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Janet C. Boyd, 92, of Santa Barbara, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully on April 18, 2024 after a short illness. She was born December 26, 1931 in Dayton, Ohio to Harley Watson Allen and Hazel Kate Chase Allen. Janet was the 4th child of 4. She moved to Tucson, Arizona when she was 5 years old and graduated from Amphitheater High School in Tucson, Arizona. Janet met and married the love of her life Ronald Boyd December 5, 1949. Janet and her family moved to Santa Barbara in 1968. In 1984 Ron retired from Sears in Santa Barbara and they moved to Santa Maria where she lived for 28 years of her life. After her husband Ron passed, Janet moved back to Santa Barbara where she spent the last 5 years of her life at Wood Glen Senior Living.

Janet is survived by two sons Ronald Jr. of Ventura, Allen “Doc” (Kathy) of Santa Maria; daughters Marilyn (Gary) Pickavet of Goleta, Barbara Bresslin of Lompoc; grandchildren Debbie (Jimmy) Nelson of Simi Valley, Gary (Christine) Pickavet Jr. of Solvang, Brian (Lisa) Boyd of San Diego, Amanda Bresslin of Lompoc, Kimberly (Stephen) Dietrich of Morseville, NC, Kyle (Lindsay) Boyd of Arroyo Grande, Erin (Dustin) Helm of Ventura; great-grandchildren JC (Adriana) Nelson of Kailua, HI, Jacob, Justin and Joey Nelson of Simi Valley; Emily Dietrich of Morseville, NC, Wyatt Boyd of Arroyo Grande, Cooper, Hayden, Clayton Pickavet of Solvang, Liam Boyd of San Diego; great-great-grandson James Nelson of Kailua, HI. Janet was preceded in death by her loving Husband Ron; her parents; two brothers, Richard and Paul; and one sister, Florence Carter.

Gathering will be Monday, April 29, 2024 at 12 noon at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home followed by a graveside service and interment at Santa Maria Cemetery, original section at 1 p.m.

Mary D. Edwards (Boles/Phelan), 79, passed away peacefully on April 14^th, surrounded by her loving partner, family, and friends.  She was born on January 16^th, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN, to Meredith & Dorothy Phelan.  Although born in Minneapolis, Mary was raised on the Monterey Peninsula, where she attended parochial elementary school and graduated from Junipero Memorial High School in 1962.  She also attended San Jose Business College and Monterey Peninsula College.  She moved to Santa Maria 1972, and attended Allan Hancock College here in Santa Maria.

Mary held many different jobs in her life, but her last position was her favorite.  She worked 29 years for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, starting off at Santa Maria High School in 1974 as an instructional math aide.  She really loved the last 20 years she spent working in the Righetti Guidance Office as a Guidance Technician, retiring in June of 2003.  She loved following her students on Facebook and watching them grow. 

Throughout her life, Mary was known for her outgoing personality, sense of humor, love for karaoke, and of course all her personal connections she has made. Her impact on the lives of others extended far beyond her immediate circle, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.  She created countless memories filled with laughter, joy, and love that will be treasured forever.

Mary is survived by her loving partner Steven Bernard of Santa Maria; sister-in-law Rose Phelan of Lincoln, California; daughter Kathy Knudsen and husband John Knudsen of Santa Maria; son Brian Boles and wife Ginger Kerr of Las Vegas, Nevada; granddaughter Kristina Joiner of Santa Maria; grandson Matthew Joiner and wife Michelle Joiner of Las Vegas, Nevada; 3 great grandchildren Brady, Madison, and Joseph.  Mary is preceded in death by her parents Meredith & Dorothy Phelan, and her two brothers Jack and Joe Phelan.  Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.  She touched the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, warmth, and compassion. Her gentle spirit and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  Mary Never met a Stranger.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 4, 2024 at the Eagles (668 S. College Santa Maria, CA 93454) from 12pm-5:00pm. 

Shirley Soto, age 79, of Santa Maria went to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 11. She was born in Oxnard California to Orlando and Pauline Pischke. She lived most of her life in Santa Maria and was an office manager for the Santa Maria Times. 

She married the love of her life Percy Soto and had three wonderful children. Together she and Percy enjoyed many years of camping, hiking, dancing, and traveling around the country. She was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption and St. Louis de Montfort churches.

She was preceded in death by her parents Orlando and Pauline Pischke and sister Arlene Pischke-Sauceda. She is survived by daughters Julie Soto-Silveira (Dan) of Kings Canyon National Park, Sheryl Soto-Ferguson (Scott) of South Lake Tahoe and son Steve Soto of Santa Maria. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Jessica Silveira, Kyle Ferguson, Clarice Ferguson, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived by brothers Bob (Debbie) and Mike Pischke, and sisters Helen Pischke, Dorothy Pritchett (Harold) and Catherine Alexander (Ron).

At her request, no services will be held. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

“Live well, Love much and Laugh often!”

Ventura Frianeza Garcia Jr., 68, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones in Santa Maria on April 7, 2024. He was born in Pangasinan, Philippines on January 16, 1956, to Consuelo Frianeza and Ventura Garcia Sr. He was the youngest of 5 siblings. He spent the first 15 years in the Philippines then moved to the United States.

Ventura graduated from Lodi High School where he ran track and played football. Shortly after he relocated to Florida where he met his wife, Lu, they started their love journey and moved to Santa Maria, California. On May 31, 1976, Lu and Ventura got married in Reno, Nevada. They had two children, Elaine and Vincent.

Later in life, when he wasn’t caring for his children or grandchildren, he spent his time in the kitchen. He loved to cook for his family, a signature dish of his was pork rib adobo. His hobbies consisted of playing bingo, card games, mahjong, and playing in slot tournaments.

Ventura was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took pride in his family. He was a caring man who did everything and anything for his family. He would always think of others before himself.

Ventura is survived by his wife Lu Garcia, married for 47 years, his daughter Elaine Renardo (Davey Khaykham), son Vincent Garcia (Melanie Ranis), his 7 grandchildren Eileen, Erick, Mishila, Malia, Kailani, Julian, and Kiana, and 2 great-grandchildren Justin and Skyla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Consuelo Frianeza and Ventura Garcia Sr., his brother Manuel Garcia, and his two sisters Sylvia Garcia and Gloria Lopez.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. John Neumann Church. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, South Lawn. 

Merle Jean (Grabeel) Sahagun, 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024; surrounded by her loving family.

Merle was born in Santa Maria, on September 3, 1954, the third child of four born to Vernon and Elizabeth Grabeel. She resided in Nipomo and Santa Maria her entire life.

Merle graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1973. She was a part of 4-H, where she raised sheep and competed as part of 4-H. Merle also competed in cooking competitions as that was something she loved doing. She enjoyed cooking meals for her husband, kids, and other family members.

Merle was raised on Canada Dairy; as a child she grew up milking and raising cows; this is where her love and concern for animals began. She later worked for Columbia Records, was a bookkeeper for Sprouse Reitz, and a marketing manager for Sears service. After her retirement she lovingly cared for her mother-in-law Conception Sahagun.

Merle was always an amazing, compassionate women with a heart of gold, a loving wife, mother, sister, best friend to all of her siblings, children, great grandchildren, and loved her fur babies. She always unselfishly put the concerns of others above her own.

Merle loved roses, hibiscus, daisies, paper flowers, carnations, and so much more. She was the woman who could walk into and room and brighten it with her smile and kind loving words of encouragement, bringing sunlight into a room.

Merle is survived by her sibling Verna Mae (Grabeel) Bailey, loving husband John Sahagun Sr., married for 48 years and where both looking forward to their 50^th. Loving children John Sahagun Jr., Jason Sahagun, Sharon Sahagun, Christopher Grabeel, Nichole (Grabeel) Alvarado, Josh Sahagun, and as well as many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon J. Grabeel and Elizabeth J. Grabeel, and her siblings, Everett Grabeel, and Janice (Grabeel) Meyers.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave. in Nipomo. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, South Lawn.

Corinne left on her final journey home on March 22, 2024. She was born October 29, 1937 to Bernard and Alice Karleskint. She attended St Mary’s school and Santa Maria high school. In 1956 while working at her dad’s camera shop she met the love of her life John Newton. On John’s 26th birthday February 1, 1958 they married in the old Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. Their wedding was the last wedding in the old church. In 1959 they started their family and over the next 7 years they were blessed with 5 children. Corinne worked as a stay at home mom until their youngest daughter entered grade school. At that time she started working as a remedial reading instructor until the early 1980’s during the final stages of this position she and her friend decided to take business/accounting classes at Allan Hancock college and afterwards she entered the accounting field where she continued to work as a bookkeeper until her retirement in 2020. Corinne was never one who liked to sit around and not do anything. She enjoyed working in her yard, reading a good mystery, but more importantly loved spending all the time she could with her family and really enjoyed playing games when her niece and nephew came to town. Her favorite places to visit were Disneyland and Las Vegas. Every Disneyland trip was ensured a visit to the tiki room. Her family was never quite sure what she liked so much about the tiki room considering her aversion to birds but they went every trip. Probably even more of a favorite was Las Vegas. She and John would travel there for a short weekend every few months. After John’s passing she went on these trips with her youngest daughter and a couple with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the excitement of the lights, the fast paced activities, and her hot dog at New York New York.

Corinne was preceded in death by her husband John, her grandson Kelvin Miller and her parents. She is survived by her children Rose (Gino) San fillipo, John (BethAnn) Newton, Peter Newton, James Newton, and Mary (Scot) Miller, her grandchildren Constance (David)Werthen, Jason Newton, John Newton, Devin (Caitlin) Miller, Kayla Miller, and Dominic Newton, her great grandchildren and great great grandchild.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at St. Louis deMontfort Church with interment following in original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers it would be appreciated if donations could be made to Corinne’s favorite charity St Jude’s or a charity of your choosing.

LouAnn G. Pimentel, 46, of Santa Maria, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at St. John Neumann Church.

Esperanza “Espie” Abril, 96, passed peacefully into Heaven on March 20, 2024, in her home with family by her side. Esperanza was born in Santa Ana, CA on January 19, 1928, to her parents Reyes Escobedo and Altagracia Aguilar. The family moved to Guadalupe, CA in 1935. She attended Guadalupe Joint Union Elementary and Santa Maria High School.

Esperanza worked at various produce companies for many years. She was an excellent cook and loved cooking for family and friends. She was known for specialties: Chile with pork ribs, tamales, and chicken mole. She loved listening to music and took pleasure dancing with family members at her family gatherings. For the holidays, many relatives would gather in her home to celebrate, listen to music, dance, and enjoy her delicious food and tamales. In her later years, she enjoyed family outings and spending time with family. She especially looked forward to partaking in bus rides with her siblings and friends to the casinos. They loved sharing homemade burritos and rekindling fond memories. No one ever left her home without her telling you she loved you. She was a woman of faith and demonstrated many of these virtues to her children and family.

She was an open book, direct, honest, generous, and most of all a great listener to all. Many family members will tell you how she welcomed them whenever they needed her. 

Esperanza is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Juan Abril, parents Reyes & Altagracia Escobedo, her sister Lupe Vasquez, brothers Reyes Escobedo and Charlie Escobedo.

She is survived by her eight children Henry & Linda Alfaro, Lupie Quintana, Rudy & Jane Alfaro, Grace & Steven Dacheff, Martha & Arnulfo Calderon, Juanita & Robert Arguijo, Mariann & Vicente Salvador, John & Geneva Abril, 22 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, and her seven siblings Nellie Alfaro, Mary Sarte, Frances Manriquez, Josie Gonzales, Henry Escobedo, Raymond Escobedo, and Rita Gutierrez.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the Central Coast Hospice for their care and support.

Our love for her will never end and our cherished memories will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday April 5, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Interment will follow in the Guadalupe Cemetery.

A reception will be held after the burial at the Santa Maria Veterans Hall, 313 West Tunnell Street.

Nicandro Gonzalez Ojeda, 80, of Santa Maria, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Scripture Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024 also in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Patrick Jonathan Wolcott, 75, of Santa Maria, CA, passed away at his home on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Known to most as “Pat”, he was born on June 6, 1948 in Sacramento, California to Marshall and Ida (Novotny) Wolcott. Since his father served in the US Air Force, Pat called many places “home” in his youth including Hanksville, Utah; Tachikawa, Japan; Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio; and ultimately Lompoc, California. After his service in the US Army in Vietnam, he returned to the Central Coast where he would raise a family and establish a career.

His experiences in the US Army led him to study Technology at CalPoly San Luis Obispo. It was at college where he would meet his wife of 40 years. Together they raised two children through which they supported the local performing arts. In 1999 Patrick and his family were awarded the first Family of the Year Award for Santa Maria.

Pat dedicated over thirty years as a financial analyst serving the local defense industry. The majority of those years were as a contractor for the 30th Comptroller Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base. He was proud of his civilian contributions to the Department of Defense.

Airplanes and trains were his childhood fascination, which turned into a passion for meticulous assembly of model trains. His closest friendships were those who shared in preserving the details of such vehicles in small form. An appreciator of all things Union Pacific, he spent many summers taking photos and videos of trains across the country. His children remember road trips to watch the trains traverse the Tehachapi Loop.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Atsuko, his children, Katarina and Kelly, and his siblings, Marlene Wolcott, Brandy McCuen Johnson, Marty Wolcott, Debra Wolcott, David Wolcott, Mike Wolcott, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held to honor Patrick's life at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 29, 2024. Graveside service will follow at the Santa Maria Cemetery, Southlawn.

Minerva Dana Rubcic, our sweet divine mother, passed away on March 14, 2024, surrounded with love from her family and friends. A native Californian, Minerva was born in Santa Maria on August 19, 1931 to parents Amos and Rebecca Dana. She was a direct descendant of Captain William Goodwin Dana and Maria Josefa Carrillo. The Dana-Carrillo family settled in Nipomo on their vast 38,000 acre Nipomo land grant during the 1830’s. The family was very influential in the early history of San Luis Obispo county and many of the descendants still live there. The family’s home, the Dana Adobe, is now a California Historical Landmark.

Minerva was raised in Nipomo and Pismo Beach and later settled in Santa Maria for over 64 years. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Louis Mike Rubcic, her oldest daughter Mary Rubcic Tawzer, who sadly passed away just one week before her, her oldest sister Luisitia, youngest brother Amos Dana, and Luke Rubcic, her grandson.

Minerva leaves behind one younger sister, Francis Dana Johnson, one younger brother David Dana, and five grandchildren, Becky, Lanny, Clay, Ariana, and Robert (RW). She also leaves behind six great grandchildren, JD, Danica, Braxton, Sadie, Claire, and Tiffany. Kadence is expected to arrive on April 1st.

Minerva’s childhood was filled with delightful adventures on the family ranch with her inseparable siblings. She loved to tell stories of the idyllic California life she led and how magical the era was in every way.

Minerva graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1949. During high school she played first clarinet in the school band and fondly reminisced about all the fun she had during their performances. After graduating, she attended college in Santa Barbara majoring in early childhood education before deciding to return home a year later to be closer to her family and attend Cuesta College. It was during this time when she met her husband to be, Louis Mike Rubcic, who was attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. They fell in love and were married on June 11, 1955 in the Catholic Church in Pismo Beach.

A year later, Mary Francis was born (married to Kenny Tawzer), the next year Michael Amos was born (married to Andra Metz). A year after that Anna Louise arrived and a little over a year later David Louis (married to Kristi Abrams), the youngest of her kids, entered this world. Having four kids in five years proved to be a welcome challenge for Minerva. With loving and devoted care and attention she raised all four of her children to be fine upstanding citizens. She was very proud of us and counted these blessings as her most significant life accomplishments. When time permitted, she took a job as a sales clerk specializing in women’s clothing. Minerva worked for many years at Peggy’s Fashion, Holsers, and Gottschalks where she was loved and respected by her friends, customers, and colleagues.

At home Minerva loved to cook and was known for her beef stew cooked in a pressure cooker the old family way. Her fried chicken was, for many, the best they had ever tasted. At many of the family picnics, especially the 4th of July celebration in Pismo Beach, she always made extra for all the family and friends who accompanied them. Minerva was the consummate mother and friend to all of them.

As life rolled on, she took on the leadership role when her husband of 31 years, Louis Mike Rubcic, passed away suddenly at the age of 54. Her family rallied around her in this sad time and stayed close as she continued on for the next 38 years. We are grateful for the strength and courage Minerva displayed and use her fine example of perseverance in our own lives. She never gave up and we are our best because of this.

Minerva epitomized the role of the Divine Mother. Her character was defined by the virtues she held firmly in her noble heart and soul. She was, without a doubt, kind, polite, friendly, honest, and generous in all she did. Her loving compassionate nature radiated an aura of holiness. These virtues contributed to the tremendous self-confidence that enabled Minerva to sustain peace and inner happiness. We will all be eternally grateful for the impact she had in our lives and will carry these gifts forward as we continue on, knowing she will always be with us in spirit. I’m sure those she left behind will remember her lovingly in this way and be fortified no matter how hard life becomes. Thank you for being so wonderful and for a whole lifetime of joy. You are truly an angel from heaven.

Service Schedule:

Monday, March 25, 2024 at the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home

           Family Visitation: 3p - 4p

           Public Visitation: 4p - 5p

           Rosary: 5p

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home

           Scripture Service: 10a

           Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery

Maria Socorro Navarro was born to Salome and Antonio Navarro on February 23, 1929 in Los Angeles, CA. and died at Marian Convent in Santa Maria, CA on Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was the oldest of ten siblings, three other sisters and six brothers. The Catholic faith was a part of the daily life of this family, so it was no surprise when Maria Socorro entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity in February of 1949 in Sierra Madre, CA. Antoinette became her religious name after her father, and St. Anthony of Padua, to whom she had a life-long devotion. She professed her perpetual vows on August 17, 1954 and embarked on a ministry of nursing. As one of her brothers said years later: “She wrote the nursing book before she studied with all the experience she had caring for all the cuts and bruises of her younger siblings.” She earned an RN degree from Mt. St. Mary’s College in 1955. Her nursing ministry was exercised in various ways as Director of Nursing, Head Surgical Nurse, Nursing Director of Pediatrics and Director of Emergency Room Nursing. Some of the places she served included Sacred Heart Hospital in Havre, Montana, St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood, CA, Rancho Los Amigos County Hospital in Downey, CA and Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA. For nearly ten years she ministered as a Social Worker at St. Francis Center in downtown Los Angeles as Director of Services. From 1969 to 1972 she ministered as nurse and midwife in Orizabita, Mexico. Her gift for Spiritual Direction was used at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Mountain View followed by another nursing ministry in the infirmary of the Franciscan Friars in Santa Barbara. Moving to Arizona in 1995 she served as the parish nurse at St. Steven’s Church in Sun Lakes until 2002. From 2002 to 2010 she volunteered at Marian Medical Center in the Social Services Department. Officially retired in 2010, she lived in the Rosemead/greater Los Angeles area including Hermosa Beach, until September of 2022 when she moved to Marian Convent with her cockatiel “Bird”. She is survived by all her brothers and two of her sisters, as well as the Sisters of her religious community. Her quiet, unassuming, loving presence endeared her to everyone around her.  A Vigil Service will take place in the Marian Convent Chapel on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be on Thursday, March 21 at 11 am with Fr. Ponchie Vasquez, OFM presiding. 

Eugenio Rodrigues Jorge passed away at Marian Medical Center in the company of his family on February 28, 2024. He was born on February 24, 1938 in the town of Madalena, Pico Azores, Portugal. He was the 6th child of Jose Rodrigues Jorge and Adelaide Luisa Jorge.

Eugenio played in the marching band of the parish of Bandeiras. They performed in most celebrations on Pico, where he met Clementina DaSilva. The two of them married in 1965 and soon after moved to Oakville Ontario Canada, where they had their first son Baby Eugenio and then Jamie.

Eugenio worked construction in the Toronto area. After a trip to California in 1971, he loved the warmer climate and they decided to move to Santa Maria California. Eugenio worked as a plant operator at Sinton And Brown and later at Byrd Produce. In 1992 Eugenio was president of the IDES Portuguese Celebration in Santa Maria. He was also a director for the UPEC, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Santa Maria. He was a hard worker and enjoyed gardening and ocean fishing. He loved to BBQ and to spend time with his brothers and sisters. After retiring he liked to go fishing and spend time with his grandson Logan.

Eugenio is survived by his wife Clementina, son Jamie and daughter-in-law Deborah, grandson Logan and his wife Angel, Sister Adelaide and many nieces and nephews.

Eugenio is preceded in death by his brothers Jose, Manuel, Urbano and Antonio, and sisters Maria de Ludres Jorge, Maria da Conceição Macedo, and son Baby Eugenio.

