Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!James Medve
6/10/2000
Accomplished violinist James Coleman Medve used to play for the officers and for special events when he served as a master sergeant with the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946.
Medve, a Paradise resident since 1981, died at Cypress Acres in Paradise last Thursday.
He was 86.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, to James and Elizabeth Medve, he learned to play the violin from his father as well as from professional lessons.
He was stationed at Camp Barkeley in Abilene, Texas, during his service in the Army. On January 14, 1944, he marriage Amanda N. Allen in Rockford, Ill.
Before his retirement, Mr. Medve was a corrugated box salesman for the box division of Continental Can Company. He moved to Paradise from LaHabra, where he attended the Paradise Alliance Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, James Alan Medve of Alamo, and Ronald Coleman Medve of Mission Viejo; sister, Blanche W. Robey of Columbus, Ohio; and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life service was held yesterday followed by private family services at Paradise Cemetery.
Hilas Ashley
6/13/2000
One of the first residents of the Paradise Pines development who helped develop many community services in the area, Hilas Charles Ashley, 92, died Thursday at Sunbridge in Paradise.
Born in Flandreau, S.D., to Jesse and Loretta Ashley, he moved to Capay as a young boy. In 1932, he graduated from college with highest honors with a degree in electrical and mechanical engineering.
He marriage Florence Hahn in Berkeley in 1932.
Before joining Standard Oil as a designing engineer in 1937, Mr. Ashley designed and supervised construction of the largest atmospheric cooling tower ever built.
He was appointed chief engineer at Standard Oil’s refinery in El Segundo in 1948. While there, he was elected as a trustee for El Camino College, where he served as president of the board for three terms.
After retiring from Standard Oil’s corporate engineering office in San Francisco, the Ashleys moved to the Paradise Pines in 1970. Mrs. Ashley died in 1982, and Mr. Ashley marriage Ida Swihart of Magalia in 1987.
Mr. Ashley helped establish the Del Oro Homeowners’ Association and the Upper Ridge Coordinating Council and served as chairman of both organizations several times.
He also served on the board of the DeSabla Volunteer Fire Department and volunteered for Hospice of the Ridge, helping to build the organization’s first thrift shop. A member of Sons in Retirement, the Paradise Elks Lodge and the Craig Memorial Congregational Church, Mr. Ashley supported various community causes, including the Paradise Performing Arts Center, Meals on Wheels, Millie’s Place and Feather River Hospital, as well as scholarships for engineering students at his alma mater, the University of California, Berkeley.
He enjoyed artistic woodworking, fishing, world travel and camping.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Donald of Waldport, Ore.
A memorial service for Mr. Ashley will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Craig Memorial Congregational Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the church.
Rose Chapel Mortuary of Paradise is handling the arrangements.
Lee Paradise
6/13/2000
Paradise resident Lee A. Paradise, who owned and operated the Lee A. Paradise Texaco Service in downtown Chico and Paradise for 33 years, died Saturday.
He was 81.
Born in Laconia, N.H., to Arthur and Eva Paradise, he served in the U.S. Army from 1936 to 1939. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin CV13 in the South Pacific. After the war, he worked as a police officer in Laconia for five years.
Mr. Paradise moved to Chico in 1950. In addition to his business, he served as the Captain of the Butte County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, which he was a member of for 30 years.
He retired in 1982.
A member of the Chico Masonic Lodge No. 111, F & AM, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1555, the American Legion Chico Post No. 17, the Paradise Elks Lodge No. 2026 and a past member of the Chico Elks Lodge No. 423, Mr. Paradise was also a volunteer for the veterans’ transportation service.
A prominent horseman, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and carpentry.
He is survived by his sons, Robert of Aptos, and Albion of Fairfield; daughters, Beverly Obermiller of Mt. Shasta, and Patricia Fraters of Chico; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the Newton Bracewell Funeral Home of Chico, which is handling the arrangements.
A visitation was held yesterday, and a funeral service will be held today at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
A private Burial will take place at Chico Cemetery at a later date.
Bennie Cline
6/13/2000
A Paradise Pines resident since 1964, Bennie Mae Cline died Saturday.
She was 77.
Mrs. Cline was born in Shawnee, Okla., to Benjamin Mattingly and Delia Teeples Mattingly. Her father died of scarlet fever the month before she was born. She and her mother were taken into the home of Mrs. Mattingly’s father, Charles Teeples, where Mrs. Cline was raised with several aunts and uncles.
