Helen LaVonne Bryan
Helen LaVonne Bryan, 87, of Auburn, Calif., died Thursday, May 17, 2001, at Sierra Nevada Hospital in Grass Valley, Calif. Mrs. Bryan was born June 29, 1913, in Duncan, Ill., to Clifford and Mabel Culp. She attended high school in Montrose, Colo., and college at Ventura Junior College. She married Virgil T. Bryan on April 1, 1933, in Huntington Beach. Mrs. Bryan was office manager of Bayless Market in Ojai from 1953 until her retirement Jan. 1, 1981. She lived in Ojai from 1950 to 1998, when she moved to live with her daughter in Auburn. She is survived by her son, Richard T. Bryan of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Jill Lessing of Auburn, Calif.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Bryan was preceded in death by her husband in 1973, and son James S. Bryan in 1998. A graveside memorial and passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at her residence in Idaho after a long illness. Donna was born March 8, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Okla. As a young girl Donna moved to Ventura County, where she lived for 40 years. Mrs. Carpenter was a homemaker who enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her family. She enjoyed fishing (especially in Idaho) and going to Las Vegas to play the slot machines. She will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by her sons, Edward Smith of Camarillo, Jim Smith of Idaho; daughters, Diane Prebble of Ventura, Pam Harrington of Santa Paula, April Jenkins of Ventura; brother, Russel Carpenter of Gerogia; sister, Marylee Hunter of Arizona; nine grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime friend, Gary Stringer of Idaho. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Pierce Bros. Santa Paula Cemetery with the Rev. Francis Boyle of Freewill Baptist Church of Santa Paula officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.

Charles Steward 'Chuck' Clark
Charles Steward "Chuck" Clark passed away on June 30, 2001, in Ventura. Born on Nov. 28, 1928, in Clinton, Okla., Chuck moved to Southern California in 1942. While he was living in Orange County after high school, mutual friends introduced Chuck to Susan Larmer, who became his wife for 48 years. After marrying, Chuck and Susan lived for short periods in Santa Ana and Mojave. The early years of their marriage produced four sons; Dave, who resides now in Santa Monica; Ed and Brian, both residents of Ventura; and Bob, who lives in Traverse City, Mich. In 1960, Chuck moved his family to Oxnard, where he began his long career teaching in the Oxnard Union High School District. For 18 years, Chuck served his community as a teacher, coach and adviser. He taught science and coached freshman football at Hueneme High School from 1960 to 1966. In the fall of 1966, Chuck joined the faculty at newly opened Channel Islands High School, serving as its first science department chairman, chemistry teacher and coach. Chuck repeatedly demonstrated his lifetime commitment to young people by devoting his time as a faculty adviser to student organizations and classes and as a referee, umpire, timekeeper and scorekeeper at sports events. Chuck will always be remembered for a work ethic at least as wide as the miles and time between dustbowl Oklahoma and modern day Ventura County, and for his skill as a fisherman, sailor, barbecue chef, carpenter and naturalist. Chuck lived to be with his family and friends, always looking for fish on the line, wind in his sails, warm coals, nails to pound, and an open road leading to the next campground. In addition to his wife, Susan, and his sons, Chuck is survived by his sister, Katherine Stovall of Cupertino; grandchildren, Lauren, Dave, Susanna, Katie and Finely; daughters-in-law Tracy and Jane of Ventura, and Heather of Traverse City, Mich.; and a close extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss his wisdom, humor and love. A memorial celebration of Chuck's life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, July 9, in the Redwood Glen, Arroyo Verde Park, Ventura. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck's name to the Ventura History and Art Museum, Chumash Youth Program, 100 E. Main St., Ventura CA 93001, and the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, PMB 245, 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, CA. 93023.

Ruben Ayala
Ruben Ayala, 93, of Moorpark passed away on Tuesday, July 3, 2001, with his loving family at his side. Ruben was born Feb. 6, 1908, in El Rio, to Eliodoro and Juanita Ayala and was a lifelong Ventura County resident. He worked for Borchard Bros. Ranch in Newbury Park for 30 years and in 1963 he retired and moved to the Cruz Family Ranch in Moorpark. Ruben enjoyed working in his garden and tending to his many flowers, vegetables, fruits and nopales and when he could he liked to go fishing near Fifth Street in Oxnard. Deer hunting was another activity he partook in. Ruben and his brother started a family tradition whereby they traveled to Beaver, Utah, and went deer hunting. It was something that they did every year. Ruben is survived by his wife of 70 years, Otilia Ayala of Moorpark; daughters and sons-in-law, Virginia and Genaro Gomez of El Rio and Helen and Leonard Cruz of Moorpark; son, Martin Ayala of Arizona; sister, Josie Vega of El Rio; 15 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at Camino del Sol Funeral Home, 200 North C St., Oxnard. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 13955 Peach Hill Road, Moorpark. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 9, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Moorpark. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery, Oxnard. Camino del Sol Memorial Center and Funeral Home, 200 North C St., Oxnard, is assisting the family, (805) 483-3443.