Visitation will begin 4:00 p.m. on March 8, 2024 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Rosary will follow at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be held on March 9, 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church - Santa Maria. Interment will follow in the Southlawn of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Our loving and beloved Shadi Nichole Escobedo entered into the presence of the Lord on February 26, 2024 at the age of 38. Her earthly journey ended suddenly, but her spirit will live forever in our hearts.

Shadi was an animated and energetic force. Her infectious smile and laughter put you in a good place instantly. A native of California, Shadi was born to Benito and Lydia Lopez Escobedo on June 18th, 1985, in Santa Maria. She was the only girl amongst three brothers. Shadi could hold her own with all those boys! She played basketball and softball to prove she could keep up.

Shadi grew up and attended school in Guadalupe before graduating from Righetti High school in 2003. After graduating, Shadi received her cosmetology training at Santa Maria Beauty College and her license to practice in 2005. Shadi was hard working too; she worked for her father's jewelry business during the week and worked cosmetology on the weekend.

Shadi was a quintessential mother, and she lived every day for her beautiful son Benny. The many ways Benny was loved and cared for were obvious. Shadi read and sang with Benny daily, he was always well groomed and wearing the latest in toddler fashion, and we all have videos sent by Shadi showing her affection for something he said or accomplished. Any opportunity to snuggle was a favorite for both mom and baby.

Another love Shadi had was for music. Singing and dancing was part of her essence. She was known to sing gospel or church tunes in the shop with her father and brother Tony. She also enjoyed singing with her son Benny at bedtime or while driving in the car. Any party with great music and a dance floor would draw Shadi out with great style - She was an amazing dancer.

Shadi will always be remembered for being a caring and loving individual. She called or Face Timed with her mother a few times daily, she volunteered for many years at her church with a ministry that helped teen moms, she also volunteered to do hair for family and friends' weddings. Everyone who knew Shadi will also remember her enjoyment of NFL and NBA sports (Go Lakers, Go Rams)! Mostly, her family will never forget her beautiful smile and joyous spirit and will miss her greatly. We love you Shadi Nichole! May you rest in peace.

Shadi is survived by her parents Benito Escobedo Jr. (Diana) and Lydia Lopez, her brothers Robert Ybarra (Amber), Tony Escobedo (Victoria) and Daniel Escobedo (Natasha), Benito Escobedo III (Deborah), her son Benny Escobedo, her grandparents Benito Sr., Lydia Fierro Escobedo, stepbrother Jose, stepsisters Sabrina (Alfonso), Stephanie (Juan), and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Julian and Guadalupe Lopez, uncle Julian Lopez Jr., and uncle Roy Escobedo.

A service will be held for Shadi on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Orcutt Presbyterian Church, 993 Patterson Rd. The viewing will start at 9:30 and the service will begin at 10:00. The burial will follow at the Guadalupe Cemetery.

A reception will be held after the burial at the Santa Maria Veterans Hall, 313 W Tunnell St.

Judyth (Markey) Arko, 88, passed away peacefully February 23, 2024 in Santa Maria. She was born in Altadena, California June 19, 1935. She was a beloved mother, wife, talented pianist, and devoted member of the Catholic Church. Judyth had the privilege of attending St. Dominic’s Girls Academy in Jersey City, New Jersey. After graduation, she attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial school in New York and later moved to Pasadena, California with her mother and sister Jayne in 1955.

In 1956, she married John P. Markey at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Altadena where she’d been baptized as a baby. She and John moved to Santa Maria with their first two children, where they raised their family of five children: Sue, Patrick, Timothy (deceased in 2005), Peggy, and Anna. They also had a son Sean Phillip who died during childbirth.

Judyth and John celebrated their 40th anniversary in Ireland.

After John Markey passed away in 1999, Judyth married a longtime friend Ignatius Matthew Arko in 2000. Matt and Judyth went on to enjoy 17 years of marriage before his passing.

She worked as a secretary and office manager for Fitz-Gerald Realty for 16 years and later moved on to complete her secretarial career with Kirk and Simas law firm. Additionally, Judyth enjoyed teaching Religion as a CCD teacher at St. Mary’s Elementary School for 19 years.

Judyth was an accomplished pianist and brought music to so many over the years: She played for family and friends, at the Mussell Senior Center, the AAA Senior Care Alzheimer facility, loved playing Irish music for her longtime friend Cecilia Fitz-Gerald, and most recently played the piano weekly for the Merrill Gardens community, when she would often dress up to celebrate holidays and as her favorite persona ‘Pink Delight’. In her words, Judyth considered her life a ‘musical journey’.

Judyth is survived by her remaining children Sue (Brian) Ellefritz, Patrick Markey, Peggy (Tom) Hickman and Anna (Carlos) Noguiero. She has 7 grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her sons Timothy and Sean, her husband John, and second husband Matt, as well as sister Jayne (Hinderliter) and brother James (Anderson).

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Louis De Montfort Church March 7, 2024 at 10am, followed by a graveside burial service in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery. Contributions can be made in her name to St. Mary’s Elementary School where all five children attended. We will miss her dearly.

Aurora Gusman, 87, of Santa Maria, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at St. John Neumann Church. Interment will follow in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Robert Rudolph Franta. Robert (Bob) was born in St. Louis, MO on August 17, 1926, to Rudolph and Laura (Roe) Franta. An only child, he lost his father, Rudoph R, in 1939 at age 12. The death of his father meant that he and his mother were left to fend for themselves during one of the most difficult times in our country's economic history. Our father however, was the epitome of the "World's Greatest Generation" He worked hard, completed high school and before graduation Bob signed up for the Navy to serve his country in the World War II efforts even though as the only son of a widow he could have easily gotten a deferment. 

He worked hard and enjoyed his time as a service man. He was assigned to the radio core which was a cover for radar operators and involved a high pressure school with low test scores kicking one out of the program and sending them to the front. He prevailed and shipped out of Treasure Island for the Pacific theater as a member of the Radio operators on the USS Dolphin. When the war was over Bob was sent home almost immediately which allowed him to enroll, via the GI Bill, in college.

Bob graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 1950, the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He worked hard in school, but also found time to enjoy college life, fraternity endeavors, and meet the love of his life, Florence Miller. Even 75 years later he remembered the exact location and circumstances of meeting her in front of the library’s Ridgely columns. They were married in 1951 and began their family a few years later. A partnership that lasted 67 years.

He provided well for his family. He stated one of his goals was to live long enough to see his children graduate from high school, which he did and then some. He took his family on fun vacations, camping in national parks, on remote islands in the boundary waters of Minnesota and by many lakes and streams. He taught his oldest son to fish and hunt. He trained 2 hunting dogs/family pets, a black lab named Ebony and a Golden retriever named Sandy

Upon graduating from Washington University with his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Bob began his long and successful career first in Electrical Engineering with General Electric and later Aerospace Engineering. Some highlights of various companies he worked for include his years at Honeywell, Minneapolis MN, where he was part of the collaborative efforts to successfully launch Apollo 11. In 1967, Bob moved his family out west. settling in Santa Maria, CA to pursue his career in the growing space industry at Vandenberg Air Force Base, (now Vandenburg Space Force Base) He worked at ITT FEC for ten years. He then continued his career with Northrop, North American, Rockwell and Boeing. He was integral to projects developing guidance systems for missiles, design work on the Hubble telescope, and finally the B-1 Bomber simulator. When asked a few years ago what was the most fun he had he stated “flying the B-1 bomber simulator…it was a neat airplane” When asked if he ever crashed the simulator he answered in the affirmative.

Besides being a contributing member of the local space efforts, Bob was involved in his community and especially the Orcutt Presbyterian Church where he was a member for 54 years. There he made many friends, taught Sunday school, served as an elder and a deacon, helped with work crews and church projects, participated in many church functions, and joined several bible study groups. He volunteered with the local Robotics club helping future engineers develop their practical skills. He and Florence also participated in local Swing Dance classes, he played golf with friends, attended most of his children's school functions, and continued to hunt and fish. Bob enjoyed gardening, even planting trees into his 90s. He was always well informed regarding political and world events, kept abreast of the burgeoning development in many of the sciences and could converse knowledgeably on a vast variety of topics. Although always an exacting scientist he maintained a strong and life long Christian faith which shaped much of his morals. He had strong beliefs in the fallibility of men, the need for Christ’s forgiveness and the hope of life everlasting. 

Bob and Florence had 4 children, Robert Jr., Carol (Davis), Betsi (Parker) and James. Bob is preceded in death by Robert Jr. and Florence, great grand daughter Adelaide Davis, his parents and many family members. He leaves behind his children and their families: Carol and Gary Davis, their children Lauren Hayden, spouse Matthew, and their children Ellayah, Noah and Lydia; Brett and Hannah Davis and their children Solomon, Dominic and Roux. Betsi and Greg Parker and their sons Matthew and Adam, and James and Jody and their sons Tyler, spouse Marta, and Luke; Sterling Franta, (Robert Jr.'s son.) Bob was a true family man who loved his children, their spouses, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and no family get together will be quite the same without his presence.   

His burial will take place on Monday, March 4, 10:00 am at the Los Osos Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, March 6, 11:00 am, followed by a lunch reception in Wedaa Hall, all at Orcutt Presbyterian Church, 993 Patterson Rd.

Douglas “Doug” Blazier Fair, 73, died peacefully in his home in Orcutt, CA on February 15, 2024. Afflicted with Lewy Body Dementia, Doug was cared for until his last breath by his loving and dedicated wife, Annette Moulinie Fair, his partner in life for 34 years.

Born on May 15, 1950, in Arcadia, CA, Doug was one of three children born to David Luverne Fair and Marjorie Warburton Fair. He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1968 and went on to train as a mechanic specializing in foreign cars. He became a Bosch certified technician and eventually owned German Auto of Santa Maria for many years. He was a well-respected member of the business community, known for his integrity, and sought out for his vast automotive knowledge. Doug could identify the make and model of a car simply by hearing it drive by, having never laid eyes on it! He even had a customer that would ship their car from Hawaii to German Auto to be worked on.

A good adrenaline rush and absolutely anything involving speed was always appealing to Doug. This included bungy jumping and riding the catapult at the fair. He learned how to drive race cars as a young man in Bakersfield and later raced go-karts from 1995-1997 with the Santa Maria Karting Association, winning the championship in ’96 and ‘97. In 2000, he made a dream a reality and bought his first Harley Davidson Motorcycle, later going on to own a Screaming Eagle Harley Davidson. He made several long runs to Sturgis for the famous, annual motorcycle rally as well as to Laughlin, NV and all over California. When he couldn’t be behind the wheel, he built and raced remote control cars with his brother-in-law in the streets of their neighborhood. If it had wheels, Doug wanted to drive it.

Doug had a passion for life, enjoyed socializing, and was the life of the party. He loved to set off fireworks, crank the stereo all the way up, and dance the night away. He was an animal lover, especially his own dog, Coco, his companion, and shadow. He leaves his family and friends with many wonderful memories of camping in the RV, traveling the world, boar hunting trips, and deep sea fishing trips. He made lasting friendships during his time as a member of The SLO Riders, the Santa Maria HOG Motorcycle Club and The Rotary International Breakfast group in Santa Maria. He cherished the camaraderie of each group and participated in countless activities over the years. He lived his life with integrity and took pride in all he did. Doug was kind, compassionate, funny, witty, and so very smart. His motto was to always go the extra mile to help those in need. He loved hard and was so very loved in return. His passing leaves a huge void in the lives of his family and friends.

Doug is survived by his wife, Annette, daughter, Leslie, grandson, Austin Kellams, granddaughter, Taylor Kellams, and great-grandsons Silas and Bodie Kellams. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Richard Fair and Sharon Fair Taylor.

Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org/donate-to-research.

Gloria Marie Juarez, beloved mother, grandmother, and caregiver, passed away on February 18, 2024, in Santa Maria, California. She was born on January 16, 1948, in Santa Maria, California.

Gloria led a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love and selflessness. She worked at John Ingles, Pictsweet, and Simplot for 20 years. Despite facing challenges, Gloria found unique ways to give back to her community through caregiving for her brother-in-law, foster sister and other friends who suffered from dementia. Her nurturing spirit, contagious laugh, and motherly nature made her the rock that held her family together. 

A Santa Maria native, she resided on Benwiley Street for over 30 years, where she was not just a neighbor but a mother and friend to everyone in the community. Her door was always open, and her heart was always full of love and kindness for those around her. Gloria was a dedicated homemaker, known for her famous potato salad, Spanish rice, and her delicious peanut butter cookies.

Gloria was passionate about spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and often hosted get-togethers in her home. She enjoyed thrifting and attending swap meets on the weekend. Her true passions were dancing to the music she loved, particularly oldies, cumbia, country tunes and the sounds of Patsy Cline. If you went to visit her on a Sunday, the Cowboys or Dodgers game would be on, and everyone knew you should show up with a twelve pack of Bud Light ready for a football chat. She was a loyal diehard fan!

Gloria’s sense of humor and infectious laugh lit up the room and could change the atmosphere with any of her famous sayings like, “Mums the word”, “Oh si”, "I don’t know about that", and "Poppy chulos in tiger town."

Gloria is survived by her life partner, Herminio Escalante, her brother Salvador Cordero Jaurez and her children, Renee Esparza, John Morris, Erlinda Flores, and Crystal Escalante, along with her beloved grandchildren, Gloria Villegas, Bryan Villegas, Francisco Esparza, Veronica Esparza, Marcos Castro, Mycaela Morris, Sandra Flores, Janie Ponce, John Morris, Juan Flores, Mary Jane Ponce, Destiny Flores, Jonathan Morris, Davina Saucedo, Adrian Flores and 6 great grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Gloria's life will be held at Magner Maloney Funeral Parlor on March 1, 2024 at 11:00am. Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring and remembering Gloria.

Following the service, a reception will be held at The Knights of Columbus to share memories, stories, food and drinks to celebrate the life of this remarkable woman.

May Gloria Marie Juarez rest in peace, knowing that her kindness and love will continue to be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives.

Anita L. Lee, 81, of Santa Maria, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024.

An obituary will be posted soon.

Dolores Segui, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, died peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, at the age of 96.

Dolores was born in Matawan, New Jersey, on December 28, 1927, to parents Hortense and Manuel Limonta. Her French mother, who was a seamstress, came to the States through Ellis Island in 1914. When Dolores was 2 years old, the family moved to Southern France. She also spent time in Spain visiting family in Barcelona. She grew up speaking English, French, and Spanish.

Living in Europe as fear of World War II was increasing, her Cuban father moved the family to Cuba in 1938. They spent a few years there until her father, who was a painter, got a job representing Cuba in the Pan-American Pavilion at the 1939/40 World’s Fair in New York. They moved again, back to New York, and lived there until 1942. They returned to Cuba, and Dolores studied at the Normal School to be a teacher. Living in Santiago de Cuba in 1952, she met the love of her life, Luis Segui, and they were married shortly after. They had 3 children, Loly (1953), Luisin (1958), and Betty (1968).

In 1968 she and her family were repatriated to the USA, and moved to southern California where her half-brother Carlos Scuria and his family lived in Thousand Oaks. The Segui family settled in Santa Maria, and with the help of generous family and neighbors, found a house to rent and employment. Dolores started working at the baby store Stork Shop and then began a 17 year career as a bilingual eligibility worker with Santa Barbara County’s Department of Social Services, where she retired in 1992 at the age of 65. Her co-workers referred to her as the “Queen of the AFDC” (Aid for Families with Dependent Children) and wrote a song which was sung by all at her retirement party.

Dolores was always actively volunteering, serving as an ESL tutor at the Friends of the Library and the Central Coast Literacy Council, an aide at the Santa Maria Public Library, and director of the St. John’s Center. Being of strong faith as a Catholic all her life, the Seguis joined St. Mary’s Church in 1969 and then in 1986, Dolores and Luis moved to the new St. John Neumann’s church. For 17 years she served as the Council Secretary and served many years as an usher. Through her 90s she also volunteered at Marian Hospital on the Labor and Delivery floor.

Dolores enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life: stamp collecting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was an avid reader, always with a library book in her car. She would intentionally arrive early to things so she could sit in her car and read. She loved playing board games with her family and loved all types of puzzles, Sudoku and Cipher being her favorites. She was working on a favorite Dowdle 500 piece jigsaw puzzle the week before she died. Given that her husband Luis always had a camera in his hand, Dolores made photo albums for every family member, including ones for herself.

In November of 2002, Dolores and Luis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, with a renewal of vows and a luncheon. Luis died in November of 2013, a year after they celebrated 60 years of happy marriage.

She is survived by her children Dolores (Loly) Chiariello Mosel, Luis Segui, and Betty Wenzel; son-in-law Peter Wenzel; grandchildren Julie Chiariello, Grace Wenzel and Kate Wenzel; great grandson Saige Doerr; nieces and nephews from the Scuria Family; first cousin once-removed Karen Marsh, and nieces and nephews from the Lenzano and Segui families in Cuba, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Mexico.

Join us to celebrate Dolores’s exemplary life at St. John Neumann’s Church in Santa Maria on Friday, March 1 at 11am, with a reception following in the Parish Hall from 12-2.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Central Coast Literacy Council (centralcoastliteracycouncil.org). We are grateful for the nurses and staff of Central Coast Home Health and Hospice for their care of Dolores.

Sister Michele Mangan, OSF, 90, passed away in the early hours of the morning om Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Marian Convent in Santa Maria, CA. She was born on October 30, 1933, to Elizabeth and Peter Mangan and was baptized “Joan” on November 19 at St. Francis. In 1957 at Mount Alverno in Sierra Madre, Ca. She was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles in 1965; she held a Masters Degree from Marquette University She served as both teacher and principal in a number of grammar schools, mostly in California. In 1975 she moved to live at the Sister’s provincial administrative building in Redwood City while working first as principal of St. Agnes School in San Francisco and then in the Marriage Tribunal for the San Francisco Archdiocese. For three months she did tribunal work for the Diocese of St. George on the Island of Granada.

She served as Provincial Minister (an elected office) for two terms: 1989-1997 after which she enjoyed a sabbatical year which included time in Rome, Italy and at the Theological Union in Washington, D.C. For 17 years she worked at the Marriage Tribunal for the Diocese of San Jose while living with sister James Zembal. They enjoyed many warm relationships with the sisters living in the area as well as with parishioners of St. Pius Parish in Redwood city.

She officially retired in 2015 and moved to Marian Residence in Santa Maria, CA in September of 2021 where she served on the Board of Marian Regional Medical Center and devoted her time to prayer and advocating for the needs of the poor.

Sister Michele had a heart for the poor and vulnerable of our world, often calling the community to action in support of causes for justice and direct aid to various hands-on organizations. She is survived by her sister Rosalie and her sister Mary, two nieces, Liz Lowry and Sharon Anderson, as well as nephews.

A vigil service will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 7pm in the chapel at Marian Residence, 124 S College Dr, Santa Maria. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, January 25 at Marian Residence Chapel. John Hardin, O.F.M. will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Santa Maria Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Sister Michele may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 124 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, CA. 93454.

Santa Maria, CA – Philip Edward Wahl, 99 of Santa Maria, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

He was born April 30, 1924, in Los Angeles, CA to Gifford and Monica Wahl (Fitzgerald). Phil joined the U.S. Army Air Force and served in Adak, Alaska during World War II before his honorable discharge as a Sergeant 23^rd Air Service Group. He was a graduate of UCSB and earned his Master’s degree at USC. He taught at Santa Maria High School, Santa Maria City College, but most notably at Allan Hancock College as a professor of electronics from 1949 to 1989. During the Korean War, in the reserves, he was considered more valuable as an electronics teacher in Santa Maria. Phil had a love for swimming, specializing in the breaststroke and was a swim coach at Santa Maria High School from 1950 to 1958.

On June 12, 1948, Phil married his loving wife, Beatrice “Betty” (Freitas) Wahl (dec.), having met her while working as an orderly at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Family was Phil’s life. He often worked nights and even worked at KSEE to support his family. He was a devoted husband to Betty taking loving care of her for many years. His children, who survive him, Mark (Sandy), Greg (Judi), P.J. (Monica), Eric (Leona, dec.), Kurt (Mari), Mary Ann (Wayne), and Frank (Kathy). He had 20 Grandchildren: Janelle, Philip (dec.), Johnnie, Mykel (dec.), Julie Ann, Karen, Thomas, Amie, Jeffrey, Ben, Sean, Kelly, Matthew, Rachael, Andre, Laura, Garrett, Michael (dec.), Philip and Alanna. He had 20 Great Grandchildren: Sean, Brodie, Carson, Liam, Gideon, Basilia, Ethan, Emmy Lou, Owen, Jessica, Claire, Jasmine, Ginny, Vera, Adrian, Kira, Rowan, Theo, Joanna and Ellie.

