Jim Ish of Yuba City; son David Ish and
wife Mary Helen of La Jolla; daughter Carol Belanger and husband Ron of
Rocklin; son Tom Ish and wife Jennifer of Auburn; grandchildren Melanie
Belanger, Ryan Belanger and Melissa Ish. His friends and family will greatly
miss his sense of humor, his loyal adoration toward his wife of nearly
65 years who pre-deceased him by exactly two months, as well as his simple,
humble, and caring approach to life.
A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of
Auburn, 710 Auburn Ravine Road in Auburn, at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vic’s memory to the
American Lung Assoc. of California, 1531 I Street Suite 201, Sacramento,
CA 95814. Comments can be posted at www.legacy.com/obituaries/auburnjournal/
Karen Sue (Pence) Hill passed away at her home on Dec.
31, 2012 at the age of 57. She was born in Glendale on Dec. 14, 1955.
She graduated from Napa Valley High School in 1974 and went on to work
many jobs through the Winters School District including student aid, crossing
guard, yard duty, secretary for independent study, and most recently,
attendance secretary at Waggoner Elementary School.
Karen enjoyed being outside; she loved her country property and animals,
and took full advantage of it, having many animals to welcome her home
all the time. She loved riding horses, swimming and spending time with
her family and friends. She was a woman full of life and energy with a
contagious smile and laugh. She could light up a room in a split second
just by walking through the door.
She leaves behind her husband of 26 years, David R. Hill. They were married
at their home on June 21st 1986. She is lovingly remembered by her husband,
and daughters, Janet and Amanda Hill; mother and father, Pat (Pence) and
Carl Botenhagen; brothers, Dan and Wayne Pence; brother- and sister-n-laws,
nieces and nephews, son-in-law, Nick Walters, all those to whom she was
a second mom, and many more.
She is predeceased by her brother, Mark Pence, and father, Jim Pence.
Karen’s celebration of life was held on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013.
The family appreciates all who attended on such short notice, and appreciates
all the love and support shown to them, and apologizes to anyone unaware
of Karen’s passing. In lieu of flowers, those with photos of Karen
are asked to send copies to the family to keep for a lifetime of memories
at 209 East Main Street, Winters, CA, 95694.
Melvin Leroy Harrison passed away at his home in Winters
on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. Born June 24, 1934 in Messa Ariz., he was a
Winters resident for 60 years
He is survived by his wife, Berta Sue Harrison of Winters, his son, Michael
Anthony Harrison of Winters, his daughter Vicki Lee Harrison, and grandson
Tommy William McDaniels III.
He was a barber, truck driver and jack of all trades.
Services will be private.
George Daniel (Dan) Coman passed away at his home in
Winters, on Sunday, December 09, 2012. He was born on March 21, 1958,
the son of Bert and Betty Coman and a descendent of the DeVilbass, Griffin
and Vasey families. He attended local schools, serving as Associated Student
Body President during his senior year at Winters High School. He attended
Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and returned to Winters where he
worked for the Winters School District, Kimes Hardware, and various jobs
in Winters and Yolo County, most recently at Barker’s Electric.
Dan was well-read and interested in a variety of different kinds of knowledge,
frequenting the library on a regular basis. He was legend in his family
for having an answer to almost any question posed. He was a kind and thoughtful
son and neighbor, often delivering some of his own home cooking or helping
with assorted chores and tasks without being asked. He was interested
in having a purpose.
Dan was preceded in death by his father George Bertram Coman. He is survived
by his mother Betty Vasey Coman of Winters, his older brother Rob and
wife Liz of Winters; his older sister Nancy Lege and her husband Steve
of Davis; his older brother John and wife Constance of Woodland; and his
younger brother Phillip of Selma; along with numerous cousins, nieces
and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. Anthony’s
Catholic Church in Winters on December 29 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception
at the Parish Hall. Contributions in memory of Dan may be made to Winters
Friends of the Library, P. O. Box 963,
Winters, California 95694 or a favorite charity.
