Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Deirdre "Dede" Motley
Deirdre "Dede" Motley, a devoted wife and mother, a vibrant and enthusiastic community member, and an accomplished equestrian, died in her Davis home on Feb. 10, 2001, of breast cancer. She was 53.
A strong supporter of the Davis community, Motley contributed much time and effort to Pony Club and other equestrian groups. There and elsewhere, her irrepressible warmth, positive outlook and contagious smile touched the lives of many people.
She and her twin brother John were born in Seattle, the eldest of 10 children, and grew up in Fresno. She graduated as an art major from Mount St. Mary's College and earned her special education credential from Fresno State University. She taught the deaf for many years before becoming an popular and respected agent for Lyon & Associates Realtors in Davis.
Motley was an avid horseback rider, loved the outdoors and enjoyed frequent family trips to Yosemite National Park. She also enjoyed art, painting and musical theater.
But of central importance to Dede was family. She dedicated herself especially to her children, was devoted to her husband, and cared deeply for her large extended family.
She is survived by her mother, Marylee Sullivan; her husband, Michael Motley; her daughter, Shannon; her son, Shane; and her nine brothers and sisters.
A memorial service was scheduled for noon today at the Sacred Heart Church, 39th and J streets in Sacramento.
Phyllis C. Stoeven
Phyllis Collins Stoeven died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, in her Woodland home following a lengthy illness. Born March 5, 1920, in Tampa, Fla., she was 80.
She moved with her father, mother and brother to Morris, Ill., when she was young. She attended Wellesley College in Boston, then joined the Red Cross during World War II, where she worked on USO parties. She met her future husband, Lawrence Reimer Stoeven in Tsingtao, China, and they marriage in 1947.
She was known in the Woodland community for her charity work. She was a parishioner and Altar Guild member for 35 years at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. She also volunteered for 18 years at the Woodland Memorial Hospital Gift Shop.
She is survived by two daughters, Paula Stoeven Sharp and Nancy Stoeven Dischler. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Robert E. Dischler; grandchildren, Samantha Erin Sharp and Charles Lawrence Dischler.
The family requests memorials be sent to Woodland Memorial Hospital Gift Shop or Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA 95616. McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements. Funeral services will be private.
Tiffany R. Yansky
Tiffany Renee Yansky died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, after a three-year battle with brain cancer. She was 24.
Born in Austin, Texas, she lived in York County, Virginia, for most of her life. She later attended East Carolina University and UC Davis. During her years of treatment, she was cared for by her aunt and uncle, John and Barbara Laplante of El Macero.
She is survived by her parents, John and Linda Yansky of Denver; her sister, Christina and husband Jorj of Seaford, Va.; her twin sisters, Michelle and Jonelle; her grandfather, Jack W. Stone of Pensacola, Fla.; her grandmother, Margie Yansky of Davis; her cherished niece, McKenna Head; and many family members and close friends.
To celebrate her life, a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Davis, 38141 Russell Blvd. Refreshments will follow in the fireside room. Memorial donations may be made in her name to Brain Cancer Research, c/o Dr. James Boggan, UC Davis Medical Center Health Sciences Advancement, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.
Mitchell Singer
Mitchell Singer died Monday, Feb. 12, 2001, at his home in Davis. Born on Nov. 17, 1925, in Los Angeles, he was 75.
He was raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and worked as a warehouse manager for more than 30 years for several different companies. In Los Angeles, he was active in sports. He was a football player and was involved in many different track activities.
After moving to Davis 18 years ago, he became involved in volunteer activities. He was active with the Hunger Coalition and Davis Community Meals. He drove to different grocery stores and picked up donations for the organizations. He also did volunteer work at Hillel House, and was a skilled handyman and built lab computers for the science department at St. James Catholic School. He also enjoyed helping people fix things in their homes. He was a member of the Congregation Bet Haverim Jewish Fellowship of Davis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Clara Singer, and his brother, Marcus, who was killed during World War II.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Singer of Davis; daughter, Brenda Wolfson and husband Jon of Davis; grandchildren, Elane (Deutsch) Kaminka of Israel, and Jeremy and Matthew Wolfson of Davis. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Lesser and husband Ben of Las Vegas.
Friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 3 p.m. on Thursday at Davis Cemetery. Remembrances may be made in his name to Yolo Hospice or Citizens Who Care. His family would like to thank Yolo Hospice, Yolo Adult Day Health and Citizens Who Care for helping with Singer's illness. They give special thanks to Iliesa Tawalo, who made his last days at home much easier, and Maurice Roseby of Citizens Who Care, for his years of companionship.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Chapel.
Katherine V. Davis
Katherine Virginia Davis died at the Woodland Memorial Hospital on May 13, 2001. Born Sept. 7, 1918, in Lilbourn, Mo., she was 82.