Bruce A. Solow
Bruce A. Solow, 46, died July 4, 2001, at his home in Ojai after a courageous battle with cancer. Bruce was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 23, 1954, to Robert and Marilyn Solow. He graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with a degree in theater arts and then went on to be an assistant director for film and television. He worked on such shows as "Laverne and Shirley," "Miami Vice" and "NYPD Blue." In 1990, he and his family moved to Ojai. Because of his love and commitment for his family, he shifted his career into corporate headhunting for the Scott Marlow Agency in response to his children's request that he find a job that allowed him to have a full family life. Bruce was well-known in the Ojai community for his involvement in the arts. He played trombone in his own Bruce Solow's Big Band, he sang renaissance music with the Madrigalis, acted in dozens of plays and was also seen around town and at the Magic Castle in Hollywood as Dr. Fako, his magician personae. His outrageous sense of humor and huge personality will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know him. Bruce's family is supported, comforted and surrounded by his and their loving friends and community. Their gratitude is immense. He is survived by his wife, Corkey; daughters, Mollie and Casey; mother, Marilyn; brothers, Larry, Lee and Brian; sister, Margaret; sisters-in-law, Sharon and Toni; and nieces and nephews, Megan, Jered, Kaleigh, Brett, Hannah and Sophie. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Ojai Humane Society, the Ojai Shakespeare Madrigali or the John Wayne Cancer Center in Santa Monica.

Janet W. 'Jan' McInerney
Janet W. "Jan" McInerney, 76, of Westlake Village and Westport, Conn., passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2001, with a loving son and daughter at her side. Jan was born Janet Walker Keyworth on Sept. 16, 1925, in Norwalk, Conn. Her parents were Pauline Madden of Norwalk and Horace Keyworth of London. Horace worked as a hatter and built and raced speedboats for sport. Jan was an excellent student at Center High. Though naturally courteous and shy, her sparkling brown eyes and lively spirit drew people to her. Once, she skipped school with girlfriends to attend an early Frank Sinatra concert in New York. In March 1941 she had a first date with John F. "Mac" McInerney of Darien, Conn., and within a year they became engaged. When Mac was stationed in Fort Wayne, Ind., she traveled there to wed him. A son, Michael John, was soon born and Jan traveled between Texas and Westport, Conn., to be with her husband. In 1947 a daughter, Kia, arrived. By that time, Jan and Mac had saved enough to build a saltbox house on a parcel of land they acquired in Westport. Jan loved to work and first excelled as a driving instructor. She felt proud of this achievement and the caring, well-ordered home life that she created. In 1953, a second son, Brian John, completed her family. Though she loved New England's wooded beauty, she decided to join her brother in Tucson, Ariz., for her husband's health. There, Jan and Mac designed and built a new residence on five acres of land near what was to become the Tucson National Golf Club. Jan enjoyed a happy social and work life in Tucson and took pride in her children and home, selecting special maple and cherry furnishings. In 1964, a job change impelled a move to the Los Angeles area. Jan immediately fell in love with the oak-dotted landscapes of the Conejo Valley, which reminded her of her cherished New England. She passed the real estate exam easily and soon partnered with her husband in a local firm. Sadly, divorce followed in 1975 and Jan retired soon after. She moved to Westlake Village, which she loved, and lived there contentedly until her death. Jan was mentally quick with a clear memory and wry wit. Her sweet smile and kind nature were disarming to everyone and we loved her dearly. Jan is survived by her son, Michael of Westlake Village; son and daughter, Brian and Kathy of Santa Barbara; daugher and son-in-law, Kia and Gary Kuist of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Kevin and his wife, Ellie, Erin, Mark and Michele; and great-grandchild, Ayla. A private service for the family will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, July 6, at Jan's residence in Westlake Village, (805) 495-1463. Assisitng the family with final arrangements is the Neptune Society of Santa Barbara.

