‘Bob’ Coyle
Corporate founder
COARSEGOLD - Robert Joseph (Bob) Coyle, 64, died on December 3 [2001]. Services will be held Friday [December 7], 1 p.m., at St. Anthony de Padua Church in Fresno. Arrangements are under the direction of Farewell Funeral Service of Fresno. Mr. Coyle was born in Chicago on February 15, 1937. He was a founder and chief executive officer of Script Advantage, Inc., where he worked with his wife Darlene and six children. Mr. Coyle’s boundless energy, work ethic and drive to succeed became the foundation on which his company’s principles were built. Mr. Coyle is survived by his wife of 43 years, Darlene. He was the father of Bob (wife Keely), John (wife Lisa), Ed (wife Deanna), Jennifer Brooks (husband Charlie), Jim Coyle (fiancée Laurie Mullins), and Ken Coyle, all of the Fresno and Coarsegold area. Mr. Coyle was the son of Mary Coyle of Chicago and was preceded in death by his father, John B. Coyle. He was the brother of Barbara Jilck of Evergreen Park, Illinois; and Jim Coyle of Antioch, Illinois. Also surviving are grandchildren Kevin, Chase, Nate, Joey, Alex, Mitchell, Stuart, Mike, Jack, Kenny, Erin, Lindsey and Max; and numerous nieces and nephews. Remembrances: St. Anthony’s School, 5680 North Maroa, Fresno 93704.

Mark Hamilton
Operating engineer
OAKHURST - Mark Hamilton, 73, a resident here for four years, died at an area guest home on December 2 [2001]. Memorial services will be held later. Arrangements are under the direction of the Neptune Society in Fresno. Mr. Hamilton, formerly an operating engineer with Newburg Construction, resided in Los Angeles become coming to Oakhurst. He was born in Santa Monica on August 24, 1928. Mr. Hamilton served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was the father of Laura Anderson (husband John), Coarsegold. He was the grandfather of Tara Lynn Fey, Ahwahnee; Kevin Anderson, Oakhurst; and Amanda Anderson of Coarsegold; and he was the great-grandfather of Brenin and Taylor Anderson of Oakhurst.

Curtis Knight
Telephone company worker
MARIPOSA - Curtis S. Knight, 60, a network technical manager for Pacific Bell, died at his home here on December 2 [2001]. He had resided in Mariposa for six years. Services will be Friday [December 7, noon, at Chapel of the Light, 1620 West Belmont, Fresno. Burial will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens. Mr. Knight was born in Snyder, Texas, on April 1, 1941. He previously served with the U.S. Navy. Mr. Knight was a golfing and fishing fan. His memberships included the Fresno Bell Golf Club and E Clampus Vitus. Mr. Knight was the husband of Lorene Knight of Mariposa. He was the father of Cynthia Fitzpatrick, Coarsegold; Chris Shaeffer, Fresno; Cheryl Holmes, Atwater; and Curtis Knight, Estacada, Oregon. Mr. Knight was the brother of Charles Knight, Hastings, Nebraska; Sue Russel, Lindale, Texas; and Jean Corder, Verna Schertz and Carol Knight, all of Lubbuck, Texas. Ten grandchildren also survive.

Jack Sellers
Area resident
OAKHURST - Jack Sellers, 75, died at his home here on December 3 [2001]. Services will be held Saturday [December 8], 2 p.m., at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Private burial will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Sierra Funeral Chapel. Mr. Sellers was born in Iowa on July 21, 1926. He had resided in Oakhurst for 10 years. He was the husband of Betty Sellers of Oakhurst and was the father of Jon Sellers of Oakhurst and Jill Maxwell of Yosemite National Park.

Bruce Spurgeon
Boat company owner
OAKHURST - Bruce Vinton Spurgeon, 87, died on December 23 [2001] at a Fresno hospital. There are no services scheduled. Mr. Spurgeon, a resident here for 10 years, was born on June. 14, 1914. His was self-employed with Crown Marine Boats. Mr. Spurgeon leaves his wife Kathleen and his son Richard Spurgeon, both of Oakhurst. He is survived by two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Remembrances: Eastern Madera County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Post Office Box 1314, Oakhurst 93644.