The entire family moved to California in 1929 and settled in Butte County, where Mrs. Cline attended schools in Gridley. The family, including Mrs. Cline’s new stepfather, Clyde Griggs, moved to Fortuna where Mrs. Cline went to school until World War II started.
Mrs. Cline then moved to San Francisco and eventually went to work for Pacific Bell as an operator before moving up to supervisor. During this period, she met and marriage Edwin Siebert.
She moved to Chico and continued to work for the phone company. After divorcing Mr. Siebert in 1960, she was transferred by Pacific Bell to Sunnyvale, where, in 1962, she met and marriage R. Grant Cline.
The Clines purchased their home in the Pines in 1964 and have lived there ever since.
Mrs. Cline was an active member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Magalia congregation since she was baptized in 1972. She was an active minister and conducted many Bible studies.
After Mr. Cline retired in 1982, the couple used their pickup truck and travel trailer to travel throughout the Northwest, including trips to Montana, Washington, Oregon and up and down the coast of California.
Mrs. Cline especially enjoyed taking trips to Bodega Bay, where she would work on sewing projects while her husband fished.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Cline is survived by her stepdaughters, Bonnie Cline Austin, and Patti Cline Higgins; her stepsons, Donald, and Richard; several grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, at the Magalia Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Chapel of the Pines of Paradise is handling the arrangements.
Eunice Robinett
6/13/2000
Six days after she was reported missing, Eunice Mary Robinett was found dead Friday about two miles from her Magalia home. An Alzheimer’s disease patient, Mrs. Robinett had wandered away from her home last week in the middle of the night. According to the sheriff’s report, she had apparently slipped and fallen down a steep embankment to a creek where she sustained injuries to her head and leg. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection conducted a 30-man search of the area that they had planned on discontinuing on Sunday if Mrs. Robinett hadn’t been located.
Mrs. Robinett was 77.
Born in Mammoth, Utah, to Anton and Mary Hegna, she was manager of the school cafeteria at the Port Hueneme High School District for 26 years before retiring.
She lived in Port Hueneme from 1963 to 1984, when she moved to Magalia.
A lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she attended Paradise Ward III.
She enjoyed taking walks, gardening, cooking and swimming. She loved the beach.
She is survived by her husband, Donald; daughters, Denise Harrison of Colorado Springs, Colo., Patricia Stecz of Medina, Ohio, Pamela Fricker of Rawlings, Md., Melanie Leasure of Modesto, Cathy Robinett of Oakview, and Christina Robinett of Santa Barbara; son, Greg of Manhattan Beach; brother, Bert Dahl of Oakview; sister, Gladys Sorenson of West Jordan, Utah; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her son, Jeffery, who died last year.
A memorial service was held yesterday. Cremation will take place at Chapel of the Pines Mortuary and inurnment is scheduled for Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura.
Chapel of the Pines of Paradise is handling the arrangements.
Minnie Stewart
6/13/2000
Former Paradise resident Minnie Cobell Stewart, a member of the American Indian Montana Blackfoot Tribe, died in Stockton on Monday, May 29.
She was 81.
Born in Browning, Mont., she attended the Cut Bank Boarding School as a child.
She marriage Grover Stewart in 1939 and moved to California in 1942.
She moved to the Ridge in 1988, and lived here until 1999.
Mrs. Stewart is survived by her daughters, Lona McCallister of Livermore, Gloria Monares of Stockton, and Susan Stewart Medicinehorse of Bozeman, Mont.; son, Thomas of Yorba Linda; sister, Pearl Harrington of Valier, Mont.; brother, Raymond Talk of Seattle, Wash.; and 18 grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her daughter, Kathryn Stewart.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to U.C. Irvine Medical Center, Transplantation Research, 101 City Dr. S.-Bldg. 26, Room 1001, Orange, CA 92868-3298.
Mrs. Stewart is buried
at the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman, Mont.
The Dokken-Nelson Funeral Home of Bozeman, Mont., is handling the arrangements.
Phoebe Benson
6/15/2000
A registered nurse for over 35 years, Para-dise resident Phoebe Rose Benson died Sunday at Feather River Hospital, where she had previously worked.
She was 75.
Born in El Monte to Edward R. and Mildred M. Benson, she graduated from El Monte High School in 1943 and received her nursing degree from the Los Angeles School of Nursing in 1947.