George McNeal
George McNeal died at home June 24, 2001, at the age of 79. Mr. McNeal enjoyed 28 years of teaching at Oxnard Union High School District after graduating from UCSB in 1956. He and his wife, Mary Lou, lived in Santa Rosa Valley for 40 years. On June 9, 2001, they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Since retiring in 1984, George enjoyed gardening, writing poetry, making craft projects and he was always an enthusiastic Laker fan. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou McNeal of Pismo Beach; sons, Steven L. McNeal of Sacramento, Brian E. McNeal of Camarillo; daughter, Cindy Beede of Belllingham, Wash; sister, Marjorie Clawson of North Carolina; and grandsons, Nathan and Jordan Beede of Bellingham, Wash. A memorial service will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the family residence. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 285 South St., Suite 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Petra Lucina Marruffo Escajeda
Petra Lucina Marruffo Escajeda, a retired homemaker, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 30, 2001, at 9:45 a.m., comfortably at her eldest son's home. Mrs. Escajeda was a resident of Oxnard since 1952, where she worked in various agricultural companies including Hueblein, Seaboard, Somis Lemon Association and Nabisco. She is survived by her sons, Abraham I. Marruffo and Noel Escajeda; daughter, Angela M. Vega; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Escajeda was preceded in death by her son, Ruben Banuelos; daughter, Marcie Partida; and granddaughters, Marisela Partida and Cynthia Vega. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5, to be followed by a Christian memorial service at Garcia Mortuary Chapel in Oxnard. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Oxnard. died peacefully at her home on June 30, 2001. Helen was born in San Francisco on April 29, 1913. As a very young child she and her family moved to Los Angeles where she was raised. Helen graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles and Southwestern School of Law. She was one of only six women in California who took the bar exam in 1938. Shortly after passing the bar exam, Helen began her career in law with a firm in Los Angeles. During World War II she worked in the legal department of Lockheed in Burbank. With her husband and two children, Helen moved to Ventura in 1951. After a 13-year break from the legal profession to raise her children, Helen began practicing law again with the firm of Waite and Drapeau in Ventura. She remained in private practice until she joined the Ventura Superior Court, in 1985, as a probate attorney. Helen loved her work for the court, which occasionally included sitting on the bench. She retired in 1998 at a youthful age of 85. Helen was married to Dean Mercer for 33 years. Together they enjoyed many years of boating with the Ventura Yacht Club. They also shared happy times traveling and playing bridge Helen remained active with the Friends of the Library, the Poinsettia Republican Women's Club and the Christian Science Church on Victoria Ave. Her husband, Dean Mercer; and daughter, Gay Ford, preceded Helen in death. Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rod and Sandra Reynolds of Camarillo; stepdaughter, Dena Mercer of Ventura; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Helen will be remembered for her adventuresome spirit and love of family, nature and life. Honoring her wishes, a private service will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

Robert Plannette
Bob Plannette, 64, passed away June 28, 2001, at Feather River Hospital in Paradise, Calif., with his family at his side. Bob was born in Palmdale Nov. 20, 1936, to Lloyd and Willie Plannette. Bob retired from GTE after 35 years of service. He lived in Camarillo with his wife Evelyn for 30 years before moving to Magalia, Calif., in 1996 to enjoy their retirement. Bob was a kind and gentle man who was put on this earth to care for and support his family. He was very involved in his children's activities including coaching softball and joining the PTA. Bob was a member of the Paradise Host Lions Club. Due to his illness he was unable to attend and give as much time as he would have liked to the club. He also enjoyed traveling, camping and chatting with his friends. Bob is survived by his daughter, Janelle Plannette of Orangevale, Calif.; son, Rob Plannette of Camarillo and Magalia; brothers, Bert Plannette of Redding and Dave Plannette of Camarillo; sisters, Pat Engle of Bakersfield, Carolyn Kilpatrick and Cathryn Heberling, both of Carson City, Nev.; and his puppies Cody and Chloe. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, July 5, at Rose Chapel in Paradise. The family requests that bright clothing be worn to the service in his memory.

John Joseph Barry
John Joseph Barry, 81, of Atascadero and Thousand Oaks, passed away June 28, 2001, at Kaiser hospital in Woodland Hills after a brief illness. Mr. Barry was born Jan 29, 1920, in Sioux City, Iowa and had been a Ventura County resident for 10 years, coming from Nederland, Texas. He was a Christian minister for 55 years. He began public speaking at the age of eight and has spoken or preached in every state (except Alaska), New Zealand and Australia. The last seven years, he has volunteered as chaplain for the Atascadero Christian Home and Country Care Convalescent Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Barry of Thousand Oaks; sons and daughters-in-law, Jody and Vicki Barry of Thousand Oaks and David and Barbara Barry of Garden Grove; grandson and wife, Joshua and Lisa Barry of Thousand Oaks; grandsons, James Barry of Garden Grove and Jason Barry of Thousand Oaks; granddaugthers, Joy Barry of Thousand Oaks and Janelle Barry of Garden Grove; and a host of friends whom he loved and sought to lead closer to Christ by example and word. A service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 2, at Conejo Mountain Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park. Bill Haley will officiate. Memorials may be sent to Atascadero Christian Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2052 Howard Rd., Camarillo.