Nellie Collins
Homemaker
BASS LAKE - Nellie Louella Collins, a resident here for 24 years, died in Fresno on January 2. She was 91. Graveside services were held Tuesday at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst. Sierra Funeral Chapel handled the arrangements. Mrs. Collins was born in Campbell, Missouri, on September 19, 1910. Mrs. Collins was the mother of Betty Paul of Bass Lake and Barbara McQuown of Fairhaven, Maryland. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Oscar Collins. Also surviving is Mrs. Collins’ sisters, Normal Elliott of Riverside and Elenda Manning of Desert Shores. Also, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

‘Lomita’ Havens
Retired cook
AHWAHNEE - Eunice (Lomita) Havens, 87, retired as a cook at the former Ahwahnee Boys School, died at a Fresno convalescent home on January 2. Graveside services will be held on Friday [January 11], 10:30 a.m., at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Colonial Chapel of Fresno. Mrs. Havens was born in Oklahoma on January 10, 1914. Her home was in Ahwahnee for 55 years. Mrs. Havens was the mother of John H. Havens, Wilton; David L. Havens, El Cajon; and James L. Havens, San Antonio. Also surviving are six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Remembrances: Ahwahnee Volunteer Fire Department.

Calvin Lewis
NORTH FORK - Calvin J. Lewis, 70, a lifetime resident here, died in Madera on December 31. A memorial service was held Saturday at Hillside Baptist Church in North Fork. Mr. Lewis, born in North Fork, worked for 33 years as a logger. He was a member of the Mono Indian Tribe. Mr. Lewis was the husband of Velma Lewis of North Fork and the stepfather of Jan Wheeler, Auberry; Cornelia Williamson, Porterville; and Victor McDarment, Wyoming. Also surviving are grandchildren Samantha, Jodi, Victoria, Jessica, Misty and Tanya; and six great-grandchildren.

Glenn Zachary
Real estate
OAKHURST - Glenn T. Zachary, a real estate salesman who had resided here since 1988, died at a Fresno hospital on January 4 after suffering a stroke. He was 74. Services will be held Saturday [January 12] in Mr. Zachary’s hometown of Coweta, Oklahoma. Mr. Zachary was associated with Coldwell Banker and was active in community organizations including having served on the Madera County Grand Jury, as treasurer for the Republican Central Committee and an advisor for the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Mr. Zachary has also been involved in the effort to gain funding for a new sewer program. He was a Bible scholar. Mr. Zachary is survived by his wife, Aurelie, and by four children and 11 grandchildren.

Lorna Hill
Social worker
YOSEMITE LAKES PARK - Lorna Hill, 54, a resident here for the past five years, died on December 30. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church, 2121 North Van Ness, Fresno, on Saturday [January 12] at 3:30 p.m. She was born on July 16, 1947. After graduating from Sierra High School and, later, college, she taught elementary school. Ms. Hill earned her masters in social work at California State University, Fresno. She was a licensed clinical social worker and had a private practice as a psychotherapist in Fresno for more than 20 years. Her parents, Ralph and Olga Hill, preceded her in death. She will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on through all who knew her. She is survived by her brother David Hill of Auberry. She also leaves two aunts, an uncle and numerous cousins, all from California. Remembrances: Donor’s favorite charity.

Sammy Graham
Logger
COARSEGOLD - A memorial service will be held Saturday [January 19] for Coarsegold logger Sammy Graham. The service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Oakhurst, starting at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Holy Trinity Funeral Chapel of Madera. Mr. Graham died on December 15. He was the husband of Tammie Graham and father of Julia Ann, Emili, Athena and Samm Jr. Mr. Graham was the son of Birgil Graham and Annabell Graham and the brother of Vincent Graham, Duspin Graham and Jennifer Graham.