On Dec. 6, 2012, Steve Mack lost his battle with cancer.
He ended this part of his journey in the loving arms of his wife, Kim
Mack, in their home in Grenada. Steve was a long haul truck driver for
many years, and enjoyed the time that he drove trucks.
He leaves behind his wife, Kim; daughter, Candice Mack; son, Bert Mack;
two stepsons, Sean and Daniel Snow; and four grandchildren, Olivia, Matthew
and Caiden Mack and Alice Snow.
No services are scheduled. Online
condolences can be made at www.girdnerfuneralchapel.com. Girdner Funeral
Chapel in Yreka, California is in charge of arrangements.
Socorro Zarate, 81, of Winters, passed away on Dec.
13, 2012 at Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento. She was a loving mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.
A longtime Winters resident, she was born March 4, 1931 in Guadalajara,
Mexico. She retired from Contadina Foods cannery in Woodland after 30
years of employment. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, traveling overseas
and fun trips to Reno, Lake Tahoe and Cache Creek. She was a longtime
member of St. Anthony Parish of Winters.
She was preceded in death by her husband Andres Zarate.
She is survived by her children, Edward (Christine), Andres (Christine),
Martha (Matthew Singh), Victor (Jil), Rogelio (Genny), Maria Elena (Oscar
Chaveste), Maria (Karl Hockman); grandchildren, Carson, Morgan, Mason,
Nathan, Andrea (Kellen Graves), Sienna, Amanda, Aiden, Mia, Jacob, Emma,
Yesenia, Veronica, Arleth, Nicole, Jacob Lee, and Kai; one great-grandchild
Savannah; siblings, Jesus and Jose Rodarte; and many loving cousins, nieces
and nephews.
Family and friends are welcome for visitation (Rosary) on Wednesday, Dec.
19, 2012 at St. Anthony Parish, 301 Main Street, Winters, CA 95694 at
7 p.m. A celebration of her life is planned on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 11
a.m. at St. Anthony Parish, followed by a burial at Winters Cemetery located
at 415 Cemetery Drive in Winters.
Ilona Mae (Herrala) Nelson died suddenly on Nov. 2,
2012 at her home in San Jose. She was 69 years old.
She was born on May 24, 1943 in Virginia, Minnesota to parents Leo and
Vera Herrala. She spent her early childhood in Minnesota and Oregon. The
Herrala family moved to Winters in the summer of 1954. She attended the
local schools from the 6th grade through high school.
Ilona was a fun-loving individual and enjoyed many school activities and
friends. After graduating from high school in 1961, she trained and entered
the business world. She always had a fond affinity for Winters where she
always kept in touch with many close acquaintances.
She is survived by her husband Gary, to whom she was married to for nearly
49 years; children, Sigrid and Erik, Sigrid’s fiancé Matt
Paquette and grandson Leo; older sister, Marcia Jensen, and husband Barry;
younger sister Alta Hyland and husband Greg; niece, Erica Hyland and nephews
Cameron and Matthew Hyland, and Brian Jensen; numerous relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Lilienthal (George)
and niece Karen Jensen.
The family misses her greatly.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a
donation to Alternative Family Services in support of foster kids in Northern
California counties. Donations can be made
online at http://www.afs4kids.org/personalgiving.
Howard Ray Brown, 75, passed away on Dec. 1, 2012 at
his home in Winters, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 16,
1937, the son of Clifford and Nina Brown, and was named after a very dear
friend of his parents.
Howard’s early years were spent in Platte County, Missouri. He attended
and graduated from North Kansas City High School. He went on to graduate
from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, with a degree in chemical
engineering, with honors, and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
He was a self-made man, putting himself through college, working full
time and raising a family. When he was very young, his parents lived on
a farm in rural Platte County, Missouri. He loved to be out with his father
and grandfather doing the farm work. He was his grandfather’s pride
and joy being the first grandchild. Grandpa called him “Sonny Boy.”