Maria De La Luz Lugo
Maria De La Luz Lugo, 39, passed on to Heaven to meet with God, peacefully, at home in the comfort of her loving family, on Thursday, June 28, 2001, after a hard 11-month battle against cancer. Maria was born on March 26, 1962, to her loving parents, Lucina and Felipe Vilchis in Morelia, Mexico. She was married to a caring man, Rodolfo Lugo, and raised three children, Sandra, Enrique and Tatiana, throughout her 21 years in Santa Paula. She always showed great courage and bravery and had everyone believe that anything was possible when your heart is there. "Laughter is the food to the soul", she always said. She always tried to make everyone laugh and smile with her funny jokes and silly acts. Although it was very hard for her on her hospital days, she still maintained a great sense of humor, which was one of a kind and never will be forgotten.
"I will always love you mom. You will be alive in my heart forever. I love you."
--Tatiana
"Aunque ya no estes conmigo, siempre estaras en mi corazon. Eres una madre unica, y siempre lo seras. Te quiero mucho, y un dia nos volveremos a reunir."
"Even though you are not with me, you will always be in my heart. You are a one of a kind mother, and you will always be. I love you very much, and one day we will reunite again."
--Enrique
"Mom, you always knew that you were and will always be my whole world. My mother, my sister, my best friend. A mother like you is hard to find. I thank God for blessing me with you. I'll be missing you until I see you again. I love you."
--Sandra
"Todo el tiempo te he amado y siempre estaras en mi corazon."
"I have always loved you, and you will always be in my heart."
--Rodolfo
Maria will be greatly missed by her husband, Rodolfo; three children, Tatiana, Enrique and Sandra; parents, Lucina and Felipe; six brothers and sisters, Heriberto, Margarita, Trino, Lupe, Arturo and Ofelia; her wonderful, loving family and friends in Mexico and Santa Paula; her co-workers and friends of eight years at Kavlico Co.; and all who will remember her deeply. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, July 2, 2001, at Church of Angels Chapel, 600 Pleasant St. in Santa Paula. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. also on Monday, July 2, 2001, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Paula. The Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Paula. passed away June 28, 2001, in Camarillo, after a brief illness. Born March 2, 1903, she had been a Leisure Village resident for 16 years, coming from West Los Angeles. She was a homemaker and nurse. Her activities included church, family and friends. She is survived by her sons, James H. Miller of Westlake Village and Robert S. Miller of San Mateo, Calif.; daughters-in-law, Carol Miller of Westlake Village and Dorothy Miller of San Mateo, Calif.; five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. July 3, 2001, at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, with burial to follow, with Charles Maloney of the Camarillo Christian Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2052 Howard Rd., Camarillo.

Bevan 'Bill' Walter Layton
Bevan "Bill" Walter Layton, 80, of Camarillo, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2001. Bill was born Oct. 26, 1920, in Thather, Ariz., and was a 7-year Camarillo resident, coming here from Hawaii in 1984. He was a professional glazer for several years and for more than 20 years he was manager of Hilton Corporation Apartments in Honolulu, Hawaii, before moving to Camarillo. Among his many talents, Bill was noted as a creative artist. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Leona and Ernest Kiessig of Camarillo; nephew, Joel E. Kiessig and his wife, Becky of Roseville, Calif.; niece, Marlene Biesinger and her husband, Gerald of Pleasant Grove, Utah; grand-niece, Kimberly Krinke of Roseville, Calif.; and grand-nephews, David, Craige, Brad, Andrew Biesinger, all of Pleasant Grove, Utah. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave., Inglewood, Calif. Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary, 1075 E. Daily Dr., Camarillo, (805) 482-2711.

Ellen Harley
Ellen Harley, 93, of Thousand Oaks and Lakewood, New Jersey, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2001, at her home at the Hillcrest Inn. Born Ellen O'Grady on Feb. 22, 1908, in County Sligo, Ireland, Ellen immigrated to America at the age of 19. She returned to visit Ireland twice before marrying Philip C. Harley, a young electrical engineer in New York in 1937. Phil and Ellen had two boys and settled into an ordinary life in New Jersey. In 1953, the ordinary was changed when Phil's job transferred the family to The Hague, Holland. A woman of beauty and compassion, Ellen was the perfect hostess as she entertained diplomats and royalty in post-war Europe. In 1958, Phil's job moved the family to the Middle East, where they lived and toured for the next 10 years. After Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Ellen and Phil spent three years in Las Vegas. They finally retired to Lakewood, N.J., in 1973. In 1998, Ellen moved to the Hillcrest Inn in Thousand Oaks to be near her family. Ellen loved returning to Ireland, duplicate bridge and gardening. She treasured biographies of the famous and scandal sheets. Gifted with a photographic memory that never failed her, Ellen carried her 93rd year with the same grace and poise as the 19-year-old that stepped off the boat in New York Harbor in 1927. She loved life and talking about family. We will miss her. Ellen is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Chuck and Linda Harley of Westlake Village, and Robert and Emily Harley of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, Michael, Kevin, Christopher, Colleen, Bridget, Philip, Mathew and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Chanlyn, Conner, Patrick and Caitlin. A Memorial Mass will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, July 3, 2001, at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Westlake Village. Burial will be in New Jersey. Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village.