Emogene Paulsen
Housewife
OAKHURST - Emogene Paulsen, 82, a housewife who resided here for 19 years, died in Fresno on January 10. Services will be Thursday [January 17], starting at 11 a.m. at Sierra Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be Wednesday [January 16], 4-8 p.m. Burial will be at the Oakhill Cemetery. Mrs. Paulsen was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on January 12, 1919. She was the wife of Paul Paulsen of Oakhurst and the mother of Joe Clarke (wife Lucy) of Bass Lake. Mrs. Paulsen was the grandmother of Jason Clarke, James Clarke, Hugh Clarke Jr., Bobbie J. Clarke and Cody Clarke; and the great-grandmother of Angel Clarke, Hugh Lewis, Kayla Andrae, Samantha Curts, and Paul Curts. She was the aunt of Treba Caron, Margie DeBoise, Shirley Anderson, Eddie Knapp and Bill Knapp.

Kingsetta Runtzel
Retired secretary
OAKHURST - Kingsetta Mae Runtzel, 78, a resident here for 20 years, died at a Fresno hospital on January 13. Mrs. Runtzel was born in Los Angeles on November 13, 1923. She was a retired executive secretary who worked for Northrup for more than 20 years. She retired with her husband in 1980 and moved to Oakhurst. Mr. Runtzel died in 1992. Mrs. Runtzel was the mother of Scott Runtzel of Bass Lake, Debra Eiman of Fresno and Joe Runtzel of Billings, Montana. She was the grandmother of Matt and Michael Eiman.

Joanne Bentson
Homemaker
OAKHURST - Joanne Gertrude Bentson, 68, a resident here for 11 years, died at Glendale on January 6. Services will be held on Friday [January 18], starting at 10 a.m. at Incarnation Catholic Church, 1001 North Brand, Glendale. Family and friends are invited to a reception at the home of daughter Teri Suken, 610 Glenandale Terrace, Glendale, after the service. (818) 500-7804. Mrs. Bentson was born in Iowa on September 29, 1933, as twin sister to Jeannette, and youngest of nine children. Married to her recently deceased husband Joe for 47 years, Mrs. Bentson is survived by daughters Teri Suken, Glendale; and Kay Ridgeway, Newport Beach. Remembrances: American Cancer Society, 4940 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks 91403.

Kingsetta Runtzel
Executive secretary
OAKHURST - Services for Kingsetta M. Runtzell will be held graveside at Oakhill Cemetery on Friday [January 18], starting at 10 a.m. Mrs. Runtzell, a retired executive secretary, died on January 13. She was born in Los Angeles on November 13, 1923. [See obituary in the Wednesday edition of the Sierra Star.]

Linda Brown
Food server
AHWAHNEE - Linda Brown, 63, a longtime resident here, died at a Fresno hospital on January 13. Services will be Friday [January 18], starting at 10 a.m. at the Oakhurst Lutheran Church. Burial will be at noon at Calvary Cemetery in Madera. Arrangements are under the direction of Sierra Funeral Chapel of Oakhurst. Mrs. Brown was born in Madera on March 2, 1938. She resided at Ahwahnee for 48 years and was a food service worker for Bass Lake School District. She was the wife of Leonard Brown of Ahwahnee and the mother of Lori Scheel and Leonard Brown of Sacramento and Liane Garza of Lemoore. Also surviving is her brother, Dale Mariscotti of Squaw Valley.

Russell McNutt
Retired firefighter
AHWAHNEE - Russell R.T. McNutt, 74, retired from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, died at a Clovis hospital on January 1. Memorial services will be Saturday [January 19], starting at 2 p.m., at Oakhurst Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Sierra Funeral Chapel. Mr. McNutt waas born in Lexington, Oklahoma, on September 21, 1927. He had resided in Ahwahnee for 39 years. Mr. McNutt was the husband of Mary McNutt of Ahwahnee. He was the father of Dale McNutt and Linda Warecke of Ahwahnee, Randy McNutt of Madera and Ricky McNutt of Susanville. Also surviving are six grandchildren.

