Arthur Edward Williams
Arthur Edward Williams died Sept. 25, 2001. Mr. Williams was born May 2, 1928. He was retired, having been employed by the State of California, Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles Times newspaper. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Williams-Ashe; and son, Jonathan Williams. Viewing was held Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, with rosary recited Oct. 3. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Jo Martin-Pollack
Mrs. Jo Martin-Pollack, 78, died Friday, Sept. 28, 2001, at her residence in Simi Valley. Jo was a 42-year resident of Simi Valley, coming from San Bernardino, Calif. She was a cashier for Thriftymart for 12 years and owned Simi Industries for 20 years. Jo spent weekly time at the Senior Center in Simi Valley. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Coffee of Santa Rosa, Calif., Sharon Kubasta of Plano, Texas, and Penny Tarragano of Las Vegas, Nev.; sons, Frank Brewer of Spokane, Wash., Greg Martin of San Diego, Calif., and Bob Martin of Palmdale, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Reardon Simi Valley Mortuary, (805) 526-6677.

Arne J. Herleikson
Arne J. Herleikson, 75, a resident of Ventura County since 1958, died Sept. 19, 2001. Mr. Herleikson was born June 18, 1926, in Milton, N.D. He graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in electrical engineering and earned a master's degree in systems management from USC. He worked from 1958 until retirement in 1987 for the Navy at Point Mugu, where he was head of the photo data analysis branch and later the command control and communications branch. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna; sons, Richard Herleikson of Manassas, Va., Earl Herleikson of Lebanon, Maine, Steven Herleikson of Camarillo, Ron Herleikson of Spokane, Wash.; brother, Harland Herleikson of New Orleans, La.; sisters, Aileen Hotvedt of Springville, Utah, and Donna Murk of Wisconsin; and 12 grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Camarillo.

Catherine Eleanor Freiri
Catherine Eleanor Freiri, 60, of Port Hueneme, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001. Cathy was born Feb. 13, 1941, in Los Angeles and had been a 40-year Ventura County resident. She spent 25 years working for the Olga Co., mostly as an inspector. She loved wind chimes, music, dancing and especially her grandchildren. Cathy's lifelong commitment was to her family. She is survived by her sons, Michael Freiri of Port Hueneme and Robert Freiri (wife, Bridget) of Felton; granddaughter, Christina Freiri of Felton; grandson, Nicholas Freiri of Felton; sisters, Josephine Salazar and Dora Padilla, both of Oxnard; brothers, Raymond Nevarez of Santa Paula, Anthony Nevarez of Oxnard and Timothy Nevarez of Los Angeles. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. with rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at Camino del Sol Memorial Center and Funeral Home, 200 North C St., Oxnard. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Guardian Memorial Funeral Directors of Ventura County, Oxnard, (805) 485-2572.

Hugh Gordon Modlin
Hugh Gordon Modlin, 69, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2001, after a courageous battle against numerous health problems. Hugh was born on March 16, 1932, in Plymouth, N.C., to Archie and Katie Modlin. He was very active on his high school football team and enjoyed many sports all his life. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. Hugh served several terms in Europe, meeting Barbara Turner in 1952, while stationed at R.A.F. Sealand in England. They were married on Sept. 12, 1953. They resided in numerous U.S. locations until Hugh's retirement in 1973. They settled in Simi Valley. Hugh served during the Korean conflict and was assigned to Phu Cat Air Base in Vietnam 1969-1970. He also volunteered on base in various positions, finding the most satisfaction while helping with the chaplain's programs. He was commended for his work to improve the morale of the troops. He received the Air Force Commendation medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star. Hugh was employed by Litton Systems in Woodland Hills as a master scheduler until his retirement on health grounds in 1994. Hugh will be remembered for his sense of humor and his ready smile! Also a willingness to help others. He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he made along the way. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara; daughter, Lois Costa and son-in-law, Steven; and grandson, Sean Costa. He attended and was active for many years in the Simi Valley United Methodist Church, where a memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, 2001. Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Westlake Village.

Jose Luis Guzman
Jose Luis Guzman, 32, of Oxnard passed away Sept. 27, 2001, at home. Jose Luis was born June 19, 1969, in the state of California. He was a Ventura County resident for the past 32 years. Jose Luis was a journeyman for the Shell Oil Co. Everyone called him by his nickname, "Chepe." His favorite saying was "What's up, Bro?" He enjoyed going to Las Vegas to gamble and listening to all styles of music. He loved to play baseball when he was in Little League. One of his outstanding attributes was bringing gifts to his nieces and nephews. Chepe was always a giving person. As his brother, Laudencio, states, "He died for us, for unknown reasons." Jose Luis is survived by his parents, Luis and Victoria Guzman; brothers, Roberto Guzman and Laudencio Guzman; and sisters, Lourdes Retana, Lucia Chavez, Maria Cuevas and Marissa Rivera. Visitation will be from 2 to 10 p.m. with rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, at Garcia Mortuary Chapel, 629 South A St., Oxnard. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 1, at St. Anthony's Church. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Garcia Mortuary. For further information, please call (805) 486-9148.

