Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Keith Wittner
Oct. 21, 1924 - Oct. 18, 2001
Keith Wittner, a long-time resident of Paradise, was born in Oak-land, and passed away in Redding.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters, Alison Wittner and Candace Wittner; son, Rodney Wittner and brothers, Rex and Marvin.
Services are planned at the First Baptist Church, 1959 Eureka Way, Redding, at 2 p.m. on Oct. 21.
Ruth Madden
Oct. 26, 1905 - Oct. 19, 2001
Ruth Margaret Madden, 95, was a legal secretary for 30 years before retiring. She worked in the law offices of attorney Roy McKernan.
She was marriage to Foster Madden, on Oct. 16, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pa. They moved from Marin County to Paradise in 1960 and later moved to Portola in 1999 to be near their family. She was an active member of Christian Woman’s Associa-tion and Christian Missionary Alliance Church.
Her husband, Foster Lawrence Madden of Portola; son, Ron Madden of Graeagle; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, survive Mrs. Madden.
Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in her memory and Paradise Alliance church.
Funeral services will be held at Chapel of the Pines at 11 a.m., Tues., Oct. 23 following the visitation, which will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Paradise Chapel of the Pines will be handling the arrangements.
Reginald Sandison
Nov. 6, 1906 - Oct. 17, 2001
Reginald Sandison was born at a logging camp in Chester Twp., Otsego, Co., Mich., to John V. and Mary C. (Smith) Sandison. His grandmother, Hannah (Robison) Sandison assisted as a midwife.
He spent most of his youth in Onaway, Mich. Mr. Sandison came to California in 1934 and learned carpentry. He was a licensed contractor for more than 30 years, building residential homes. When he retired in 1969, he settled in Paradise and continued to build. He was instrumental in the construction of the current edifice of the Paradise Evangelical Free Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings; Ruth, Naomi, Raymer, Murnie, Ada, Martin, Sabra, Geneva and Verna, and by his wife. Survivors include his daughters, Mary Fox of Brookings, and Ellen Groff of San Jose; granddaughter Aimee and great-granddaughters, Ashley and Sarah King of Mountain View; grandsons, Evan Groff of San Jose, Nathan Fox of Mountain View and John Fox of Brookings, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Internment was held at Paradise Memorial Cemetery. Memorial services were held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brookings, Oct. 21. Arrangements were under the direction of Redwood Memorial Chapel, Brookings, Ore.
Myrtle Helbing
1916 - Sept. 27, 2001
Mrs. Helbing, a longtime resident of Magalia, passed away in West Monroe, La., where she had moved two years ago to be close to her family.
She was very active in local affairs while living in Magalia, including Paradise Pines Property Owners Association, past president of Paradise Pines Women’s’ Club, member of the Pine Ridge Women’s Club, Elk’s Wives and Paradise Church of Christ.
Her husband, Ernest Helbring, preceded her in death in 1993.
Remembrance in her name, may be made to her favorite charity, De Sabla Volunteer Fire Department.
Clara Vironda
May 30, 1904 Oct. 11, 2001
Clara B. Vironda, 97, was a teacher/ administrator for 28 years with the Los Angeles school district.
Memorial services will be held Tues., Oct. 23, 2 p.m. at Craig Memorial Congrega-tional Church.
Bidwell Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Adrian Trulin
Oct. 30, 1907 - Oct. 20, 2001
Adrian “A.J.” Trulin and his wife, Maxine, came to the Bay Area in 1937, and then lived in the Redwoods from 1945 to 1951. From 1952 to 1956 they had lived in Artois. The Trulins lived in Paradise since 1956. He started A.J. Overhead Doors, Inc. when he was 64 years old. His son, Karl, still works the business. Mr. Trulin had a California Contractors’ license since 1938; building homes in the Bay Area, Artois and Paradise. Except for the brief time in the Redwoods and a short time in Artois, he was in the carpentry, building trades and remodel work. He will long be known for his love of Studebakers. Mr. Trulin was a member of the Paradise Pines Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Mr. Trulin was marriage to his wife, Maxine, for 66 years. Her death proceeded him two years ago. His older son, Karl of Paradise; daughter-in-law, Pat Trulin; and two grandsons, Shane and Kyle, of Huntington Beach, survive him. His younger son, John, preceded him in death three years ago.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Jehovah Witnesses, P.O. Box 382, Paradise, 95967. The family will announce a memorial date at a later time.
Bobby Kale Jr.
Feb. 1, 1954 - Oct. 11, 2001
Houston resident Bobby Richard Kale Jr., 47, went to school for his junior and senior years in Paradise. He graduated from Paradise High School.