Leonard Palmquist
Retired truck driver, farmer
NORTH FORK - Leonard Palmquist, 83, died on January 15. Graveside memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 2, at Belmont Memorial Park , starting at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Yost & Webb Funeral Home of Fresno and the Cremation Society of Central California. Mr. Palmquist was a graduate of Kerman High School and farmed in Kerman. He is survived by Ethel, his wife of 62 years, and daughters Judith Barthel, Elaine Reed, Christine Hopkins, Alice Weber and their spouses. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He is predeceased by his son, Lance Corporal Steven Palmquist. Remembrances may be sent to the donor’s favorite charity.

‘Bill’ Stewart
Retired YHS custodian
PUYALLUP, Washington - William C. (Bill) Stewart, 70, a retired Yosemite High School custodian, died at Tacoma on January 18. Private family memorial services will be held. Mr. Stewart was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 28, 1931. He worked as an engineer for Lockheed, assigned to the space shuttle program for years. Mr. Stewart and his wife, Jean, came to Oakhurst, where she had formerly resided, after the shuttle program was scaled back. He then worked from 1990-95 as a custodian at YHS - a role his wife says Mr. Stewart thoroughly enjoyed. After Mr. Stewart became ill, the Stewarts moved to Puyallup, where their daughter, Carole Schofield, also resides. Also surviving is another daughter, Cathryn Thomas of Oxnard; and Mr. Stewart’s stepdaughter, Sheryl Edwards of Santa Maria. Also surviving is his sister, Lois Edwards of San Diego; sister-in-law, Marilynn Cary of Richwood, Texas; and three grandchildren.

Edith L. Sustaita
Retired aerospace typist
NEWBURY PARK - Edith Luella Sustaita, formerly of North Fork, died on December 23 after having battled cancer for 17 years. She and her husband of 51 years, Joe, retired to North Fork in 1990, where they built their dream home in Cascadel Woods. In 1996 they relocated to Fresno to be near medical facilities, and later moved to Ventura and Newbury Park to be closer to their family. Mr. Sustaita and family wish to express their gratitude for the many kindnesses and care received from their North Fork and Oakhurst friends. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Sustaita is also survived by sons David Sustaita (wife Debra) of Kennsaw, Georgia and Daniel Sustaita (wife Ramona) of Thousand Oaks. Also surviving are grandchildren, Christine, Jaylene, Sarah, Jonathan, Deidra and Melanie. Remembrances: Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association of Ventura County, 1996 Eastman Avenue, Suite 101, Ventura 93003

J. Frank Hopkins Resort owner
OAKHURST - J. Frank Hopkins, 76, died on January 21. He graduated from California State University at Berkeley. He was the owner and operator of The Forks Resort on Bass Lake for the past 33 years. Mr. Hopkins is survived by his wife, Jackie, and his sons Jim Hopkins (wife Gena) of North Fork and Kelly Lewis of Folsom. He also leaves his daughters Leslie Cox (husband Ron), Bass Lake; Arlene Gabbard (husband Steve), Ahwahnee; and Joyce Zanini (husband Gary), Modesto. Mr. Hopkins was grandfather to James, Robert, Franklin, Clayton, Adam, Courtney, McKenzie, Brooke, Grant, Lacey, Sam and Alex. Remembrances: American Cancer Society, 4191 North Blackstone Avenue, Fresno, 93726.