His lifelong passion was ham radio from the time he was a teenager. He and friends would scrounge parts to build radios. On his chart were hundreds of locations pinned. He communicated all over the world into his last week of life twice a day, and practiced his morse coding daily. “Phil Wahl, W6YLD clear.”

A gravesite ceremony will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Dr, Santa Maria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Santa Barbara Humane organization.

Joe Freitas, 66, of Santa Maria, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024.

Private cremation was requested.

Camilo “Milo” “Mel” Soriano, of Orcutt, CA, passed away at his home with his loving family at his side on December 20, 2023.

He was born on July 18, 1933, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines to Antonio and Marciana Soriano. As a young boy who witnessed WWII atrocities in his hometown, which was later liberated by the United States, it was Milo’s dream to become an American soldier and repay the country that rescued his boyhood home. He emigrated to Hawaii with his mom and brother shortly after the war to join his father who had been working there in the sugar industry.

After graduating from Waialua High School in 1952 with honors and being voted “Most Likely to Succeed,” he proudly became an American citizen and enlisted in the US Army. He thus began serving a rewarding career in many military bases overseas and stateside. Milo was soon recommended for Officer Candidate School; he advanced through the ranks and was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer-3. The highlight of his career was serving two tours in Vietnam, working in artillery as a radar detachment commander. He earned two Bronze Star Medals during this time. He retired from the Army in 1973 and built a home in Orcutt, where he and his wife raised their four children. “Mel,” as his new neighbors called him, began a second career at ITT/Federal Electric Corporation at Vandenberg AFB where he was employed as a managing Senior Electronics Technician until his second retirement in 1996.

With his wife Lily, he enjoyed walking, gardening, traveling—taking annual worldwide trips, often with their children and grandchildren. They were active at St. Louis de Montfort Church and the Filipino Seniors Association. An avid reader, Milo’s love of learning manifested in his earning three different Associate degrees from Allan Hancock College later in life.

He is survived by his son Allan Soriano of San Jose and his wife, Josie; son Warren Soriano of Gilroy, his wife Lisa, and grandchildren Gabriella and Elizabeth Soriano; daughter Kathryn Soriano Birch of Orcutt, her husband Raul Birch, and grandchildren Alexis and Luke Adame; daughter Jennifer Soriano Flaa of Orcutt, her husband Terry, and grandchildren Ashlyn Soriano Gazell her husband Michael, Cambria and Sophia Flaa. He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Lily Soriano, in 2019, his brother “Willy” Soriano, and his nephew, Felino Soriano.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 4-6pm at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, followed by recitation of the Rosary at 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis de Montfort Church in Orcutt on Thursday, January 4th at 10:00 am, immediately followed by military interment at the Santa Maria Cemetery; reception will promptly follow at the Santa Maria Country Club.

Ricardo "Rick" Reyes, 67, passed away in Santa Maria, CA on December 16, 2023. Rick was born November 1, 1956 in the Philippines and came to the United States in 1971. Rick is survived by his five children Rayma Reyes, Leslie Reyes, Raquel Reyes, Ricardo Junior "JR" Reyes, and Destiney Martinez; 15 grand children (Anthony, Delia, Louisa, Angel, Nathan, Jasmine, Maria, Aaliyah, Yeshua, Jeremiah, Beautiful, RJ, Mackayla, Xavier, Rene and Jayce); two great grandchildren Cianna and Bella; his siblings Rose (Paul) Sagisi, Ronald (lmelda) Reyes, Racele (Colin) Martyn, Renel (Adrian) Tabaldo, and Ruby Mondejar; former wife Delia; and numerous extended family members and friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Tessie Reyes, brother Romy Reyes, sisters Rayma Reyes and Yoly Valleley, brother-in-law Richard Mondejar, nephew RJ Mondejar, great nephew Malakai Viloria, and other loved ones.

Viewing will be from 5-8PM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6PM.   A scripture service will be held at 10AM on Friday, December 29, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in the new section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Born in Bakersfield, California to Ed and Ruth Akers. Deloris had a brother, Leon, and two sisters – Darlene and Helen. Deloris grew up in Bakersfield and, while in High School there, met her future husband Leroy Wayne Smith. Leroy romanced her with visits to the Burger Emporium where she worked as a uniformed car-hop. They were married in Bakersfield. They had two children: Alan and Linda. They all lived in Bakersfield , until they moved to La Crescenta, California when Leroy began taking night accounting courses at UCLA. Always a good cook, when Deloris and Leroy divorced, she began working as a cook at Rosemont Middle School, in La Crescenta. Deloris met Eugene Brooks and they married, adding his daughter Pam to the family.

Following Eugene's death in 1998, Deloris moved to Santa Maria, California to be near her daughter, Linda, and her family.

In addition to her general cooking skills, Deloris had inherited a knack for pies and cobblers from her Norwegian Mother, Ruth. Deloris became famous with neighbors, friends, and family for her apple pies, and lemon cheesecakes.

Her surviving son, Alan says: “I cannot imagine a more loving or supportive Mother. She lived to make things the best they could be for her children and her husband. She was simply – The Best. It was for her the phrase “They broke the mold” was created.”

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Harlen Eugene “Gene” Baird. He died peacefully in his home on December 3 in his beloved town of Old Orcutt, California. Born in Mansfield, Missouri on April 26, 1944, he served in the US Navy then moved to California where he lived for more than 50 years.

Dad was “The motorcycle rider”, confirmed to have ridden over 500,000 miles in his lifetime! He loved fast cars (Corvettes, in particular), good barbeque, a good dog, old western movies and good friends. He took things one day at a time while whittling, shooting guns, playing pool, making and drinking good home brew, and enjoying beautiful sunsets. He had a successful general contracting business, “Grade A Service”, but thoroughly enjoyed his retirement!

Dad was a proud American who loved and served his country both in and out of uniform. He was a man of service in his community: Lifetime Elk of Lodge 1538, past Commander of the American Legion Post 534, past President of American Legion riders, member and past President of The California Carvers Guild, a founding member of the Patriot Riders and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, just to name a few of his contributions.

But most of all, Dad was a great man and the greatest father we could ever have. He loved his kids, most of all, never missing a game or a gig to coach and cheer us on. He just loved being our dad.

God speed Pop and keep the rubber side down. “Lead or follow, but stay the hell outta my way.” - Gene Baird

He is loved and survived by Pryor Baird (son), Amy Baird (daughter) and Preston Baird (brother).

A memorial service will be held on December 11 at 10:15am at the Veterans Memorial Wall at the Santa Maria Cemetery (1501 S College Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93456), followed by a small gathering for family and friends at Trattoria Uliveto (285 S Broadway St, Orcutt, CA 93455). Please refrain from wearing black.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to one of these special causes on his behalf:

-       Wounded Warriors Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

-       St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org

-       Woody Williams Foundation: https://www.woodywilliams.org

Maria G. Palacios, 58, of Santa Maria, passed away Monday, December 4, 2023.

Graveside Services will be 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023 in the South Lawn of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Nazario G Saldivar, 96, of Nipomo, California, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023 at home.

Lovingly known as “Zorro” to the thousands of students he impacted throughout his 31 years of service as a school custodian and bus driver, he retired in 1990.

Nazario was born on May 13, 1927 in Santa Maria, Texas to Santos and Eleuteria (Galaviz) Saldivar. He was one of nine children. His unsurpassed work ethic was evident from a young age. Armed with a sixth grade education, he left school to help support the family. Traveling throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, as the employment led him, he eventually moved to California in 1956, followed soon after by his wife, Josefa (Garcia), who was from Monterey, Mexico, and three children. His long career with the Lucia Mar Unified School District, working at Nipomo School, began in 1959. Tragedy struck in 1974 when Josefa died of cancer. He married Louella Ormonde of Arroyo Grande in 1983.

He used his skilled hands and business acumen to build a second career in home construction. He was also the proprietor of The Neighborhood Grocery in Nipomo for a time. He earned his GED in 1978.

Few local organizations were not impacted by his enthusiasm. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagles, the Men’s Club of Nipomo, coached Little League baseball and was a member of the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury.

Nazario is survived by his wife, Louella, son Julio Saldivar and his wife Olivia of Nipomo, daughter Rosana Wilson and her partner Randy Price of Nipomo, son David Saldivar and his wife Susan Morse of San Francisco, son Robert Saldivar and his wife Heidi of Portland, Oregon, grandchildren Jason, Shawn, Natalie, Eric, Mary, Leslie, Robert, Isaac, Eli, Jacob and Abigail, and nine great grandchildren.

Viewing will be 3-5 pm on Monday, December 4, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nipomo, with the Rosary at 4 pm. Funeral Mass will be at 1 pm on Tuesday December 5, at St.

Joseph’s, followed by the procession to Arroyo Grande Cemetery. Reception will be held after the internment, at St. Joseph’s parish hall.

Andres T. Lopez, 88, of Santa Maria, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023; surrounded by his loving family.

Andres was born on November 10, 1935 in Villa Hildalgo, Zacatecas, Mexico to Pasqual and Maria de Jesus Lopez. He is survived by his wife Magdalena; children Silvia Lopez-Athie (Amir), Jaime Lopez (Jamie), and Ruben Lopez (Maureen); grandchildren Gabriel Amir Athie, Monica Irene Athie, and Nathan Andres Lopez.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 4, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at St. John Neumann Church. Interment will follow in the South Lawn section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Lillie M. Barnes of Porterville passed away on November 20th 2023. She was 91.

Lillie was born March 25th 1932, in Telephone, Texas to the late Tom and A.W. Smith. She started school at the age of five in a little two room schoolhouse in the community of Nunnlee. When she was in 7th grade she rode the high school bus to Bonham and attended Duncan Elementary School. During the Christmas break, the family moved to the small community of Lamasco, TX and she finished the 7th grade there.

During the summer of 1944, the family moved to Pixley in Tulare County, California. She attended Pixley Elementary School for the 8th grade then attended Delano High School for four years, graduating in 1949.

In 1950 she went to work for Bank of America in Eureka, CA and then transferred to Porterville in 1953.

At Christmas time in 1954 a young man named Dave Barnes sold her Christmas a tree from his family's market. She met him again in 1956. He became the love of her life and they were married on March 30th 1957. They had 58 years and 24 days together before his passing in 2015. To this union three children were born, two of which survive her.

In 1959 the family moved to Richmond, CA where she went to work for American Trust. She later worked for Mechanics Bank of Richmond.

When her children started to school she became active in school activities that involved them. She was room mother and served in several positions in the PTA organization which she enjoyed very much. She also served as a campfire leader.

In 1969 the family moved back to Porterville and she worked for the Porterville School District in the cafeteria where her children went to school. In 1973 she went to work for United California Bank and later worked for Security Bank in Lindsay, retiring from there in 1989.

In 1990, the family sold their small orange grove outside of Lindsay and moved back to Porterville. They lived in Santa Maria three years but Porterville was always home to her. She returned in 2002 until 2018. She spent her last 5 years in New Cuyama, CA living with Russ and Judy.

Lillie loved to sew, making all of Lisa's clothes and other items also to supplement the family income. She loved to knit, learning in the 7th grade. She loved to crochet and later in life to make quilts. She loved camping and traveling, taking several trips to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand to visit her daughter and son-in-law Mike. They spent as much time as they could in New Cuyama visiting her son Russ and wife Judy and their grandchildren Joe and Emma.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa and son-in-law Mike of Singapore and Arizona, her son Russ and daughter-in-law Judy and two grandchildren Joe and Emma of New Cuyama who are the light in her eyes.

She is predeceased by her husband Dave, one son Tim, her parents Tom and A.W. Smith, a brother Len Smith and two sisters Minnie Standridge and Charlotte Martin. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

A memorial service for Lillie will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Porterville, CA on November 25th at 11 a.m. Lillie loved the work that was done by St. Jude’s Children's Hospital and the Wounded Warriors Project, so may we suggest in lieu of flowers donations be made to one or both of those two organizations.

Darlene Raina Palato, 47, of Santa Maria, fell asleep in death, Saturday, November 18, 2023 surrounded by her family at her home. Darlene was born August 13, 1976 in Santa Maria, CA.

Darlene loved her family, friends and her God Jehovah. Darlene was baptized on January 1, 1994 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her relationship with Jehovah was the most important relationship in her life. She demonstrated a deep love and friendship with Jehovah. One of her favorite scriptures was Ecclesiastes 7:1. Another scripture she often quoted was Revelation 21:4. She longed to see the end to death. She was also comforted by the resurrection hope of John 5:28, 29.

Darlene was preceded in death by her father Larry Palato. She is survived by her mother Lydia Palato; her sister Denise Palato Sitton and her husband Jerry Sitton; her brother David Palato; her nephew David Palato II. She will be missed by many family and friends.

Graveside services will be at the Santa Maria Cemetery on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness located at 333 Hidden Pines Way in Santa Maria.

Ramiro Ruiz also known as "Daffy" to many was born in Santa Maria CA on August 24, 1984.

Ramiro loved the Lord and his family. If you knew Ramiro, you know he always made it a point to tell you how proud he was of you, how much he loved you and appreciated you. The bond between Ramiro and his mother was unbreakable, they enjoyed each other's company. Their favorite place was in the kitchen with a good meal and a cold beer. They were truly best friends. 

Ramiro had the biggest heart, was a jokester and a big Raider Fan. He enjoyed BBQing at the Ruiz area at Preisker Park and always had a smile on his face. His smile and laughter was contagious.

Ramiro is survived by his parents Artemio & Raquel Ruiz, his sisters Suzanna, Martha, Norma his nieces & nephews Peter, Jacob, Lilianna, Steven, Monica, Vivianne, Isaiah, Marissa, Elias, Joseph and Tyrone (His brother from another mother). 

Ramiro will never be forgotten his legacy of faith & love will go on forever. There will never be enough words to express how deeply he is missed by his loved ones.

Raquel Dias Lua, 82, of Santa Maria, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

Visitation will begin 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mexico.

Our father went up to the heavens on November 7, 2023. He was born August 22, 1936 in Visalia, CA to Joe and Evelyn Dias. He moved with his family to Lompoc, from there they moved to Santa Maria and that’s where he lived out his life.

He graduated Santa Maria High with the class of 1955. He met and married his high school sweetheart Carolyn Jensen . They had 3 children, Joey, Kathy (KD), and James. He worked his whole life as a GREAT MECHANIC. He worked with his father at the Philip 66 gas station on Main Street where to this day is a vacant lot. From there they moved to a few different gas stations on Broadway. In the early 80s he bought the old Wellenkamp warehouse on North Broadway and remained until he retired and sold it in 2000.

Joe loved camping, Lopez Lake, Guadalupe beach, and Oso Flaco beach with family and friends all summer every summer for years. He built a one-of-a-kind Beast of a 59 Chevy one-ton pickup, into a flatbed 4x4 with a camper to go out to the beach. He would get off work, drive out to the beach in his 50 Chevy pickup just to go fishing. He loved fishing, he also loved gambling, so to the Chumash Casino he would go. He also loved animals.

Dad had the best taste in vehicles, he was a Chevy man through and through. His kids still have some of his many vehicles (50 pickup, 2-56 cars, an a 74 4x4)

Dad was a talker, he didn't know a stranger. We always said he would do great as a QVC worker, cuz he would be able to talk about the products for hours. Mom would say he would talk to a fly on the wall and make friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Joe, mother Evelyn, sister Evelyn (Babe) an a daughter-in-law Karla.

We will miss him forever and ever. He leaves behind his wife of 66 ½ years, his son Joey (Barbara) of Hollister, daughter Kathy (KD) of Santa Maria, son James of Idaho. 5 grandsons, 4 great granddaughters, 4 great grandsons. He also has many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will begin 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 in the South Lawn of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

It is with painfully broken hearts that we must announce the passing of Lorna Haight, the heart of our family. This beautiful, cherished soul was taken from us way too soon, leaving this Earth on November 4, 2023 after an incredibly brief and unforgiving battle with cancer.

Lorna was born to Fred & Shirley Senters on July 11, 1949 in Carbondale, Illinois. She was the first of three children, and would take on the role of loving big sister to her younger siblings Karen and Freddie as the family expanded. The three of them would go on to have a lifetime of cherished friendship and close connection with each other.

It was while attending Junior College in 1967 that Lorna met Roland and they married in October of 1968. She recently admitted that it was while watching him deal cards for a game of Hearts that her infatuation began. They married in 1968 and welcomed 3 children over the course of the next 13 years; April, Danny and Josh. Tragedy struck their family very early on with Danny’s passing just after his first birthday. It was many years later that they joyfully welcomed Josh, who was a shining light in her life before he passed away tragically, soon after his 21 birthday. Such tragedy and heartache forever alters how you exist in this world, and for Lorna to have carried on with such tremendous love and compassion in the wake of her sorrows is a testament to the amazingly loving, strong soul that we all knew her to be.

It was in 1972 that Lorna, Roland and April moved to California, joining her parents on the Central Coast of California. Although Lorna always missed the vibrant Fall colors of the leaves in the Midwest, it was hard to beat 70 degree temperatures in December. Eventually both of her siblings would move to California with their families along with a dearly loved cousin.

In 1976 Lorna obtained her LVN license, thus officially beginning her nursing career. In the late 80s she managed to cobble the time, energy and focus together to obtain her RN license from Allan Hancock College. Lorna worked in various clinics before eventually working at Valley Hospital until its closure in 1999. She then went on to work at Country Oaks Care Center until 2020.

Lorna was someone who was born to be a caregiver, and she did it with love, kindness and grace in both her professional and personal life. All of us could only ever hope to have a nurse like Lorna tasked with the duty of our care. She had many favorite patients over the years at Valley Hospital, and then Country Oaks, and they cherished her dearly. 

In her personal life Lorna was the loving, devoted caregiver for her beloved mother across her multi-year battle with Dementia. Lorna provided for her every need and was by her side for nearly every waking moment, all the way through holding her hand as she took her final breath in 2020. She was a caregiver across the family, helping with medical recovery when it came up, and caregiving for her Uncle Cal who came to live with her when he became too infirm to live on his own any more. She spent a lifetime looking out for Roland, and that included being his caregiver in the final years of his life, whose passing was abrupt and shocking when it happened in July of 2022. She acted as a loving respite of care over the last few years for her sister Karen, who suffers from Alzheimer’s.

Lorna loved music, especially the Beatles, she loved creating and admiring art, and above all else, family. She was generous with her time, easygoing and tremendously loving. More than anyone we knew, she appreciated the little things in life, like talking with strangers in the line at the grocery store, enjoying an ice cold Diet Coke and sitting on her back porch enjoying the rain. 

For this beautiful, loving woman who so selflessly cared for others for so many years to have been denied having years and years of taking it easy on her own terms seems horribly unfair. She deserved a beautiful and calm, peaceful close to her life. That she left us on her son Joshua’s birthday is a reminder to all of us of how grateful she would be have the chance to see her passed loved ones again.

Lorna leaves behind her daughter April, son-in-law Troy and granddaughter Nina Bargatze, brother Freddie & Sister in Law/Best friend Diana Senters; sister Karen & brother-in-law Alan Peterson; brother-in-law Mark Haight; nieces Tonya (Rich) and Careena; nephew Erik; grand-nieces & nephew Grace, Lilah and Gage; and dear friend Sue Savins. She was in preceded in death by her parents Fred & Shirley Senters, her husband Roland Haight and sons Danny and Joshua Haight and her nephew Paul Senters.

Services will be held at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria on Saturday, November 18. Lornas urn and memory filled photos will be present during the visitation starting at 11:30am, the Memorial service will start at 12:30pm in the adjoining chapel. Graveside services will take place at the Santa Maria Cemetery on Monday, November 20 at 1:30pm. 

None of us want to imagine our lives without our beloved Lorna here with us. We are so very sad that we have to say goodbye, but Lorna, we will miss you until we see you again. 

With great sadness, we announce the passing into eternal life of our sister, Andrea of Lucerne Valley, Ca. on June 15, 2021. Andrea was born in Santa Maria on November 10, 1947, to Fructuoso and Rosa Avalos.

Andrea accomplished much in her life with unwavering determination. She was an avid reader with a very inquisitive mind, never hesitating to voice her opinion. Her ability to love and forgive was boundless and amid her debilitating illnesses and pain, she stood quietly prayerful, and valiant in her faith and love of God.

