Eugene Allen Biely, 82, passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones on February 26, 2010.  He was born in Altadena, CA on January 29, 1928 and moved to Santa Maria in 1957.At the age of 16, Gene entered the Marine Corp and served in the Pacific during World War II as a member of a 30 caliber machine gun squad.  He was very proud of having served as a Marine.  He returned to Pasadena, CA after his service, working on a dairy for a short while before beginning his career in construction.  He formed R & E Concrete Co. in 1957 here in Santa Maria.  Gene worked with many local Developers over the years, developing many of the housing projects here in Santa Maria.  In 1968 he moved to Oahu, Hawaii and formed Reef Development of Hawaii where he worked for Castle & Cook in developing Miliani Town and many other projects on the islands.  He was a member of Rotary and served as President of the Rotary Club of Maui.  He remained on the islands for 37 years.  After retirement he returned to Santa Maria to be closer to his family.  Gene loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit many countries.  Traveling the Western United States and fly fishing many of the rivers and streams were some of his best memories.  He also enjoyed bird hunting and loved dogs, Gene always had a special friend by his side.  Gene is survived by his wife Luz Maria of 19 years, children: Rebecca Cushaway, Rick (Vera) Biely, Mike (Yvonne) Biely of Santa Maria and Kenneth (Lynn) Biely of Utah, step-children Lynda (Jeff) Nelson of AZ, Randall Banta of San Jose CA, Blanca (Ricardo) Tino, Araceli Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez of Kihei, Hawaii and Franco (Maribel) Gonzagui and Anabell (Aurelio) Machuca of Santa Barbara CA, 20 Grandchildren, 23 Great-Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren and Brother William G. Biely.  Gene is also survived by a very special long time friend he would call his brother, Samuel Aguirre of Miliani Town, Hawaii. 

Gene was preceded in death by his brothers Kenneth Biely and Bob Masten.

Visitation will begin 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2010 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with Rev. Marco Solis officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

CECILIA SOSA PINON
1925 - 2010

Cecilia was born on November 16, 1925 in Tacicuaro, Michoacan. Cecilia passed away at home on February 26, 2010 with loved ones by her side. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Cecilia is survived by her children: Cecilia (George), Socorro Jr., Jose, Rafael (Gloria), Enrique (Florentina), Mario (Pauline) all of Santa Maria; Martha and Javier of Mexico. She leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives.

She is preceded in death by her husband Socorro Piñon and her son Pedro Piñon.

Visitation will begin 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010 at St. John Neumann Church. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

THEO LEE WURTH
1926 - 2010

Theo Lee Wurth was born in Hagerman, New Mexico on April 17, 1926. She passed away February 24, 2010 in Santa Maria.

Theo’s mother, Rachelle, passed away six months after her birth and her dad, Ervin Myers packed up his three girls and moved to Patterson, CA. Theo went to Patterson grade and high schools. In 1945, she met William G. Wurth, a Navy air crew sailor stationed at Crows Landing Naval Air Station. After discharge, Bill and Theo were married on June 12, 1946. They lived in Modesto for two years, and Joyce (Vaughn) was born. After a short stay in Modesto, they moved to Morgan Hill, CA. There they became involved in the frozen food industry and moved to Santa Maria in 1959. The Wurth’s adopted two more children, Sue and Michael.

Theo left behind her husband of 63 years, Bill; three children, great grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Orcutt Presbyterian Church, 993 Patterson Road, Santa Maria.

BOBBY JAMES LOYD
1937 - 2010

Bobby James Loyd, 72, of Santa Maria, passed away February 9, 2010 at a local senior residence.Bobby was born on August 2, 1937 in Mt. View, OK to James and Pauline (McCasland) Loyd. The family moved to Earlimart, CA in 1941 for several years then lived in Sloat, CA for a year, Mt. View, OK for a year, then settling back in Earlimart, CA in 1946. He graduated elementary school in 1951 and graduated Delano High School in 1955. In January of 1956, Bobby entered the US Air Force and served honorably and faithfully until January of 1963. His first marriage was to Sandra Selph on October 10, 1957 and lasted about 5 years. His second marriage was to Barbara Boston on January 28, 1963 and lasted for about 27 years. He returned to school and graduated from Bakersfield College in 1978. Bobby worked for the state of California, CAL Trans, from 1966 to 1986. In early 1986, he survived a major stroke. His recovery has been inspirational as he lived many years after with more joy than suffering. Bobby lived in the Santa Maria area for about 18 years, bringing laughter and smiles to everyone who knew him.Bobby is survived by his sons, Kurtis Loyd, Randy Loyd, and Ryan Loyd; daughter, Denna Serda; Grandchildren, Amy Serda, Jason Serda, Sarah Callaway, Cody Hisaw, Dakota Loyd, and Liam Loyd; Great-grandchild, Hope Callaway; and brothers, Ray Loyd and Tom Loyd. Bobby was preceded in death by his daughter, Katrina Loyd