John Henrey Holliday
John Henrey Holliday peacefully passed away June 14, 2001, at age 87. Mr. Holliday was born March 30, 1914, in Preston, Conn. Born to Russian immigrant parents, he was a first-generation American. He had two brothers and one sister. Mr. Holliday sold his auto wrecking yard and moved to California in the mid-'50s. Acquiring income property, he started a cleanup and tree trimming service. He relocated in the mid-'60s from Glendale to Ventura, where he worked until his retirement in 1988. He passed his knowledge and work ethic on to his three sons, Dave, John and Tim. They've carried on the "family business" with their own individual tree services. For business purposes John legally changed his last name (and those of his two youngest sons) from John Stankewicz to John Henrey Holliday. Aside from family, John's biggest loves were music and dance. He enjoyed playing the fiddle, accordion and the stereo. An avid dancer in polka, ballroom and square dance, he spent many a weekend at dance halls in Southern California. After he retired, he did volunteer exhibition dancing with differing partners at several rest homes and care centers. The family would especially like to thank two of John's best friends, Hellen Beeler and Verna Barrow, for their wonderful help and support in his last years. He is survived by his brothers, Mike Stankewicz of Tucson, Ariz., and George Stankewicz of Taftville, Conn.; sister, Mary Pankiewicz of Danielson, Conn.; daughter, Marguerite "Rita" George of Las Vegas, Nev.; sons, Dave Stankewicz of Santa Clarita, Calif.; John "L'il John" Holliday of Ventura and Tim Holliday of American Canyon, Calif.; and several grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and affectionately remembered. A celebration of life memorial was held at a private residence in Ventura on June 23, 2001. No donations are necessary. Cremation is being handled by the Neptune Society, Santa Barbara.

Lillian L. Snider
Lillian L. Snider, 79, of Camarillo died Tuesday, June 26, 2001, at her home with her family at her side. Lillian was born Jan. 24, 1922, in Wichita, Kan., and had been a Camarillo resident for the past five years, coming from Arcadia, Temecula and Solana Beach. Lillian had worked as a nurse for Drs. Ritter, Shore and MacAuley in Arcadia. She and her husband, Bob, also owned and operated Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors in Solano Beach and Altadena. Lillian, having been the daughter of a minister, held her church and family as the focus of her life. She was a Bible study leader and had sung in church choirs for more than 40 years. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bob; son, William R. (wife, Karen C.) Snider of Atascadero; daughter, Dorothy (husband, R. Terry) McCallum of Thousand Oaks; brother, Oliver "Randy" Nova Roth Jr. of Diamond Bar; grandchildren, James Robert Snider, Jill Christine Lukan, Gregory Christian Snider, Robert Bryan McCallum, Christy Lynn Ramsey; and great-granddaughter, Vanessa Alexis Snider. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m Monday, July 2, at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church. Private inurnment will be at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo. Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Camarillo.

Rosa Kaufman
Rosa Kaufman succumbed to cancer on June 17, 2001, in Laguna Woods at the age of 84. Born April 25, 1917, in New York City, Rosa was the youngest of five children. Her parents emigrated from Austria around the turn of the century. A woman of vivid beauty and a keen sense of humor, Rosa pursued acting in her youth and performed on a variety of radio programs. She married Jesse Kaufman in 1941, devoting the rest of her life to being a loving and devoted wife and mother, as well as helping support the family as a part-time bookkeeper. She loved going to the theater and concerts and played bridge with the same group of friends for over 40 years. She and her husband were active members of the Dick Salter Chapter of City of Hope for 30 years and helped to raise thousands of dollars for cancer research. She is survived by her children, David, Laura, Marc and Betty; and grandson, David. Rosa will always be deeply loved and profoundly missed.

Allene Lee Withers Craig
Allene Lee Withers Craig passed away peacefully on June 26, 2001, at her home after a brief illness. Allene was born on Aug. 16, 1914, in Winnetka, Ill., to Allen Lee Withers and Saida Bond Withers. She was a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and honored as one of the pioneering students of the Art Center College of Design, Los Angeles. Following her graduation from Art Center, she worked in New York as a freelance photographer for Vogue, Mademoiselle and for the U.S. government during World War II. In 1944 she married Volney Howard "Bill" Craig Jr. At the war's end, Allene and Bill moved to Ventura County. Allene continued her interest as a portrait photographer with a specific focus on children. She won several awards and competitions for her photographic work. While her passion for photography continued, she adjusted camera shutter speed to raise three daughters. In addition, she worked for more than 18 years as a volunteer for the Ventura County Juvenile Justice/Delinquency Prevention Commission and was honored by the Ventura Superior Court on her resignation. Allene will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife and cherished friend. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Judith Craig Rueda and Raymond Rueda of Upland, Ann Craig Hanson and John Hanson of Middlebury, Vt., and Catherine Craig-Weber and Robert Weber of Boston, Mass.; grandchildren, Craig and Matthew Hanson, Sara, Gregory and Ryan Rueda; and great-granddaughters, Alexis, Jessica and Chloe. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd., Ventura. Donations may be made in her name to the Limoneira Ranch Scholarship Fund.