Andrea is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Tony and Theresa Avalos, her sisters Marie Stice, and Barbara Zeppa, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church on November 17, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Internment will follow at the niche wall at the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Surrounded by her beloved husband, two daughters and sister in law Mary, in the comfort of her own home, Inez B. Escobedo passed away peacefully on November 3^rd, 2023 at the age of 89 in Santa Maria, CA. Inez, the youngest daughter of Pasquel and Mary Bueno, was born on January 21st, 1934 in El Paso Texas. 

Inez was a woman of remarkable character, with a vibrant personality. From her infectious joy to her fun-loving spirit, Inez knew how to keep the good times going. 

Survived by her husband Henry Escobedo and children Ruby Mansera (Armando), Vivian Escobedo, Junior Carlon (Beatrice), Max Carlon (Rosemary), Julian Carlon, Jesse Carlon (Teresa). Her grandchildren Reina Longoria (Danny), Renee Uvalle (Roy), Armando Mansera, Mondo Mansera, Michelle Cantor (Nick), Vanessa Gonzales (Mark), Angelina Carlon, Krystal Carlon, Cassandra Scott (Derrick), Jaclyn Upwall (Jerad), Lance Carlon, Marlene Galarza, Esmarie Carlon, Jessie Carlon Jr (Amber), Daniel Carlon. 

She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. 

Services are Thursday November 16th, 2023 at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory, 600 E Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA. Viewing will be 11:00am until 1:00pm, a rosary will be held at 1:00pm. The burial will follow at the Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Dr, Santa Maria, Ca. 

Jessica Mendoza Lopez, 41, of Santa Maria, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023.
 
She will be forever in the hearts of her husband, daughter, sons, mother, father, sister, brother, best friends, and friends.
 
Jessica always had a joke to say to light up the room and have you laughing no matter who you were. 

She shared her love with food, music, laughter and dancing.
 
Caring loving strong women are always willing to help others no matter what. Jessica will be deeply missed by many but never forgotten.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Scripture Services will be held 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 also in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

Surrounded by her beloved family, in the comfort of her own home, Isabelita “Lita” Soto Queja passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023, in Santa Maria, CA. Isabelita was born to Francisco and Patricia Soto on November 19, 1955, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. As the eldest of four children and natural role model, Isabelita provided an example of success and ambition to her younger siblings. She was the first to seek higher education and attended Far Eastern University in Manila and the School of Nursing at the University of Perpetual Help, where her diligence and dedication helped her obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northwestern College in Laoag City.

She began her nursing career at Bacarra Medical Center, Inc. as a Staff Nurse and within a few years became Chief Nurse. During that time, she also took on the roles of Principal and teacher at the Bacarra Medical Center School of Midwifery. In the spring of 1985, her love story began when she married Eliseo Queja. Two years later, Isabelita and Eliseo settled in Santa Maria, CA. There, she began a new career path at Performance Apparel Corporation where she would go on to become a supervisor. More importantly, it was in Santa Maria that Isabelita began her journey into motherhood with the birth of her son, Al Jared, and daughter, Elizabeth. She considered her children her greatest treasures and loved them immensely.

In addition to working and raising a family, Isabelita’s love and care went beyond her own household. Deeply family-oriented and compassionate, she was a devoted caregiver to her parents as well as a dependable source of support for her extended family and friends. Isabelita was quick to help her loved ones and would find a way to assist any call to action with courage, perseverance, and wisdom.

Once she retired in 2018, Isabelita was able to enjoy her favorite hobbies. She loved cooking and her favorite dishes to prepare were Chicken Adobo, Filipino Spaghetti, Embutido, and during the holidays, her signature seasonal dish, Tinupig. As an avid gardener, she maintained a variety of plants and took special pride in her Orchids, Roses, Succulents, and Money Trees. She enjoyed road trips with her husband up and down the coast, but no matter the destination, she adored his company. She also appreciated creating memories with her family both in the Philippines and California.

Isabelita was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Soto, and brother, Edilberto Soto. She is survived by her father, Francisco Soto; husband, Eliseo Queja; son, Al Jared Queja, daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Fuentes and James Fuentes; sisters, Myrna Soto and Aurora Aranda; brother-in-law, Junald Aranda; sister-in-law, Neneth Soto; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. As a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend, Isabelita exuded an empathy and kindness that will be missed and cherished in memory.

Visitation will begin 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Catholic Burial will be 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in the Southlawn section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

A quiet, reflective, beautiful soul left his family too soon. Julian Jesse Lopez, 38, of Santa Maria, CA, passed away unexpectedly on October 20th.

Julian was born on June 4, 1985 in Santa Maria, Ca., to proud parents Linda Grace Lopez and Joel C. Lopez. At Julian’s birth, his eyes were blue, which excited everyone instantly. Later they changed to a beautiful green and won everyone’s hearts over again! Julian attended schools in Santa Maria and played sports, including football, basketball and baseball. He also had amazing artistic abilities. Julian’s writing used sensory language that would touch your heart and make you feel deeply. His attention to detail was evident in his drawings and paintings too. Julian graduated from Delta High with the class of 2003.

Julian was a hard working and devoted father to his two beautiful boys-Ritchie Max and Bruno Samuel. His boys were his joy. He was known to work two jobs to provide the best for his children. He especially enjoyed playing and reading bedtime stories to them.

When Julian wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with family, BBQing with friends, practicing and competing the sport of Jiu Jitsu, and exercising to stay fit. He also loved being out in nature and would often hike with family and friends.

Julian will always be remembered for his dedication to fitness and eating healthy. We’ll always remember the various ways he would remind us of foods to stay away from. He would often say, “Your body is your temple. What you put in it is what will keep it running well. Eat healthy foods and exercise daily.“ We love you Julian and will miss you every day for the rest of our lives. Your memory will live on in the hearts of all those that loved you.

Julian is survived by his children Ritchie Max and Bruno Samuel Lopez, parents Linda Grace Silva and Joel C. Lopez, sister Jolene Lopez Galaites, brother-in-law Damon Galaites, nephew Nathan Galaites and nieces Emalie and Riley Galaites as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of the family. He is preceded in death by his uncle Julian Lopez Jr, grandparents Julian Lopez Sr and Guadalupe C. Lopez, grandfather John Lopez Silva Jr and aunt Debbie Silva Smith. 

A rosary/mass will be held on November 10th at 1:00, at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 1190 E. Clark Ave, Santa Maria, Ca. The burial will follow immediately at the Old section of the Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, Ca. Celebration of life reception will be held at The Minami Center, 600 W. Enos Dr., Santa Maria, Ca after the burial.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pablo RamosAgosto, who departed this world on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Hospital in Los Angeles, surrounded by his beloved family. Pablo was born on December 23, 1954, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

A resident of Santa Maria, CA for 30 years, Pablo is survived by his wife of 48 years, Alice Ramos and his son, Pablo Antonio Ramos. Pablo leaves behind a legacy of love through his four adored grandchildren: Marcos, Myá, Martiza, and Mateo Ramos, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Milo and Nehemiah.

Pablo was a proud and valiant 20-year Army combat veteran, enlisting in 1973 and retiring as a SFC in 1993. His distinguished service included being a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and a ROTC Instructor at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. Stationed in various corners of the globe including Germany, Korea, Ft Lewis Washington, Ft. Belvoir Virginia, and Ft. Campbell Kentucky, Pablo was the Acting First Sergeant of the 41st Combat Engineer Company attached to the 101st Airborne. His courageous service extended to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, earning him the esteemed Bronze Star among numerous other accolades.

Post-retirement, Pablo embarked on a second career at the California Department of Corrections, California Mens Colony - San Luis Obispo, where he served diligently from 1994 until his retirement in April 2014. A dedicated member of the CMC Honor Guard, he continued to exemplify the highest standards of duty and honor.

In the heart of his home, the kitchen, Pablo wove countless memories with his mastery of Puerto Rican cuisine, leaving an indelible mark on his family. His spirit, a beacon of love, kindness, and curiosity, will forever illuminate the lives he touched. As we bid farewell, we hold onto him in our cherished memories, for in those moments, he lives on.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nurses and doctors at Marian Regional Hospital and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Hospital for their unwavering care.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 am on Friday, November 10, 2023, at St. Louis de Montfort Church, with interment to follow in the South Lawn of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation, https://fisherhouse.org/

Our loving mother, Suzanne Florence Tosti was granted her angel wings on October 20th, 2023. She was one week shy of her 79th birthday. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loved ones. Suzanne will be missed by her family and friends, whom she loved and appreciated.

Born to Suzanne and Israel Mendoza in Pasadena, California on October 27th, 1944. She moved to Los Alamos at the age of 4 years old with her mother and sister, after her father’s passing from an automobile accident. Suzanne attended Los Alamos Elementary and Santa Maria High School; she remained in Los Alamos for over seven decades.

On May 20th, 1960 Suzanne married the love of her life, Franklin Tosti and they were blessed with two children, Stephanie and Franklin. They shared 50 years together before she lost her beloved husband and best friend in 2010. Her greatest pride and joy were her family. She loved unconditionally, family was important to her and she loved spending time with her children, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and would have become a great-great grandma in February 2024.

Suzanne had many friends in the community over 75 years. She will always be remembered for her kind and loving heart. She was actively involved in the Los Alamos Senior Center, the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She also volunteered at the food bank in her hometown for many years. Every Christmas, Suzanne collected and donated gifts for the local families and children for the When You Wish Upon a Star program.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her Fathers Israel Mendoza and Leonard Valenzuela, Brother Leonard Valenzuela Jr, Mother Suzanne Valenzuela, Husband of 50 years, Franklin Tosti and Grandson Christopher Simpson.

She is survived by her daughter Stephanie Simpson, son Franklin Tosti Jr. (Jody); grandchildren Frank Tosti, Matt Tosti, Danielle Simpson; great grandchildren Brooke, Bailey, Karlee and Jayce Tosti, Jetti Sullivan, Michael and Andrew Gaitan and Cody Bridges; sister Olivia (Keith) Bugal. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones. The family would like to thank Dignity Health Hospice, especially Donna and Vicki for their guidance and care during this journey.

Funeral Mass will be at 10am Wednesday, November 1st at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, 270 Helena Street in Los Alamos. Interment will follow at the Los Alamos Cemetery. Reception after at Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, 429 Leslie Street.

Family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club: Suzanne Tosti – When You Wish Upon a Star.

James E. May, 77, of Santa Maria, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be posted soon.

With a heavy heart I announce the death of Richard “Rick” Burnside. Beloved Father, son, uncle, brother and grandpa.  He peacefully passed away on October 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm in Santa Maria, CA. Rick was born on October 29, 1954 in Pennsylvania to Albert and Dorthy Burnside. 

Rick is preceded in death by his Father “Bud”, Mother “Dolly”, Sister “Ruth” and his love, Debi Salisbury. 

He is survived by his daughter, Heather Thompson, of Las Vegas. Her husband, Kevin Thompson, and grandchildren Julianna, Ilena and Leland.  Sister, Terry Burnside, Niece Tara Facini, Nephew Chris Ghrist and Debi’s children Amanda Irwin and DJ Salisbury. 

Rick relocated his family to California, from Pennsylvania to begin a new career in 1986 at PG&E where he retired from in 2019 after thirty three years of employment.  Ricks first love was the ocean. His favorite past times with his friends was scuba / free diving, softball, football and marksmanship. Close behind was wine tasting and enjoying restaurants where his travels took him to. 

There will be a celebration of life held at his home away from home, Costa de Oro Winery Tasting Room, catered by his dear friends of Cool Hand Luke’s on Saturday, December 2, 2023 12:00pm-3:00pm. 

James Donald Porter, 101, of Santa Maria, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Memorial Services and obituary are pending.

Silvester "Sky" Esparza, 90, of Santa Maria, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Private cremation was requested.

Leone "Lee" Knotts, 80, passed away peacefully in Santa Maria, CA on October 9, 2023. Lee was born April 5, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. Lee is survived by her three children Cheryl (Allan) Ausan, Paul (Rene) Sagisi and Scott (Lena) Sagisi, 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, her siblings Jackie (Jesse) Anaya, Ray (Deedee) Urbano, George (Cindy) Urbano, and numerous extended family members and friends. Lee was preceded in death by her husband James "Beagle" Knotts, her parents Ray and Leone Urbano and other loved ones.

Lee worked many jobs throughout Santa Maria Valley including The Boys, Bud Wong's, Butch Cassidy's, and Rancho Bowl. She loved going on trips with her family and having monthly lunch dates with her friends. Lee's favorite thing to do was to go to her grandchildren and great grandchildren events, but most of all her daily McDonalds' Frappe.

Chapel service will be 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery. 

A reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Big Hall at the Filipino Community Center, 2270 Preisker Lane, Santa Maria.

After battling his lengthy illness from early onset Alzheimer’s, David Jon Avila met his calling on October 7, 2023 to go knocking on heaven’s door. Born on March 1, 1956, to Louis and Marie Avila, he prided himself on being born and raised in the Santa Maria area where he attended Orcutt area schools, meeting so many life-long friends most of which he considered his family. Starting his early school days at Nightingale, he soon transferred to the newly built Saint Louis de Montfort School and was one of the first full graduating classes. As part of his extracurricular he enjoyed serving as an altar boy and helping to fix miscellaneous things around the school for the nuns. He went on to graduate from Righetti High School with his spirited class of 1974.

Dave’s passion for sports and early years of little league lead him to becoming a catcher for the Varsity baseball team and center for the Varsity football team. Dave took satisfaction in playing hard and he proudly coveted his award for “hardest hitter” in football. He played ball for the SM Indians during his late high school tenure and in alumni football games against the rivaled SM Saints. Prior to starting his own family, he shared his love and skills for the game as he coached little league baseball. Dave enjoyed watching and attending Angel Baseball and 49er football games with family and friends.

Dave started his career at a very young age by working at the family business, Avila Plumbing but his talent as a Journeyman Pipefitter/Welder was unsurmountable as he was very often called out by name from his local 403 union hall to work on high precision industrial projects at multiple nuclear power plants, refineries, government base installments, etc. He owned and operated his own Avila Welding & Fabrication business for many years while occasionally working an outage at Diablo Canyon. Dave was a very creative, mechanically talented inventor pulling miscellaneous parts from here and there to create things like a drivable wood splitter, mule drawn chariot, backyard conversation pits, and tow behind bbq pits. As part of giving back to the community he so loved he donated his time, hands, and creative energy toward multiple projects for the Vaquero’s, Elks, 4H and the VFW and DES BBQ areas.

Dave’s love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, entertaining, socializing, and his charismatic nature are what drew people to him, especially to one particular blonde, his equally congenial wife Shelly. He spotted her one day while Shelly was pitching softball on a team with some of his former high school friends. He swiftly reached out to said friends to inquire about her and soon gained her attention. After dating for a few years Dave and Shelly soon eloped in Tahoe along side a small group of good friends. Together they built a home, family, and wonderful life.

Dave and Shelly generously shared memorable moments with their many family and friends by spending time at their lake Nacimiento property which was built in RV park fashion with campsites for all and a large open deck area to gather. They also enjoyed entertaining by hosting multiple backyard bbqs, pig roasts, RV trips to beautiful lake or creek side venues, and their annual Christmas Eve parties. Among other things they enjoyed taking trips across the US and parts of Europe, the Azores, Ireland, Scottland, New Zealand and Australia. Dave very simply made friends everywhere. He was very charismatic and could charm all with his infectious laugh while leaving every venue with a smile on his face. He was a proud member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Vaqueros de los Rancheros, Elks, Eagles, DES, and VFW Auxiliary.

David is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Shelly, his beloved daughters, Katie and Linsey Avila, sister Linda (Kerry)Redford, nephews Brodie (Julee) Reyes and Adam Redford, his foster brother Sam Garcia and numerous family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Louis Avila and Marie Zemny, his sister Cathy Redford and father and mother-in-law Bud and Shirley Wedgeworth.

The family extends very loving thanks to the multiple family and friends who helped or dropped by during David’s illness. With very special thanks to Cristina Silviera and Lisa Ambrosetti, who’s help cannot be measured but so greatly appreciated. Also, a big thank you to Central Coast Home Health and Hospice. In lieu of flowers please donate to Alzheimer’s, Hospice or a charity of choice.

Scripture Services will be 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, Southlawn.

Albert Serna, 91, of Santa Maria, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023.

Albert was born on March 25, 1932 in Santa Maria to Jesus and Ramona Serna. He attended El Camino Jr. High and Santa Maria High School, Graduate Class of 1950 and Graduate of Allan Hancock College.

He was a devoted fan of many sports. He especially will be remembered for his passion of his favorite team, THE RAMS.

He too served in the Air force at age nineteen in 1952.

Albert’s hobbies were many especially when it came to traveling and camping with his wife, travels included Hawaii, Canada, Tennessee, New Orleans, and Caribbean Cruises. He also loved spending time working with wood. It was very special to him to be Santa Claus during the Christmas Holiday and bringing joy to all his grandchildren and his friends. Having all his family together was of most value. He was a devoted Catholic and Patriotic when it came to the American Flag, this he found very important. He was a former Elk member, a Knights of Colombus member, VFW member, American Legion and Disabled American Veteran member.

He was also employed for 34 years with Union Oil Co. Distributor and retired in 1995.

Albert is survived by his wife Virginia of 47 years, having their marriage blessed was such a special day as making it final due to faith. Albert is also survived by his daughters Patsy Hernadez, Debbie Martinez, Alberta Puertas, and son Leon Castillo. Grandchildren Jennifer, Michael, Vanessa, Celeste, Kenny, Marissa, April, Ricky, Gregory, Anthony, Zachary, Samuel, Tasha, and Luke; twelve great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; and sister Ceclia.

Albert was preceded in death by his sons Michael Castillo and Gregory Castillo, sisters Sophie Corral and Lyndia Cabrera, brother Robert Serna and parents Jesus and Romona.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at St. John Neumann Church. Interment will follow in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Maria Del Rocio Gomez Avila, 64, of Santa Maria, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 in Los Angeles.

Scripture Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow at a later date.

Lydia Theresa Rust peacefully passed away on October 3, 2023, at the age of 97 in Santa Maria, CA. She was born on April 4, 1926, in San Antonio, Texas.

Lydia was a woman of remarkable character, with a vibrant personality. From her infectious joy to her fun loving spirit, Lydia knew how to keep the good times going. 

Survived by her sister Elida Encino and children Tom Rust and Nancy DeMartini. Her grand children Connie Agbayani, Michelle Hewitt, Carolyn Doud, David DeMartini, and Danielle DeMartini. She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Lydia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick William Rust, her son Frederick Martin Rust, and her grandson Frederick Douglas Rust. Their presence will be deeply missed, but their spirits will continue to guide and inspire those who love them.

Lydia's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends, as she leaves behind a legacy of love and memories. So let's raise a glass and toast to Lydia's incredible journey. She taught us all how to live life to the fullest and may her spirit continue to leave a trail of laughter along the way.

Kevin Leonard Lehman, age 62, of Orcutt California, died October 2nd of 2023 in Santa Maria. He was born May 17th 1961 to Ralph and Marge Lehman in Suffolk England. He married Melanie Bumann in August of 1981 and fathered two sons, Jay and Dustin. He worked as an auto mechanic his entire life and gave most of his professional life to Madland Toyota in Santa Maria. To say he was an avid mechanic would be an insulting understatement; he lived and breathed the tools, spark plugs and oils of his trade. He was also a constant collector of everything from records, coins, lawnmowers, motorized scooters, rare tools and wrenches and wrenches and wrenches. He was a lifelong Old Orcutteer, well known and much loved about town. He is survived by his sons, Jay and Dustin Lehman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother's Dennis and Lee.

His memorial and celebration of life will be November 18th from

2 – 6 pm at the Orcutt Lion's Club at 126 Broadway St. 

Jerry Paul Sesto, long-time resident of Santa Maria, passed away peacefully on September 16^th in Rohnert Park, California.

Jerry, the youngest son of Joseph Sesto, Jr. (aka Mr. Santa Maria) and Philomena “Phil” Dorothy Donnermeyer Sesto, was born in 1940 in Omaha Nebraska. The Sesto family moved to Glen Ellyn, Illinois and Fort Wayne, Indiana, before settling in Santa Maria in 1950. Jerry attended St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic school from 3^rd through 8^th grade and graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1959. Jerry attended Woodbury University in Los Angeles, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Nu Fraternity, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1963. He then completed a tour of duty in Europe with the United States Army and returned to Santa Maria in 1968.