Howard worked for Chevron, a career that took him all over the world,
until his retirement. He then settled in Winters, where he was introduced
to his wife Camile by close friends. After their marriage, he began his
second career as an accountant. Both Howard and Camile were very involved
in their church family, where Howard served as an elder, led Bible Studies
and mentored younger men.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one sister, Mary Jane
Brown. He is survived by his wife, Camile of Winters; six children, Ken
(Anne) Brown, Randy (Sandra) Brown, Lisa Thayer, Dawn (Jonathan) Edwards,
Sunshine (David) Eddy, Shane (Charlene) Yhuriaga; 12 grandchildren and
six great-grandchildren; sister, Janet (Mel) Stevenson and brother, Steven
(Heather) Brown.
Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Howard’s
life on Monday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Valley Church, 5063 Maple Road
in Vacaville.
Mary Elizabeth McCoey Graf, 87, passed away peacefully
after a brief illness in Woodland on Nov. 25, 2012. A native Californian,
she was born in Watsonville, and eventually settled with the McCoey family
in Winters.
She attended Holy Rosary Academy in Woodland. She was a graduate of Winters
High School, where she met Charles E. Graf. She married Lt. Graf while
he was on leave from England and serving in the Army Air Corps during
World War II. They had three sons: Robert Charles, Richard Edward and
Thomas Scott Graf.
Mary Liz was devoted to her family and community. She was a fine example
of the Greatest Generation. She was a courageous woman who survived a
severe attack of polio at age 21. She fought successfully to walk again,
when doctors had thought that accomplishment to be impossible.
Her strong faith made her a loyal parishioner of St. Anthony Catholic
Church and a member of the Altar Society. She enjoyed her affiliation
with the Winters Fortnightly group and Bridge Club. She was a receptionist
for Dr. Ernie Young, and after working several years for Brinley’s
Real Estate, she retired. One of her strongest undertakings was her involvement
with Alanon; she prayed for and helped many people within the organization.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James J. and Mary Larkin McCoey,
her brother, John, and her husband, Charles E. Graf.
She is survived by: her brother, James D. McCoey (Janet), her sister,
Dorothy Ann McCoey, her sons Robert C. Graf (Joanna), Richard E. Graf
(Annette), Thomas Scott Graf (Michele) along with five grandchildren and
seven great grandchildren. She had a very special relationship with her
niece Dawn Barrera, husband Willie and children Mateo, Miah and Joel.
The family is grateful to St. John’s-Stollwood and Woodland Memorial
for the fine care given to Mary Liz Graf. In lieu of flowers, the family
would appreciate any donations in her memory to be given to Saint Anthony’s
Building Fund in Winters California.
There will be a Rosary held on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. at St. Anthony
Catholic Church in Winters. Services including Mass will be held on Friday,
Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Fred Rojo, 74, of Woodland died on Thursday,
Oct. 18, 2012, in Woodland. A 26-resident of the community, Mr. Rojo was
born on June 11, 1938, in Suisun. He worked as a barber for more than
50 years and was a bowler as well as a sports enthusiast, according to
his family. Mr. Rojo served in the U.S. Air Force.
Mr. Rojo is survived by daughters Michelle and husband Randy Matsumoto,
and Jessica Horgan-Rojo; son John Rojo; grandchildren Briana Rojo and
Spencer Matsumoto; and great grandchildren Elijah, Laylah and Dallas;
and by four sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents Chris and
Carmen Rojo and his brother John Rojo.
A graveside service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, at
the Sacramento Valley VA Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon. Donations
in his memory may be made to a charity of the donors' choice. Kraft Bros.
Funeral Directors of Woodland is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dolores Martinez (DeeDee) was born on Feb.
11, 1928 in El Chive, Spain.
“She peacefully slipped away from us into the arms of our loving
heavenly Father October 27, 2012,” said a family member. “She
will be remembered as the matriarch of the family, a loving wife, an extraordinary
mother and grandmother, and a friend to all who were graced by her presence.”