Erasmo Cortez Sr.
Erasmo "Apa'' Cortez left to be with our Lord Jesus on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, after a brief illness. Erasmo was born on June 9, 1918, in Morelia Michoacan, Mexico. He left Mexico to move to Texas in order to seek a better life for himself and his family. He moved to Ventura County in 1959. Apa was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will always be remembered for his commitment to family and his sense of humor. As a father of 15 children, he loved each of us dearly. Apa always did special things for his family, cooking his special cornbread, making fresh tortillas and spending special family time during the holidays. After his stroke, Apa gave us all special time, and the precious blessings he gave to each of his children will always be remembered in our hearts. Apa was not only a dad and grandpa to those related to him, but was "Apa" to so many family friends. He was a father and friend who loved and cared for each person who came into his life. Apa was preceded in death by his sons, Patricio, Antolino, Gabriel and Gustavo Cortez. Erasmo is survived by his wife and best friend of 60 years, Octavia, of Oxnard; sons and daughters-in-law, Eliseo (Patty), John (Marti), Erasmo "Tony" (Yvette), and Alex (Angie); daughters and sons-in-law, Juanita (Jose) Lopez, Lucy (Roberto) Cisneros, Blanca (Tomas) Lopez, Felis (Dave) Bloom, Virginia Cortez, Gloria (Richard) Lopez, Grace Cruz, and Priscilla (Allan) Fredrick. Apa was blessed with 48 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. We appreciate the love and support from our two sisters, Virginia and Gloria, who took the responsibility of caring for Daddy till the very end. We would like to extend our love and appreciation to the Sister Servants of Mary, who cared for Dad each night. Their ministry of prayer and love helped our family tremendously during this difficult time. Visitation will be from 2 to 10 p.m., with a vigil at 7 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 16, at Garcia Chapel in Oxnard. A Mass and celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, at St. Anthony's Church. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard. Arrangements are under the direction of Garcia Mortuary, 629 South A St., Oxnard.

Manuel 'Papa' Aguilar Magana
Manuel "Papa'' Aguilar Magana, 77, of Oxnard passed away Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001. He was born on Nov. 15, 1923, to Jesus and Magdaleno Magana. Manuel was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He served in the battles and campaigns of New Guinea, Southern Philippines Luzon, and after the war the occupation of Korea. Of his decorations and citations received, he was most proud of his "Combat Infantryman Badge." Manuel worked 27 years for Gentry Corp. of Oxnard as a shipping/receiving foreman, until their relocation to Gilroy, Calif. He then worked for Bristol/Meyer Clairol of Camarillo also as a shipping/receiving foreman for 11 years, until his retirement in 1989. Manuel was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie. He is survived by his daughter, Christine Magana Nixon; sons, Robert B. and Ronald B. Magana, all of Oxnard; grandchildren, Brandon and Jayme Lynn Conrad of Oxnard, Robert Anthony and wife, Sandra Natalia of Oxnard, Mark Jason Magana of Beijing, China, Eleary Shane Nixon, Embarly Shavon Nixon, Emerald Shawna Nixon, all of Oxnard, and Ronnie Lewis and Manuel Magana of Nevada; great-grandchildren, Tristin Nathanial Breth of Minnesota, and Joseph Anthony Magana of Oxnard; and his loving brothers, Ysidro and Ruben Magana of Oxnard. Special thanks to all the family and friends who stood by Papa's side. The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the entire staff of St. John's Regional Medical Center for making Papa's last days as comfortable as possible. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 11, with a viewing prior to the service beginning at 9 a.m., at Conrad-Carroll Mortuary in Oxnard. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Conrad-Carroll Mortuary, 401 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard (805) 487-4911.

Erby Storts
Erby Storts, 63, died accidentally in Brentwood on Aug. 16, 2001. Mr. Storts resided in Ventura for many years before moving to Northern California, where he resided for the past 12 years. Mr. Storts owned a food business in Santa Paula before entering the trucking business. He was associated with many trucking firms and recently established the Erby Storts Trucking Co. He was very active with the youth group at a Santa Paula church for many years, training and doing photography for them. Mr. Storts was an accomplished athlete, excelling in tennis, softball and golf in recent years. He loved seeing his children and grandchildren in sporting events. Mr. Storts is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nella; son, Brian; daughter, Velvia; son-in-law, John Andrews; grandchildren, Courtney, Ellie and Daniel Covarrubias; brothers-in-law, Clifford Endicott and Tom Endicott; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Porter; and son-in-law, Rocky Covarrubias. Celebration of life services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at the Neighborhood Church, 50 Birch St., Brentwood, CA 94513. For further information, contact Brentwood Funeral Home, Brentwood, (925) 634-2171.