Jerry was known in the community through his involvement in a variety of work and volunteer endeavors. Jerry was the manager of Bills Take-out in the 1970s and Alexander’s Harvest in the 1980s-1990s. Jerry obtained his Property & Casualty Insurance License and managed the San Luis Obispo location of Sesto Insurance Services for his brother, Joe, until 1994. He supported local youth programs, such as Little League, the American Youth Soccer Organization, and was involved in efforts that raised funds for youth recreation. Jerry was also active with the Santa Maria Valley Jaycees, providing opportunities for young men between the ages of 18 to 36 to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others. In his downtime, Jerry loved a good road-trip and would take the opportunity to hop in his car to go on sightseeing adventures along the highways of California, as well as cross-country. In 2006, Jerry took a road-trip back to his old stomping grounds in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana.

Jerry was a man who valued family and created long-lasting friendships in his 83 years of life. He is preceded in death by his parents, younger sister Maryjo Sesto Baez, grand-nephew Drake Norup, and his partner of over 35 years, Francisca “Carling” R. Baysa. He is survived by his brother Joe (Sandee), nieces and nephews Susan Merla, Joseph “Bart” Sesto, Mary Lynn Hayes, Andrea Norup (Kim), Gino Sesto (Patina); grand-nieces and grand-nephews Jennifer, Steven, Joey, Jack, Marisa, Dexter, Skyler, and Penelope; great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews Riley, Parker, Penelope and Piper; step-daughter, Joannette Baysa Fong (Don) and was Grandfather (affectionately called “Cousin Jerry” because he was too young to be “Grandpa”) to Bryanna (Julian), Carissa and Ysabella. Jerry will be fondly remembered by those who knew him by his humor, his fun-loving nature and his tales of his life’s adventures with a sparkle in his eye.

A Funeral Mass will be held on November 13, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 414 East Church Street in Santa Maria. The Rite of Committal and Interment will be at the Santa Maria Cemetery, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Jerry’s honor to the American Kidney Fund (https://www.kidneyfund.org/give).

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Reuben Yanez Franco of Orcutt, who passed peacefully in his sleep September 26, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.

Reuben was born February 9th, 1936 to Frank Franco and Lenora Garcia of Holtville, CA. One of nine children, Reuben was a proud US Veteran of the Korean War as a gunner on a half-track. Reuben was a lifelong union worker. In 1981, he relocated from Holtville, CA to Orcutt, CA where he found his forever home. It was here, he was able to watch the family he created with his loving wife Isabell flourish and grow. 

Among the many suits he wore, he was a soldier, husband, dad, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He will never be replaced and will be missed by all. 

Reuben was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Isabel Nogales Franco. Mother, Lenora Garcia. Sisters, Pat Fregozo and Francis Necochea. As well as brothers, Manuel Franco and Joey Garcia. In addition to his grandson, Jason Paul Ontiveros Jr. 

Reuben's legacy will live on through his brothers, Adolph and Fred Garcia. Sisters, Agnes and Lupe. His children, Ronnie, Randy, Cindy, Reuben Jr and Lenora Franco. He was greatly loved by his 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. As well as, Mandy Trujillo, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Reuben was a dedicated family man, a father to all who needed, loving and the best man we know. He will forever be missed. We hope to carry on his memory with pride.

We love you Dad/ Tata/ Big daddy. Until we meet again. 

Services will be held October 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory, 600 East Stowell Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93458. Precession to follow at Santa Maria Cemetery.

Joseph R. Pospisil, 74, of Santa Maria, passed away Friday, September 22, 2023.

A Memorial Service will be held 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 333 Hidden Pines Way, Santa Maria, CA 93458.

Florence Koehler, 87, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Marian Convent in Santa Maria. She was born on September 9, 1936 in Bellingham, Washington. The second-born of six children (five girls and one boy) of Max and Agnes Buckenmeyer Koehler, she attended Catholic Schools in that city and in 1954 joined the Sisters of St. Francis at the novitiate house in Sierra Madre, California. From 1957 to 1975 she taught in elementary schools in Montana and California. She professed her perpetual vows on August 19, 1963 at Mount Alverno in Redwood City, California. She held a B.A. from Notre Dame College in Belmont, California. In 1975 through 1979 she served as a Nurse Aide in Guaymas, Mexico with the Franciscan Friars who had a mission there. She served as local minister for the sisters at Marian Residence in Santa Maria from 1982 to 1987 and again from 2006 to 2013. She also served in this capacity with the sisters of the same congregation residing in Alliance, Nebraska. She was adept as a massage therapist and shiatsu practitioner, attending classes at Hancock College for a number of years. Officially retired in 2014, she first lived at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland, California and in 2020 at Marian Convent in Santa Maria. Sister Florence was a woman of beauty, inside and out and an artist of living in the slow lane of prayer and compassionate service.

A vigil service for her will take place on Monday, September 25 at 7 pm at Marian Convent Chapel. Mass of the Resurrection will be on Tuesday, September 26 at 11 am at the same chapel. Msgr. Emigdio Herrera will preside. She will be buried in the Santa Maria Cemetery with her blood sister, Sister Maxine Koehler, also a Sister of St. Francis, who died in 1999. 

Alice Machado Kelly was born January 30, 1950, to Joseph and Constance Machado. For the first three years of her life, she lived in a two bedroom farmhouse on Suey Road, with her parents and Joe’s brother Frank, his wife Isabell (who was Connie’s sister). By the way, they were wedded in a double wedding ceremony. Also, there were Alice’s older sisters, Patricia and Joan plus their double cousin, Frank Jr. When Maryann was born, the house got too crowded and Alice’s family moved to the Machado Ranch closer to Santa Maria. When the ranch was subdivided, Joe and his mother kept their houses and a new street named after Joe’s horse buckskin was built. A fifth daughter Susie was born.

Alice attended Saint Mary’s Catholic school and Santa Maria high school. After graduation she followed some good advice from her mother and applied to the utility companies. This started a 36 year career with PG&E. Besides baking cakes Alice’s favorite hobby was shopping. Especially at Pic’n Save/Mc Frugals /Big Lots.

Alice married her high school sweetheart Frank Lopez. The union produced two daughters Melissa and Melanie. In November 1989 Alice married her second husband, Patrick Kelly, who had four children, Kathleen, Michael, Jonathan, and Yin.

Late in life, Alice was diagnosed with a leaky heart valve, and in June 2021 with Lewy body disease. Luckily, she passed away from the heart problem and poor medical care before the Lewy body disease could get her.

Alice is survived by her four sisters, husband Patrick, children, step children, 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Alice was a loving devoted mother and grandmother, faithful spouse and a good friend.

A visitation will be held 5 to 7 PM on Friday, September 22 and a service at 10 AM Saturday. Both at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 E. Stowell Rd. Interment will be at a later date.

Maria Julia Meneses, 89, of Santa Maria, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Services will be private and an obituary will be posted soon.

“I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday, and I love today.” -William Allen White

Roma passed away peacefully on September 8, 2023. Left to mourn her loss is her loving husband Ihor, beloved son Marko (Diana) and beloved daughter Vera (Bryan); her mother Maria, her sisters Christine and Myra (Ken); her brother Andrew (Tamara, deceased); large extended family, longtime dear friend Roma B., and friends. Roma was predeceased by her father Roman and brother George.

Roma was born in Toronto, Canada in 1952. At an early age the family moved to Winnipeg where her dad began working for Agriculture Canada as a veterinarian.

Roma and Ihor met as teenagers and enjoyed Winnipeg summers at the beach. After they both graduated from university they married in May, 1975. They travelled and vacationed as a family to many Canadian provinces and American states, yet California always seemed like home. In 1995, Ihor accepted an opportunity to relocate to California to practice medicine. In 2014, Roma and Ihor retired to the Central Coast of California and enjoyed their much-loved state – from the bucolic vineyards to the cities and the numerous quaint coastal towns.

Roma had an easy smile, a warm heart, a quick wit, and an open mind to all.

Roma embodied the spirit of Ukrainian love, wisdom, bravery, and resilience. At family gatherings her contagious laugh often ignited cascades of joy.

Roma nurtured the values of equality, tolerance, creativity, and an appreciation for music and the arts. Through her favorite songs, family anecdotes, and sheer love for her children, her memory and uplifting spirit live on.

My lovely, graceful, artistic, determined Rusalka is gone. I so love and cherish the life we made and enjoyed together. As always, the thought of her makes me smile.

A memorial service was held.

Special thank you to Dignity Home Health and Hospice Care for their comfort care, especially Lisa.

Vichnaya Pamyat – Memory Eternal

Slava Ukrainiy

Betty L. Palmquist, 86, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2023 in Los Osos, CA.

She was born Betty Prater in Santa Maria on May 28, 1937, the eldest of four daughters of Frederick & Alice Prater and was an alumni of Santa Maria High School. In addition to her incredible beauty, she was one of the kindest people you could ever know. She married the love of her life Thomas Palmquist in 1959, and they were married for 59 wonderful years until Tom’s passing in 2018. She loved gardening, dancing and listening to music.

She is survived by her sister Barbara, her sons Thomas & Eric, plus grandchildren Elizabeth, Grant and Madison.

Born in Malden, England in 1931. His parents were Cyril Newman and Dorothy Sinclair. His first year four years were spent in Molucca, Malaya. He returned to Surrey, England in 1935. Enrolled in St. George’s College, England in 1938. His father, who was in the British military, was lost in WWII when Japanese military forces took Singapore. When he was 14 his mother passed away. His mother’s youngest brother became his guardian. Laurence played rugby, field hockey and cricket for the St. George’s varsity teams at age 14. He played each of these sports for three years. In 1947 he was awarded a rugby cap. In 1948 he was captain of the gym and captain of the cricket team. After graduation in 1948 he went to work for the Bank of England and continued playing hockey for the South of England.

After working for a year for the Bank of England, he joined the Josephite Fathers in 1949 and took first vows in 1950. At that time, he took as his patronal name the name of Mark, the evangelist. While doing a two-year program in philosophy, he was appointed a house master at St. George’s College. In 1952 he entered Cambridge University and completed his master’s degree in 1956. While at Cambridge he played hockey and was awarded his hockey blue (playing against Oxford) for two years. He was under consideration for the English Olympic Hockey Team in 1956 but chose to continue his post graduate theological studies in Belgium. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. George’s College in 1960. 

After serving as a teacher and house master for three years at St. George’s College, he was sent to California by the Josephite community as part of the original group of priests to open St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria. After teaching for a year at Pius X High School in Downey California, as part of the process of acclimating to American culture, he accompanied three other Josephites to Santa Maria to open St. Joseph High School. The school was still in the process of being finished and classes were being held in unfinished rooms. He told stories of moving desks out of the classrooms to put down the tile flooring, of sand everywhere and the registration of the first students on the trunk of a car. He served as one of the original faculty members of St. Joseph High School, teaching theology and mathematics. The first principal of the school, Fr. Benet Woodman, C.J., returned to England after two years at St. Joseph and Fr. Mark became the second principal of the school in 1966 and served as principal until 1975. In 1966 he was appointed as the second principal of St. Joseph High School and served as principal until 1975. He then served as chaplain for the school from 1975-1987. During that time he founded the school’s Campus Ministry and Retreat programs. He served as principal a second time from 1987-1990. In 1990 he was appointed as pastor for St. Louis de Montfort parish in Santa Maria and served in that role until 2001 and then as associate pastor (emeritus) until 2019. In his “retirement” (Josephites don’t retire. They, like old soldiers, just slowly “fade away.”), he served as chaplain at juvenile hall, celebrated Mass several times a week for the retired Sisters of St. Francis who have a retirement home in Santa Maria and continued to offer spiritual counselling and guidance to members of the Santa Maria Catholic community.

Fr. Mark is a man of deep faith and compassion. The example of his life and the service of his ministry touched thousands of souls at both St. Joseph High School and St. Louis de Montfort parish. He will be deeply missed here but warmly welcomed in the Kingdom by the Lord whom he so faithfully served.

Laurence (Fr. Mark) is survived by his niece Jane Wallum of Crescent Head, Australia and cousins, David Newman, Jennifer Grohs and Maria Vanderbyl. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters Robin (Newman) Wall and Margaret Newman.

Rosary will be offered at 4:00pm on Friday, September 8th and Mass at 10:00am on Saturday, September 9^th. Both services will be at St. Louis de Montfort Church. Burial will be at 3:00pm on Tuesday, September 12^th in the Original Section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to St. Joseph High School - Josephite Scholarship Fund.

Brian Jay Harrison, 65, of Santa Maria, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023.

An obituary will be posted soon.

Esther Garcia was born February 12,1931 and was a beloved mother to five, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She migrated from Guanajuato in 1976 and spent the rest of her life in Santa Maria.

Esther's devotion to her faith kept her involved in the church choir where she expressed her love for singing. Her legacy will be remembered for cooking her traditional Mexican cuisine, gardening, aiding in church fundraisers, and her commitment to helping the less fortunate. She was surrounded by her cherished loved ones and passed peacefully on August 31, 2023.

Visitation will be 4:00p until 6:00p on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at St. John Neumann Church. Interment will follow in the Southlawn section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Originario de Sandías, Telehunes Durango México Hijo de Florencio Garcia y María de los Ángeles Granillo.

Sus hermanos Carmen García Granillo ✝️ y su hermano Santiago García Granillo.

Salió de su pueblo natal Durango en el año 1961 llega a Tijuana Baja California. Trabajo en construcción asta poder comprar su casa. En el año 1985, emigró a California con muchas ganas de prosperar y salir adelante. Trabajo arduamente en los campos de cultivo de uvas. Siempre lo gusto trabajo y cultivar la tierra pues era lo que más le gustaba y le hacía feliz. Después de muchos años, se retiró para seguir su propio cultivo en casa de sus árboles fruitales y no olvidemos sus nopales.

Papa partió rodeado de sus seres queridos esposa María Elia García Peinado. Sus hijos Angelita Jasso, David García, María Hilda Rishton, Pedro García, Ana Alvarez, Julia Acosta, Lorenzo García, 18 nietos y 12 bisnietos.

Con profundo amor y respeto, siempre en nuestros corazones.

Te amamos Papa.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at St. John Neumann Church with interment to follow in the Southlawn Section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Monique P. Villa, 82, of Lompoc, passed away Monday, August 25, 2023.

Services and obituary are pending.

Mary Raventos, 82, of Santa Maria, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023.

A Memorial Mass will be held 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023 at St. Louis de Montfort Church.

Graveside Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 West Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230.

A complete obituary will be posted soon.

Ron Lewis, 90, of Nipomo, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

A Memorial Mass will be announced soon.

Robert Earl Taussig, age 92, of Lompoc, went to be with our Lord on August 24, 2023 in Santa Maria, CA.

Robert was born on June 19, 1931 to Theodore and Rose Taussig. Robert was preceded in death by his mother Rose in 1979, father Theodore in 1995, brother George in 1994, sister Dorothy in 1997, and sister Marjorie in 2009.

Robert is survived by his daughter Sylvia Taussig, daughter Gloria Ontiveros and son-in-law Timothy Ontiveros; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, 3355 Constellation Rd, Lompoc, CA 93434 in Vandenberg Village.

James Raymond Foxen passed away at the age of 62 on the morning of August 17th, 2023, in the Magnolia Home in Santa Maria after his 9-year battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Born on October 24, 1960, Jim grew up in Los Angeles with his parents Patricia and Donald Foxen alongside his 5 brothers and sisters. 

He met his wife and best friend, Wendy Foxen, in Santa Barbara, and were married in 1985. Jim and Wendy owned a wedding photography business in Santa Barbara as Jim absolutely loved the art of photography and the stories his photos unfolded. Together, they had one daughter who they love dearly, Jamie Rae Foxen (30). 

Jim worked as a privately contracted truck driver for MTC Trucking Inc for over 20 years. His passions and joys in life included photography, boating days with friends and family on the lake, singing every chance he had, and spending time with Jamie. 

Jim was a Paul Harris Fellow and honorary Rotarian as his wife Wendy has been a member of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club for 22 years. Jim loved volunteering his time to the club and his community. 

What will be missed most about Jim is his ability to make anyone and everyone laugh. He was a bright light in any room, the life of every party, and above all else a great friend, son, husband, and Dad. Jim will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

A Memorial Service for family and close friends will be held at the San Ramon Chapel on Saturday, September 2, 2023. The family invites all who knew Jim to join them in a celebration of his life at 3 pm on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Riverbench Winery Farmhouse, 5780 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria. Memorial donations can be made to The Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary in lieu of flowers.

William "Bill Stevens III, 69, of Santa Maria, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023.

Private cremation was requested.

Barney "Aaron" Smith, Jr., 68, of Nipomo, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Memorial Services are pending.

Rogelio "Roger" Hernandez, 74, of Santa Maria, CA, passed away on August 9, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA. He was born on October 14, 1948 in Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, Mexico to Martina Aguilar and Esiquio Hernandez.

Rogelio worked as a Foreman at Tomooka Farms for 28 years and then as a Supervisor at Gold Coast Packing for 15 years. Before retiring, Rogelio started his own business, Hummingbird Produce & Berry Stand located at Sunny Acres in San Luis Obispo, CA. His friendly, kind and caring way of doing business garnered him many loyal clients many of whom became lifelong friends.

A dedicated father, a hardworking man and a constant friend, Rogelio left a lasting impact on those who knew him. He was a strong-willed and big-hearted individual. He always gave the best advice, lent a helping hand and could always be counted on. His knack for storytelling and a willingness to help others was unmatched.

Rogelio lived a rich and full life. He was an amazing gardener, a talented painter, and a musician, playing the guitar from a very young age. But what Rogelio loved most and above all, was his family. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchild were blessed with his unwavering love until the very end.

Rogelio will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be remembered for the strength, kindness, and the love he shared with those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Manlio Hernandez, sister-in-law Lupe Hernandez, sisters Aurora Hernandez and Zoila Ruiz, and brother-in-law Tino Ruiz.

Rogelio is survived by his sister; Consuelo Hernandez-Aguilar, his loving wife; Maria L. Hernandez, his children; Hilda Hernandez, Mayra Traughber-Hernandez, Rogelio (Mirtha) Hernandez Jr. grandchildren; Jessica Traughber, Isabella Hernandez, Madeline Hernandez, Rogelio "Rocky" Hernandez III, great-grandchild; Liam Traughber, and one other great-grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 17th in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 18th, 2023 at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria, CA, at 9:30 am, followed by his burial at Arroyo Grande Cemetery in Arroyo Grande, CA and a reception immediately after at the Ramona Park Hall in Grover Beach.

Isabel "Chavelita" Rodriguez, 73, of Santa Maria, passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023 followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home; visitation will close at 8:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2023 at St. John Neumann Church. Interment will follow in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Our beloved mother, Mary Jacqueline Brodhecker (known to friends and family as, “Jackie”) passed peacefully on July 30, 2023, at the age of 90(NINETY). She lived a full life and family members were by her side. Jackie dedicated her love to family and was happily married for 71 years to Floyd Brodhecker, whom she met while working as a skating carhop at BoBo’s Drive-In, Topeka, KS. Jackie was an optimist who loved life and will forever be remembered as a wonderful mother and person who was there when family or friends needed her assistance or just a smile. With many friends in the community, Jackie was a well-loved member of the First Methodist Church in Lompoc, CA, where she enjoyed volunteering in the front office after retiring from working various accounting positions on Vandenberg AFB. In addition, Jackie was proud to be a longtime member of PEO Chapter SQ. She also served the church as a designated “Lay Minister,” and felt privileged to deliver communion with words of inspiration, to individuals restricted or homebound and not able to attend church services. Then to others, Jackie was the “Sunday Cookie Lady” because of the cookies & pastries delivered for the socials held after services and other church occasions. Lest we forget the weekly Thursday Lunch Bunch gatherings that she would organize at various local Lompoc restaurants for friends and guests to gather and share stories and laughs. Her close friends and family remember Jackie for her exquisite fashion & designer style, often dressed impeccably in her favorite colors of pink or rose. Jackie was predeceased by Floyd L Brodhecker (Husband/USAF Ret), James Davis (Brother), and Carol Utech (Sister). She is survived by; Dennis Brodhecker (Son/Irvine, CA), Curtis Brodhecker (Son/Merritt Island, FL), Janet Dart (Daughter/Richland, WA), Karen Koltermann (Daughter/Clovis, CA) and Linda Bartlett (Daughter/Lompoc, CA). Jackie loved and was blessed with (6)SIX Grandchildren and (5)FIVE Great Grandchildren. 

As per Jackie’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Bruce William Popplewell was born in Redwood City, CA to James A. and Rowena Popplewell. Bruce and his family moved to San Jose, CA when he was in the 8th Grade.  He attended Mt. Pleasant High School, San Jose, for 9-11 grades and was part of the first graduating class of Silver Creek High School in 1970. He was the school photographer, yearbook editor, and played on the football team.

