MISCELLANEOUS OBITUARIES
(These obits are in no particular order or category. This page is
best used with your CTRL-F word search function)


THE JEFFERSONVILLE CITIZEN - THURSDAY APRIL 4, 1929
Fayette County, Ohio

MRS. LAURA M. GREGG FOUND DEAD IN HOME
WIDOW OF LATE PROBATE JUDGE NYE GREGG

Washington C.H. Neighbors investigating when they failed to see her
about her home at 816 Washington Ave. Thursday evening, found Mrs. Laura
M. Gregg, seventy, widow of the late Probate Judge Nye Gregg, dead in
bed. Death apparentally having occured sometime during Monday night as a
result of a heart attack.
Mrs. Gregg had been up town during the fore part of Monday night,
attended a picture show, and apparentally had completed reading a book
upon her return home, and then retired for the night, in an upstairs
room.
Her son, Robert, who had been making his home with his mother was in
Columbus for a few days. She was alone when death came.
When relatives and neighbors failed to see her about as usual,
Tuesday, they started an investigation and after forcing a window found
her body.
Coroner Harsha was summoned and pronounced death due to natural
causes. She had been dead for about 18 to 20 hours when discvered.
Mrs. Gregg had been in good health and had not complained of suffering
from heart disease.
The body was taken in charge by Funeral Director Klever and removed to
his mortuary, where it was prepared for burial and returned to the home
Wed. afternoon.
Funeral services will be held on Friday morning. She is survived by
four sons and daughters, Mrs. Corrine M. Larrimer of Columbus, Mrs.
Bertha Thuma of Jamestown, Lawrence of Washington D.C. and Robert at
home. A brother, C. R. Marshall of Jeffersonville and one sister, Mrs.
Alma McBride of Youngstown, also survives.



Obituaries from the Downey Eagle, Downey, CA

Father Michael mourned at St. John Bosco High
BELLFLOWER-A funeral mass was heard Wednesday, Jan. 26, at St. John Bosco High School for Fr. Michael, a Salesian of John Bosco, who died of cardiac arrest Jan. 11, just two days after the death of his father, Francisco Baptista.
Born in Hong Kong, he moved with his family to the Los Angeles area in the early 1970s and was a 1972 graduate of St. John Bosco High School.

After finishing college in Newton, New Jersey, he taught at St. John Bosco, before his theological studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained in 1985.

He served as director of religious education at Salesian High School in Richmond.

At the time of his death he served as the chaplain and campus minister at St. John Bosco.

Survivors include his mother, Charlotte; two brothers, Frank and John; and numerous relatives.

Burial was at Salesian High School in Richmond. Arrangements were by the Luyben Mortuary of Bellflower.

Funeral services held for Elsie Wilhelmina Jepsen
BELL GARDENS-Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 27, at the chapel of Allen-English & Estrada Funeral Service in Bell Gardens for Elsie Wilhelmina Jepsen, a longtime resident of Bell Gardens and the pianist and organist for the Bell Gardens Baptist Church for more than 60 years.
She was 93, born Sept. 4, 1906, and died Jan. 23 in Downey where she currently resided.

She was a member of the Salvation Army and the Bell Gardens Womens Inter Faith Fellowship.

Survivors include her sons, James Jepsen of Bellflower, Jerry Jepsen of Whittier; daughters Darlene Copper of Garden Grove, Marjorie Jepsen of Downey; a brother, William Pilkerton of Illinois; a sister, Bernice Riggins of La Habra; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.

Arrangements were by the Allen-English & Estrada Funeral Service of Bell Gardens.

Family, friends grieve for Duncan J. Cormack, 86
DOWNEY-Private interment at sea was held for Duncan J. Cormack, a Downey resident from 1942 to 1970, and a self-employed furniture manufacturers representative.
In 1970 he moved to Vista.

He was 86, born in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Los Angeles at an early age. He graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1931.

He was a member of the Southern California Furniture Club, the Downey Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Downey Lion's Club, and a lifetime member of the DeMolay, being a Chapter Dad of the Downey DeMolay. He was a Master Mason, a member of the Downey Masonic Lodge for 25 years, and the Consuelo Lodge of Escondido for 25 years receiving the Golden Veterans Award given to Masons of 50 years or more (1948-2000).