In 1985, he moved to Alaska and worked various construction jobs as a laborer. He also worked for his brother’s family business for several years.
Mr. Kale enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and taxidermy. He loved the outdoors.
His family said: “Our son, brother and friend was loved and will be greatly missed. He always had a smile to give and a helping hand when one was needed. Bobby had a special place in his heart for his nephews and niece. All the people who ever knew Bob loved him dearly, and he will be forever missed.”
Mr. Kale is survived by his parents, Bob and Pauline Kale of Sacramento; brothers, Bryce Kale of Valdez, Steve Kale of Anchorage; sister, Teresa Peters of Houston, and many nieces and nephews.
Witzleben Family Funeral Homes and Crematory made arrangements.
Clyde Townsend
Jan. 4, 1939 - Oct. 23, 2001
Clyde Jr. Lee Townsend, 62, lived most of his life in Cloverdale. Mr. Townsend liked hunting, fishing, bowling and spending time at the ocean. He was a great storyteller.
Mr. Townsend loved to dance and spend time with his family. He also enjoyed country music.
Mr. Townsend worked for Louisiana Pacific in Cloverdale for 30 years before moving to Stirling City. For 10 years, Mr. Townsend managed the Clotilde Merlo Park.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon Ann Woods Townsend of Stirling City, daughters, Julianne Marie Lewis and Sherrie Carelene Singleton of Willits; four sisters, Ruth Medrois of Arkansas, Christine Brown of Orland, Pauline Smalley of Santa Rosa and Ann Cochrane of Alabama; brothers, Carlton of Rio Del and Jesse of Fort Bragg.
A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Newton-Bracewell Cremation and Funeral Service of Magalia.
Jean Colson
Oct. 15, 1932 - Oct. 21, 2001
Jean I. Colson, 69, had the gift of friendship, making friends quickly wherever she lived. She enjoyed her home-life of baking bread and she enjoyed tea with friends in the afternoon. Mrs. Colson also loved sports, especially baseball.
Her son, David K. Nelson, precedes her in death.
Her sons, Randy Nelson of Forest Grove, Ore., and Chris Nelson of Folsom; daughters, Janet Doll of Citrus Heights and June Arroues of Placerville; mother, Violet Williams of Paradise; brothers, Bill Williams of Paradise; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive Mrs. Colson.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 25 from 4 p. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. at Rose Chapel.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling funeral arrangements.
Bertha Longsine
Nov. 9, 1908 - Oct. 16, 2001
Paradise resident, Bertha M. Longsine, began a career of teaching in Kansas and Nebraska. She moved to California in early 1937 and on July 30, 1937, she was united in marriage to Cecil V. Longsine. No children were born to this union. They settled in Los Angeles and both worked for Lockheed Company. In the early 1950s, they moved to Los Alamos, N.M. and, in the mid-1970s, returned to Livermore. In 1979, they moved to Paradise to enjoy retirement years.
Mrs. Longsine enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and stained-glass crafts. She was also an avid gardener and member of the Paradise Garden Club for many years.
Mrs. Longsine’s husband, Cecil and sister, Bessie, preceded her in death. Her two nephews and five nieces survive her.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.
Graveside services and inurnment will be at the Paradise Cemetery on Sat., Oct. 27, 11 a.m.
Rose Chapel Mortuary in Paradise made arrangements.
Edward Spreen
Oct. 4, 1924 - Oct. 23, 2001
Edward Oliver Spreen, 77, was in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. He received the Bronze Medal.
Mr. Spreen graduated from Chico High School in 1942 and was marriage on Nov. 5, 1967 to Julie Spreen in Reno, Nev.
He was a truck driver for Pacific Motor Trucking for 31 years and retired in 1983.
Mr. Spreen was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
His life was based around his work. In his spare time he always was helping friends and family on building projects. In his earlier days he enjoyed deer hunting.
Mr. Spreen is survived by his wife, Julie Spreen of Paradise; a brother, Herbert Spreen of Wasilla, Ark; sister, Beatrice Marquez of Colma; sons, Alan Spreen and Jack Spreen of Paradise; stepchildren, Cheryl Carrell, Lorrie Visinoni of Paradise, and Terry Thurman of Chico; granddaughter, Misty Spreen of Paradise and seven step-grandchildren of Paradise.
Services will be on Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. at the Paradise Chapel of the Pines Mortuary.
Paradise Chapel of the Pines is handling the arrangements.