After high school, Bruce attended San Jose City College and was working for Safeway as a bagger. He worked his way up to manager over the course of his 20 plus years with the company and in the late 1990’s decided he wanted to pursue a different career. He enrolled at San Jose State University with a major of environmental studies and minor in human resources. Ultimately, with Bruce’s wonderful personality and charisma he landed as a recruiter in the human resources field where he remained until he retired in 2006. After retiring, he moved to Santa Maria, CA where he could enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle and his many hobbies at the same time.

Bruce had many passions in life: photography, owning and fostering dogs, traveling, and helping others but Bruce’s biggest and longest passion was racing. He loved any kind of motorsport but especially open wheel midget sprint cars and modified cars. Bruce raced cars but liked building them the most. He was the driver/owner of the #20 modified sprint raced at that San Jose Speedway. He also built cars for other racers and sometimes helped as part of their pit crew. He recently had been restoring a 1970’s vintage racecar. Bruce travelled all over the United States to different race venues to watch racing which contributed to a very large collection of souvenir shirts and some of his favorite racetracks were Laguna Seca Raceway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Indianapolis. 

Bruce was a kind and compassionate man who was loved by many. He will be missed by his long-time partner, MaryLou Kerwood; his two well-loved nieces, Michelle Ann Bennett and Mary Frances Popplewell; and his lifelong best friends, Jay Johnson and Robert Olsen. 

A celebration of life will be held at his and MaryLou’s home in Santa Maria on October 21, 2023.

Lewis Dale Jennings, (95) of Santa Maria, California, passed peacefully in his sleep on July 28, 2023.

Dale was born to Lee and Ima Jennings on January 31, 1928 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The family lived in Kansas City, Missouri until moving to Los Angeles CA when Dale was a young teenager. He attended high school in Los Angeles and was drafted into the Army shortly after graduation. He served in Japan shortly after WWII.

After discharge from military service he met and married Frances Bottoms in a ceremony in Yuma, Arizona. They made their home in Upland, California and their two sons, David and Stevan were born in Upland.

Dale started his career at Pacific Aircraft Corp. in Indio, CA where he was a purchasing agent. In 1960 Dale moved his family to Santa Maria and began working for Martin Marietta at Vandenberg AFB. There Dale worked as a purchasing agent and worked his way to becoming an award winning Subcontracts Coordinator. He retired from Martin Marietta in 1985. He enjoyed bicycling, walks and traveling. He and Frances took their grandchildren on many trips.

Dale had a lifelong interest in world religions and became a devotee of Sathya Sai Baba after his retirement.

Dale is survived by his son Stevan Jennings (Ruthanne), his grandchildren, Brandon Jennings (Amanda), Melinda Soares, Melissa Singer (Jason) and 9 great-grandchildren. Dale was predeceased by his parents Lee and Ima, wife, Frances, son, David and daughter-in-law, Bobbe, and sisters Mildred and Margie.

Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home on Saturday Aug. 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow the service at Unity of Santa Maria, 1165 Stubblefield Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93455. Interment will be private.

Alex Mendoza, 91, of Nipomo, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023, at home with his wife, Rhonda, by his side. 

Alex was born November 27, 1931 to Monico and Beatrice Mendoza in Brawley, California. The family relocated to Blythe, CA, where Alex and his 4 siblings attended school. Alex did well in his studies, excelled in sports, and was a football star. Away from school he developed a strong work ethic while spending long summer days toiling in the field, helping with the family’s farm and field labor business. 

Following high school graduation, Alex earned an AA degree in Ornamental Horticulture, then enlisted in the Air Force where he proudly served for 4 years. He completed coursework at Cal Poly State University, Pomona and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture. He was the first Hispanic student from Blythe to earn a university degree. He began working as a landscape laborer in San Diego, where his work ethic, education, and bilingual/bicultural Spanish skills led to a supervisory position. Alex relocated to the Los Angeles area during the 60’s where he soon became successfully self-employed in the landscape maintenance field. Alex was an avid sports fan and surprised many visiting friends and family by escorting them to Rams football and Laker basketball games.

In the 70’s Alex moved to Nipomo, a small town on the California Central Coast, with his wife, Shelby (now deceased), step-son, Irving, and young daughter, Jennifer (now deceased). It was a big change in scenery and culture; however, it provided a much-needed break from the fast pace of Los Angeles. His A-frame home on nearly 2-acres became a remembered location for gatherings and annual events. Alex, the ever caring and gracious host, would hold parties and get-togethers to the delight of family and friends on a regular basis. His famous celebration on Easter Sunday included a spit roasted lamb, tri tip BBQ, musicians, ethnic side dishes and outside dining with the best mix of friends and family. Everyone left with memories to last a lifetime.

Alex enrolled in a recovery program that led to his entry into Counseling and Guidance studies at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo. In 1978 he earned a Master of Arts Degree and was employed as a therapist, counselor, and counseling supervisor of alcohol and recovery programs for various agencies on the Central Coast. Once again, his caring nature, love of helping others, and exceptional temperament surfaced in his work. Alex simply remembered the words of his mother – “Help others, do good for others” – and put them to practice throughout his life. 

After 8 years as a counselor, Alex returned to his love of work in the business of landscaping, design and gardening. His background and education qualified him for a highly sought after position as Grounds Maintenance Superintendent for a large estate and working cattle ranch in the prestigious Santa Ynez Valley. The valley is known for large equestrian farms, wineries, and celebrity owned estates. This cattle ranch subsequently sold and became famously known as Neverland Ranch. He was assigned to maintain the estate in pristine condition and he executed large landscaping projects that utilized his skills and showcased talents.

Alex co-designed and built a beautiful home on the Nipomo property that boasted a spectacular view of the fields and famous clamshell hills. Soon after he met and married the forever love of his life, Rhonda in 1993. Everyone who visited their home with the ultimate in landscape and breath-taking views enjoyed their warm hospitality. Many family and friend gatherings were held there over the years and became the hub for special events. Although Alex retired in 1996, he continued his love of landscape care and gardening with his wife Rhonda at his side. They kept busy with family, grandchildren, traveling, and various projects at home.

In 1996, Alex, family and friends suffered the untimely death of his 32-year-old daughter, Jennifer Paula Mendoza, from breast cancer. It was a time of great sorrow for all who knew and loved this amazing woman.

In his late 80’s Alex was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He battled this disease with dignity and a determination to live the best life possible through activity, exercise and caring for his family. He became actively involved in programs that provided education, exercise, classes and an opportunity to forge friendships with others suffering with this disease.

In his final years, Alex drew close to his faith in God and his acceptance of Christ as his Savior. Blessed with his Catholic faith from birth and his wife’s strong Christian faith, he spoke openly to his loved ones of his belief in his transitioning from this life on earth to his eternal home in Heaven. 

Alex will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. He will be forever remembered for his positive influence, his mentorship of so many, his love of family and the great man that he was to us all.

He is survived by his wife Rhonda; sister, Mary Lou Mason; stepson, Irving Wheeler (Lola); son, Christopher Garland (Lisa); daughter, Kathy Zour (Brett); six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Alex was preceded in death by his parents Monico and Beatrice Mendoza; daughter Jennifer; sisters Erma and Claudia; and brother Bill. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 298 S. Thompson Avenue, Nipomo CA. A reception to honor the deceased will immediately follow the mass, in the St. Joseph Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Alex’s family is requesting donations be made to persons living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Please send donations to Neurofighters, P.O. Box 2100, Orcutt, CA 93457. A letter of acknowledgement and appreciation will be sent to donors of this worthy cause that made such a difference in Alex’s life.

Amanda Marie McCorkle peacefully earned her wings on July 23, 2023, in her own home, surrounded by those who loved her. She was born on October 22, 1982 in Santa Maria to Karie and Scott McCorkle. She graduated from Righetti High School in 2000 and later attended schools for the blind in Riverside and Albany. She often volunteered at the Santa Maria Animal Shelter. 

Amanda battled severe illness for most of her life, but never lost her grit and tenacity. She was fearless and tough but also loved to laugh, especially at her own jokes. She spent many years horseback riding at the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, where her connection with animals brought her much comfort and strength. She loved creating art, downing Diet Cokes, singing along to Country music, watching clouds go by, and buying Christmas presents eight months in advance. She gave the very best hugs. She was dearly and fiercely loved. 

Amanda is predeceased by grandmothers Dorothy Hill and Violet Budgell, and her grandfather Jim McCorkle. She is survived by parents, Karie and Scott, sister Rachaelle and brother in law James, nephew Theodore, newborn nieces Evangeline and Eloise, grandfather Kent Hill, Aunt/Uncle Terra and Rick Larry, cousins Anthony, Joey and Miranda Larry, Uncle/Aunt Gary and Sandi Hill, cousins Kim Hill and family, Gary Hill, Jr. and family. Her guide dog, Scout, surely greeted her with much enthusiasm after patiently awaiting her arrival on the other side. 

The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Amanda’s name to the Ronald McDonald Camp for Good Times, which impacted her life so positively, at rmhcsc.org/camp

Shari L. Rich (Kennard) passed away on July 11, 2023, surrounded by her family, friends, and fur babies. Shari was born on September 15, 1949, in South Porcupine, Province of Ontario, Canada, to George James Kennard and Irene Kennard (O’Gorman). A few years later, her family moved to Vancouver before moving to Los Angeles when Shari was young. It was as a young teenager in Los Angeles, California, that she developed her proficiency at cleaning, being tasked with cleaning the vacant units in the apartment building her parents owned. Her love of cleaning, and for sharing with others the art of cleaning properly, remained throughout her life. 

At this time, she was also active in the Brownies and Girl Scouts, and often reminisced about her favorite excursion where her troop got to take a sailboat out for a week. She graduated from Grant High School in Van Nuys in 1967 and was thrilled to attend many high school reunions, including the 55^th reunion held in 2022. After high school, she attended UCLA and received her Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s degree. One of her favorite memories, and likely her favorite trip, was a two-and-a-half-month-long trip with her dear friend to Europe after her UCLA graduation. In 1971, she married R. Gregory Rich, and they had two children, Jeremy Rich and Valerie Weber (Rich). For the next decade, Shari moved to various places including Houston and Chicago, where she made other lifelong friends. In 1985, she came back to California and settled in Santa Maria, happy to enjoy the pleasant southern California weather while being further away from the big city. 

During her life, Shari worked a variety of jobs, including being a kindergarten teacher and a bookkeeper for a small construction company, but her favorite job by far was computer programming. She was involved in computer programming in the early days of computers in the 1970’s and was proud of being the only female in a group of male programmers. Always a fan of a good puzzle and witty company, she loved working with other brilliant minds who all enjoyed composing amusing limericks in their downtime. Her love of puzzles was a constant source of joy and entertainment in her life, and she loved nothing more than spending hours on a ridiculously difficult jigsaw or logic puzzle. 

Aside from puzzles, anyone that knew Shari knew of her love of animals. It began when she was a toddler and one of her favorite memories of her sweet dad was of him arriving home from work one day wearing an overcoat, then calling her over as he opened each side to reveal two kittens that were for her. She felt blessed to have shared her life with 25 animals over the years, including some of her favorites, Finnian, Tara (so loving and lovably unintelligent), Tigger (the dog cat), Bandit (cuddly and clever), Sammy (fluffiest co-worker and loyal friend), and Bailey (possibly the sweetest dog ever). She could often be spotted with long, white fur accessorizing her outfits, firmly believing that “no outfit was complete without fur.” 

She loved her children and took delight in their accomplishments over the years, however big or small. Shari believed a mother should be her children’s biggest cheerleader and she could always be counted on for support. Always interested in expanding their horizons and creating family memories, they took many road trips, including to see Zion and Bryce and Lake Powell. One particularly memorable vacation was to Yosemite in 1992, where a bear attempted to shorten the vacation by breaking and entering into all the white Toyota Camrys, including that of their tripmate. 

She will be remembered as a good friend; a witty conversationalist with a keen sense of humor; an unconditionally loving mother whose children were always perfect in her eyes; an avid appreciator of folk music, musicals, and classic movies; a gardener who loved spending hours puttering in her yard; and an extraordinary lover of animals.

Shari is survived by her children, Jeremy Rich and Valerie Weber (Rich); her grandchildren, Owen Rich, Evangeline Rich, Colin Rich, Leah Rich, Sophie Weber, and Henry Weber; her nephew, Glenn Kennard; and her fur babies, Colleen, Tinkerbell, and Callie. She is predeceased by her parents, George James Kennard and Irene Kennard (O’Gorman). 

In lieu of flowers, Shari kindly requested donations be made to the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society (gprs.rescuegroups.org), a volunteer run non-profit organization that helped her find a few of her best friends. 

A memorial service will be held on September 23, 2023, at 11:00 A.M., at St. Joseph Seminary at 180 Patterson Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455, followed by a reception at Shari’s house.

It is very heartbreaking to announce the unexpected passing of Cynthia Marie Dominguez. She was born on February 22, 1987 in Indio CA and passed away on July 5th, 2023 at the age of 36 in her home in Santa Maria CA. Cynthia lived her life in Coachella, Indio, Mecca, Nipomo and Santa Maria CA. She attended Coachella Valley High School for the class of 2005 and later moved up North to be closer to family. Once in Santa Maria she worked as a caregiver where she later worked towards obtaining her G.E.D in 2015. After the passing of her Beloved Brother, Ruben Gutierrez Jr. or “TanTan” as we all knew him, her Mother decided to move back to the Coachella Valley where Cynthia followed and continued her education at C.E.T. In 2018 she received her Certification as a solar panel installation technician, she then worked installing solar panels in the Valley till the day she decided to move back to Santa Maria in 2020. Cynthia then continued to work as a caregiver alongside her mother and sisters, caregiving for her elderly clients was not only a job but she was very passionate and had a lot of compassion.

At her last days Cynthia was a loving and caring caregiver. She is survived by her Mother Jeanette Reyes, older sister Marlene Gutierrez, little sister Maryjane Campos, niece & nephew Vincent & Chloe Gutierrez, brother Israel Dominguez 

Proceeding her in death: (Mother’s side) beloved grandmother Mary Gonzales Reyes (Nannie) beloved brother Ruben Gutierrez Jr,”TanTan” cousin Maribel Sanchez, and uncle Frank Gonzales. (Father’s side) her beloved Grandmother Benita , Grandfather Arthor Sr and father Arthor Jr, and uncle Joseph and Anna Dominguez

Visitation will begin 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023; followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the South Lawn section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Eulalia “Eulie” Rubalcaba Atoigue, 62, passed away on July 4, 2023, at her home in Santa Maria. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico on September 11, 1960, Eulie moved with her family as a youth to California's Central Valley. When she was in high school, she relocated to Santa Maria, which became her permanent home.

Eulie graduated from Allan Hancock College and worked as a court interpreter at the Santa Maria Courthouse. More recently, she combined her passions for art and gardening and started her own business, "Eulie's Succulents." She was a staple at Downtown Fridays in Santa Maria selling her potted plants, which were nothing short of works of art. 

Eulie is survived by her husband Joe Atoigue; step-daughter Alethea Pickens and her husband Jamie; step-son Dom Atoigue and his wife Jennifer; grandchildren Connie and Charlie Pickens, and Inda and Ava Atoigue; mother Maria Del Socorro L. Ruiz; sisters Rebecca Magana, Sofia Lariz, Rosa Lacy, Raquel Rubalcaba, Sylvia Rubalcaba and brother Ricardo Rubalcaba; and her faithful Pug companion, Pago. Eulie was preceded in death by her father, Antonio L. Rubalcaba.

Public visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home on July 20; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on July 21 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, South Lawn.

Loving father, Joaquin Cardenas, age 56 of Nipomo, passed away on July 3rd, 2023. Joaquin is survived by his wife, Luz Cardenas, and four children, Jennifer, Karla, Daniela and Adrian, along with grandchildren Alessio and Emilio. 

Joaquin moved to the US at age 15; with his hard work, he was able to create the American Dream for himself and his family by starting a Mexican restaurant, El Pueblito (Santa Maria) from the ground up in 1997. Joaquin was well loved by family, friends, and community members all over the central coast. He was and will continue to be recognized for his generosity and cheerful demeanor, and his never ending love to all. His spirit will forever live on through his family and his legacy at the restaurant. 

We love you so much.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St. Louis deMontfort Church. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery - South Lawn.

Cruz Daniel Avila Soto, 32, of Santa Maria, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Services will be private.

Eloy Sanchez Gonzalez, 38, of Santa Maria, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Coast Valley Christian Fellowship, 2548 South Broadway, Santa Maria. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, South Lawn.

A complete obituary will be posted soon.

Carlos Leo Madrigal, 74, of Nipomo, California fell asleep in death June 29, 2023.

Carlos was born April 11,1949 to Antonio and Dorothy Madrigal.

Carlos was proceeded in death by his brother Leo in 2015. He is survived by his two sons Jeremy Carlos Madrigal and Cory Madrigal, three brothers Tony, Robert, and Rudy, three sisters Dolores, Lydia and Consuelo, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Carlos was a U.S. Army Veteran and served in the Vietnam War.

Carlos enjoyed Rock Hunting and the peace and tranquility of the foothills of Nipomo.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Nipomo. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 also at St. Joseph's Church. Graveside Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

David Campbell, age 50, passed away on June 27, 2023, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, he peacefully transitioned to a place of eternal rest.

Born on August 21, 1972, David was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a loyal friend. His kind heart, compassion, and unwavering support will forever be treasured by those fortunate enough to have known him.

David's passions were many, but his greatest joy came from coaching baseball/softball. He dedicated years to coaching our youngest son locally on the central coast and our youngest daughter for a significant period. He took pride in nurturing young talents, instilling in them the values of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship.

Additionally, he cherished the opportunity to connect with childhood friends across the United States through his annual participation in a fantasy football league. This brought him immense joy as he indulged in friendly competition and cherished the camaraderie with his lifelong friends.

Among his dreams, David aspired to become the World Series of Poker champion. Every June, he would venture to Las Vegas, fueling his passion for the game and chasing his dreams on the grandest stage. His love for poker was a testament to his adventurous spirit and his willingness to take calculated risks.

David's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Shannon, his cherished children, David Jr, Jakelyn, Cory and Kalie; their spouses, and 5 adoring grandchildren. He will also be deeply missed by his extended family and many close friends.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate David's life will take place 2:00 p.m. on July 22, 2023 at The Campbell Family residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to https://www.gofundme.com/f/david-campbells-fight-against-brain-cancer?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-heet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer  in David's memory.

May we find solace in the memories of David's vibrant spirit, his love, and the incredible impact he made on our lives. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy inspire us to cherish our loved ones, embrace each day with kindness and joy, and pursue our dreams with unwavering determination.

Magner - Maloney Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For further details and to offer condolences, please contact Shannon at 

[email protected] or (805) 357 - 8319.

Janis C. Johnson, 75, of Santa Maria, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Private cremation was requested.

Lavonne Jean Hanes went to her heavenly home after a brave battle with cancer, then kidney failure. She battled for the last five years to spend more time with her husband Gary Hanes, daughters Vicki Hanes and Cindy Hanes, sisters Janet Chiuppi and Kathy Blount, grandchildren Khristina Gutierrez, Marissa Gutierrez, JJ Ramon, and great-granddaughter Athea Kitchens, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She was welcomed to heaven by her parents, Leslie Arnold Sr. and Audrey Niemeyer, and brother Lesley Arnold Niemeyer Jr. 

She was generous, crafty, and often had a surprising sense of adventure. We will miss laughing with her, playing games at her insistence, her hugs and kisses, and the incredible love she demonstrated to everyone in her presence. We will miss her terribly, but we are so happy she is in a place with no cancer or illness. 

Her family would like to thank Dr. Dicarlo, the staff at UCLA Health, and the staff and nurses at Central Coast Hospice and Health Care for helping our family through the joys and trials of the last five years.

Lavonne was always one to have the last word in life; the occasion of her death would be no different. 

"I want people to know I had an excellent and good life, and I was happy to live as long as I did. Instead of crying over my departure, give someone else a hug for me. If you want to do more, buy a gift for someone for no reason other than to say I am thinking about you today.

Instead of flowers, you can make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in the name of my mother, Audrey Niemeyer, or to the Arthritis Association in the name of my father, Arnold Niemeyer, both of whom I have missed very much, but now I get to see them both. 

Remember and celebrate the good life I have had with my best friend, my loving and helpful husband Gary, my children, and grandchildren, all of whom I love so dearly.

All I really want is to ask that you keep God first in your life, and I will see you again someday."

~Lavonne

Martin Muñoz, age 64, passed Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Valley Presbyterian Hospital with his family by his side.