He was a member of the Al Malaikah Shrine of Los Angeles, the Knights Templar and Dean of the Legion of Honor.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Cormack of Vista; a daughter, Betty Ann Cormack Houts of Downey, grandson Tom (Sharon) Houts of Whittier; great-grandchildren Jake and Kelsey Houts of Whittier; a sister, Lucy (Cormack) Donan of Lakewood; and loving nieces and nephews.

The family suggests donations to the City of Hope or the Masonic Childrens Home.

The family was assisted by McKenzie Cremation and Burial.

Family, friends remember Clarence Dudley Bonk
DOWNEY-Funeral services were Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Rose Hills Memorial Chapel for Clarence Dudley Bonk, a Downey resident since 1947 and a painting contractor for more than 50 years who retired from Rassner Brothers.
He was 84, born May 11, 1915 to parents John and Nellie Mae Bonk in Los Angeles, and died Dec. 26 at Downey Regional Medical Center.

He was past president of the Exchange Club and a volunteer for 22 years at the Senior Citizens Club of Paramount.

Survivors include his wife, Olive Mae Challacombe Bonk; a son, Dudley James Bonk of Downey; a daughter, Brenda Jean Wilcox (Dean) of Santa Ana; a brother, Don Stanley Bonk (Winifred) of Desert Hot Springs; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Earl McCallum officiated. Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Downey grieves for Eleanor Lola Root
DOWNEY-Eleanor Lola Root, a longtime Downey resident and member of the Southeast Medical Alliance, the Downey Woman's Club, the American Association of University Women and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, died Dec. 25 in Downey.
She was born Dec. 25, 1906 in Dziekanowice, Poland (near Krakow), and came to the U.S. with her parents in 1912.

She lived for a short time in Chicago before coming to California.

She spoke Polish fluently and was an accomplished pianist. In her youth she played the piano for her mother who sang operatic and light opera concerts.

She graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in education and taught school for nine years. Later she returned to college to complete a master's of liberal arts at USC. She studied one summer at Cambridge, England as part of the MLA program.

She married Ralph Root, a physician, who preceded her in death in 1989.

Survivors include a daughter, Joan Murillo of Irvine; a son, Robert Root of Downey; grandsons Brad and Brian Smith of Greenville, South Carolina; granddaughter Brooke Smith of Hawthorne; and great-granddaughter Brie'Anna Smith of Corbin, Kentucky.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Downey on Thursday, Dec. 30. Father Peter Coffey officiated. Entombment followed at Resurrection Cemetery in South San Gabriel.

Arrangements were by Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

George Thomas Muriello mourned at age of 66
DOWNEY-A Mass was heard Dec. 28 at St. Raymond's Catholic Church for George Thomas Muriello, a 58 year resident of Downey and a retired food broker.
He was 66, born in Elmhurst, Illinois, and died Dec. 22 in Downey.

He was a member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Carmen Muriello; his son, Mike (Lynne) Muriello; a daughter, Lori (Michael) Muhovic; a brother, Frank Muriello; a sister, Rosemary (Vito) Mastro; and five grandchildren.

Father Steve Devoran officiated. Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Services set Jan. 4 for Goldie B. Harden
DOWNEY-Friends may visit the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 4, for Goldie B. Harden, a 30-year resident of Bell and a former employee in the pediatric department of the Gallatin Medical Group for 30 years until her retirement.
She was born Feb. 3, 1912 in Harrison, Arkansas, and came to California with her husband in the 1930s, settling in Los Angeles. They moved to Bell in 1950. In her later years she moved to Fruita, Colorado to be near her son. She attended the First Christian Church of Bell for many years, and later the Southland Church of Bell Gardens.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin "Bud" Harden.

Survivors include son, Robert C. Harden of Fruita, Colorado; her daughter, Nancy Harden-Vernand of Ojai; four grandsons and two granddaughters.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Park Lawn Memorial Park in Bell Gardens. Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Friends, family honor Leona Aldridge at 89
DOWNEY-Services were held at the First Baptist Church of Downey for Leona Aldridge, a resident of Downey since 1953 and a former member of the City's Park Commission.
She was 89, born in Iowa in 1910, and died Dec. 5 after a long illness with Alzheimer's.

She helped organize the League of Women Voters here, and was it's first president. She also was president of the Sister Cities with Guadalajara, Mexico. She served as a City Parks Commissioner for five years. She loved Downey and wanted to make it a better place to live.

She received the Sears Citizen of the Year Award in 1972 for community service. She was active in the PTA and Little League.