She enjoyed camping trips with all her friends of the Durham Good Sam’s,
playing cards with her friends and spending a lot of time with her children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband
of 65 years, Tony Martinez; son, Anthony Martinez and Rosemary; daughter,
Janice Bates and Mike; grandchildren, Shawn Martinez (Heather), Corey
Farrell (Christine) Kara Maas (Curtis); great-grandchildren Zoe Martinez
and Sophie Maas; sister, Juanita Skaggs and many other family members.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Al Lorenzo.
A visitation will be held in Chico on Wednesday, Oct 31, 2012 from 5-8
p.m. A funeral service will be on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m., both at
Brusie Funeral Home, followed by an internment at Glen Oaks Memorial Park.
Contributions may be made to the Butte Humane Society in care of Brusie
Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent online at BrusieFH.com.
Carmen Barrera Rodriguez, 72, passed away
peacefully on Nov. 4, 2012, in her Winters home surrounded by her family.
She was born on March 8, 1938 in Durango, Mexico. In 1980, she and her
husband Manuel moved to the United States with their family. She worked
for many years at Tufts Packing Shed and Mariani Nut Company.
She will be remembered for her great cooking and sharing stories of her
younger years. She took great pride in her family.
She will be dearly missed by her son, Manuel and granddaughters, Lorena
and Jasmin; son Pedro and grandchildren Pedro, Angelica, Sarah, Alejandra
and Dominique; son, Jose and grandchildren Orlando and Hope; daughter
Teresa and grandchildren Megan, Monique and Marcelo; daughter Sonia and
grandson Norberto; son Aurelio “Willie” and his wife Dawn,
and grandchildren Mateo, Miah and Joel; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Manuel in 1992.
A rosary will take place on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. and a memorial
Mass will be held on Friday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Church in
Winters. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Arthur Eugene Leber Jr. AKA “Chug” of Winters
was born on May 14, 1951 in Stockton. He passed away after a long illness
at Sutter Davis Hospital on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012. He was 61.
He graduated from Dixon High School and Sacramento State College. In the
Dixon High School band, he played clarinet, was drum major, four years
in honor band and
attended University of the Pacific Music Honor Band.
He served from 1969 to 1975 in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force Reserves.
He worked for Pardi Market and Rainbow Market, managed
Esparto Market and Albertsons, worked for Brett Leber Construction, M&
M Masonry, Tieghert and owned Tiffany Construction for 10 years.
He was a member of Dixon Moose Lodge, Dixon Boat Club, Dixon Sportsman
Club, Dixon Game Club, Laborers International Union of North America Local
324, Aggregates Union 185, the Hard Top Racing team “Stormy Knight
Jr.” and was a Shriners Hospital supporter.
His passions were annual family reunions and the cars he owned and rebuilt:
an Olds 442, Malibu Super Sport 1966, a Jaquar 1950s, 1930 Roadster, Thunderbird
1960, hardtop racecars and the Scooby Doo Mobile..
He is survived by: his mother, Ruth E. Leber; his brothers, Will Leber
and Brett Leber; his sisters, Rhonda Leber-Rayn and Karen Leber-Duncan,
his daughters Tiffany Leber and Stephani Leber; and his fiancé,
Barbara Halabird; adoptive son, Grant, and a large extended group of family
and friends.
There will be a graveside service on Friday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. at Silveyville
Cemetery. Dixon Community Church will officiate. A memorial will be held
at the old Dixon Veterans Hall in downtown Dixon.
Contributions are preferred to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital,
Art Leber Memorial First Northern Bank.
Spc. Ryan Christopher Goodman was born to Doug and Wendy
Goodman on Nov. 22, 1985 in Sacramento. He passed away unexpectedly on
Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 in Killeen, Texas. He was 26.
He grew up in the Dunnigan and Arbuckle area, and graduated from Pierce
High School in Arbuckle. He enjoyed hunting & fishing with his dad
and Pappa Shorty.