Johnny Lynn Marsh
Johnny Lynn Marsh passed away suddenly in Sonora, Calif., on June 21, 2001. Johnny was born Nov. 23, 1949, in Stanley, N.D., to John Smith and Mae Johanna Marsh. He moved to Oak View with his family in 1956 and attended schools in the Ventura area, graduating from Ventura High School in 1968. In 1986 he relocated to Sonora, Calif. He worked in construction until six years ago when he began doing landscape work, for which his love of nature and compassion were well suited. He had an intense interest and appreciation for nature and loved all things to do with the outdoors. He enjoyed jogging, identifying birds and butterflies, gardening, seeing the leaves change color or the waves of the ocean roll in. He really did take the time to stop and smell the roses. He was a very spiritual man and read from his Bible daily and knew his Lord's presence. Johnny will be deeply missed by so many people who loved his charm and infectious smile. He is survived by his companion and best friend of 11 years, Anita Pratt; son and daughter, John and Debbie of Idaho; mother, Mae Marsh of Ventura; brother, Robert Marsh of Ventura; sisters, Mary Wells of Ojai, Maxine Pfeiffer of Sonora, Marlene Douglass of Camarillo, Marsha Files of Ventura; brothers-in-law, David Wells, Leland Files and Bruce Douglass; as well as many nieces and nephews who will very much miss their Uncle Johnny; and last but not least, his beloved dog, Boots. He was preceded in death by his father, John; and brother, Lonnie. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home in Sonora, Calif. A private memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 1, in Ojai. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Humane Society, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, Attn: Donations.

Elizabeth Clark Brand
Elizabeth "Betty" Clark Brand died peacefully Tuesday, June 26, 2001, at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe. She recently turned 80. A picture of health all her life, she suffered little in her final days. Betty Brand was a descendant of the early Ventura County pioneer Clark family that settled in the Ojai Valley in 1868. She was born April 17, 1921, at Bard Hospital in Ventura, one of 10 children of stagecoach driver, former Ventura County Sheriff and United States Marshal, Robert E. "Bob" Clark and Alice Barnett Clark. In 1941, Betty married Leonard Brand of Pasadena. Before moving to South Lake Tahoe in 1963, the Brand family managed the Clark family cattle ranch on Sulphur Mountain in Ojai. In South Lake Tahoe, they established Brand Electric, which they operated until Mr. Brand's passing in 1985. Betty's life was centered in her faith and family. If she were not marshalling kids or grandchildren to or from sporting activities, recitals or whatever ... she was somehow involving herself at St. Theresa Catholic Church, where she was a daily communicant. Mom or Grandma, as practically everyone called her, was unassuming yet painfully direct. She had an enormous effect on countless people. Everybody she met became part of her extended family with their lives forever enriched. She will be sorrowfully missed yet vividly remembered by all. Survivors include sons, Gary Brand of South Lake Tahoe, Phil Brand of South Lake Tahoe, Steve Brand of Dayton, Nev.; daughter, Joan Houston of Sacramento; sister, Clare Whitley of Phoenix, Ore.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and innumerable nieces and nephews from Ventura County, who will be attending the services in South Lake Tahoe this weekend. Rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28, at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at St. Theresa Catholic Church. passed away Sunday, June 24, 2001, at Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise, Ore. Jim was born July 1, 1932, in Caldwell, Idaho, to Roy Walter and Ruth (Sholty) Snodgrass. Jim attended Oregon State University at Corvallis, Ore. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1950 to 1954, and also served in the Reserves. He then was united in marriage to his wife, Anne Lenox, on Dec. 27, 1958, in Oxnard. He was employed by Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Co. in Oxnard, West Allis, Wis., and then Agco in Batavia, Ill., retiring in 1997. Jim will be remembered as an active outdoorsman. He was active in Boy Scouts of America, was an Eagle Scout with bronze, silver gold palms, and was a scout leader and commissioner. Jim was a member of Kiwanis International and ASTME American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers. He is survived by his wife, Alice "Anne" of Batavia, Ill.; children, David Roy Snodgrass of New Berlin, Wis., Allison (husband, Bryan) Dowell of Lewis Center, Ohio, Peter James Snodgrass of New Berlin, Wis.; brothers, William (wife, Nancy) Snodgrass, Steve (wife, Christine) Snodgrass, Ted (wife, Jane) Snodgrass, Ben Snodgrass; sister, Lillian Chaudrey; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Deloris Benson. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 29, at Yurs-Peterson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m Saturday, June 30, at Yurs-Peterson Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia, Ill. passed away in the comfort of loving family and friends on June 25, 2001, following a courageous battle with cancer. He is now peacefully reunited with his mother, Lillie; father, Woodrow; and big brother, Jerry. Michael was born in Oxnard, Calif., and has been a lifelong Oxnard resident. Michael "Woody" worked throughout his life with his hands in the earth. A tree-trimmer most of his life, Michael later found the love of his career in building his own commercial landscaping company with his brother, Richard. Among many that Michael's life has touched are his wife of 25 years, Vickie; son, Joseph; daughter, Jennifer; loved and remembered also by his brothers, Richard and Paul; sister, Michelle; brother-in-law, Michael; nieces, Amy and Janice; nephews, Jeremy and Ian; and many friends that he considered his family. Michael lived and loved by a quote that he had chosen: "The best thing you can spend on our children is time. And a hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of house I live in, what my bank account totals, or the kind of car I drive. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2001, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, with the Reverend Dave Horning of College United Methodist Church, Ventura, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.