Survivors include her husband, Bill; two sons, Robert and Dennis; a sister, Valora Perry; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

Friends, family remember Mary E. Wheeler at 75
DOWNEY-Services were held Friday, Dec. 17, at the Rose Hills Funeral Home in Whittier for Mary E. Wheeler, a 48 year Downey resident.
She was 75, born July 22, 1924, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, and died Dec. 14 in Downey Regional Medical Center. She had recently moved from Downey to Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Raised on a farm in Devils Lake, she excelled at school and following graduation moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she worked at Arthur Daniels as a secretary. She then moved to Southern California and worked at Lockheed in Burbank. During World War II she joined the Navy, serving in Stumpneck, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Following her tenure in the Navy she returned to Southern California and enrolled in Fullerton Junior College, where she met husband, Hugh. They were married and moved to Berkeley where he completed an engineering degree. After his graduation they returned to Southern California. They were involved with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lynwood for 26 years, Hugh as a deacon and usher, and Mary in women's ministry.

Survivors include her husband, Hugh O. Wheeler of Downey; three daughters, Marilyn Davison Vega of Westminster, Patricia Wheeler of San Diego, Beverly Wheeler of West Covina; a sister, Isabel Jordan of Phoenix, Arizona; and brothers James Jordan of Simi Valley and Oliver Jordan of Phoenix.

Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

June Evelyn Marsden Conrad services held
DOWNEY-Services were held for June Evelyn Marsden Conrad, a 45-year resident of Downey and a homemaker, who died Dec. 21 at her home.
She was 86, born in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She was a volunteer at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital and Meals on Wheels.

Survivors include her daughters, Lynda Bailey (Bill), and Barbara Nelson (Eric); granddaughters Kimberlyn Romney (Steven), Kelly Bailey, Leslie Nelson and Kristen Nelson.

Cremation followed. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Robert J. Smith is mourned by many at 80
DOWNEY-Sevices were held Dec. 18 at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel for Robert J. Smith, a Downey resident for 54 years and a retired employee of Schlitz Brewing Co.
He was 80, born in New Jersey, and died Dec. 14 in the Southland Lutheran Home in Norwalk.

He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church; the Downey Elks Lodge No. 2020; and was a veteran of the 552nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery and served in the Second World War from 4/16/41 to 9/29/45 and Korea from 1948 to 1952. His total service time was 9 years, 3 months and 13 days.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte; three daughters, Pamela Anne Corey (Ray), Karen Elaine Cox (James), Michelle Grace Latorre (Tim); seven grandchildren, Zachary, Monica, Kristen, Laura, Erin-Christine, Elisha-Meghan, and Tiffany; two great-grandchildren, Holley and Cody; and a sister, Dorothy Minnig (Howard).

Father Steve Davoren of St. Raymond's Church and the Downey Elks Lodge officiated. Burial followed at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach.

Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Services held Thursday for Hilda F. Englehart
DOWNEY-Services were held Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Downey Free Methodist Church for Hilda F. Englehart, a resident of Downey for 49 years and an active force in the PTA here.
She was 78, born in Akron, Ohio, and died Nov. 27 at Downey Community Hospital.

She started the first PTA school library and was a PTA life member. She was an active member of the Downey Woman's Club, Downey Assistance League, PEO, Downey Community Hospital for 15 years, Meals on Wheels, Together for Hope and other civic support groups. She received many awards for her volunteer service including a Rotary Club tribute.

Survivors include her husband, Cas; a daughter, Coreen (Jack) Fuller; a son, Roy (Kathy); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Daniel Allen St. Marie remembered at age of 78
DOWNEY-A Mass of Christian Burial was heard Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Daniel Allen St. Marie, a longtime local resident who retired from the Los Angeles Fire Department as a Battalion Chief after 32 years.
He was 78, born Feb. 14, 1921 in Muskegan, Michigan to Allen Starnes St. Marie and Sadie Cecilia Crilly St. Marie, and died Dec. 2 at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and served there many years as an usher.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia St. Marie of Downey; his son, Robert Daniel St. Marie of Santa Ana; daughters Anita Elizabeth Muller of Anaheim Hills, Karen Anne Arden of Lake Forest; grandchildren Kristin Anne Arden, Michael James Muller, Brian John Muller, and Katelyn Helene Arden.

Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Nancy Elizabeth Lane memorial services held
DOWNEY-Memorial services were held Dec. 3 at the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary Chapel for Nancy Elizabeth "Lib" Lane, a longtime Downey resident and a pharmacy clerk for more than 20 years for Sav-on Drug Store.
She was born March 10, 1928 in Chambers County, Alabama to Crawford Key and Mary Miles Key, and died Nov. 21 at 71 at the Downey Regional Medical Center.

She lived the last 10 years in South Gate, and was an avid reader, crossword solver, gardener and collector of bird houses. She loved her dogs, Baby and Pumpkin.

Survivors include her daughter, Suzanne Lane of South Gate; a brother, George Key of Wadley, Alabama; sisters Lorene Mason of Opelika, Alabama, Lula Hall of Valley, Alabama; nieces Lynne Burrous, Mendel Crowther; sister-in-law Sue Key; and great nephews Kevin Burrous and Kyle Estrada.

The Rev. Thad King officiated. Burial was private.

Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Martin Trejo mourned by many at age of 77
DOWNEY-Services were held Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the Chapel of Memories in Norwalk and Thursday, Dec. 9, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Santa Fe Springs for Martin Trejo, a resident of Downey who died in Bellflower Dec. 5.
He was 77.

Survivors include his wife, Graciela Olivia Trejo; his daughters, Olivia Roberts and Alicia Jamison; a son, Martin M. Trejo; a brother, Vincent Trejo; sister Amelia Madrigal; grandchildren Marty, Michelle, Marie, Jill, Tina, Bradley and Jamie.

Burial followed at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside.

Services today for Antenatte Ferraro
DOWNEY-Services will be held today (Friday, Dec. 10) at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Antenatte Ferraro, a resident of Downey for 34 years and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
He was 98, born in Pueblo, Colorado, and died in Norwalk Dec. 5.

Survivors include his daughter, Patrina Dicarlo; his son, Dominic Ferraro; his wife, Frances; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Father John Moloney will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Funeral Mass Monday for Elmer Sanchez, 91
DOWNEY-A Funeral Mass will be heard at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6 at St. Raymond's Catholic Church for Elmer Sanchez, a retired employee of Norris Thermador Co., and a 49-year resident of Downey.
He was 91, born in Bernalio, New Mexico, and died in Downey Community Hospital Dec. 1.

Survivors include his wife, Catalina Sanchez; a niece, Cathy Bates; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a Rosary at 3 p.m. at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel.

Father Steve Devoran will officiate.

Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Friends, family remember Leo Joseph Stemler
DOWNEY-A vigil service was held Tuesday, Nov. 30, at St. Raymond's Catholic Church for Leo Joseph Stemler, a former employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad from 1936 to 1942.
He was born in Edmonton, Canada on Christmas Day, 1916, and graduated from Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles.

He entered the U.S. Army on Sept. 14, 1942 and was discharged Dec. 27, 1945 as a non-commissioned officer.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 50 years, Anne; his sons, Dave, Leo Jr., and Russell; a sister, Eleanore; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were at St. Raymond's Wednesday, Dec. 1. Burial followed at Inglewood Park Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Services held Thursday for Hilda F. Englehart
DOWNEY-Services were held Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Downey Free Methodist Church for Hilda F. Englehart, a resident of Downey for 49 years an active force in the PTA here.
She was 78, born in Akron, Ohio, and died Nov. 27 at Downey Community Hospital.

She started the first PTA school library and was a PTA life member. She was an active member of the Downey Woman's Club, Downey Assistance League, PEO, Downey Community Hospital for 15 years, Meals on Wheels, Together for Hope and other civic support groups. She received many awards for her volunteer service including a Rotary Club tribute.

Survivors include her husband, Cas; a daughter, Coreen (Jack) Fuller; a son, Roy (Kathy); seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Former Mayor William L. Greene is mourned
DOWNEY-Services were held Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Oakwood Memorial Chapel in Santa Cruz for former Downey Mayor William L. Greene.
He was 76, a former 37-year Downey resident, and died Nov. 28 in Palo Alto after a brief illness.

Greene and his wife, Marian, moved to Downey in 1953 and were actively involved in numerous civic organizations until they retired in 1990 and moved to Scotts Valley near Santa Cruz.

He was appointed to the Downey Planning Commission in 1973, and was appointed to the City Council in 1975 to fill the unexpired term of Councilman Walter Temple, who had moved to Texas.