Dorothy Mae Lowe
Dorothy Mae Lowe, 69, of Bermuda Dunes passed away after a brief illness on Aug. 15, 2001. Dorothy was born May 5, 1932, in Arkansas. She was a longtime resident of Oxnard and had worked at Fabric Well before moving to Bermuda Dunes. She is survived by her daughters, Becky Contreras (husband, John) of Oxnard, Rhonda Lesner and Lora Hulet of La Quinta; sons, David Kee of Colorado, Charles Kee of Hollywood and Curtis Kee of Wisconsin; grandchildren, Justin, Jason and Jill Contreras, Kimberly Hesch (husband, Mike), Liz and Janna Lesner, Cheri, Casey, Calsi and Colby Hulet, Cassidy, Nicholas and Melissa Kee and Curtis Kee Jr.; great-granddaughters, Alyssa Gonzalez and Clarrissa Contreras; great-grandson, Jonathan Hesch; sisters, Norma Yeager and Madeline Cargill of Oxnard, Ruby Lewis (husband, Gene) of Modesto; brothers, Jesse Spain of Oregon; and twin brother, Doris of Port Hueneme. She was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Kassandra Contreras, in 1997. Dorothy was cremated and her ashes were scattered over a hillside in Redondo Beach. A memorial plaque will be placed in the Rose Garden at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo.

James Edward Hazen
James Edward Hazen, born Jan. 14, 1930, passed away Aug. 14, 2001. He is survived by his brother, Gordon Hazen; wife, Sylvia Hazen; daughters, Debra and Wendy; sons, James, Edward, Derik and Cory; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Faria State Beach Campground off old Pacific Coast Highway. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ramona VNA and Hospice, 890-A W. Stetson Ave., Hemet, CA 92543, in memory of Jim Hazen.

Constance Chacopulos Platte
Constance Chacopulos Platte passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2001. Connie was born July 11, 1967, in Torrance. She was a graduate of Buckley School and Loyola Marymount University. She was very talented and loved singing and drama. Connie and her husband co-founded Crop n' Style and Platte Productions. She is survived by her husband, Curtis; children, Hunter (age 6) and Skylar (age 4); and mother, Marion Manitakos. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Church at Rocky Peak, (818) 709-0113, with a reception to follow at Braemar Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Connie's memory to the Amanda Foundation, (310) 278-2935.