Martin was born on January 2, 1959 in San Benito, TX to Antonio and Gabriela Muñoz. Martin was raised in Santa Maria, CA along with his nine siblings. He attended local schools, however, graduated from Escondido Union High School in San Diego, CA. In the summer of 1976, Martin, 17 at the time, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; driving himself to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. He received a Rifle Marksman Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal. Martin completed his service and returned home in the summer of 1979.

Soon after his return, he met his wife, Mary Ann Gonzalez. They were inseparable from the moment they met and married the day after his birthday in 1987. They had three children: Alexis, Max, and Martin II. Martin always dreamed of raising his family in the country, as he wished to be away from the busy city. So he went in search of a piece of land to build a home for his family and he found it in Nipomo. They built their dream home on top of a hill and named it Montaña del Mar. Martin and Mary created a beautiful life together for 43 years. Mary longed to retire in the upcoming year and grow old together.

Most of all Martin enjoyed cooking and BBQing, shooting pool, chess, bowling, gardening, and playing tennis with his sons. He had a passion for vintage cars and motorcycles. Martin always played his music loud and proud. Martin loved to socialize because he loved people. He would quite literally give the shirt off his back to a stranger. He made friends with all those around him with his infectious personality.

Martin retired from the CA Department of Corrections at the CA Men’s Colony in February of 2009.

Martin is survived by his wife, Mary Ann and children, Alexis, Max, and Marty II. As well as his mother, Gabriela, and his siblings: Ramona, Alicia, Toni, Robert (Cathy), Antonio II, Jaime, Jose, and Juan. He is preceded in death by his father Antonio Muñoz, sister Trini Cuellar, nephew Antonio Muñoz III.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nipomo, with Military Honors to follow.

SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA – Josefina Antonio Garcia, aka Josie Palley, 40, passed away peacefully at home with her loved ones nearby on June 24, 2023. She had been battling Stage IV Colon Cancer for 17 months.

Josefina was born on November 26, 1982, to Gaudencio Antonio Venegas and Florencia Garcia in Asunción Ocotlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. She grew up there with her three sisters and two brothers, enjoying close family life in this small town. 

Josefina moved to Santa Maria in 2000, to continue her education at Hancock College, with interests in architecture, psychology, and counseling. She married Christopher James Palley on October 25, 2008, in Santa Barbara, California. In 2010, they moved to the SF Bay Area where Chris pursued his career and Josefina worked in retail before having their two children. Later, in 2019, Josefina and Chris decided to move back to Santa Maria to give their children a chance to grow up near their cousins, aunts, and uncles. It was a change for the better, to live a simpler life in this beautiful place.

Josefina was friendly, funny, athletic, and genuine. She had an eye for design, collecting a beautiful wardrobe and decorating her homes. She was always working to improve herself and her family. She seemed happiest while nurturing her children and when hosting large family gatherings at her home.

Josefina is survived by her husband, Chris; their children, Antonio and Mia; her parents, Gaudencio and Florencia; and her siblings, Maria, Eufracia, Elias, Bonifacio, and Catalina.

Services will be held at St. Louis de Montfort Church.

Rosary Service will be at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023. Interment will follow at the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Florence (Wattsie) Panella, age 88 passed away on Sunday June 11^th, 2023, peacefully at home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Colorado and lived in Orcutt, Ca. She enjoyed bowling, volunteer work, Bridge, trips to the Casino as well as family gatherings. She was much loved and will be missed by her family and friends every day. 

She is proceeded in death by her husband Pete and son Mark. Wattsie is survived by her son, Matt and his wife Renee’, and their two children Ashley, Jason and his wife Emily. And son Paul and his wife Dana and their two children Zack and Kathie with her partner Eric. And by Mark’s children Seth and Pilar and her husband Steven and their three sons, Jace, Luke and Truett, and many loved ones.

Graveside Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023 in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

We are sad to announce the passing of Javi Velasco Garcia of Nipomo. He died at age 33 on June 21, 2023. Javi passed away tragically leaving behind a loving mother and father, Javier and Olga Velasco, sisters Raquel and Olga, and his spouse Emily Villegas and children Santos and Saryah. The Holy Rosary will be at 5PM on Wednesday June 28th at St. Joseph’s Church in Nipomo. The Mass will be held at 11AM on Thursday, June 29th also at St. Joseph’s Church followed with a Burial at the new side of the Santa Maria Cemetery. He will be buried alongside brother Rene Velasco. Please join the family again at the St. Joseph’s Hall after the burial to come together in celebration of Javi’s life. 

Andrea Marie Hylton, 77, of Santa Maria, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Private cremation was requested.

Maureen E. Murphy, 42, of Santa Maria, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023.

For those who loved Maureen and wish to join her family and friends to share their memories and help celebrate her life please leave your contact information through the sympathy link below or text (805) 800-2949 so that we may let you know of the time and place. 

After a valiant fight with stage IV melanoma, Toni Elaine Chavez, 69, passed away peacefully on June 16th, 2023 in Santa Maria, Ca. surrounded by family. Born on April 15th, 1954 in Paso Robles, Ca, she graduated Paso Robles High School in 1972. Toni worked at the Department of State Hospitals for 30 years before retiring in 2021.

Toni, in her younger years, lived a short time in Kansas and also South Korea. After returning, she enjoyed being part of Central Coast Rolling Rooms Van Club. Toni was known for her kind, funny, caring, and loving personality. She was a devoted fan of the Raiders and loved Elvis, and her laughter was contagious with her snorts.

Toni is survived by her daughter Erica, and siblings Lillian, Dolores, Coni, Linda, Larry, and Leslie. She is preceded in death by her mother Julia, father Vicente, and siblings Victor and Nancy.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Toni's honor on August 26th, 2023 at 12:00pm at the Lakeside Terrace at Waller Park in Santa Maria.

Allen Bennett, Poppy to his loved ones, passed away at home on June 15, 2023, at the age of 80. Throughout his battle with medical issues in recent years, Poppy fought hard, all the while maintaining his sense of humor, his wit and charm, and above all, his love for his family. He was surrounded by his wife, Jerry, daughter Dayna, and his two grandkids, Logan and Hadley. His last word was simply “Love.”

Allen was well known for his love of fishing and nature. As a young man, he loved hunting and fishing, taking trips to Alaska to hunt and Mexico to fish on the open ocean. But he was happiest at home, out on the lake or surf fishing in Los Osos, and he spent hours in his boat or kayak just enjoying the outdoors.

He had an artistic side, and he pursued his creativity throughout his life. From the fly fishing lures he crafted when he was younger to the beautiful stained glass and blown glass art he created in more recent years, he was always exploring this creative side. Those lucky enough to have one of his stained glass or blown glass creations will treasure it forever.

Allen grew up in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara and Garden Grove and moved back to Orcutt in 1960 as soon as he finished school. He started working with John Inglis as a machinery mechanic, moved on to Western Refrigeration and then Simplot as manager. Dayna recalls lots of strawberries and broccoli growing up, the perks of the industry. Later he worked in the wine industry at Central Coast Wine Warehouse which he built from the ground up, including a bottling line used by winemakers all over the coast. His family especially enjoyed the perks of that job.

Allen met Jerry in 1961 and it was love at first sight, but they didn’t marry until March 1967. Their son Ron was born in 1968, and their daughter Dayna in 1972. In 2002 they welcomed grandson Logan Bennett, and in 2004, granddaughter Hadley Morgan. In 2006, honorary grandson Cai joined the crew. Allen and Jerry created a beautiful family and were married happily for 56 years. Theirs is a love story for the ages.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Harriet and his sister Jeanne. In 2007, he lost his beloved son, Orcutt Fire Chief Ronny Bennett, a loss that devastated the family but also made them closer.

Allen is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Jerry; his loving daughter, Dayna; his beloved grandchildren, Logan, Hadley and Cai Davis; his brother Mark and his husband Paul; numerous nieces and nephews as well as scores of wonderful friends and family who have been at his side over the last several weeks. His most treasured friend, Bill Inguito, was with him almost daily, sharing laughs and old memories.

Services will be held at Magner Maloney on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a short graveside service. A lunch reception will be held at the home of our cherished friends, Steve and Kelly Dominguez.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Allen’s memory may contribute to the Chief Ron Bennett Memorial Scholarship through the Allan Hancock College Foundation. 

https://www.hancockcollege.edu/foundation/give.php

Vitorio (Vito) Curaza Plaza, age 68, passed away June 14, 2023. He was born December 3, 1954 in Santa Maria, California to Jacobo and Virginia Plaza. 

Vito attended Robert Bruce Elementary School, El Camino Jr High School and Santa Maria High School. Where he was voted “Most Foxy Guy” class of 1973. He was a gifted self taught musician well known for his talents on the mic, keyboards, bass guitar and most notably the drums. He was in many bands from childhood into his adulthood. Family gatherings would often turn into impromptu jam sessions with brothers Jack and Tino; as well as the many lifelong friends to whom he considered family. The bond of music and friendship brought him great pleasure throughout his lifetime.

Vito was an innovator and creative thinker who found solace in building and tinkering on everything mechanical. In the late 90’s you could find him crushing the competition at the Santa Maria Fair in the annual mud bogging competition or cruising the Pismo Dunes in his man made monster truck (The Yellow Dog). 

Vito was a free spirit who was loved by many and will be truly missed. He is preceded in death by parents Jacobo and and Virginia Plaza. And brother Valentino Plaza. 

He is survived by his wife Linda Plaza, sister Denise (Tisa) Baldwin, brother Jack Plaza, daughter Nicole Ando, step sons Maurice LaFuente, Lee Peneranda, step-daughters Dena Peneranda, Victoria Peneranda, 2 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild. Family, friends and others who knew Vito will be invited to his Celebration of Life to take place later this month. More details will be forthcoming. 

Leticia Rivera, 59, of Santa Maria, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church with interment to follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Shirley Ann Lorencz, 88, sadly left her family to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on June 4, 2023. She was born in Nottingham, England July 13, 1934, to Lancelot and Dora Murdoch. 

After getting married to Steve Lorencz, she came from England in 1960 moving to Orcutt where she was a homemaker raising her four children. Shirley was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.  She loved spending time around family and friends, enjoying each moment. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren growing up and achieving their passions such as school performances, sports, dance & ballet, graduations, and careers.  She dearly adored watching her grandchildren becoming into their own. She was so proud of them as well as her own four children.

Some of her favorite past times were, baking, knitting sweaters, scarfs, Christmas Stockings, Barbie Doll clothes and reading a good British novel or British show to enjoy memories of England from afar while eating chocolates. She was a passionate gardener and would spend time working in her garden.  She loved watching the various flowers bloom in the Spring and throughout the year.  Her favorite flowers were red roses.  But she especially loved to feed the birds daily, since they would call to her throughout the day for her to feed them or come to her door to enjoy her loving spirit and kind heart. One last note, she was an avid 49ers fan since she came to this country.

Shirley is preceded by her father Lancelot Murdoch, mother Dora Murdoch, brother Derek Murdoch, and grandson Kyle Lorencz.

Shirley is survived by her four children Lee (Debra) Lorencz, Dale (Kathy) Lorencz, Ross (Kamron) Lorencz, Gail (John) Ruffo, seven grandchildren Dessura Lorencz, Justin Lorencz, Katie Lorencz, Paityn Lorencz, Brooks Lorencz, Brody Lorencz, Raquel Ruffo, and one great grandchild, Larissa Lorencz.  She will be greatly missed with a laugh that was infectious to all that heard it and may she lay in peace. Now she can get on the ballroom floor and dance away.

A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

On May 26, 2023, Margaret Fiechter passed away peacefully at age 64 after a long battle of lung and heart illness. Her joy for life and happy spirit kept her striving to live after receiving a recent heart transplant. As she gained her wings, her departure reminds us that angels are watching over us.

Margaret was an exceptional wife, mother, aunt, and friend. She cared deeply for her family, friends, and neighbors. She influenced all walks of life with words of wisdom and without judgment. She did this not out of obligation but because of who she was. She always ensured that every child that crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, fed, and happy.

Margaret had a keen interest in learning and supporting Native American culture both locally and across the United States. This was reflected in many areas of her life including home decor, attire, and her love for the outdoors. Spending time in the Los Padres Nation forest, particularly Mt. Figueroa and surrounding areas, brought her so much joy. Horticulture and gardening was an activity that brought her happiness as well. Anything from shopping, to caring for a variety of flowers and plants, brought her joy. She regularly attended orchid shows down in Santa Barbara with the companionship of her daughter Latisha and mother-in-law Ernestine.

Margaret was the proud mother of 4 children and enjoyed supporting their goals and sharing in their accomplishments. She is survived by her children: Danielle, Latisha and Justin Fiechter, and her 3 grandchildren: Destiny, Harper and Ashlyn May. She was reunited with her middle daughter Christina and late husband Darrell that preceded her. Margaret however, was considered as a mother like figure by her nieces Janina Sunderhaus, Jasmine Reed, and grand nieces and nephews, amongst many others.

Her family grieves her loss, but they take comfort knowing that she is reunited with her parents Joseph and Jane Matsko, husband Darrell Fiechter, brother Christopher Matsko, brother Jimmy Matsko, sister JoAnn Villaseñor and daughter Christina Fiechter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Marvin Roy Bailey, 89, of Nipomo, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Private cremation was requested.

Ben M. Masalta, 60, of Santa Maria, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Private cremation was requested.

Prudence "PJ" Landry, 80, of Santa Maria, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Private cremation was requested.

Flemming Bohman Rasmussen, 87, passed away on May 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV.

Flemming was born on May 1, 1936 in Odense, Denmark to Edvin and Esther Rasmussen. The family emigrated from Denmark to the United States in 1948; making Santa Barbara their home. In 1954 Flemming graduated from Santa Barbara High School. He joined the United States Air Force in 1955 at Vandenberg AFB and served until 1960. In 1956 the YMCA in Tucson, AZ was hosting a dance for the servicemen and that is where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Ruth Greer. They were married in October 1, 1957, Carolyn passed away on November 13, 2008. Together they owned and operated Rasmussen’s Danish Bakery until their retirement in 2006. After Carolyn’s passing, Flemming picked up bowling again, enjoying his time with friends and family; he also loved playing his card and word games.

Flemming is survived by his son Michael Edwin Rasmussen, daughter Diana Rasmussen Johnston and her husband Bruce, granddaughter Sarah Faith Johnston, sister Ulla Rasmussen Tucker, sisters-in-law Jeannette Greer Malkin and Marilyn Greer Caywood and husband Gene, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Michael Rasmussen, son and Cali their dog for their unconditional love and support during Dad’s life!

Flemming and Carolyn are now together in Heaven dancing and laughing together again.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.nevadavets.org.

Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023; followed by a Funeral Service at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Patti passed away May 11^th in Nipomo Ca from cancer. She lived in Redlands for 14 years and worked for Community Bank. Patti made many friends thru the Bank she will be very much missed for those who kept in touch with her. She was an animal lover she would feed the stray cats hanging around the parking lot. She is survived by nieces and nephews.

Clint Scruggs, 77, of Santa Maria, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 877 Francine Lane, Santa Maria. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Rosie Escutia, 87, of Santa Maria, passed away Monday, May 8, 2023.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023; followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be posted soon.

On April 11, 2023 Leon “Lee” Kroenke, Colonel USAF (Retired) entered into eternal life. Lee was born August 1, 1933 to Leo and Kathryn Kroenke in Dodge, Nebraska. He grew up on a farm where he was active in 4-H raising cattle, pigs, chickens, and driving a tractor in the fields when he was 10 years old. He graduated from High School lettering in basketball and track and was his class representative to Cornhusker Boys State in Lincoln. He pursued his education by attending the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force through the ROTC Program. While there he fell in love with Donna Rae Herde, a beautiful blue eyed, black hair gal from Columbus while they were at the University of Nebraska. They were married on June 30, 1956 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus. After a short honeymoon, Lee entered on active duty at Lackland AFB, Texas. He entered flight training and received his Silver Wings in 1957. Their first flying assignment was at Savannah, Georgia where their daughter Suzanne Rae (a southern belle) was born two years later. Other assignments took them to Michigan, South Dakota, Vietnam, California, Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington D.C. and then to Santa Maria. He received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio State University. While spending a full year of active duty in Vietnam he flew over 100 missions in Reconnaissance Aircraft. He was 1 of 16 Air Force Colonels selected to attend the US Army Was College. He was always proud to have his name on a plaque there along with previous graduates as General Patton, McArthur, Eisenhower and Patreous. His last assignment was Vandenberg AFB where he elected to retire 1982 after 26 years on active duty. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, The Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Commendation, The Marksman Medal among others.

Lee’s second career took him to the financial field where he was an Investment Broker and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) employed by A.G Edwards for 15 years. Donna and Lee loved to travel visiting countries in Eastern and Western Europe, Far East, Central America, the Caribbean and Hawaii. Together they enjoyed a total of 19 cruises on Princess, Holland American and Carnival cruise lines. After almost 55 years of wedded bliss, Donna passed away in 2011. Lee had a great sense of humor and was a devoted husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa. He loved and always supported and encouraged his grandchildren in their educational studies and sporting activities. He was a strong man with a very positive spirit who loved golf, country music, bowling, poker, black jack, and football. His favorite team was the Nebraska Cornhuskers. An avid poker player who often went to the Chumash Casino and Las Vegas. He was a member of St. Louis De Montfort Catholic Church, a 2^nd Degree Knight’s of Columbus member, a 50+ Club Member, Birthday Club and a former member of the Chamber of Commerce. He volunteered and enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels until his health no longer permitted it.

After Donna’s death, Lee’s passion for traveling and attending Air Force re-unions continued. At a re-union he met a former acquaintance from Shreveport, Louisiana. Nancy Huguley was a compassionate Air Force widow who later became a fellow traveler. Together they traveled and cruised to Hawaii and many places in the Caribbean.

Lee was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna, his parents Leo and Katheryn Kroenke, Sister Dodie Muhleisen, Betty Boyle and Brother Henry Kroenke. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne Kroenke-Behrick, grandchildren Danielle, Ashley and Michael and great grandchildren Dominic, Ashtyn, Christian, James, Mathew and Brielle all of California and brothers Bob of Fremont, Nebraska and Tony & Trina of Omaha, Nebraska along with sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Jim & Judy Herde, Marvin Boyle & Theresa Kroenke and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at St. Louis deMontfort Church. Interment will follow in the new section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Sara Cabrera 65, of Santa Maria passed away on April 4, 2023 surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with ALS.

Sara was born on November 9, 1957 in Santa Maria, Ca. to Joe and Jennie Cabrera. She attended Arellanes and Miller Elementary Schools, El Camino Jr. High, Santa Maria High and Cuesta College. She always said high school was the best years of her life. She married young and had four children and seven grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, her friends were very important to her. She loved going to car shows, thrifting, gardening, going out cruising, always with her music and attending a good church service.

Sara is survived by her mother Jennie Cabrera (Francisco “Mando” Reyes), her children Jose Ramos Jr. (Heidi), Sara Ramos (Robert), Emiliano Ramos, Isaac Ramos and Baby. Her grandchildren Jose Ramos III, Yvette Ramos, Dominic Campoamor, Alasaundra Silva, Robert Ramos, Jesiah Campoamor and Shayla Campoamor. Her sisters Rosie Partida and Nicole (Art) Martinez. Brothers Joe Cabrera Jr., Johnny Cabrera, and Jimmy (Cindy) Cabrera, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased in death by her father Joe Cabrera and sister Linda Garcia. She’s now living her best eternal life with our lord, Jesus Christ. 

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 also in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Southlawn Section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Leslie "Lesley" Sagisi Taboa, 44, left for her new home in heaven on March 31, 2023. Lesley was born on April 11, 1978 in Santa Maria, CA.
 
Lesley blessed the world beyond her time here by her decision to be an organ donor. That decision blessed someone with a better life. We find comfort that a part of her will live on, so someone else can still be with their loved ones.
 
Lesley is survived by her brother Ramon Taboa; brother Casey (and Lilly) Taboa; nieces Kylie Taboa, Michelle Taboa, and Monie Graves; nephews Ray Taboa, Casey Jr. Taboa, James Graves and Joey Billadeau; and numerous extended family members and friends. Lesley was preceded in death by her parents Leonida and Ramon Taboa, sister Ramona Billadeau, and other loved ones.
 
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 17th at 10 a.m. in the Chapel at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home at 600 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

Graveside Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023 in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Ambrosio R. Romero Jr. passed away on March 29th, 2023 at 75 years old. He was a true faithful Christian believer who believed that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. He was a dual-citizen born from the Philippines with 12 siblings, 4 still living. He moved to the United States in 1990. He was married to Marissa R. Romero for 35 years and was blessed with one daughter, Shaneelyn married to Junrel Sumagang. He had 2 grandchildren, Isaac and Naomi Grace.