Greene was subsequently elected to a four-year term on the Council in 1976, and served as Mayor in 1978-79, guiding the city through difficult budget times after the passage of the Prop. 13 ballot initiative in 1978.

He also presented Keys to the City to first lady Betty Ford in 1976, and to former President Gerald Ford in 1978 during Republican campaign rallies.

After completing his term in 1980, he was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission from 1980 to 1984. In 1978 he ran for a seat in the U.S. House, finishing second out of a field on seven candidates in the Republican primary.

He was a baseball coach and manager in the Northwest Downey Little League, and was a coach and volunteer with the Downey Family YMCA from 1971 to 1975. He also served in the Huntington Park Kiwanis Club in the 1950s and 1960s, and was a member of Toastmasters.

Always active in the community, he was currently serving his second term as chairman of the board of the Spring Lakes Management Committee, a mobile park ownership association with 212 homes in Scotts Valley.

Greene excelled in basketball and baseball at Glendale High School and Occidental College and signed a contract with the New York Yankees in 1943 before deciding to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following service as a chief petty officer in the Navy, he graduated from USC with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He spent more than 40 years as a general sales manager for several prominent medical supply companies before his retirement.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Marian; his children, daughters Sharon Greene of Downey, Lauren Greene of Aptos, son Brian Greene of Long Beach; and grandsons Scott, Kyle and Dustin of Aptos, and Ronald of Downey.

Friends, family honor Fred Joseph Palardy, 90
DOWNEY-A Mass was heard Nov. 23 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Fred Joseph Palardy, a 31 year resident of Downey and the former owner of Palardy and Miller Automotive Parts and Paint.
He was 90, born on Sept. 18, 1909 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Frank Palardy and Anna Stanchfield, and died at his Downey home Nov. 21.

He was a veteran of World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He was a longtime member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church and more recently attended Our Lady Of Perpetual Help when he came to reside with his son, Rick.

He was a past Grand Knight of the Compton Knights of Columbus, and was a wonderful square dancer and danced with several local square dance groups. He was an avid reader, loved military history, and enjoyed gardening.

He was widowed twice. His first wife, Edna Palardy, was the mother of his children. His second wife, Mattie Palady, preceded him in death earlier this year.

Survivors include his children, Rick (Sally) Palardy of Downey, Mike (Lana) Palardy of Reseda, Ann Godfrey of Downey, Susan (Richard) Egan of Redondo Beach, Julia (Larry) Byl of Santa Cruz; 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Burial followed at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach. Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Friends, family mourn Walter Jonah Pasner
DOWNEY-A gathering was held Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Los Angeles in memory of Walter Jonah Pasner, a former branch manager for RCA Victor, who died Nov. 14 in Grass Valley.
He was 77, born May 5, 1922, and served with honor in both the European Theater and the South Pacific during World War II.

He married Edith Allen in New York in 1952. They moved to Southern California in 1960. They moved to Grass Valley in 1995.

Survivors include his wife, Edith; his sisters, Gerdie Lehrer of New Jersey, Edith Cohen of Paris, France; his son, Mike Pasner and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Martin of Penn Valley; a son, Fred Pasner of Arcata; two grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Burial was Nov. 17 at Shalom Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

PTA, friends, family honor Sally McFarland
DOWNEY-Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 19, at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel for Celine (Sally) McFarland, a 46 year resident of Downey, a pillar in the PTA and a recipient of a "Woman of the Year Award."
She was 82, born in St. Louis, Missouri, and died Nov. 15 here.

She was a domestic engineer, a 50 year member of the PTA, had a scholarship in her name; was a founding member of the Health Education Local Pantry Service; and received many civic and county awards for her volunteer work.

Survivors include eight children, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Private services held for Sam Charles Dase
DOWNEY-Private cremation services were held for Sam Charles Dase, a longtime Downey resident who died Oct. 29.
He was 85 and worked for Los Angeles County for 35 years as a conductor on the railroad.

He was a member of the Elks.

Survivors include his wife, Alice; his sons, Frank, Phillip, John and Sam; daughters Brianne and Anita; a sister, Toni; 16 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Heart Association.

Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Friends, family mourn Donald H. Shanks here
DOWNEY-Funeral and burial for longtime Downey resident Donald H. Shanks were at Rose Hills Memorial Park Nov. 9.
He had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for many years and died Nov. 3 at the Windsor Garden nursing facility in Anaheim.