Lyman Aird Speakman
Lyman Aird Speakman, 77, of Camarillo passed away Sunday evening Aug. 12, 2001, as a result of complications of stroke. He died at his home in Camarillo, surrounded by many of his loving family. He was the husband of Nicholaus Kramer Speakman; and father of six children, Lindann (husband, Alan Cheney), Annette (husband, Tom Jones), Larry (wife, Becki), Robert (wife, Kathy), Ronald (wife, Wendy) and David (wife, Brenda). He also had 24 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Bruce; and a sister, Gloria Wright. Lyman was born Feb. 16, 1924, in Logan, Utah, to Lyman J. Speakman and Afton Hartence Obray. His ancestors were immigrants from Europe - England, Norway and Wales - who all traveled the Mormon pioneer trail to Utah. Lyman attended school in Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated in 1941 from West High School. He enrolled at the University of Utah and entered the Army Air Corps for pilot training. He served his country in World War II as radar navigator for the P-61 "Black Widow" fighter-bomber in the Pacific. In between training, he became engaged to the sweetheart from his youth, Nicholaus Kramer, on Christmas Eve 1942, and they married Aug. 21, 1943, at the Santa Ana Army Air Corps Training Base in California. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on Nov. 1, 1943. When the war ended, he returned to his wife and young family and resumed his studies at the university. He became an aeronautical engineer and made numerous contributions as a lead engineer on many aircraft. He spent much of his career at the famed Lockheed Skunk Works in California. His aircraft included, among others, the Apollo spacecraft, the SR-71 Blackbird, the Boeing 747, the F-18 Hornet and his last achievement, the F-117 Stealth fighter. He was a faithful and devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which he gave a lifetime of service. After his retirement, he served as a missionary with his wife, Nicholaus, in New Zealand. Lyman reared his children to be faithful, hard-working, educated and self-reliant. He always taught them more by example than by word. He loved music and had all his children learn various musical instruments. He was himself an accomplished pianist and played until the later years of his life. He was perhaps best known for his gentle manner, friendly smile and quiet demeanor. He had a wonderful ability to befriend others, young or old, and make them feel immediately at ease. He simply had no enemies; everyone he knew was his friend. He will be greatly missed and remembered with honor. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Las Posas Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Camarillo. passed away Aug. 10, 2001, in Bullhead City, Ariz. Mr. Dettling was born July 21, 1935, in San Francisco. He was retired, having previously worked as district supervisor for Payless Shoe Source. He is survived by his wife, Diane of Laughlin, Nev.; daughters, Donna Sujata of Oak Park and Cindy Rentch of Visalia; grandchildren, Ashley and Steven Sujata and Jeremy Rentch; stepchildren, Catherine Reeves of Moorpark, Chris Taber of Rogue River, Ore., and Theresa Chaides of Santa Monica; sisters, Maria Dal Porta of Daly City, Calif., and Florence Dale of Brentwood, Calif.; and three step-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, 2001, at Dimond and Sons Silver Bell Chapel in Bullhead City, Ariz. passed away quietly at home in Simi Valley on Aug. 4, 2001, surrounded by his family. When Bill passed away, many relatives and friends greeted him. Bill was born Oct. 4, 1934, in Fayette, Ohio. He was a longtime supporter of AYSO soccer at Winnetka Park in San Fernando Valley, coaching his children, as well as many other children in the area, many of whom referred to Bill as Dad. Bill also coached the Chatsworth High School soccer team from 1978 to 1980. He was a past president, commander and district commander of VFW Post 1584 in Adrian, Mich. Bill was a Korean War veteran who served with honor in the United States Navy. He was in the fire safety business for 45 years and is well-known in the industry. Bill and Sue Insley were married Oct. 29, 1955, in Rock Falls, Ill. Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Sue; children, Ronda (husband, Ed) Weltzman, Renee (husband, Ron) Anthony, Scott (wife, Barbara) Hippert, Brad (wife, Toni) Hippert; grandchildren, Todd and Adam Reynolds, Matt, Amanda, Krysti, Katie and Kara Hippert, Matt Anthony, all of Simi Valley; and sisters, Donna Warner, Sue Anne Kilgore and Pat Martinez, all of Belding, Mich. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Doris Hippert. There will be no services at Bill's request. Arrangements have been made by the Neptune Society. Hospice of Kaiser in Granada Hills, Calif., provided wonderful services to Bill and the family would like to thank Kaiser Hospice for all the time, effort and care given to a man they didn't even know. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kaiser Permanente, Attn: Hospice, 13652 Cantara St., Balboa Plaza Bldg, Panorama City, CA 91402. The family gives special thanks to our aunt, Shirley McConnell, for her love and support. Bill was a loyal devoted husband and father, doing all it took to make sure his family was cared for, including keeping his promises right up to the time he passed. Bill (Dad) will be missed by all that new and loved him.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken
In the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star
that shines in the night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.
-- author unknown

John David Orvis
John David Orvis, 64, gospel, blues, jazz artist and longtime resident of Ojai, went home to Jesus just the other day, suddenly and peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 1, 2001. John was born in Glendale, Calif., on July 28, 1936, to John Francis and Kathryn Ida Orvis. John David Orvis was a multifaceted man. He was a versatile character actor of motion pictures ("Beverly Hillbillies," "Hot Shots," "Mobsters" and others), television and commercials. The rough-and-tumble demeanor that attracted Hollywood casting agents to John differed dramatically when he was among the children of Ojai, who have come to know John and P.K as Santa and Mrs. Claus. He was also Ventura County Star's No. 1 Santa Claus. Composer: lyrics, music, arranging and musical scores for films. Musician: guitar, bass, harmonica, oud, dulcimer, banjo and piano. Singer: gospel, blues and jazz. He played at the Santa Paula Jazz Festival, Devonshire Downs, Ojai Blues Festival, Harvest Festival, Valhalla Jazz Festival in Lake Tahoe and Hanalei, Hawaii, and more. He was a writer of poetry, children's books and others. John was also an artist and illustrator. John performed with, backed up and wrote music for some of the biggest names in the music business: Neil Diamond, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Eric Burden and the Animals, The Norman Brown Sextet with Thommy Thompson, Big J. McNealy, The Robins, Timmy Yuro, The Coasters, Ron Holden, Frankie Lane, The Fifth Dimension, Jimmy Carl Black and Canned Heat. Not to mention some of his own bands, the Sessionaires, Smoke, Jo Blues Band and LMOTM Blues Band. A man with a heart after God, John was a missionary to Haiti on the island of La Gonave, where he helped to build a cement roof on a hospital. He played music for the people of La Gonave and taught a young man dying of throat cancer to play the blues. If you knew John Orvis, you knew his Jesus. It was written all over his face and in the life he sang about, in the music. In 1996, John released his best CD, "Washed in the Blood," on his own label, Say Listen! The gospel- and blues-tinged selections on WITB included both new compositions and John's own arrangements of traditional gospel songs by Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. In John's experience, the blues and gospel went hand in hand. John belonged to SAG, AFTRA, GMA and Musicians Union. He was a collector of old radios, was an entomologist and a philatelist. John came to Ojai in 1971, to escape the fast pace of Hollywood and to raise his family. He endeared himself to some of the oldest families in the valley. John worked at both Ojai Valley and Thacher private schools, where the teachers and students loved him. He also was a rancher and owned his own business for 10 years. Most of Ojai, old and newer residents alike, knew John. As he would ramble the streets of Ojai with a Pignose amplifier strapped to his back while playing his custom left-handed Fender guitar, he became something of a tourist attraction in the quaint town, where he was dubbed "the original Ojai bluesman." Then you'd see him hiking on Shelf Road with his dog, Clementine Rose (pig gone wild) or profiling through town on his Harley-Davidson. Those abiding until Jesus returns are his wife, best friend, lover and soul mate, P.K. Orvis; children, Myles Malcolm Vandegrift, Kelly Kimberly Green, Jimmy Reed Orvis and Denise Rae Orvis; grandchildren, Sean Malcolm Green, Dylan Lewis Green and Samuel Vandegrift, who is on the way; sisters, Anne Welsh and Sheila Orvis; and niece, Laurie Williams. There will be a memorial service and celebration of John's life, "a man who lived the life he sang about in his song," at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, in the Matilija Junior High School auditorium in Ojai. Bring your memories and a brunch potluck dish. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations be made in John Orvis' name to Sure Foundation Worship Center, P.O. Box 903, Ventura, CA 93002. The music and love of John Orvis has touched many lives and will continue to because he has left something behind in all of our hearts to carry on. Johnny we love you, till we meet again on the banks of the Jordan.