Bud Fisher
Bud was born in Defiance, Ohio, July 3, 1915. He loved to fish since he was a small boy and was an avid golfer. He enjoyed building and restoring antique furniture. His many beautiful pieces will be treasured by his family forever. Having spent most of his life in Ohio, he and his wife, Mary, retired to Florida in 1975 and moved to Ventura in 1986. In addition to his wife of 62 years, Mary, he is survived by his daughter, Kathy (husband, Don) Brunner of Ventura; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Bud was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Ann. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 28, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura.

Mildred Kellett
Mildred was born Aug. 6, 1919, in Grantsburg, Wis. She married Fred Kellett in 1941 in Grantsburg, Wis., and resided with him in Brainerd, Minn., until his death in 1997. She then moved to Camarillo, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Gene Morgan, until her death. Mildred was a graduate of Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., and taught English at Pine River High School in Minnesota for 24 years. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Kellett; son, Donald; and brother, John Grife. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Joan Kellett and Robert Waxlax, Carolyn and Gene Morgan; son, Fred Kellett Jr.; granddaughters, Rebecca Kriesel-Bigler, Rachelle Bigler-Conant, Christine Kellett, Melanie Morgan, Lori-Ann Kellett; grandson, Mark Morgan; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving Mildred are her sisters, Mary Oberg and Margaret Meredith, and brother, Vern Grife. Private memorial services will be held in Camarillo and Brainerd, Minn. Burial will be in Brainerd, Minn.

Michael Angel Maynez
"Theater can change people's lives."
Michael believed this to the core of his rich and loving soul. What he could never know is that what he said of theater really applied to him. Michael touched the lives of his actors, his family and his friends, which is to say, he touched all of Ventura County. With his trademark glasses set high on his forehead like antenna receiving inspiration from above, he roared his outrageous laugh, illuminated us with the light of his smile, embraced us with a bear-like hug and not unlike Zorba reveled in the joy that each day brought to him and that he brought to each day; a joy made all the more complete by his commitment to his church and to his God. Michael will live on in the memories of all who were blessed to have known and to have loved him. Born of immigrant parents in El Paso, Texas, he came to California in 1936, settling in Oxnard in 1938. In 1942, he entered the Army, received training in the ski patrol but was a combat soldier in the Italian campaign at Anzio, Italy. In combat, he suffered a head wound which, he would later declare, accounted for his love of theater. He was a decorated veteran, including receiving the Purple Heart. After the war, he studied drama in Los Angeles for three years, returned to Oxnard and continued his theater studies in drama classes at Oxnard High. At the behest of friends, he started a small theater company, which led to his 1948 production of "The Philadelphia Story." Plaza Players was born. But he was compelled to get a day job, which resulted in his working at the Seabee base until 1961. The need to commit to theater, however, was overwhelming and he resigned his position to devote all of his efforts to his art. Over the next 50 years he produced more than 250 plays, beginning with productions at the Oxnard Elks Lodge and moving to venues in a warehouse at Wagon Wheel Junction and three sites in Ventura: behind a paint store, in an abandoned church and finally at The Livery in downtown Ventura. He directed traditional musicals, dramas and comedies, from "Oliver" to "Equus" to "Chapter Two." As often as not, he enjoyed challenging his actors, his audiences and the community with original plays by local artists as well as with experimental theater that no one else would touch. But the measure of the man must be gauged not only by the plays he produced but by those who hovered about him and whose lives he irrevocably changed. Some, like John McCook, Angela Moya, Glenn Sipes, Ron Rezac and Ernie Huntley, went on to work professionally. But the great majority of the hundreds of performers and theater denizens who constituted the community over which he, like some feudal lord, held court, were students, tradespeople, professionals and academics who reveled in the joy of sharing in Michael's theatrical vision. And the kids; they were always welcome to perform, to help and to learn of the creative dimension of the human condition. His home, like a scene from Victorian daguerreotype, was an eclectic array of carpets, art pieces of every stripe and mismatched, overstuffed furniture wrapped in the aroma of his trademark "tornadors" (not a Victorian staple) that lingered in the air, challenging guests to try just one bite. The greater challenge, however was not to take a bite of his food but a bite of life as he saw it. And, when his time at the theater diminished, he took up writing movie reviews on the Internet. When venues to perform became spare, his minions followed him to the senior citizen's center and, finally, closing the circle of his life's work, to his final production at the Elks Lodge in Ventura. Michael is survived by his brothers, Guillermo of Oxnard and Raul, who lives in Colorado; adoring nieces and nephews; and many devoted friends. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at San Buenaventura Mission. Monsignor Patrick O'Brien will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.
"Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Humphrey Robert Williams
Humphrey Robert Williams went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2001, at the age of 78 years. His family was at his side. Bob was born Feb. 22, 1923, in Rome, N.Y., the oldest of five children of Humphrey and Mabel Williams. During World War II Bob served in the Air Force in North Africa and Sicily. Bob retired from the Simi Valley Post Office, then when his wife retired in 1994 they volunteered to work with SEND at their Christian radio station, KRSA, in Petersburg, Alaska. After a year and a few months, Bob's health started giving out and they had to return to the lower 48, settling in Portland. The next five years were difficult with many painful health problems to endure until the Lord called him home. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Phyllis; daughter, Andrea, from a previous marriage; sons, Lee, Hal and Rod; two grandchildren; and brothers, Clarence and Al of Rome, N.Y. We will miss you, Papa.