Ambrosio was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Retinotis Pegmintosa (RP) at age 50. He became blind. However, despite losing both vision he continued to enjoy life and continued learning. He learned to read braille and how to live a normal life. He enjoyed cooking, singing, and listening to oldies music. He didn't let his disability disable him. At age 72, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He fought it and won. However, one year later at age 73, he was diagnosed with lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's. He was treated at Stanford Health Care. He was in remission for 4 months. He celebrated his life by visiting his family in the Philippines one last time on September 2022. When he returned, he got sick from Covid and was hospitalized. He survived COVID. His lymphoma came back. He received one treatment but the cancer was aggressive. 

Ambrosio was a fighter. He was a strong believer in our Saviour, Jesus Christ and was baptized a born-again Christian. His last prayer was for God to grant him peace during his transition and for him to go in his sleep. His prayers was answered on March 29th, 2023. 

He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, but most especially, a child of Jesus Christ our Lord God. 

Viewing will be 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023 with interment to follow in the New Section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

David J Petrik, born September 13, 1953 in San Diego to Carol J and Joe Petrik, passed away suddenly at home in Santa Maria on March 22, 2023. 

Dave moved with his family from San Diego to Riverside, California where he spent his school years, and graduated from Ramona High School in 1971, after which he attended Riverside City College. 

Dave spent his 45-year working career in the water business. He began working for Arrowhead Water Company in Riverside, later transferring with Arrowhead to the Santa Maria location, where he had many good friends. During those years, he enjoyed bowling and also obtained a private pilot license. For the past 20 years, he worked at Culligan Water in Santa Maria. Dave was a responsible, hard worker, and well-liked by his coworkers and friends. 

Dave was an avid fisherman and sports fan. As a longtime golfer, he especially enjoyed watching PGA golf, as well as NFL football and MLB baseball.

In Dave’s early years, he spent many family summer vacations camping in the Bishop and Mt Whitney areas where his dad first introduced him to fishing. They even hiked to the summit of Mt Whitney two times during those summers.

Fishing became a lifelong favorite pastime of Dave’s. He spent many vacation weeks fishing streams for rainbow trout in the Bishop area, one of his favorite fishing spots. He also enjoyed fishing at Lopez Lake and other local fishing holes. He was especially excited about a recent salmon fishing trip to Alaska, where they were on a boat for several days and caught many large fish to bring back.

Dave loved spending time with his two stepsons, Justin and Jesse, and their children. A highlight for him each summer was a week in Wisconsin with Jesse and the grandkids, fishing and attending sports events and especially watching his grandsons play baseball and football. He loved spending Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other times with Justin and his family.  He also enjoyed frequent trips to Laughlin, Nevada with his longtime school friend.

Dave was a kindhearted, generous person and a good friend to many. We will miss him forever.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Carol Petrik, and grandson Tyberius Worden. Dave is survived by stepsons, Justin Worden of Orcutt, and Jesse Worden of Janesville, Wisconsin, and grandchildren Emerson, Sadie, Sage, Syrus, and Anthony. He is also survived by sister, Anne Deppermann of Parker, Colorado, and niece Allison and nephew James.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454.  A light luncheon will follow in the Gathering Room at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Friends who are unable to attend the Memorial Service are welcome to join the family in sharing memories at the luncheon.

Velma was born December 12, 1932 at home in Old Town Orcutt, CA to Lester and Felecia La Graffe. She passed away March 20, 2023. She was preceded in Death by her husband Emile of 66 wonderful years.

She is survived by her niece Diane McDonald, several nieces and nephews, including Lottie Bridges, Kathleen Folk, Pete De Solminihac & Kathy, friends Mary Shouse, Susan Jessee and very dear friends Daniel and Ileen Barberena. She is also survived by two Godchildren Michael Jennings & Debra, and Linnie Simiryan & Yosif.

Velma was office manager for Knudsens in Santa Maria, CA for 30 years. She loved traveling with her husband, Danny and Ileen. She enjoyed her plants, flowers and feeding the tree squirrels. They also enjoyed camping and fishing in the Eastern Sierra.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Private interment will be held at a later date.

Gerald Alfred Kipper entered the next chapter in his journey with God peacefully and surrounded by family in the rainy morning hours of March 9, 2023, in Santa Maria, CA. His passing was marked by the same qualities with which he lived his life: Faith, Trust, and Love in Christ. In his own words: “Looking back on my life I can say it all started from, a gift, to me from God. He placed me in a family that was deeply Catholic. His Spirit guided me all through my life, even when I turned my back on Him, or did things that widened the gap between us. He never stopped loving me.”

Gerald was born to Leonard Peter Kipper and Margaret Sophie Egidy on July 10, 1936 in Oak Park, IL, a suburb of Chicago. He was the first of 7 children, being the older brother of Leonard, Joan, Lorna, Karen, Mary, and Sandy. From Oak Park his family moved to Richmond, KS and then to Kansas City. There he attended and graduated from Redemptorist High School.

After graduation, Gerald went on to serve in the United States Army from 1955-1957. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Third Class, Artillery, Regular Army.

He then attended and graduated from Central Technical Institute in Kansas City, and from there moved to Santa Maria to begin a 42-year career at nearby Vandenberg Air Force Base. At various points he worked on the base for General Dynamics, Lycoming Engines, and ITT / Federal Electric Company. During this time he also supplemented his credentials by attending and graduating from Allan Hancock College with an AS in Electronics, an AS in Data Processing, and an AA in Public Accounting. He retired from Vandenberg Air Force Base as a Systems Supervisor at Building 7380, where he oversaw launch timing and countdown.

He lived in Orcutt and the Santa Maria area for the entirety of his adult life. He shared 36 years of marriage with his first wife Sharon Enyart Kipper, who preceded him in death. Gerald and Sharon together welcomed 5 children into the world with the birth of Kevin, Katrina, Jerry, Joyanne, and David. Their family grew with the addition of daughters-in-law Susan, Yvonne, and Amber, persons Gerald very much considered his own daughters.

As a natural expression of his Faith and Love in God, Gerald was exceptionally involved with the community at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church from the beginning—even being present as a founding parishioner when the church was established in 1963. Gerald served as a Religious Education Teacher and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Council 2475, where he had previously served as a Grand Knight and a Faith Navigator. He also volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister at Marian Medical Center.

Through his engagement with the church community, Gerald met his second wife Mary Jane Kipper and further expanded his family through the addition of Mary Jane’s daughters Cindy and Kristie, and son-in-law Jeff.

Gerald is survived by his six siblings, his wife Mary Jane, his 3 sons and 2 daughters, 2 stepdaughters, 3 daughters-in-law, 1 son-in-law, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 at St. Louis deMontfort Church with interment following in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the CCD program at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church.

Edgardo “Ed” Rube Chait, 66, went to heaven on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Ed was born the youngest of two children to Lia and Leonardo Chait in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 4, 1956. He entered the Navy in 1975 and was honorably discharged in 1979. He began his 40-year career as a Cardiovascular Technologist in 1981, his passion for helping others was continuously met.

At age seven Ed's family moved to Los Angeles, CA. This is where he met his wife, Mary Chait, in 1980, at a poker table. They married on June 1, 1984. In 1986 Ed had his first child, Andrew. 4 years later Ed had his second child, Emily. He worked hard to make sure they were provided for, he also worked hard to make sure they were spiritually equipped to handle the world. Ed loved the Lord and his family dearly.

Ed had a passion for studying and sharing the word of God. Not only did he love people, he also loved his pet dogs. His hobbies included working on and riding bicycles and motorcycles, fishing, and researching interesting topics.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth, his mom Lia, and his dad Leonardo.

He is survived by his wife Mary Chait, his son Andrew Chait (Katara Chait), his daughter Emily Chait-Moseley (Sheldon Moseley), his three grandsons Bradley Velasquez, Tatum Chait, and Jacob Chait, his brother-in-law Angel Sanchez-Figueras (Mayi Figueras), his nephew Clark Sanchez-Figueras, and his stepmother Virginia Chait.

A service will be held at Crosspointe Church, 1265 W McCoy Ln, Santa Maria, CA, on Saturday March 25, 2023 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crosspointe Church, an organization that Ed felt strongly about.

Susie was born January 23, 1951, in Santa Maria to Dean & Mary Azevedo and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on February 27, 2023.

Susie attended school in Santa Maria graduating from Santa Maria High School in 1969. She continued her education graduating from Cal Poly, SLO in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

Susie met her husband Manuel Silveira at a dance in Sisquoc at Blochman School and they were married on August 25, 1973. Together Susie and Manuel built a beautiful family and a successful business.

Susie was a member of the St. John Neumann Catholic Church, and for 11 years she was Director of Religious Education, she was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Juan Diego Center. Her biggest professional achievement was owning Boavista Farms with Manuel.

Susie is survived by her loving husband of 49 years; Manuel, her children; Bernadette, Angela (Brian), Paul (Shanin), Alexandra (Luis), her grandchildren; Dominic, Makenna, Eli, Ethan, Cristiano, Lucas, Tiago, Emilio, Olivia, Jonas, Grace, Maximo, her mother; Mary Azevedo, sister; Cathy Azevedo, in-laws; Maria Fatima, Maria, Alberto, Dolores, Luis, Maria Elvira, Jaime, Fatinha, Jill, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Susie was preceded in death by her father Dean, her grandparents, her brother, Tim, and in-laws; Jaime, Filomena, Leo, and Silverio.

Susie was an avid traveler, but her favorite place was Santa Luzia, Pico. She enjoyed crafting, reading, camping, and spending time with her family.

Susie was blessed with exceptional care throughout this entire journey and donations can be made in her honor to Mission Hope Cancer Center, Stanford Medical Center, and UCLA Health.

They say you have lived a complete life when you leave a mark on this Earth. Anyone who knew Susie knows that the mark she has left is truly bigger than this Earth.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

PATRICIA M. LEINE

1931 - 2023

Patricia Mae Leine, 91, of Santa Maria passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023. She was born on August 13, 1931 in Chicago, Illinios.

Patricia was an active member of Queen of Angels in Lompoc and St. Mary of the Assumption in Santa Maria as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Member of the Divine Mercy Ministry.

Patricia was preceded in death by parents Thomas Bradac, Sr. and Pearl Evelyn Bloodgood, beloved husband Theodore Leine, daughters Mary Evelyn Leine French and Anne Marie Coffee, and sister Barbara Taylor. She is survived by siblings Marjorie Shellnutt of Kingsport, TN, Thomas and Anne Bradac of Garden Grove, CA, and Daniel and Kari Knutson-Bradac of Olympia, WA, grandchildren Jason Micah French of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Renee Apphie French of Chicago, IL, Rhiana Mae French of Ventura, CA, and ten nieces and nephews.

Patricia’s adult life was spent working as a Secretary, promoted to Administrative Assistant retiring from Autonetics, North American Rockwell in 1975. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, gardening, and volunteering at the Breast Imaging Center at Hope Mission Cancer Center.

A Rosary Vigil Service will be held 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Interment will be 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach, CA.

NELLIE J. GONZALEZ

1932 - 2023

Nellie J. Gonzalez, 90, of San Diego, passed away Monday, February 20, 2023 in Santa Maria

Interment will be in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.

MICHAEL L. DIAZ

1964 - 2023

Michael Diaz, 58, passed away on Feb 16, 2023, after a short hospital stay.

Michael was born in Santa Maria on Mar 19, 1964, to Raymond and Mary Jane Diaz. Michael attended Santa Maria High School where he was heavily involved in FFA. Michael enjoyed country dancing and participated in competition dancing. Michael developed a love of electronics and sound. He worked at Electronic Parts Supermart and Cal Central Lighting and Sound in his early years. Michael had been working for Motorola Solutions for the passed 28 years and spent most of his career working at Vandenburg Air Force Base handling all their two way communications equipment. Michael also had his own lighting and sound company that he and his family worked on during their free time.

Michael is survived by his wife, Penny Diaz; his daughters, Andréa Diaz and Jennifer Diaz; his parents, Raymond and Mary Jane Diaz; his brothers, Raymond Diaz Jr and John Diaz; and his sisters, Donna Rae Link and Christine Falcon. 

To honor Michael’s memory, family is having a Celebration of Life on Saturday March 11^th @ 2PM at CMT Ranch. We invite anyone who knew him to attend and remember his wonderful life. Please RSVP to the family by March 3^rd. More information to follow on Facebook.

DALTON T. FAUBUS

1999 - 2023

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dalton T. Faubus, age 23, of Orcutt, California. Dalton was born on June 3, 1999 to Holly Faubus and passed away on February 15, 2023 at home with his mom.

Dalton was a fun loving boy with a great sense of humor. He had the brightest, most welcoming smile and even through his struggles he had an optimistic outlook on life.

Dalton enjoyed biking, skateboarding and camping with his family. To know him was to love him.

Dalton is survived by his mother Holly Faubus, his brothers Nathan (Amy) Draves and Garrett Draves, grandparents Raymond and Catalina Noriega, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, a nephew, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother Nancy Peterson.

Dalton was cremated and his family will hold a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at the Los Alamos Park. They have booked the Robert Ferrero picnic site and will begin at 12:00 p.m.

Words can’t express the loss we feel. He will forever be in our hearts and will be greatly missed.

JOANN MCBRIDE

1930 - 2023

JoAnn McBride, formerly Peak and maiden name Walker, was born in Ada, Oklahoma on 2/1/1930. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Education from East Central College in Oklahoma. She was a loving and devoted mother of 2 children; 1 daughter, DiAnn and 1 son, Joe and is survived by her daughter. 

JoAnn was an elementary school teacher in Oklahoma for 2 years and with her family relocated to Santa Maria in 1959, where she worked for Fairlawn Elementary School for over 20 years, followed by a position as a Program Specialist with the Santa Barbara County Public School District Office for an additional 10 years, until she retired in 1985.

She was a Board Member for SMILE, a Board Member and active participant with the Santa Maria Historical Society Museum and an organizer and active participant in Christian Women’s Group and Community Bible Study for a number of years.

JoAnn was an exceptional woman, who was devoted to her faith, her family, her community, her friends and her involvement in the causes and projects that she was passionate about. She went to be with the Lord on 2/15/2023 and will be greatly missed and lovingly thought of often.

RUDY MONTEZ

1949 - 2023

Rudy Montez, also known as Butch to many, was born in Wopato, Washington on March 15, 1949 and passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2023 at the age of 73. He was the youngest of 9 siblings and has one surviving sister Andrea Sanchez. He is also survived by two children, his daughter, Cindy Lee Cortez and son-in-law, David Cortez, son, John Montez and daughter-in-law, Norma Montez and 5 grandchildren, Charissa, Christian, Alyssa, Isaiah, and Elias, 8 great grand-children, Elizabeth, Noah, Joshua, Melanie, Jaden, Josiah, Camila & Christian II. 

He was employed at Simplot for many years and then had various jobs until he retired. Rudy always had funny stories about his work days which we all enjoyed hearing.

Firstly and most important in Rudy’s life were his children, and his pride and joy were his grandchildren and great grandchildren who he loved so much. He also loved his granddogs since he was a dog lover. Rudy was known and loved by so many people and some even knew him as the “Mayor of Pismo Beach” where he frequently hung out on his Harley. In his last years he enjoyed going on rides on his Harley and bonding with his son John. 

One of Rudy’s favorite things to do was cook and feed his friends and family his homemade spicy chorizo burritos which were the best. He often barbecued and shared with his neighbors. He also loved going to Masatani’s Market in Guadalupe and buying bologna and bringing it to his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed car shows and he never missed the annual West Coast Kustom’s show. He was a great host and always opened his home to friends and family who needed a room to stay. 

Rudy left behind a wonderful legacy and touched countless people’s lives of all ages, young and old. There will never be enough words to say how much he will be missed. 

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023 also at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the new section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

HAROLD C. MOSS

1931 - 2023

Harold Clinton Moss (Tata) of Santa Maria CA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on February 10, 2023 at the age of 92. Harold was born in Pyatt, Arkansas on January 25, 1931.

Harold was married to Beverly Teixeira on November 28, 1954; they were married 68 wonderful years!

He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953.

Harold worked as a truck driver for various petroleum companies including Stillman Shell Jobber, Windlinger Shell Jobber, Cartel Inc. Henderson Petroleum and Eagle Energy Inc.

Harold enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was a strong support to his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their upbringing and the many activities they were involved in. Other interests were barbecuing (teaching his “Sons” to do it “the correct way”), playing horseshoes, cornhole, camping, watching all sports on television and loved dancing with the love of his life at Portuguese Celebrations.

He was also actively involved in Little League and Babe Ruth, coaching his sons to a City Championship. Harold was a long time member of the Elks Lodge, The American Legion and DES Club.

Harold is survived by his lovely wife Beverly, daughters Lori Anaya (Ernie), Cindy Borg (Jani), Brenda Claborn (Dale) and son Craig Moss (Sherrie). Also his sister Clara Susie Becker, 9 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

Harold is preceded in death by sons Gary and Kevin Moss, parents Clinton Moss and Thelma Wallace, sisters Anna Jean Cupit and Patsy Newman, brother Tom Bill Moss and great granddaughter Kailey Lynn Delgado.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Calvary Chapel in Santa Maria; a reception will follow.

MARY JANE EVANS

1929 - 2023

Mary Jane (Martin) Evans, 93, died on Wednesday, January 25^th, 2023 peacefully at home with family by her side. She was born on October 29^th, 1929, in Santa Maria, CA, but she was raised in the Tepusquet Canyon area.

Mary attended the Tepusquet School for her grammar school years, and after, she attended Santa Maria High School.

Mary married the love of her life, Victor John Evans, in 1947. Together, they raised their two sons, Vic Jr. and Larry, in Old Orcutt, CA and eventually settled in Santa Maria, CA. Mary and Victor were married for 73 years before Victor’s passing in August 2020.

Mary was a member of the Saint Mary Catholic Church in Santa Maria, CA. She lived her life as a devout Catholic.

Mary worked for Allan Hancock College as the Snack Bar Supervisor for over 20+ years and retired in 1992. She enjoyed going to work everyday because she loved seeing and talking with all the students and professors over the years. She gained many lasting friendships from her time at Allan Hancock College.

Mary took great pride in her home and her Portuguese family heritage. She was a very loving and nurturing Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother who put family above all else. You could not visit Mary without having something to drink or eat and get away with it. She would not accept “no” for an answer due to being the excellent and giving homemaker that she was. Mary enjoyed cooking, visiting with friends and family, spending time at her family cabin near Yosemite National Park, and dancing to Polka music with her husband.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Victor J. Evans; her father, Anthony “Tony” Martin; her mother, Margret (Branquinho) Martin; her sister, Alice (Martin) Litten; her brother in law, Elmore “Babe” Litten; her daughter in law, Leslie (Barca) Evans. She is survived by her two sons, Vic Jr. and Larry (wife Babe Evans); 3 granddaughters & 1 grandson, Heidi (husband Shane Rowell), Deanna, Shelley (husband Andy Pratt), and Kyle; 5 great grandsons, Carson, Kyler, Mason, William, and Joseph.

Public funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 8^th, 2023 at 11a.m. in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery at the gravesite. Reception to follow at her son’s home.

RAFAEL RAMIREZ, JR.

2001 - 2023

Rafael Ramirez Jr., 21, of Santa Maria, passed away Monday, January 23, 2023.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023; followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

GLADYS ANN MULLINS

1935 - 2023

Gladys A. Mullins, 87, passed away on January 19, 2023 in Santa Maria, CA. She was born on September 6, 1935 to Francis and Anna McLaughlin of Torrington, CT. She attended local schools in Torrington and graduated from the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford, CT. She traveled to California in the late 1950s to begin her nursing career. While living near Manhattan Beach in CA, she met her husband of 36 years, David. Gladys and Dave started their family in Garden Grove, CA before moving to Goleta, CA in 1979. She lived in that same Goleta house for the next 43 years. Gladys worked for many years as a nurse at Goleta Valley Community Hospital where she met many lifelong friends.

Her interests include reading (especially the latest John Grisham thriller), ushering at local playhouses and catching the latest film at the cinema. She boasted that she could always spot an up and coming star.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband Dave. She is survived by her brother Mike (Donna) of San Diego and her children Greg (Christine) of Vadnais Heights, MN, Chris (Maureen) of Santa Maria, CA and Teresa of Santa Barbara.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Raphael’s Church in Goleta, CA on Thursday February 9, 2023 at 10am. 

Donations in her memory can be made to Friends of the Goleta Valley Library or to Food From the Heart.

KEITH DIAMOND

1943 - 2023