Linda F. Buckle
Linda F. Buckle, 62, died peacefully at home on July 24, 2001, after a short illness. She was born Linda Francis Johnson in Fillmore and was a lifelong Ventura County resident. After graduating from Fillmore High School, she went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Cal Lutheran University. Linda worked as a counselor at the California Youth Authority and then embarked on a real estate career. In 1979, Linda married Blaine E. Buckle. The last several years, Linda and Blaine spent traveling around the country enjoying the sights and people they met along the way. Linda especially enjoyed fishing, camping and cooking for family and friends. Linda is survived by her husband, Blaine, and family and the hundreds of friends she made over the years. At Linda's request there will be no services. Donations may be made to Livingston Visiting Nurse Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Payton Mortuary.

Stephen Tavelli
Stephen Tavelli, born Dec. 26, 1912, in Lafayette, Colo., passed away July 23, 2001, in Simi Valley. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 30, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5028 Cochran St., Simi Valley. Burial will be at Assumption Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Crawford Mortuary, Northridge.

Nellie Johnson Vandeman
Nellie Johnson Vandeman, beloved wife of George Vandeman, founder/director of the It Is Written telecast, had waged a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease since 1996. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at 7:05 a.m. Wednesday, July 25. Nellie is survived by her children, George, Ron, Bob and Connie; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; relatives and a host of friends. Her funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Camarillo Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 3975 E. Las Posas Road, Camarillo.

Loretta A. Hart
Loretta A. Hart, 78, of Tulsa, Okla., passed away Sunday, July 22, 2001. A native of Omaha, Neb., and the daughter of Albert J. and Hazel Cline McCord, Loretta was raised in Gretna, Neb. After raising her family she worked for the U.S. Navy as a supervisor in the equipment and supplies division in Port Hueneme. One of Loretta's favorite pastimes was playing cards at the community center, East Side Christian Church. Loretta is survived by her children, Ronald J. Hart, Roger J. Hart, D. Edward Hart, Richard D. Hart, Carol E. Hart; brother, David McCord; sisters, Anna Sczepaniak and Hazel Barbara Palmer; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Rosary was said at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 26, at Fitzgerald's Ivy Chapel. passed away Sunday, June 17, 2001, at his home in Vancouver, Wash. He was 73. Mr. Dilanni was born Oct. 5, 1927, in McKees Rocks, Pa., and moved with his family to Simi Valley in 1965. He was an electronic technician for NBC Studios in Burbank for 25 years. He retired in 1990. Mr. Dilanni spent the last three years living in Vancouver, Wash., near his loving companion of 10 years, Rose Montag. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Bertha E. Gavlak Dilanni who passed away in 1990. Survivors include his sons, John Dilanni of Camarillo and Joseph Dilanni Jr., of Ellison Bay, Wis.; daughters and their husbands, Patricia Dilanni and Donald Simmons of Carmichael, Calif., and Debora Dilanni and Raymond Benson of Grass Valley, Calif.; eight grandchildren; sister, Irene Tarquinio of Pennsylvania; brother, Samuel Dilanni of Texas; and special companion, Rose Montag of Vancouver, Wash., and her eight children. Joseph will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. A prayer service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Richard Scanlan
Richard Scanlan, 106, of Ventura passed away July 18, 2001. Mr. Scanlan was born April 17, 1895, in Denver, Colo., and had been a longtime resident of the San Francisco Bay area. He resided in Ventura since 1996. Mr. Scanlan began his career in men's clothing at the May Co. in Denver, Colo., in 1914. He moved to San Francisco and continued as a buyer for various stores until his retirement in 1976. he loved baseball, golf and all people. He was predeceased by his wife, of 79 years, Mary; and sons, Richard and Howard. Mr. Scanlan was the beloved brother of Ann Killam of Amarillo, Texas; beloved father-in-law of Helen Scanlan and Rosemary Scanlan; beloved grandfather of Richard Scanlan, Virginia Weilbacher, Michael Scanlan, Joanne Cowan, Matt Scanlan and Monica Steinberger; great-grandfather of Bill, Greg, Brian and Drew Weilbacher, Dana and Tim Scanlan, Christine and Stacey Scanlan, Matt, Marissia and Alanna Cowan, Kellen and Emma Scanlan and Krista and Eric Steinberger; and great-great-grandfather of Courtney and Erin Weilbacher, Tim Collins and Ethan Weilbacher, and Brady Scanlan. Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. July 26, at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard with Father Marco Ortiz officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Oakland, Calif. at a later date.