He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He enlisted in
the U.S Army in November 2007. While in the Army, he served two tours
in Iraq.
He is survived by wife, Brittany Goodman of Sandy Valley, Nevada; three
daughters, Angelica, Hailey and Lillian; parents Doug and Michele Goodman
of Winters, Wendy Lathum of Red Bluff, and stepfather Richard Tunstall
of Esparto; brother Richard Tunstall of Killeen, Texas; sisters Brianna
Tunstall of Red Bluff and Brittany Tunstall of Woodland; grandparents,
Shorty and Nancy McCullough of Mineral,
Derrel and Jean Reaves of Red Bluff, Rev. John and Lynda Hudnall of Woodland;
numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by Grandfather James Goodman.
A graveside service was planned for Wednesday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m., at Mary’s
Chapel and Cemetery in Yolo.
A celebration of Ryan’s life was planned directly after at Hotel
Woodland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ryan’s
memory to Wounded Warrior Project at http://www.
woundedwarriorproject.org/; Dunnigan Fire Department, PO Box 213, Dunnigan,
CA 95937; Mary’s Chapel and Cemetery Support Group, P.O. Box 91,
Yolo, CA 95697 or charity of the donor’s choice.
McNary’s Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
Thomas Philip Dodge, 93, died Oct. 13 at
his Winters home. Born Jan. 11, 1919 in San Francisco, he lived in Yolo
County for 50 years.
He served in the U.S. Coastguard Merchant Marines in WWII. He was a milkman
for the Vaca Valley Creamery and worked for the school districts in Winters,
Davis and Esparto from 1967-2003.
He is survived by his daughters Diane Kelley and husband Mike and Debbie
Gomez and husband David, sons Tom Dodge and wife Brenda and Richard Dodge,
11 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren
and
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lujuana Dodge in 1993, granddaughter
Patricia Campos in 2009, great-grandaughter Stacey Hernandez in 2009 and
granddaughter Susan Kelly in 1961.
The service was Monday, Oct. 22 at the Winters Cemetery, with military
honors. Chaplain Dale Swan officiated. Services were arranged by Kraft
Bros. of Woodland.
Donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to
Yolo Hospice.
On Oct. 6, 2012, Antonio (Tony) Madrid Martin
of Sonora gently passed away at his home in the arms of his daughter and
family. He was born Oct. 26, 1922 in San Francisco. Tony was preceded
in death by his wife of 53 years, Angie; daughter Esther Stone; parents
Frank and Amalia Martin; brother Joe Martin; and sister Madeline Jimenez.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Angelina and Juan Vasquez
of Sonora; son-in-law Andy Stone of Sacramento; grandson AJ Stone of Sacramento;
granddaughters Sara Stone of Sacramento; Ashley Long of San Luis Obispo;
and Rachel Long of Sonora; great-granddaughters Ashley Hayes-Stone of
Sacramento; and Genevieve Williams of Sacramento; brother and sister-in-law
Frank and Ramona Martin of Winters; and sister-in-law Anna Martin of Woodland.
Tony spent a few short months living in Sonora, and was a longtime Winters
resident where he grew up, farmed, owned ranches, and served the city
government as a council member and mayor. He also spent many years living
in Fairfield and Vacaville and worked for Valley View Packing Co. in the
Suisun Valley as a fruit buyer and plant manager. His passion was his
family and if it was in his power to do anything for his loved ones that
was always a priority. Tony served in the U.S. Army during World War II
in Europe and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. In his later years
he became known as a grand storyteller and a fan of the works of Jane
Austin. This wonderful and loving man will be incredibly missed by many.
A Catholic mass will be celebrated for Tony on Friday, Oct. 12, at 10
a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 301 Main St., Winters, (530) 795-2230,
with burial to follow at the Winters Cemetery. A reception will be held
after the burial at St. Anthony Catholic Center, 511 Main St., Winters.