She spent her early years in Missouri and later moved to Yuba City to be with her brother. There, she met her husband-to-be, Elmer Davis. They were marriage in 1950 and moved to Woodland, where she was a homemaker and mother. She was active in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She loved to garden, knit and crochet.
She is survived by her husband, Elmer Davis of Woodland; sons, Charles McElyea and his wife, Shirley, of Marysville; Gordon Davis and his wife, Janine, of Santa Clara; daughters, Patty Burch and her husband, Ron; and Karen Davis, all of Woodland. She is also survived by five grandchildren.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Christian Church at 500 College St., Woodland. The family requests memorials be directed to the American Diabetes Association or the Christian Church Flower Group. McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Eduardo Paredes
Eduardo Paredes died in his Sacramento home on May 15, 2001. Born Oct. 13, 1963, to Pedro and Emma (Garcia) Paredes, he was 37.
He was employed at Silvercrest for 12 years and played soccer with Alcones de Woodland for more than seven years.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Paredes of Sacramento; step-children, Raul Rangel, Manuel Rangel and Alfonso Rangel, all of Sacramento; mother, Emma Romera; father, Pedro Garcia Paredes and three brothers and three sisters, who live in Mexico.
Friends are invited to attend a funeral service at 4 p.m. Thursday at McNary's Chapel. A graveside service will also begin at 3 p.m. Friday at Woodland Cemetery.
Carol A. Kaufman
Carol Ann Amirante Kaufman died May 17, 2001, in Davis. Born April 26, 1943, in New York City, she was 58.
She was a graduate of Cal State Northridge with a degree in psychology. She worked as a bank teller, secretary and legal secretary, then retired in 1976 and was a homemaker until 1997 when she worked for about a year at Z-World in Davis. Her family especially wishes to think Norman Rogers, owner of Z-World, for his kindness and generosity during her illness.
She fought a brain tumor for seven years with "unfailing gallantry," her family said, through three surgeries and endless chemotherapy. "She never uttered one word of self-pity or complaint," they added.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Kaufman; her daughters, Caroline and Veronica; her mother, Charlotte Amirante; her brothers, Ray and Alan Amirant of Los Angeles; her mother-in-law, Edith Weiss of Los Angeles; and her sister-in-law, Alix Golden of Los Angeles.
In accordance with her wishes, no funeral will be held. Her ashes will be scattered at sea.
Milton A. Miller
Milton A. Miller, a professor emeritus of zoology, died May 10, 2001, in Davis. He was 93.
Born Dec. 2, 1907, in Pittsburg, Mo., he grew up in Chicago and earned his bachelor's degree fron the University of Illinois. He completed his post-graduate studies at UC Berkeley and received his Ph.D. in zoology.
His first long-term teaching assignment was at the University of Hawaii from 1935 to 1941. It was while he was in Hawaii that he met his wife of 60 years, Marion.
During World War II, he worked as a civilian scientist for the Department of the Navy in San Diego. He contributed to the war effort by helping to formulate a barnacle-inhibiting paint for the hulls of Navy ships. His first son, Lauren, was born in 1943 while the Millers resided in San Diego. His second son, Richard, was born in 1947.
He had lived in Davis since 1944, when he joined the faculty of the zoology department at UC Davis. He loved Davis for the community it provided his family and chose to spend his sabbatical leaves in residence. One exception was from 1954 to 1955, when the family moved to Bermuda for his sabbatical assignment at the Bermuda Biological Laboratory. Later that year, he also worked at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Woods Hole, Mass.
While living in Davis, he occasionally worked at the Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory. Prior to its opening, he served on a site-selection committee for the facility.
His passionate interests included music and golf. As a young man, he learned to play the trombone and, over the years, played in several amateur bands. Until just a few months before his death, he played with the Music from the Back Room band at various senior citizens' functions in Davis and Woodland.
At an early age, he learned the game of golf from his father and played regularly until just a few years ago. While in Hawaii he won a few amateur tournaments and achieved a 4 handicap.
He will be remembered for his love of family, dedication to science, compassion and sense of humor, including an uncanny penchant for making puns.
He is survived by his wife, Marion, who still resides in Davis; sons, Lauren, 58, of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Richard, 53, of El Dorado; and siblings, Bernice Kaufman of Roseburg, Ore., and John Miller of Chino.
Barbara F. Santoni
Barbara F. Santoni died May 17, 2001, at Woodland Memorial Hospital. Born in Sacramento on Jan. 29, 1917, to Charles and Julia Cechetini, she was 84.
She moved to Woodland upon her marriage to her late husband, Mathew O. Santoni, who owned and operated V. Santoni and Co., a Woodland-based beverage distributor.