Marilyn Jane Weber
Marilyn Jane Weber, 60, passed away on July 13, 2001, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her beautiful smile and gentle spirit are greatly missed. Jane was born June 4, 1941, to Wilbur and Lennabell Doud in Peru, Ind., where she was raised with her brother, Jim, and sister, Joann, on the Doud Apple Orchard. She moved to Arizona when she was 16 and later resided in San Diego, where she completed her degree in education from California Western University. She taught elementary school until meeting her husband of 20 years, eventually settling in Westlake Village in 1968. She made many friends working at Curt Wagners, Parchment and establishing herself as a successful real estate agent for Jon Douglas/Coldwell Banker. Jane was a loving, giving mother to her children, Eric Douglas (age 32) and Aimee Elizabeth (age 29) and a dear, special friend to many. "Sweet lady Jane'' loved nothing more than to share stories and be surrounded by her friends and family. She had a special way of touching the hearts of those around her. She is forever beautiful, forever loved and forever our friend. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Westlake Village Inn Gazebo, 31943 Agoura Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to John Wayne Cancer Institute, 2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 860-West, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (please designate for Medical Oncology/Dr. Steven O'Day); or VITAS Hospice, 16030 Ventura Blvd., Suite 600, Encino, CA 91436.

Edyth Mae Butzer
Edyth Mae Butzer, 81, of Newbury Park passed away quietly in her own home in the early morning hours of July 13, 2001. She is survived by her daughters, Jacquie and Jeri; son, Lee; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband, Herb, preceded her in death in 1997, after almost 59 years of marriage. Herb and Edyth were both leaders for Community Services at the Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks Adventist Churches for more than 15 years. Their efficient operation provided assistance for local, national and international needs, maintaining a high level of readiness for disaster preparedness and response, such as the Northridge earthquake in 1994, where the Conejo group provided in-kind goods, food, blankets and clothing. Working through ADRA, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, Edyth and her associates in Newbury Park prepared, classified and shipped large volumes of clothing to disaster areas in the U.S. and Third World countries. Edyth was a member and served on local and state boards for the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and was an active member with Volunteers Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), which operates under the auspices of the American Red Cross. Edyth also assisted with The Pantry, a local food bank for the Conejo Valley sponsored by the Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks SDA churches during the late 1990s and she ran Grandma's Thrift Shop at Ventura Estates from 1997 until her death. She represented the Southern California Conference of Community Service Directors in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, three years ago and in Boston, Mass., last year. Edyth was born Sept. 19, 1919, in Orangeville, Ohio, to Thomas and Lena Abbott Young. She met her future husband, Herbert E. Butzer, while attending Washington Missionary College in Washington, D.C. They were married on Nov. 12, 1938. Immediately after their marriage, the young couple moved to Los Angeles, where Herb was employed at White Memorial Hospital and Edyth provided baby-sitting for friends and neighbors. Their three children were born between 1939 and 1950. Herb and Edyth spent almost 40 years in the Los Angeles and Glendale areas, working at various Seventh-day Adventist offices, including the Lincoln Park Memorial School, Glendale Adventist Hospital, the Southern California Conference and the Pacific Union Conference. They also operated a small corner grocery store in Glendale in the mid-1950s. Herb and Edyth moved to Thousand Oaks in 1977, when the Adventist church moved its Pacific Union Conference office to Westlake Village. She continued to work for the union office until she retired and even afterwards continued to help out whenever she was needed. After moving to the Conejo Valley, they attended the Newbury Park Church until it merged with the Thousand Oaks Church, where Edyth was a member at her death. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the Ventura Estates Chapel, 915 Estates Drive, Ventura. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Edyth Butzer to either Adventist Community Services at the Thousand Oaks Adventist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Walter N. Bauer
Walter N. Bauer, 72, passed away March 11, 2001, in Spokane, Wash., after a year-long battle with cancer. Mr. Bauer was born Aug. 31, 1928, in Wabasha County, Minn., the son of Frank John and Cecelia Helen Bauer. He had been a Ventura County resident from 1937 until 1986, when he retired from Getty Oil Corp. as plant operator, after 32 years. He grew up in Oxnard, attended local schools and graduated from Oxnard Union High School in 1946. He served his country in the U.S. Army Artillery in Europe from 1950 to 1952. After retiring to civilian life he married Shirley Mae Holt of Ventura. Shirley passed away in 1998. In 1986, he moved to Chewelah, Wash., to enjoy retirement. His hobbies included raising pigeons, gardening, cooking (he thought he was a great cook) and reading old newspapers. He enjoyed the outdoors, sports and building his house. He is survived by his daughters, Beverly Ann Skyles of Gilroy, Calif., Valerie Marie Dominguez of Port Hueneme and Evelyn Kay Balam (husband, Vincent) of Oxnard; grandchildren, Alyssa, Christopher and Vincent Balam; and brothers, Albert Bauer and wife, Sue of Oxnard, Robert Bauer and Jerome and Carole Bauer of Chewelah, Wash. Funeral services were held on March 17, at St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church with Father Al Grasher officiating. Pallbearers were Randall Bauer, Brian Bauer, Jason Bauer, Alika Weitecha, Albert Bauer and Benjamin Arcangel. Burial was in Evergreen, Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, Wash.