In lieu of flowers, make donations in Antonio Madrid Martin’s name
to The Hospice of the Sierra, 20100 Cedar Road North, Sonora, CA 95370,
(209) 536-5685. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Terzich and
Wilson Funeral Home of Sonora.
Rogelio “Roy” Rivas was born on August 2, 1969
and died September 27, 2012. He was raised and lived his entire life in
Winters. Roy graduated from Winters High School with the class of 1987.
He is survived by his father and mother Domingo and Maria Rivas of Winters
and siblings. Sister Mastina Alarado and brother-in-law Rogelio Alvarado
of Winters; Sister Silvia Lorenzana and brother-in-law Vidal Lorenzana of
Fairfield; brother Domingo Rivas Jr. and sister-in-law Rebecca Rivas. Along
with
numerious aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Hall.Florence M. Howard, a Vashon Island,
Washington resident since 1999, died peacefully on Sept. 14, 2012 after
a lengthy illness. She was 93.
Born Florence Quist in Irwin City, she earned a degree in Public Health
from UC Berkeley. She and Edwin L. Howard of Davis married in 1947, and
in 1951 settled in Rye, New York, where they raised their five children.
Upon Ed’s retirement in 1977, they moved first to Davis, then to
a home they built in nearby Winters. Florence and Ed were members of the
Pioneer Presbyterian Church, where Flo served as deacon, and volunteered
her time to aid local “shut-ins.”After Ed died in 1988, Florence
continued to call Winters her home.
In 1999 she moved to Vashon to be closer to two of her children. Those
who were fortunate enough to have known Flo will forever remember her
warmth, kindness, modesty, and selfless dedication to others.
She is survived by her five children, Anne C. Cotton, Walter Q. Howard,
Jane O. Howard, Roger D. Howard and Edwin L. (“Edson”) Howard
Jr.; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Remembrances may be sent to Vashon Community Care Center, Vashon, WA.,
where Flo received superior care and love from the skilled nursing staff
during her illness.
A Celebration of Life is planned next summer (2013) in California.
Arnetta Jean Wilson Hendrix (aka Jeannie), passed away
at home in Winters on Sept. 12, 2012. Born on March 7, 1962 to Mary Anna
and Mr. Wilson in Reno, Nevada, she was 50 years old. She relocated to San
Francisco at the age of 3 with her family and then moved to Richmond .
She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church where she was baptized and
she graduated with the class of 1978 from Richmond High. She also worked
at the post office for a number of years. In 1991, she relocated again to
Sacramento where she met and married Michael Hendrix in 2003. She was very
kind hearted, thoughtful and considerate with a great voice. She leaves
her sons, John Golden and Jovuan Bragg, her husband and step-daughter, Michael
and Marie Hendrix, one sister, Evelyn Clark from Houston, Texas, and a host
of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday,
Sept. 29, at the First Baptist Church on First and Baker street in Winters.
Marjorie Louise Halley passed away in her
home in Winters Aug. 15, 2012, at the age of 98. She was born in San Diego
on Jan. 19, 1914 to Orvin and Ruth Nichols. Her father had been stationed
near there with the U.S. Army. Eventually the family moved to Northern
California to the town of Oleum, where her father was employed by the
Union Oil Co. She attended elementary school there and high school at
John Swett High School in Crockett until her junior year when her father
took a teaching position at Alhambra High School and the family moved
to Martinez.
While in her senior year, she met Norman Halley and they were married
the following February. They made their home in Rodeo and Pinole until
1944 when they moved to Winters to take over the Halley family farm in
the Wolfskill District of Winters. This became their home, they raised
their family here and she spent the rest of her life in this area.
Her career was being a wife, mother and a helper with her husband Norman
in the farm operations. Even to the extent of driving tractor, working
in the dry yard and lighting smudge pots at 4 a.m. She also volunteered
as a “gray lady” for the Red Cross during the Korean Conflict.