Peter Schmidt
Retired
OAKHURST - Peter J. Schmidt, 91, a resident here for 15 years, died on January 22. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 9, at 2 p.m. at the Oakhurst Mobil Home Estates. Mr. Schmidt was born in Hooker, Oklahoma on November 27, 1910. He was raised in Reedley after his parents came to the United States from Kuban, Russia. He was a boxer in his youth. He was in the management of Christian Brothers Winery in Reedley and the Mobile Home Estates in Paramount. He was also a farmer in Bend, Oregon. Mr. Schmidt’s hobbies included fishing, woodwork, camping, and sports of any kind. When he was young, he played; when older, he watched them on television. He was a member of Elks Lodges in Yucca Valley and Oakhurst. Mr. Schmidt leaves his wife Abbie. He also leaves his children Janice Everett, Ahwahnee, and Sue Lansing, Plancentia. He was preceded in death by his siblings Emma, Jack, William, Arthur, John and Elbert. He was grandfather to Ronda Lansing, Dana Scheevel and Shannon Ellis. He is survived by great-grandchildren Robbie, Ashley, Ryan, and Andrea Ellis, all of Coarsegold; Jessica and Kayla Scheevel, Mission Veijo; and Justin Lansing, Norwalk. Remembrances: Community Living Center, Oakhurst, or favorite charity.

Thomas Digilio
Clerk
NORTH FORK - Thomas Martin Digilio, 65, a resident here for 25 years, died on January 22 at his home. Memorial services will be held Saturday [February 2] at 2 p.m. at Grace Community Church in North Fork. Burial is private. Mr. Digilio was born in New York City on January 1, 1937. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of Grace Community Church, worked with the Squirrel Cage Theater and was active in the North Fork Boosters. Mr. Digilio was voted North Fork Citizen of the Year in 1994. He worked as a customer service representative for Northland Cable until June 2001. He is survived by his life partner, Tony Chavez, and his sister G-O Digilio, both of North Fork. He also leaves his brothers Robert Digilio, Connecticut, and Joseph Digilio, Florida, and a niece Jennifer Digilio, Oakhurst. His 12 cats and two black Labradors will miss him.

Bryttani Marsh
Student
AHWAHNEE - Bryttani Grace Marsh, 7, died on January 26. A Memorial service will be held on Friday [February 1] at 1 p.m. at the Mountain Christian Center. Visitation was held on Thursday [January 31] from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sierra Funeral Chapel, which is also handling the arrangements. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at the Oakhill Cemetery followed by a funeral dinner at the Ahwahnee Veterans of Foreign Wars hall. Bryttani was born on October 21, 1994 in Renton, Washington. She was a first grader at Wasuma Elementary School and an active member of her Brownie Troop No. 622. She also loved to participate in AWANA and vacation Bible school at the Ahwahnee Chapel. Bryttani is survived by her parents Jay and Joanna Marsh, her sisters Heather, Taylor, and Brieanna, and brother Jason, all of Ahwahnee. She also leaves her maternal grandparents Carla and Larry Mayes, Ahwahnee; and her paternal grandparents Grace and Paul Marsh, Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Bryttani was a great-granddaughter to Adrienne Thather, Mariposa. Other survivors include "tons" of uncles, aunts and cousins that reside in the Mountain Area. Remembrances: A memorial fund has been set up in Bryttani’s name. Deposit funds at any Yosemite Bank, account number, 1113932, or mail to Yosemite Bank, Post Office Box 1267, Mariposa 95338.

Devon Cole
Student
MERCED - Devon Gene Cole, 14, died on January 28 in a Merced hospital. Services were held Monday, February 4. Burial was at the Chowchilla District Cemetery. Devon was born on November 6, 1987 in Merced. He was an eighth-grader at Weaver Elementary School. He was a member of the Explorer group for Riggs Ambulance. Devon was also involved in the youth group at Calvary Chapel of Merced. He leaves his parents Terry and Corey Cole and brother Jeff of Merced. He also leaves his grandparents Sue Harlow of Raymond, Gene and Betty Cole of Susanville and Sharon Story of Oregon. Devon is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins, of which several live in the Mountain Area.

Ralph Fulton
Restaurant manager
OAKHURST - Ralph Fulton, 88, a resident here for 26 years, died at his home on January 23. Mr. Fulton was born on April 25, 1913 in Texas. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps for five years. He managed the Reef Restaurant at the Queen Mary restaurants in Long Beach where he lived before moving to the Mountain Area. He enjoyed golfing and just being a nice person. Mr. Fulton is survived by his wife Penny Fulton and his stepson Robert Reimers.