Hector Cardenas Pasmant
Longtime Ventura County resident, Hector Cardenas Pasmant, passed away Friday, July 13, 2001, at Saint Johns Hospital, with his wife and family by his side. Hector was born in Brownsville, Texas, on Dec. 1, 1934, to Manuel and Guadalupe Pasmant. Hector led a full life and, to the end, served his Lord with faithfulness. He ran the race with conviction and held steady to the course the Lord placed him on more than 25 years ago..."well done, good and faithful servant". A trucker for nearly 50 years, Hector was employed by many local firms including, United Foods (formerly Mushroom King), Hoskins Brothers, Dave Walsh Trucking, Sal Loera Trucking, Citrus Express and Romines Trucking. Hector leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Esther Orozco-Pasmant; two sisters, Mary Lopez of Camarillo and Irma Ontiveros of Oxnard; two brothers, Manuel Pasmant of Port Hueneme and Gilberto Pasmant of Lynwood; four sons, Reynaldo, Danny and Mark Pasmant of Oxnard and Ralph Martinez of Ventura; one daughter, Elda Pasmant-MacDonald of Oxnard; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A special thanks goes out to sisters-in-law, Stella Carranco, Rachel Gallegoes, Angie Rodriguez, Mary San Pedro and Celia Pasmant for their love and support during Hector's last days.
"As long as I have these two arms,
you'll never go hungry".
--Hector Pasmant
There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2001, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. also on Monday, July 16, 2001, at Channel Islands Vineyard Church, 1851 Holser Walk, Suite 200, Oxnard. Arrangements are under the direction of Garcia Mortuary, 629 South A St., Oxnard, (805) 486-9148.

Elizabeth A. Jennings
Elizabeth A. Jennings died in Los Angeles on July 11, 2001. Liz, as she was known to her family and friends, was born Sept. 26, 1918, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Henry and Ione Austen. She was a graduate of Woodbury University in Los Angeles. Liz was married to the late Gerald M. Jennings, chairman of the board of Everest and Jennings International, Ltd., a world leader in the manufacturing of wheelchairs. Liz served as corporate secretary and was a member of the Board of Directors for Everest and Jennings. Liz was very active in community organizations such as the Santa Monica Center Auxiliary, the Santa Monica Breakfast Club, the Santa Monica Women's Rotary and the First United Methodist Church Foundation. Liz and her late husband, Gerald were major benefactors of the Santa Monica Medical Center's Gerald M. and Elizabeth A. Jennings non-Invasive Cardiovascular Unit. Liz was a passionate supporter of the arts, theater, and loved to travel and meet new people. She is survived by her stepsons, Gerald M. Jennings Jr. of Fallbrook and Arthur P. Jennings and his wife, Sharon Jennings of Santa Monica. She will be greatly missed by many and shall always be remembered for her kindness and generosity to all whose lives she touched. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 16, at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, 1008 11th St., Santa Monica. interment. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica in Elizabeth's name. Glendale Hye Funeral Service is assisting the family, (818) 247-8860.