While in Los Angeles, Ms. Benson worked at Los Angeles General Hospital and the City of Hope Hospital. She was also a nurse at the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona.
While in Paradise, she worked at Butte County Hospital in Oroville and at Feather River.
Ms. Benson enjoyed fishing and rock-hounding. She loved animals and was devoted to her small dogs.
She is survived by many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paradise Animal Shelter.
A private sea scattering for Ms. Benson will be held off of the coast of Marin County.
The Neptune Society of Northern California, Chico Branch, is handling the arrangements.
Leigh Collins
6/15/2000
A former Paradise resident who was a physician at California State Unive-rsity, Chico, while he lived here, Dr. Leigh George Collins, M.D., died at the Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Hospital Sunday.
He was 88.
Born in West Point, Neb., to George and Minnie Collins, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska and Creighton Medical School in Omaha.
Mr. Collins was a longtime Pomona resident, where he practiced for 33 years, delivering thousands of babies. He was known to his patients there as “Uncle Doc.” He was a physician at CSU, Chico for 12 years, and he was residing in Red Bluff at the time of his death, where he had lived for the last 10 years.
Mr. Collins was a member of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, DeLeine; daughter, Cheryl Frank of Red Bluff; brother, Col. F. G. Collins, M.D., of Texas; sister, Helen Day of Indiana; one grandson; and one great-grandson.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at P.O. Box 3148, Paradise, CA 95967, or to a favorite charity.
A service for Mr. Collins was held yesterday at Paradise Cemetery, his final resting place.
Chapel of the Flowers of Red Bluff is handling the arrangements.
Robert Hodges
6/15/2000
A former member of the Paradise Elks Lodge and a member of the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Magalia resident Robert S. Hodges, 91, died on May 23.
Born in Blandinsville, Ill., to Myra and John Hodges, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
In sales all of his life, he worked for over 30 years at I. Magnin’s Department Store. He had lived in Magalia since 1985.
Mr. Hodges enjoyed dancing, music and especially playing the organ.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna K.; daughter, Helen Burge of Magalia; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the local Hospice or to the American Cancer Society in care of Chapel of the Pines Mortuary.
A memorial mass for Mr. Hodges will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Cremation will take place at Chapel of the Pines of Paradise, which is handling the arrangements.
Magalia Cemetery will be his final resting place.
Terrence Landman
6/15/2000
Lifetime Butte County resident and longtime Magalia resident Terrence Bruce Land-man died at Enloe Hospital Monday.
He was 52.
Born in Paradise, he suffered from degenerative heart disease. He had his first heart attack when he was 28. His doctors had told him he could not take any pressures and should not work.
Before his death, he had had two open heart surgeries and seven bypasses.
He graduated from Gridley High School and spent three years in college.
Mr. Landman moved to Magalia from Gridley in 1972, and he marriage Deanna E. Marley on April 6, 1991, in Reno, Nev.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his stepson, Rory Benedict of San Jose.
A private memorial for Mr. Landman will be held at a later date.
Private inurnment will follow cremation at Chapel of the Pines of Paradise, which is handling the arrangements.
Herbert Johnson
6/15/2000
Paradise resident Herbert Edwin Johnson, former Golden Gloves boxer and semi-professional football player, died Saturday at his home.
He was 78.
Born in Seattle to Carl and Ethel Johnson, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II as a combat sergeant and was at the Battle of Guadal Canal.
A salesman all his life, he also owned a furniture manufacturing company and a farm, and was also an inventor.
He was known for his sense of humor and his storytelling.
His caretaker, Viviana Ramos, cared for him until the last day of his life.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his daughters, Mari, and Ceanne; son, Craig; and three grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of the Pines Mortuary where cremation will also take place.
Inurnment will be in private.
Chapel of the Pines of Paradise is handling the arrangements.
Lucille Morris
6/17/2000
An accounting teacher at Ventura College for 31 years, Paradise resident Lucille Terry Morris died Thursday at Feather River Hospital.
She was 82.
Born in Half Moon Bay, to John J. and Fannie Terry, she graduated from Half Moon Bay High School in 1935. She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was pledged to Beta Gamma Sigma as a business honorary. She received her master of science degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she was pledged to Beta Alpha Psi as an accounting honorary.
She taught business subjects in high schools in McCloud, Half Moon Bay and Pleasanton bofore working at Ventura College, where she retired in 1978.