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Ivey officiating. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Stroke Association (1-888-4-STROKE)
 

ALICE PRATER
 1912 - 2010

Alice Prater passed away Friday, January 29, 2010, surrounded by her wonderful daughters; Barbara Foster, Elaine Prater and Alice Jensen. Alice was born February 17, 1912 to Matthew and Mary Vierra in Gary, California. She met and fell in love with Fred Prater and they were married in 1935. Alice was a house wife and mother until the unfortunate death of Fred in 1950. That is when Alice became a Nurses Aid for the County Hospital. She enjoyed her work until she retired in 1974. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling, gardening and tending to her roses. She enjoyed reading and sewing, but her true enjoyment came when she put on dances for the senior citizens in Arroyo Grande. She was a very active senior and was known as a Dancing Queen. Alice was a member of the DES, UPPEC, and Santa Maria Senior Citizens.Alice is survived by her daughters; Betty Palmquist, Barbara Foster, Elaine Prater and Alice Jensen.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

A Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 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 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, with Rev. Rizalino Carranza officiating. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

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FRANCES V. CAHILL
1929 - 2010

Frances V. Cahill, 80, of Santa Maria, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010 with her dear husband by her side.

Frances was born to Frank “Miles” and Mae Valentine on March 1, 1929 in Casey, Iowa. In 1951, Frances married the love her of life, Ralph Cahill and they made California their home in 1953.

She was a wonderful teacher in the Santa Barbara County school districts for nearly 20 years. She was an avid reader, loved traveling around the world with her husband and also was a big sports fan, particularly for the Lakers Basketball team. Fran also found joy in her volunteer work that she did for Marian Medical Center, Catholic Charities, the Public Library and St. Louis de Montfort Church.

Fran is survived by her husband Ralph Cahill, daughter; Mary Beth Phillips of Walnut Creek, and sons; Rick and his wife Kris Cahill of Huntington Beach, Jim and his wife Elle Cahill of Moraga, and Joe and his wife Mona Cahill of Coto de Caza. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Joy Valentine of Surprise, AZ and 15 grandchildren. Fran was preceded in death by her son Robert Paul Cahill.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at St. Louis de Montfort Church.

MARY RUTH "CUCA" DIAZ
1932 - 2010

Mary Ruth “Cuca” Diaz, 77, passed away peacefully the morning of January 18 in Santa Maria.  Born July 4, 1932 in San Gabriel, California “Cuca” spent much of her youth in Aguascalientes, Mexico helping her family who lived there.  She returned to California in her early twenties only to be called back to Mexico to care for her father, Guillermo, when her mother, Melicia, passed away.  When her father died in 1972, she returned to California and settled in Santa Maria where she pursued careers in agriculture and hospitality.   She was a member of the congregation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

She was a loving and loyal Aunt to the children and stepchildren of her brother Patricio “Arturo” and sister-in-law Elvira and a much- loved member of the family.  She was preceded in death by brothers, Jose, Felipe, and Roberto and sister, Socorro.  She is survived by her brother Patricio “Arturo”, her sister Maria Luisa, her sister-in-law Elvira, her beloved nephew Javier Diaz and her devoted friends Maria Davalos and Teresa Ortiz.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:00 A.M. on Friday, January 22, 2010 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

JULIO D. DOMINGUEZ
1956 - 2010

Julio Delgado Dominguez, 53, of Guadalupe peacefully passed away at his home, January 13, 2010.

Julio was born June 11, 1956 to Robert and Sylvia (Delgado) Dominguez in Pacoima, California.

He began school in the Guadalupe Union School District and successfully graduated from Righetti High School in 1974.

Julio began his cooking career early in life at The Office Restaurant in Santa Maria. There he enjoyed cooking, working, and having fun with his co-workers; Ed and Mary Funkhouser. He continued his passion for cooking for many years at various restaurants, including Casa de Lopez; and most recently used his talents working in other industries.

In his spare time, Julio enjoyed bowling, cooking, gatherings, music and spending time with family and friends.

Julio will most be remembered for his generosity to others and his great love for cooking and enjoying meals with friends and family. Our Julio was never short on words when sharing his “secret recipes”.

He is survived by brothers; Greg, Benny (Marianna), Tim, Albert (Alice), and Tony. He also survived by his sisters; Barbara Dominguez, Maria Penrod (Jay) and Diana Gonzales (Eric). He also leaves behind many grieving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Julio is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Sylvia and brothers; Robert aka:”Bear” and Gilbert.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Guadalupe. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow immediately at 7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial will follow at the Guadalupe Cemetery.