He was known as "Don" to everyone, and his motto was "Let me live in a house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man." He moved to Downey in 1952 and operated two small businesses, one of which was DonRaeRon Fine Confections in Arrington Square. Later he worked as a courier for the Bank of America, retiring in 1977.

He spent the next decade traveling by trailer throughout the U.S. with his wife, Ramona.

He lived on Julius Avenue in Downey.

He was a veteran of World War II, and a lifelong church member. He joined the Downey Memorial Christian Church in 1961. His favorite hymn was "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine, Oh What a Foretaste of Glory Divine."

Survivors include his wife, Ramona; a brother, Harold; his son, Ron; grandchildren Sean, Thea, Alex, Todd; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to the Rosebud Sioux tribe, P.O. Box 430, Rosebud, S.D., 57570.

Friends, family remember Fulgencia Esquer Pacheco
DOWNEY-A visitation will by held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rosary at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at the chapel of Miller-Mies Mortuary for Fulgencia Esquer Pacheco a homemaker and 55 year Downey resident.
She was 94, born in Sonora, Mexico, and died in Downey Nov. 9.

A member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church, she was a co-founder of the Guadalupina Society at St. Emydius Catholic Church and was a volunteer at St. Francis Medical Center.

Survivors include sons and daughters Rafael Esquer (Ralph), Demetrio Pacheco, Ramon (Ray) Pacheco, sister Consuelo Pacheco, Prank E. Pacheco, Mary Louise Mohler, Mary Ann Pacheco, and loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as well as many loving friends and care-giver Socorro Quintero.

A Mass will be heard at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at St. Raymond's Catholic Church. Rev. Frank Chavez will officiate.

Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach. Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.

Dean Romero services at age 80 in Downey
DOWNEY-Funeral services were held Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Downey 4th Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for Dean Romero, a former employee of Sammons & Sons in Lynwood and a Downey resident since 1951.
He was 80, born May 2, 1919 in Fairview, Utah, and died Nov. 6 in Downey.

During World War II he worked for the Todd Shipyard in San Francisco and Western Pipe and Steel in Vernon.

He was a member of the Downey 4th Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He and his wife of 53 years were married Oct. 5, 1946 in Las Vegas, and later solemnized their vows Nov. 17, 1972 in the Los Angeles Morman Temple.

He and his wife, Helen Mary Steiger Romero, lived in Downey where she worked as a secretary on the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs for Rockwell International.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; his brothers, Richard of Tooele, Utah, Earl of Spanish Fork, Utah, and Vernile Romero of Florida; sisters May Truscott of Nephi, Utah, Viola Lund of Fountain Green, Utah, Ella Rodriguez of Provo, Utah, and Arvilla Goetz of Orem, Utah.

He was preceded in death by an infant child, Garry Dean Romero.

Services will be held Monday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at the Ursenbach Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, with a visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in Fairview City Cemetery, Fairview, Utah. Arrangements are by the Allen-English & Estrada Funeral Service of Bell Gardens.

Former teacher Phyllis Reitzel funeral today
DOWNEY-Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, (Nov. 12), at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel for Phyllis Babcock Reitzel, a past president of the Downey Emblem Club and a former Downey school teacher.
She was a resident of Downey for 52 years. Born in Austin, Minnesota, she died Nov. 7. She retired as a teacher here in 1976.

She served on various community project committees since 1957.

Survivors include her daughter, Kay; husband Al; a nephew, Gary Babcock of Mission Viejo; and hundreds of friends.

Burial will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

Jim Lyman Davis Jr. mourned by many here
DOWNEY-At his wish, the remains of Jim Lyman Davis, Jr., a member of the Elks and the Downey Amateur Radio Club will be scattered at sea.
He was born Aug. 31, 1931 in Memphis, Tennessee to Jim L. Davis, Sr. and Ruth Jackson Davis, and died Nov. 4. He graduated from Southside High School in 1949, then Memphis State University and the U.S. Air Force.

He was married to his wife, Lora, in 1950. They moved to Southern California in 1955. He was an avid traveler, sailor and softball player, and took great joy in attending his grandchildren's sports, music and dance events.

Survivors include his wife, Lora; his brothers, Jack and William; sons Jim, Larry and John; grandchildren Michael, Amy, Joel and Scott; and great-grandson Alex.

Friends, family recall Dale O. Tally of Downey
DOWNEY-Friends and family held a celebration of life in memory of Dale O. Tally at his Downey home Nov. 8.
A Downey resident for 46 years, Tally died Nov. 2 at the age of 90.