Dorothy Best
Nov. 28, 1922 - Oct. 23, 2001
Dorothy Jean Best, 78, was the rotary head for the department of manufacturing VCRS, at Ampex for 25 years.
Her husband, Joseph Best, preceded her in death in 1991. A son, Joe Best of Paradise; daughters, Sharon Sue Leising of Albuquerque, N.M., and Mary Rae Bianchinni of Long Island, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren survive her.
Graveside services were held Friday, Oct. 26.
Funeral arrangments were handled by Paradise Chapel of the Pines.
Gladys Nelson
Sept. 5, 1919 - Oct. 23, 2001
Gladys D. Nelson, formerly of Paradise, moved to Lincoln approximately one year ago to be near her sisters and family.
Before Gladys retired, she was the manager at Plumas Pines Resort at Lake Almanor for over 14 years.
She and her late husband moved to Paradise in 1978, and worked at a local dress shop, which was then called The Size Shop. She was very personable and loved working with the public.
Her husband, and son, James, precede Mrs. Nelson in death. Mrs. Nelson is survived by her other son, Jeff Nelson of Concord; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one adopted grandson; three sisters, Edgee Pasenti of Redding, Mary Ann Streit and Virginia Patten of Lincoln.
There will be no visitation or services. Paradise Chapel of the Pines will make funeral arrangements.
Tomas Fierro
April 19, 1933 - Oct. 28, 2001
Tomas Leyva Fierro, 68, served in the military from 1951 to 1955 in the United States Navy in Korea.
Mr. Fierro marriage “Liz” Vidauri on Aug. 28, 1955, in Orland.
He was a toll boardman at Pacific Telephone Company for 18 years.
Sixteen years ago, he and his wife established and ran Meehos, a trademark restaurant in Paradise.
He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, “Liz” Fierro of Paradise; sons, Tomas Fierro of Santa Rosa and Chris Fierro of Paradise; daughters, Debbie McKey of San Diego, Annie Webb of Sacramento and Teresa Fierro of Paradise; brother, Joe Fierro of El Paso, Texas; sister, Ernestine Rowden of El Paso; mother, Maria Fierro of El Paso, and seven grandchildren.
A vigil service will be held Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Chapel of the Pines. Services will be held Friday at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Paradise Chapel of the Pines is handling the arrangements.
Verna Miller
Verna Jaclyn “Jackie” Miller, 65, was a Mag-alia resident since 1977.
Mrs. Miller is survived by her husband, Darrall Miller of Magalia; mother, Lola Manly of Magalia; sons, Rodney Smith of Castaic and Stanley Smith of Paradise; daughters, Pamela Keenan of Paradise and Melanie Billingsley of Chico; stepchildren, Tony Miller and Rick White of Fresno; ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Service will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday at Rose Chapel Mortuary.
Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Daniel Ritter
June 28, 1957 - Oct. 27, 2001
Daniel “Danny” Ritter, 44, lived in Chico before moving to Magalia in 1998.
He was a baker at the French Gourmet Bakery in Chico.
Mr. Ritter loved to spend time with his children and enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Ritter of Magalia, whom he marriage July 6, 2001; daughters, Samantha and Sarah Ritter of Magalia; father, Dale Ritter and step-mother, Winnie, of Richardson Springs; brothers, Michael Ritter of Richardson Springs and Eric Ritter of Redding; sister, Gwen Miller of Durham and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday at Glen Oaks Memorial Park, Chico. Memorial contributions may be made to Enloe Hospice.
Rose Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Thomas Peppas
May 22, 1911 - Oct. 14, 2001
Thomas S. Peppas, 90, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Sam and Vadna Peppas.
He had 22 years of formal education and attended Iowa State University for two years, and went on to graduate from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He achieved his bachelor of arts, B.S.L., M.R.E., M.S.E. and master of divinity degrees.
He was employed for 65 years as a minister. Mr. Peppas founded and was the former pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Paradise. He lived in Marysville from 1947 to 1963 and during this time he was an administrator at Yuba College in Marysville. He retired in 1971.
Mr. Peppas was a past member of the Oddfellows and past member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling and woodcarving.
Mr. Peppas is survived by his wife, Bonnie Peppas of Paradise, to whom he was marriage on June 2, 1946; sons, Thomas Peppas and Christofer “Skip” Peppas of West Sacramento; daughter, Chrystal McFarlane of Menifee; sisters, Dena Wieland of Marysville and Maryanne Sorenson of Lincoln, Neb.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Paradise.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paradise Hospice and Home Care, First Christian Church general fund or the charity of your choice.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling funeral arrangements.