Lester Nicolsen
Self employed
CLOVIS - Lester E. Nicolsen III died on January 28 at the age of 50. He was self employed. He served in the U.S. Air Force for three years. Mr. Nicolsen is survived by his mother Marion Nicolsen of Coarsegold. He also leaves his brother Clay Nicolsen and two nieces, Jenna and Brynne, all of Illinois.

David Vallentyne College student
COARSEGOLD - Samuel "David" Vallentyne, 21, died on February 1. Services will be held on Saturday [February 9], at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 49969 School Road [427] in Oakhurst. Visitation is Friday [February 8], from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sierra Funeral Chapel, Oakhurst. died February 9 at the age of 92. Private services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Sierra Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Oakhill Cemetery. Mrs. Hauser was born September 9, 1909 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. She was the mother of Shirley Chanese of Oakhurst and Mary Jane Bell (husband Francis), Ormond Beach, Florida. She was the grandmother of Sherri Chanese Becker of Oakhurst, Joseph Chanese (wife Moira) of Coarsegold, John Bell of Shreveport, Louisiana; Edward Bell and Susan Disidori, Linwood, New Jersey. She is also survived by three great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons.

Helen Schoss
Registrar
OAKHURST - Helen Bertha Schoss, 88, died here on February 10. A memorial service will be held Saturday [February 16], starting at 3 p.m. at Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Sierra Funeral Chapel. Mrs. Schoss was born in Boston on October 1, 1913. She resided in Oakhurst for 31 years and served as registrar at Calvin Crest Conference Center. Mrs. Schoss was honored as "volunteer of the year" in 2000 for her work at Manna House. She was also awarded a certificate of merit by the chief of chaplains for the U.S. Navy. She received the Ted Lyons Memorial Award from the Calvin Crest Conference Center. Mrs. Schoss was a charter member and former elder of the Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church. She was the mother of Norman G. Schoss of Oakhurst and Ronald B. Schoss of Sun Valley. She was the grandmother of Ginger Sammonds of Loveland, Colorado; and of Kristen Fox of Littleton, Colorado. She was the great-grandmother of Tyler Fox and Brandon Fox of Littleton. Mrs. Schoss was the sister of Robert Weyand of Prescott, Arizona.

'Wade’ Elliott
Longtime resident
NORTH FORK - Wallace Wade Elliott, 76, a longtime resident here, died in Vallejo on February 9. He will be missed by family and friends. A memorial service will be held at the Masonic Hall in Napa on Saturday [February 16], starting at 1 p.m. Mr. Elliott was born in Oklahoma City on May 18, 1925. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II, completing missions in France and Japan. He was a member of North Fork Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7140. He was also a member of the Masonic Temple Sierra Lodge No. 788, F&AM in Oakhurst and a member of the North Fork Ridge Runners square dance club. Mr. Elliott is survived by his wife of 49 years, Catherine Louise Kimbriel Elliott; and by sons William Robert Elliott and David Paul Elliott. He was the brother of Edna Elliott and Helen Terape and is also survived by his two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Remembrances: Indigenous Students Cultural Group, Post Office Box 28, North Fork 93643-0028.

Joseph W. Donnell Sr.
Retired
OAKHURST - Joseph W. Donnell Sr., 65, died peacefully on February 14 at the Hinds Hospice House in Fresno. Private services are plannd. Mr. Donnell served for 20 years with the U.S. Navy, after which he moved to Oakhurst in 1972 to raise his family. He also was employed by the U.S. Forest Service for seven years and the Chawanakee School District until his retirement in 1992. He will be forever loved and remembered by his wife, Carol, and children, Cheryl, Joe Jr., Robbin, Joyce, Charity and nine grandchildren. Remembrances: Nancy Hinds Hospice, 1616 West Shaw, Suite B-6, Fresno 93711.