He was born on a ranch in Jakeway, Kansas Dec. 27, 1909. He lived the life of a rancher's son with two brothers and a sister; Vinton, Merle and Edith until his mother took the children to Mason City, Iowa when he was 14. The early ranch life and old fashioned morality learned there shaped much of the rest of his life.

In Iowa he worked in a meat packing plant run by his stepfather. In 1924, following the stepfather, his mother took the family, which now included a new baby girl, Marjory Ann, by car to California. The family had little money on the long trip and would camp evenings along the highway. On arriving in California he and the family worked in a poultry shop. In his off-hours he would hunt for deer and rabbit to insure meat for the family.

In the summer of 1929 he met the love of his life, Minnie, to whom he was to be married for 67 years.

When the Great Depression ground the nation's economy to a halt, he searched for work. He and his younger brother, Merle, rode the rails across America. He often spoke of the brutality of the railroad bulls who would beat the men they caught. He was arrested several times as a vagrant, but when he found work, he was able to send money home to his mother to support the family.

In 1932 he married Minnie. He and his brothers would figure how to make work to earn a living. They would haul sawdust from wood mills, selling it to butcher shops, bid on WPA work, and dig ditches. At one point he became a boxer at the South Gate Arena. Under the name of the K.O. Kid he had 21 fights with 21 knockouts. But his boxing career ended when he found his manager was cheating on him and when Minnie discovered he was fighting. She insisted he get a "real" job.

He chose the railroad. He asked for work each day, and after about six months the foreman accepted him. He began as a swamper, cleaning the hot steam engine boilers. He worked there 22 years, rising from swamper to journeyman machinist.

In 1942, with a wife and three children, at the age of 32 he enlisted as part of the war effort. He spent four years on P.T. boats in the Aleutian Islands and New Guinea. He had several boats shot out from under him. He lamented the terrible waste of war and loss of life, but always felt the war effort and his years in it important.

After World War II he returned to work for the Union Pacific until the early 1950s. From then until his retirement in 1975 he held foreman jobs at United States Steel and Alcoa Aluminum. He often laughed about the U.S. Steel shutdown in Los Angeles, calling himself the last man out the gate.

From 1975 to 1995 he and Minnie traveled America in their camper, but they always returned to their home in Downey. Here they would visit with children, family and friends. The trips ended when Minnie was diagnosed with arterial sclerosis. He cared for his wife at home.

He loved to work as a pastime. There was not a machine made he could not run or fix. And he never missed an election. He was greatly loved and respected by those who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Minnie of Downey; his daughters, Ellen Tubbs of Lakehead, California, Betty McMillan of Riverside; a son, Bill Tally of Downey; seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; as well as many nephews, nieces and in-laws.

Judith A. Pitcher, 58, mourned by many here
KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Judith M. Pitcher, who retired in 1995 as director of the program analysis division of the Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington, D.C., died Oct. 5 in a Kansas City, Mo. medical center after suffering a stroke.
She was 58, and lived in Washington, D.C. for 27 years prior to moving to Lexington, Mo., last year.

Born in Freeport, Ill., July 9, 1941, she attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Church there until the family moved to Downey. She was the valedictorian of the 1959 Class of Warren High School, then attended Tulane University where she graduated in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. She earned a master's degree in economics at Northwestern University in Evanston, and from 1963 to 1967 completed her doctorate in economics at Northwestern.

From 1968 to 1969 she taught economics at the University of Kentucky, then took a post with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington.

After retirement she moved to Lexington, Mo., where she operated Graystone Mansion, a 166-year-old building converted for bed and breakfast, with Allen Brauninger, her friend and business partner.

She was a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon economics honors society, the National Economists Club, National Assoc. of Professional and Executive Women, Chevy Chase Citizens Assoc., Washington Women Economists, American Economics Assoc., the Board of Palisades Pool Assoc., treasurer and social director of Montgomery County Single Parents, and a referee and official of the Montgomery County Swim League.