In 1942, she marriage Robert Martee, who was later killed in action during World War II.
She marriage H. Verlin “Smiley” Morris in 1951.
A life member of the Delta Kappa Gamma society, the California Teachers’ Association, and the National Education Association, Mrs. Morris was also a member of the Paradise United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, the Paradise and Butte County Retired Teachers, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Native Daughters of the Golden West and the Paradise Genealogy Society.
She enjoyed travel, reading, sewing and gardening.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister, Louisa DeKrause of Redwood City; stepdaughter, Judy Bates of Grover City; one niece; one nephew; and several great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Mrs. Morris will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Paradise United Methodist Church.
Her cremated remains will be scattered at sea off of the coast of Marin County.
The Neptune Society of Northern California, Chico Branch, is handling the arrangements.
Carol Burket
6/17/2000
After many surgeries and a long struggle, Paradise resident Carol Ann Burket died of lung disease at her home last Saturday. She was 65.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, to Edward and Edna Selter, she attended the University of Toledo.
Mrs. Burket was employed in human resources at Systron Donner in Concord, where she later became personnel manager and then training and regulatory affairs manager.
She also had her own business, “Carol Burket, H R Specialist on-call.”
She enjoyed working crossword puzzles on a daily basis with her husband of 45 years, James Daniel Burket.
She also enjoyed spending time with her five cats and socializing with her friends at Ron’s Lounge and Shenani-gan’s.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Burket is survived by her daughter, Brenda Montero of Paradise; sons, Brian of Paradise, and Brett of Laguna Hills; sister, Phyllis Hughes of Houston, Texas; two granddaughters; and three grandsons. Contributions in her name can be made to the Paradise Hospice, the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Society.
At her request, no services will be held. Rose Chapel Mortuary of Paradise is handling the arrangements.
Paul Reiling
6/17/2000
Recipient of the U.S. Army Bronze Star, while serving in the infan-try, during World War II, Paradise resident Paul D. Reiling, 79, died Tuesday.
Born in Brookville, Ohio, to Lloyd and Nellie Davis Reiling, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor of science degree in forestry.
He retired from Lassen National Forest as an administrative officer after working for the forestry department for 30 years. Mr. Reiling volunteered for the Chico Nature Center as its financial manager in accounting for 9 years.
He also volunteered for several other nature, forest and environmental organizations.
He was an avid fisherman and hiker and was accomplished in lapidary work. He is survived by his sister, Lillyan Leland of Paradise. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Chico Nature Center.
The Neptune Society of Northern California, Chico Branch, is handling the arrangements.
Thomas Goguen
6/17/2000
Sheet metal designer, multi-faceted artist and ardent motorcyclist Thomas Goguen, 83, died Thursday.
He had been a Magalia resident for the past 21 years. Born in Canada, Mr. Goguen often worked with wood to produce his art, but he also made pictures out of pounded copper and sculpted with metal.
Many residents have seen his unique mailbox, designed out of metal to look like a stagecoach.
He particularly enjoyed riding his motorcycle in the mountains.
Mr. Goguen is survived by his wife, Gerda “Blondie;” brother, Frank; sisters, Julie and Hope; and several nieces and nephews.
No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s favorite charity or to the Paradise Hospice.
Cremation will be held at Bidwell Chapel of Chico, which is handling the arrangements.
Emogene Gibbons
6/17/2000
A Butte County resident for the past 50 years and current Stirling City resident, Emogene Ruth “Pat” Gibbons died Thursday at Sierra Sunrise in Chico.
She was 88.
Born in Shawnee, Okla., to Warren and Viola Davis, she lived there until she was 9 years old, when she moved to the Los Angeles area.
A member of the First Assembly of God Church in Paradise, she liked to collect antiques, and she owned the “Heirloom Shop” in Oroville.
A professional seamstress, she also liked to embroider.
Mrs. Gibbons is survived by her daughters, Virginia Rice of Stirling City, and Marionne Myers of Chester; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to Gideons International in care of Sorensen’s Affordable Mor-tuaries of Chico, which is handling the arrangements.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Gibbons will be buried
in Memorial Park Cemetery in Oroville.
Robert Hodges
6/17/2000
A former member of the Paradise Elks Lodge and a member of the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Magalia resident Robert S. Hodges, 91, died on May 23.
Born in Blandinsville, Ill., to Myra and John Hodges, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
In sales all of his life, he worked for over 30 years at I. Magnin’s Department Store. He had lived in Magalia since 1985.