Rita Ann Navarro Mosqueda
Rita Ann Navarro Mosqueda, 47, went home to be with the Lord on July 11, 2001. She was at home in El Rio, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Rita was preceded in death by her loving mother and father, John and Margaret Navarro. Rita leaves behind her husband, Robert; daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne and Danny Banuelos; son, John Mosqueda; grandchildren, Robert Camarillo, Daniel and Vannessa Banuelos; brothers, Manuel and Richard Navarro; sisters, Nora Robles and Molly Vasquez; and numerous nephews and nieces. Rita was loved and will be missed by all her family and friends. A memorial service will be from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 14, at Garcia Mortuary, 629 South A St., Oxnard. Graveside services will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.

Lois Meadows Prigge
Lois Meadows Prigge passed away on June 14, 2001, of natural causes. Lois was a 30-year Ventura County resident, moving her from Sebastopol, Calif. Lois was born in Greensboro, N.C., Oct. 1, 1909. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest. Lois is survived by her son, Thomas E. Simmons Sr. of Oxnard; grandson, Thomas E. Simmons Jr. of Minnesota; granddaughters, Janea Chadwick of Sherman Oaks, Julie Marble of Ventura and Betty Weller of Costa Mesa; great-granddaughters, Jessica Chadwick of Vancouver, British Columbia, Jasmine Chadwick of Sherman Oaks, Keili Marble and Sierra Marble of Ventura and Shayna Simmons of Minnesota; great-grandson, Grant Schloesser of Minnesota; and great-granddaughter, Abriel Chadwick of Vancouver, British Columbia. Cremation was by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, Santa Barbara.

Marion Claire Major Carter
Marion Claire Major Carter, 72, loving wife and mother, went home to be with the Lord on July 8, 2001, in Tucson, Ariz. Marion was born in Santa Monica on Sept. 22, 1928. Marion had been a resident of Ventura County for 27 years. Marion was a wonderful homemaker, avid golfer and a lover of animals. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Paul; daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Bob Flasch of Orland, Calif.; sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Monica Carter of Camarillo, Paul "Bud" and Lory Carter of Apache Junction, Ariz.; brother, Edwin Major of Pasadena; grandchildren, Jennifer Flasch Wilson, Joshua Flasch, Matthew Flasch, Marisa Carter, Benjamin Carter, Adam Carter, Michele Carter, Rebecca Carter, Owen Carter, Mackenzie Carter and Stephanie Carter; and great-grandchild, Haden Wilson. A memorial service was held in Tucson, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your prayers for a cure for cancer.

Robert Leahy Otto
Robert "Bob" Otto, 82, passed away in his sleep July 5, 2001, in Thousand Oaks as a result of complications from diabetes and congestive heart failure. Otto was born in Rennselaer, N.Y., on Nov. 10, 1918. He began his 24-year military career in the New York National Guard Calvary. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He earned the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his numerous missions over the Himalayan Mountains in the China-Burma-India Theater. As a member of the Strategic Air Command, he served at the Pentagon and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation and the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. In 1945, Otto met and married Jane Courtney Shropshire from Birmingham, Ala., his wife of 56 years. Otto retired form the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 1961, at which time the family moved from Florida to Thousand Oaks. He quickly became involved in numerous civic activities, running for honorary mayor in 1964 and supporting the incorporation of the city by running for election to City Council. After years in the aerospace industry, Otto then worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District. During this time he earned a master's degree in business from Pepperdine University and a doctoral degree in human behavior from United States International University. Otto is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jane; daughters, Patricia Courtney Klaus and Jane Robyn Otto; grandsons, Ian Klaus and Evan Klaus; nephews, Henry L. England and James Duffy Shropshire; nieces, Leta "Jinx" Wolf and Jacqueline Di Biase; as well as other relatives and friends. In accordance with his wishes, Otto's ashes will be spread over the Himalayan Mountains. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 1 Church Road, Thousand Oaks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Olivia Pope Hyland
Olivia Pope Hyland, one week old, passed away July 6, 2001, at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Olivia was the beloved daughter of Casandra and Thaddeus Hyland of Ojai. Born on June 29, 2001, Olivia was a beautiful little baby at 7 lbs., 9 oz. and 21 inches, who unfortunately suffered a heart and lung defect and fought hard for a week. She will always be loved and remembered. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving grandparents, Betteann and Dale Damery; great-grandfather, Nicholas Viaropulos; great-grandmother, Rose; grandfather, Nicholas Viaropulos; uncle, Sean Damery; aunt, Susannah Webb; and great-great-aunt, Mary Gassett. Olivia will be buried at a later date in Martha's Vineyard, Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Olivia's name to the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) of Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St., Ventura, CA 93003. We thank you, our precious child, for giving us the best day of our lives, the day we held you in our arms.