Survivors include her companion, Allen Brauninger of Lexington, Mo.; two daughters, Susan Pitcher of Bethesda, Md., Elizabeth Pitcher of Tacoma Park, Md.; a son, Ensign Mitchell Pitcher Eisenberg, USN, of Newport, R.I.; two sisters, Marilyn J. (John) Gibbs of Freeport and Sylvia Mitchell of Columbus, Ohio; uncles Phil (Doris), Robert (Ethel) and George (Dorothy) Weigmann of Freeport; an aunt, Susie Fullmer of Freeport; a niece, Linda (Ritchie) Buss of Freeport; two nephews, Randall (Sue) Tempel of Freeport, and Rodney (Doris) Tempel of Lanark; and many nieces and nephews in California, Ohio and Iowa. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and two sisters, Pat Kutzke and Vergel van Brocklin.

A memorial service was held in Washington, D.C. Oct. 24.

Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Kansas City.

Services held for Milan Paul Ploss, 75
DOWNEY-Private cremation services were held for Milan Paul Ploss, a Downey resident and fomer business manager for 36 years for the County of Los Angeles Maintenance Department.
He was 75, born in Pennsylvania Oct. 22, 1924 and died Oct. 23 in Downey.

Survivors include his sisters, Sophie Myers and Molly Granrud; a step-daughter, Irene Perkins; nephews Ted and Thomas Myers; nieces Vichie Neal and Linda Bogdan; and many friends.

Burial followed at sea. Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Friends, family remember Milan Paul Floss at 75
DOWNEY-Private cremation services were followed by burial at sea for Milan Paul Floss, a former business manager for the County of Los Angeles Maintenance Department where he worked for 36 years.
He was 75 and died Saturday, Oct. 23, in Downey. He was born in Pennsylvania Oct. 22, 1924.

Survivors include his sisters, Sofie Meyers and Molly Granrud; a daughter-in-law, Irene Perkins; and a nephew, Ted Meyers.

Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Francis S. Van Rensselaer is mourned by many here
DOWNEY-Services will be held today, Friday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. at the Coleman Mortuary in La Habra for Francis S. "Van" Van Renselaer, who died Oct. 25 as a result of complications following a stroke.
He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 20, 1912, and moved to Inglewood in 1926 where he graduated from Inglewood High School in 1929, later attending Compton College. He worked for General Motors Truck Division in Los Angeles and later John Hancock Life Insurance Company from 1940 until retirement in 1974. He was a longtime resident of Downey, moving here in 1949. He loved golf.

A veteran of World War II, he landed Omaha Beach in June, 1944 and was also involved in the 1945 liberation of a forced labor camp in Germany. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for this.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine of La Habra; his son, Robert of Downey; a daughter, Francine Coons of Livermore; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Burial with full military honors will follow at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside.

Francis Arthur 'Bart' Bartolomeo mourned
DOWNEY-A Memorial Mass was heard Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Francis Arthur "Bart" Bartolomeo, past president of the Downey Unico and a 41-year Downey resident.
He was born April 24, 1915 in Chicago, Ill., to parents Arthur D. and Constance Stepaniak Bartolomeo, and died Oct. 8 at Downey Regional Medical Center.

He was active in many service and civic groups, and was a longtime volunteer at Rio Hondo Hospital and Downey Community Hospital. He was a member of the Downey Bocce Club and the Downey Stamp Club.

He retired after 25 years in the insurance industry as a district manager for Prudential Insurance. He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Joehana "Joe" Bartolomeo; daughters Vicki (John) Cameron of Portland, Oregon, Judy Daniels of Portland; four grandchildren, Michael and Erin Cameron, Elizabeth and Katherine Daniels.

Private interment followed. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Heart Association.

The Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary assisted with the arrangements.

Services held for Gabriel Morales, 34
DOWNEY-Services were held Thursday at St. Raymond's Catholic Church for Gabriel Morales, who died Oct. 4 at his home in Downey.
He was 34, born March 27, 1965 in Maywood.

Survivors include his parents, Pedro and Maria; a brother, Pete; sisters Grace Branstetter, Elizabeth Flaherty, Margret Morales; six nieces, five nephews, and many friends.

Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

Friends, family grieve for Catalina Ortiz at 81
DOWNEY-Services will be held today (Friday, Oct. 15) at 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Catalina Ortiz, a homemaker and one year Downey resident.
She was 81, born in Hanford, California, and died Oct. 12 at her Downey home.

She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Laura Aceves (Miguel); sisters Anastacia and Josefina Ortiz; and a brother, Salvador Ortiz.

Father John Moloney will officiated. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn in Glendale. Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


Search this massive database of obituaries, cemeteries, and death records:


CEMSEARCH - OBITUARY CENTRAL - OBITUARY LINKS PAGE - SURNAME SEARCH UTILITY