Mr. Hodges enjoyed dancing, music and especially playing the organ.
He is survived by his daughter, Helen Burge of Magalia; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Donna K.
Memorial contributions can be made to the local Hospice or to the American Cancer Society in care of Chapel of the Pines Mortuary.
A memorial mass for Mr. Hodges will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Cremation will take place at Chapel of the Pines of Paradise, which is handling the arrangements.
Vivian Callaway
6/20/2000
A Butte County resident for the past 45 years and a current Paradise resident, Vivian Margaret Callaway died Friday at Cypress Acres.
She was 87.
Born in Elkhorn to William and Hattie Beckley, she lived there until she moved to Butte County. She owned and operated a guest home in Gridley for 15 years.
A lifetime member of the Assembly of God Church, Mrs. Callaway enjoyed writing poetry, painting in oils, cake decorating, acting, studying the Bible, telling stories and working in her flower garden.
She is survived by her daughter, Pat Harrison of Biggs; sons, Dick of Chico, Don of Magalia, Robert of Woodland, Bill of Biggs, and Tom of North Highlands; sisters, Beth Beckley of Roseville, Barbara Pirtle of Roseville, and Phyllis Benvenuti of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; 25 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Earl Thomas Callaway, who died in 1989; son, Danny, who died in 1997; grandson, Craig, who died in 1981; three sisters; and two brothers.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Biggs Community Church Assembly of God in care of Sorensen’s Affordable Mortuaries of Chico, which is handling the arrangements.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., tomorrow, at the Biggs Community Church Assembly of God.
Mrs. Callaway will be buried
in the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery District in Gridley.
Eric Johnson
6/20/2000
Former World War II U.S. Army serviceman and 28 year Paradise resident Eric O. Johnson, 92, died at Feather River Hospital Friday.
Born in San Francisco to Peter and Ericka Johnson, he worked in the printing business for 60 years and was last employed by the Hartford Insurance Company before his retirement.
He moved to Paradise from Redwood City.
A member of the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mr. Johnson enjoyed gambling and bowling.
He is survived by his brother, Nils of Rhonert Park; and his stepdaughter, Charlene Bruechle of Big Bear Lake.
He is predeceased by his wife, Christine, who died in 1999; brother, Leonard; and twin sister; Svea Rothe.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Paradise Hospice and Homecare.
At Mr. Johnson’s request, no services will be held.
His final resting place will be Paradise Cemetery.
Rose Chapel Mortuary of Paradise is handling the arrangements.
Gladys Estes
6/20/2000
A registered nurse for 43 years at Feather River Hospital and a Paradise resident for 37 years, Gladys Ida Estes died at her home Sunday.
She was 86.
Born in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., to Harry and Helen Scofield, Mrs. Estes moved to Paradise from Auburn.
A member of the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, she loved to walk and knit.
She is survived by her son, Roger D. Estes of Paradise.
She is predeceased by her husband Leonard D. Estes, who died on May 16, 1995.
At Mrs. Estes’ request, no services are planned.
Private inurnment will take place at Paradise Cemetery.
Rose Chapel Mortuary of Paradise is handling the arrangements.
Frederick Frost
6/22/2000
As an avid bird lover, Frederick L. Frost, 69, made bird houses and bird feeders - and he spent hours watching birds around his Paradise home.
Mr. Frost died in Paradise on Sunday.
As an aeronautical engineer specializing in checking designs, he worked more than 41 years on various satellite projects.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He graduated from Buffalo College for Teachers in New York with a degree in secondary education.
Mr. Frost was a member of Paradise Elks Lodge Post 2026 and a member of the Audubon Society.
Besides his enthusiasm for birds, Mr. Frost enjoyed his work, rose gardening, cooking, fishing and bonsai trees.
He also liked investing in the stock market.
He was born to Robert and Irene Frost in Buffalo, N.Y.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline, whom he marriage on Dec. 28, 1999, a second marriage.
He is also survived by three daughters, Elizabeth Flones of Aptos, Pamela Simion of Miami, Patricia Witt of Aspen, Colo.; son David of Salinas; brother Edward of Alden, N.Y.; and sister Linda Morgan of Titusville, Fla.
He is predeceased by his brother Robert, who died in 1998.
The family requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association in lieu of flowers.
Inurnment will be private. The memorial will be tomorrow at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of the Pines Funeral Home.