She loved arguing politics and current events. She was a member of Bethany
Lutheran Church of Vacaville and will be greatly missed by her family
and friends.
Marjorie is survived by her children, daughter and son-in-law, Brenda
and Frank Molina of Vacaville, son and daughter-in-law, David and Jeannie
of Winters; grandchildren, Bob and Sheri, Don and Rhonda, Lisa and Kerri,
Shannon and Zach, Brian and Nicole, Norm and Lynn (Halley) of Modesto;
nine great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Norman in 2007 and son Norman,
Jr., in 1970.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran
Church with Pastor Vern Oestmann officiating. Interment followed at the
Winters Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Yolo Hospice, 1909 Galileo Court,
Suite A, Davis, CA 95618 or Bethany Lutheran Church, 621 North Orchard
Avenue, Vacaville, CA 95688
Lillie Mae Branscum passed away quietly in her home
on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, after a brief illness. She was born to Jewel
and George Berry, May 20, 1926 in Texas and spent her early years in New
Mexico and Texas before her family moved to Winters. In 1948, she married
Carl Branscum and together they lived in Dryden, Washington.
In 1960 they returned to Winters where they settled to raise their growing
family. Lillie worked a series of jobs in town before €nding a permanent
position at Mobil Chemical in Woodland, from where she retired after many
years of service. She was then able to spend more time enjoying the many
things she loved: €shing and traveling with her husband, crocheting, exploring
yard sales, attending church and visiting her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
and great great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Carl; sister Thelma Mytys of Norwalk; children
Darlene Linley and Lester “Butch” Branscum, both of Winters;
stepdaughter Brenda Webb of Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas; numerous grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by both of her parents; son, Stephen Branscum,
daughter, Wyetta Johnson.
A viewing will be held at Wiscombe Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 15,
from 4-6 p.m. Services to honor her life will be held at Winters Main
Street Church on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. with graveside interment
immediately following. All friends and family are respectfully invited
to attend.
Dicie Elizabeth Bledsoe, 81, of Winters,
passed away July 25, 2012 at Kaiser Vacaville. She was an area resident
for 71 years.
She was born July 6, 1931 in Arkansas to Della and George Constant. She
worked for Pacific Hardware for 20 years. She enjoyed needlework, quilting,
bingo and church, and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of
Winters. She also had a great love for her puppies, which were a wonderful
comfort to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Lem,
and their son, Ronald.
She is survived by her children Larry Bledsoe, Diane Ford and Doug Bledsoe;
siblings, Rev. Jay W. Constant and Rosalie Myers; grandchildren: Doug,
Larry G., Cheryl, Christine, Daniel, Ronald; one great-grandchild and
two great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held on Tuesday, July 31, at First Baptist Church of Winters
with burial at Winters Cemetery.
Those who wish to sign a guestbook online may do so at www.wiscombefuneral.com.
Alfredo Arellano died Sunday, July 22,
2012, in Woodland. He was 80.
He was born on May 29, 1932, to the late Agustin and Francisca Arellano
in Tangancicuaro, Michoacan. He married Josefa Arellano in 1962 and they
lived together in Michoacan, before relocating to Winters in 1964.
Arellano worked at Mariani’s for more than 30 years and retired
13 years ago. He also was an active member of the Catholic church and
loved gardening.
He is survived by four daughters: Maria del Carmen Pedraza of Mexico,
Sandra and spouse Ramiro Torres of Yuba City, Esther and spouse Serafin
Hernandez of Winters and Maribell and spouse Marcus Chavez of Winters.
He is also survived by four grandchildren: Samantha and Brandon Torres,
and Christian Hernandez and Josiah Chavez; one sister, Vicenta; one brother,
Ignacio; and many nieces and nephews.
A rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at St. Anthony Catholic
Church at Third and Main streets in Winters. Funeral Mass will be at 11
a.m. Friday, July 27, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will be at
Winters Cemetery following the Mass.
|
|











|
|