Gayle Brase
Homemaker
OAKHURST - Gayle Geneva Brase, 89, a homemaker who had resided here for 40 years, died at home on February 14. Services were held Tuesday at Sierra Funeral Home. Burial followed at Oakhill Cemetery. Mrs. Brase was born December 14, 1912, in Bell Center, Wisconsin. Mrs. Brase and her husband, the late Albert (Al) Brase, came to the Mountain Area in 1945. She was the mother of Jackie Dexter, Oakhurst; Judi Mitchell, Coarsegold; Susan McAdam, Concord; and Joan Buck, Reno. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Jeff Bufkin, David Shumaker, Kurt Bufkin, Shannon Tracy, Becky Beling, Susan Tracy, Mike Tracy, Joannie Bufkin, Joanna McAdam and Jim McAdam. Also by great-grandchildren Gary Tiedje, Michelle Bufkin, Michael Beling, Sadie Beling, Jonathan Tracy, Jessica Bufkin, Richard Beling, Sarah Shumaker, Jack Shumaker, Michael Bufkin, Alina Grady, Connor Grady and Quinn Grady. She was preceded in death by her husband by her grandson, Bruce Bufkin.

Mary Cheeseman
Homemaker
OAKHURST - Mary M. Cheeseman, 96, a resident here for three years, died at home on February 15. Graveside services were held on Thursday at Oakhill Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Sierra Funeral Chapel. She was born in Russia on October 6, 1905. Mrs. Cheeseman was the mother of Barbara Morgan of Clovis and stepmother of Mary Chapman of Fresno. Also surviving are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Brad Petritsch
Retired
COARSEGOLD - Bradley (Brad) Durand Petritsch, 73, a resident here for 12 years, died at a Clovis hospital on February 19. Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Sierra Catholic Church in Oakhurst on Friday [February 21], starting at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Coarsegold Community Bible Church, located along Raymond Road [415], west of Coarsegold. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Chatsworth on Monday [February 25], 1 p.m. Sierra Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Petritsch was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and attended high school at Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, Illinois, as did his brother Joseph and Jerome, who preceded him in death. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in th Aleutian Islands. He also placed in the Air Force band at Mitchell Field, New York. Mr. Petritsch was retired from the Lockheed Corporation at Burbank after 17 years and the Bendix Corporation, where he worked for nine years. He previously was a television repairman in Panorama City. Mr. Petritsch loved photography and getting away to the mountains to hunt and fish. His interests in aviation led him to achieve his private pilot’s license. He is survived by his wife, Valaree, and children, Beth Anne Patrick and Andréa Bovee (husband Len), Santa Clarita; Terry J. Petritsch, Lancaster; Bradley F. Petritsch, Windom, Maine; and Vanessa M. Tischler, Pace, Florida. Also surviving are his sister, Eileen Hix (husband John), Aurora, Illinois; and his aunt, Daisy Petritsch, Knoxville, Kentucky. Mr. Petritsch is also survived by 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also by Mrs. Petritsch’s children, James Dawson, Chatsworth; Sharon and Robert Smith, Shingle Springs; Dan and Sandy Dawson, Agua Dulce; and Jeff and Terri Dawson, Camarillo.