“WHO LOVES YOU BABY!!!”

HELEN MARGARET LANGSTAFF
1946 - 2010

 The Zermeño-Langstaff family is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Helen, Wife of Raul Zermeño,  Mother to Melissa, Stepmother to Brandon and Stepmother-in- law to Heidi Zermeño of Arizona, and friend to many who knew her, and loved her. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she died peacefully at Marian West with her family by her side.

Helen was born in Toronto, Canada, on January 28, 1946. The second daughter of Bill and Marjorie Langstaff who preceded her in death as did her older sister Anne. She was educated at Victoria College and moved to Los Angeles in 1968 to pursue a Masters Degree in Education. She completed her degree at Pepperdine University and worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a Special Education Teacher for over 20 years. After moving to the Central Coast with her husband Raul and daughter Melissa she joined the Santa Barbara County Education Office in 1989 as an Itinerant Teacher for Hearing Impaired Students in the North County helping students from elementary to high school age. She retired in 2006. She leaves a legacy of love and caring for her students, lasting friendships and respect among her colleagues. She will be missed but she will live in our memory and in the memory of those she touched in her loving and caring way.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Magner- Maloney Funeral Home on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Veterans Memorial Building. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Helen’s name may be made to the Marian Medical Foundation to support the work of the Cancer Support Center. 

ELISA REA VALENCIA
1934 - 2010

Elisa Rea Valencia, 75, of Arroyo Grande, passed away peacefully at her home on January 5, 2010 with her loved ones by her side.

Born October 22, 1934 in Ures Sonora, Mexico to Isidro Rea and Maria Luisa Rea.

Elisa is survived by her husband of 56 years, Gabriel Valencia; children, Gabriel (Veronica), Cynthia (David), Victor (Susie), Richard “Rook” (Clara Ann), Glenda (Ralph), Felipe, David (Teresa), and Yecenia (Art). She will be greatly missed by her 27 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Elisa is also survived by her siblings Manuela, Carmen, Eva, Alfred, Mercedes, Mary, Bobby, Connie, Ralph, Gilbert, Teresa and Lupe; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Elisa was preceded in death by her parents, Isidro and Maria Luisa; siblings, Juan, Hilda, Tony, Anita and Julio; and her great grandfather, Herculano Jimenez.

Elisa’s family moved to the Guadalupe area when Elisa was a child. She attended elementary school in Guadalupe and graduated from Santa Maria High School. Elisa earned an Associate’s Degree from Allan Hancock College and then transferred to Cal Poly, SLO where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in liberal studies. Elisa completed her graduate work in education at Cal Poly.

Elisa expressed her relentless spirit to succeed at an early age. She excelled in academics and exhibited her talents in the Santa Maria High School marching band. After high school, Elisa worked as a farm laborer in frozen food packaging with John Ingles and then as an inspector with Columbia Records.

Elisa and her husband Gabriel, along with their eight children worked with the United Farm Workers Union locally. In 1970, the family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to continue their work with the UFW. During this time Elisa began her course work towards an associate degree, which she later completed. Upon returning to the Central Coast she continued her education concurrently being employed with Lucia Mar School District as a teacher aide. She continued employment with LMUSD and began teaching ESL with Clark Business College. During this time Elisa entered the Cal Poly teachers credential program. She left Clark to teach ESL at Allan Hancock College while still working as a teacher’s aide and a community liaison. Elisa retired after 23 years with LMUSD. Elisa continued her employment with AHC until 2004 due to her illness.

Elisa dedicated her life to advocate for the plight of the disadvantaged. Her relentless spirit carried over with her involvement in many civic organizations. Some of the organizations Elisa was involved in were Union Civica Cultural Mexicana, Association of Mexican American Educators, Mexican Americans for New Opportunities at AGHS, Mexican American Political Association, and served as the president of the Woodland Park Mutual Water Company.

Despite all of her involvement, Elisa always made her family her number one priority. Although she also had many hobbies which included porcelain doll making and gardening, Elisa especially enjoyed the time with her children and grandchildren.

Visitation in celebration of Elisa’s life will be on Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Services will be 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 11, 2010 at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 1288 W. McCoy, Santa Maria. Burial will follow at Guadalupe Cemetery. To honor Elisa, the family requests that shades of her favorite color, blue, be worn.

The Valencia family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Ignacia Sanchez for the compassionate care she provided to our precious mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and / or the Parkinson’s Research Foundation in Elisa’s name.

AARON D. O'DELL
1969 - 2009