Frances Anna Friedrich
Frances Anna Friedrich, 89, died Tuesday, June 26, 2001, at her home in Patterson. Mrs. Friedrich was a native of Oxnard, where she lived until 1973, and had lived in Patterson for the past 18 years. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Friedrich was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Patterson. She was also a member of the Santa Clara Catholic Church, the Altar Society and the YLE in Santa Clara. She was an avid bridge player. Mrs. Friedrich is survived by her son, Paul Friedrich of Patterson; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ignatius Friedrich, in 1993. Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 29, at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard. Remembrances may be made to Father Connors Endowment Trust Fund, P.O. Box 11174, Patterson, CA 95363 or to Hospice of Emmanuel Medical Center, 825 Delbon Ave., Turlock, CA 95380.

Fred O. Michael
Fred O. Michael, 85, of Ventura passed away June 21, 2001. Mr. Michael was born Jan. 27, 1916, in Los Angeles and had been a Ventura County resident for 27 years. He worked for the Los Angeles County Municipal Courts and was a veteran of World War II, in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his daughter and son, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Burial will be at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

Charles 'Charlie' Rasmussen
On June 11, 2001, the honorably discharged Navy veteran, Charles Rasmussen, was killed by an Amtrak train in Ventura. Charlie, as he was known by his many friends in Oxnard Shores, where he lived, was born on March 12, 1961. He worked as an independent building contractor. Charlie was receiving treatment at the crisis center at the veterans facility in West Los Angeles, for psychiatric evaluation pertaining to his Navy service. He was not homeless and had firm roots and a foundation in our community. Unfortunately, he will never see his dreams come true, nor will he see another sunset over the Channel Islands. He will never again walk over the sands of our beaches, nor will he fish from one of our stone jetties. Charlie was a good friend, a good father and a troubled soul, but not homeless. He is survived by his former wife, Maureen; sons, Dustin and Daniel of Glendale; his parents, Charles E. Wood and Mary Rasmussen; sisters, Theresa Rasmussen and Julie Adams of Security, Colo.; eight nephews; seven nieces; and loving girlfriend, Christine Danzilo. Charlie was preceded in death by his stepfather, Richard L. Rasmussen; and brother, Kenneth. His wish for cremation will leave his ashes permanently in our Pacific Ocean, but his memory will always be with the people he touched. A celebration of Charlie's life will be held promptly at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, July 22, on board the Island Packers vessel, Vanguard. A block party, in his honor, will follow at his home in Oxnard Shores on Neptune Square. For further information call Chris Danzilo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Turning Point Foundation, 536 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001.
Epitaph
Never to have seen your sorrow,
Never to have felt your pain.
Breaks my heart to know that I
Will never see you again.
Yours was a gentle spirit,
A soul so willing to give.
You chose a darkened pathway,
To die instead of to live.
My tears will not console me,
Though a smile be on your face.
Perhaps dear friend
You can rest now,
Having found a better place.
The wind will blow and scatter,
Your ashes 'cross the sea.
But I will always remember,
How death now set you free.
-- Helene M. Danzilo

Guy L. Brown
Guy L. Brown, 79, passed away June 16, 2001, of heart failure at Northridge Hospital. Guy was born in Visalia. He was raised in Pasadena, where he graduated from Southwestern Military Academy. He was captain of the football, basketball, soccer and baseball teams. Guy married Edna Pierce, whom he met at Pasadena Junior College at age 18. He served on the Pasadena Police Department for 10 years, starting as a traffic investigator and working his way to detective. His reserve 452nd Bomber Squadron was called to Korea in 1950. When his B-26 crash-landed returning from a mission, a Los Angeles Times photographer caught the landing and it was on the front page with the headline "coming in on an aluminum belly and a prayer." He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his Korean service. Guy returned to the police department in 1952. He joined the FAA in 1957, retiring in 1984. While with the FAA, he spent four years in Frankfurt, Germany, with his family. He moved to Oxnard in 1974 with his family. Guy is survived by his wife, Edna; daughter and son-in-law, Terri Nakata and Ray of Lancaster; son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Anna of Tuolumne; son, Randy and Patrish of Alta Loma; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, at the Seabee base chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make a donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 1339 Del Norte Road, Camarillo, CA 93010.