Earl Bryant
PG&E clerk
OAKHURST - Earl Bryant, 75, died at a Madera hospital on February 16. Services will be Saturday [February 23], starting at 11 a.m. at Sierra Funeral Chapel. Private burial will follow. Mr. Bryant was born to Wade and Daisy Bryant on October 18, 1926, at Starke, Florida. He served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Bryant married Jessie Mae Peterson on July 16, 1948, in Folkston, Georgia. He enjoyed working for Pacific Gas and Electric Company and with his fellow employees for 30 years. He retired to Oakhurst in June 1987, where he resided for almost 17 years. After his retirement he enjoyed traveling, the great ourdoors and spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Bryant is survived by his wife; by sons George Bryant, Fresno; and Michael Bryant, Modesto; and by daughters Diane Brown, Clovis; Patricia Harjo, Fresno; and Priscilla Bogusz, Clovis, New Mexico. He was the brother of Jack Bryant, Lakehead; Floyd Bryant, Jacksonville, Florida; Elizabeth Collins, Orange Park, Florida; and Margie Facchaar, Green Cove, Florida. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Ray Colbern
Retired merchant
OAKHURST - Raymond A. Colbern celebrated his 78th birthday with family and friends on Thursday and died peacefully on Saturday, February 23. Friends are invited to a celebration of Mr. Colbern’s life on Saturday, March 9, starting at 4 p.m. at the Oakhurst Elks Lodge. After obtaining his degree at Chafee Junior College, Mr. Colbern served as an ensign in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war he completed his education at the University of Texas, Austin. Mr. Colbern and his wife, Norma, moved to Oakhurst in 1965 and established Colbern’s Department Store. He was an active member of the community serving the Chamber of Commerce, Mountaineer Days, Mountain Merchants, Kiwanis Club and the Elks Lodge. He and his family thoroughly enjoyed the mountain lifestyle, including skiing, boating and traveling in his RV. Mr. Colbern is survived by his wife of 46 years, Norma Colbern; and his children: daughter Carla Glazebrook, (husband, Ed) and their children Blake, Grant and Taryn; son Jeff Colbern of Oakhurst; and son Chris Colbern (wife, Heidi) and their children, Bryan, and twins Andrew and Johnathan, who were born on Mr. Colbern’s 75th birthday. Mr. Colbern was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn McCormack and brother, Bill Colbern. Remembrances: Manna House; or the Oakhurst Elks Lodge, Post Office Box 2569, Oakhurst 94644.

Leland Coulter
Retired purchasing agent
NORTH FORK - Leland D. Coulter, 72, a resident here since 1985, died on February 22. A memorial service will be held Thursday [February 28], starting at 1 p.m. at the Sierra Masonic Lodge in Oakhurst. Mr. Coulter was born in Geary, Oklahoma, on February 13, 1930. He retired after serving with the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He also retired as a purchasing agent for South Coast Medical Center prior to his move to North Fork. He later workd for the North Fork Cogeneration Plant. Mr. Coulter belonged to the San Clemente Masonic Lodge and was master in 1982. He joined San Clemente Order of the Eastern Star and was worthy patron in 1984 before his move. He was then affiliated with Sierra Masonic Lodge No. 788 and Las Mariposa Chapter 200, OES, serving as worthy patron last year. Mr. Coulter served on the board of Job’s Daughters and Rainbow for Girls in San Clemente and was awarded the Grand Cross of Colors. Mr. Coulter is survived by his wife, Mildred (Midge) Coulter and was the father of Leeann Joiner of Tuscumbia, Alabama; and Day Shay of West Chester, Ohio. He was the grandfather of Jensen and Travor Joiner and Katie and Matt Shay. Mr. Coulter was the brother of Grady Coulter of North Fork, Dwight Coulter of Tulare, Marilyn Vercruze of Palm Desert and Jimmie Coulter of Henryetta, Oklahoma. Remembrances: Juvenile Diabetes Fund, Cincinnati Chapter, 10901 Reed Hartman Road, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242.

Willis Zumwalt
Retired accountant
OAKHURST - Willis B. Zumwalt, 81, a retired accountant for Chevron Oil, died at his home here on February 21. Memorial services were held Sunday in Fresno. Mr. Zumwalt was born in Richland, Missouri, on March 31, 1920. He served with the U.S. Army from 1941-45, ending his tour as a sergeant. He resided in Avenal before coming to Oakhurst 29 years ago. Mr. Zumwalt was an avid golfer. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Avenal. Surviving is Mr. Zumwalt’s wife, Chloie Zumwalt of Oakhurst. He was the father of Darlene Mason of Stockton and Pamela Johns of Ahwahnee and Coalinga. Remembrances: Children’s Hospital Central California, 9300 Valley Children’s Place, Madera 93638; the American Heart Association, 1495 West Shaw Avenue, Fresno 93711; or the Ronald McDonald House, 9161 Randall Way, Madera 93638.