She was an active member of the community and may best be remembered for the cotillion classes she conducted for seventh- and eighth-grade students in both Woodland and Winters. She also taught dance at UC Davis and was a member of Omega Nu and Whigs.
She was preceded in death by her husband Mathew in 1992. She is survived by a brother, James Cechetini of Sacramento; three sons, Gary and his wife Ann of Muncie, Ind., Charles and his wife Linda of Woodland and Robert of Woodland; six grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Robert, Charles, Taresa and Celeste Santoni; and two great-grandchildren, Corey and Hannah Santoni.
Friends are invited to attend a vigil service Monday at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church in Woodland, and a funeral Mass Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Mausoleum.
McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
James E. Adair Jr.
James Edwin "Jim" Adair Jr. died May 19, 2001, after battling with metastatic prostate cancer and other physical problems. He was 64.
He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Edwin Sr. and Sara Elizabeth Adair, and moved to the Bay Area as an infant. He and his family were active raising and showing horses for many years and won several awards. He also rode in rodeos doing some trick riding and specializing in saddle bronco events.
He graduated from Sequoia High School in Redwood City, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of corporal before being honorably discharged. After military service he attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he was on the rodeo team. He graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business management.
After graduation he accepted employment with Libby, McNeill and Libby in Stockton as a fieldman/produce buyer and later he and his wife moved to Sunnyvale when he was transferred to Libby's main office in San Mateo.
He moved to Yolo County in 1972 when accepting a new job with the former American Home Foods in Vacaville where he was a produce buyer and later agricultural products manager.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra "Sandi" Adair; daughter, Annette Lopez and husband her Anthony of Woodland; son, Eric Adair of Dixon; mother, Sara Elizabeth "Betty" Adair of Pacific Grove; brother, Robin Adair of Gilroy; sister, Nancy Abreu and her husband Bill of Monterey; several nieces; a nephew and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Edwin "Ed" Adair Sr., in 1991; his in-laws, Richard E. and Nell F. Harris in 1999; and two nephews.
Respecting his wishes, no services will be held and he will be cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, KVIE-Channel 6 or a charity of the donor's choice. McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert M. Cello
Robert Morgan Cello, a respected faculty member and administrator at UC Davis, died May 20, 2001. He was 79.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Irene Cello. He died on the 58th anniversary of their marriage.
Born in Pennsylvania, he was raised and attended high school in Great Kills, Staten Island, N.Y. He attended Dickinson College before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He received pilot training and served as a B-26 bomber flight instructor before shipping overseas in late 1944. He flew 20 combat missions before World War II ended.
After the war he returned to Dickinson College and completed his undergraduate training. He then attended Cornell University where he received his degree in veterinary medicine. In 1951, he moved his family to Davis, where he joined the School of Veterinary Medicine. He then left in 1952 and spent two years in a private veterinary practice in Santa Rosa, but returned to UC Davis in 1954.
He specialized in veterinary ophthalmology and performed teaching, research and clinical care throughout his career. He served as the vice chancellor of academic affairs during his last five years of university service, and retired from UC Davis in 1988.
He enjoyed life in Davis, and over the years he was involved in many community activities, including managing Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams, serving as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Davis Art Commission, serving as president of the Davis Art Center, founding the Davis Comic Opera Company and performing and directing many Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, musical comedies and plays.
He is survived by his daughter, Susanne Cello of San Carlos; his sons, Kris and his wife Kathy of Davis, Philip of Green Valley, and Stephen and his wife Kimberly of Davis; his grandchildren, Ryan and Michael Cello of Davis, Philip Jr., Sally and David Cello of Green Valley, and Stephanie and Samantha Cello of Davis; his nephew, Barton Lang of Vacaville; his uncle, Edward Morgan; and his cousin, Susan Morgan of Philadelphia.
A celebration of his life will be held at the UC Davis University Club on Friday, June 1, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Kathleen E. Bravo
Kathleen Elaine Bravo died May 21, 2001, in the University of Washington Medical Center. Born in San Francisco on Sept. 5, 1954, she was 46.
She had lived in Tacoma, Wash., for the past 10 years. She was employed by Blue Shield as an insurance representative for 10 years.
She is survived by her children, Micaela Gee and her husband Brent of Sacramento, Daniel Bravo of Sacramento and Anthony Bravo of Tacoma, Wash.; her grandson, Ian Freas of Sacramento; her husband, Arnold M. Bravo of Woodland; her stepchildren, Danielle Edgington of Lake City, Fla., Ben Edgington of Tacoma, Wash., and Jaimi Edgington of Tacoma; her companion, Daniel Edgington of Tacoma; her sisters, Jeanette Moore of Woodland, Marisa Orellana of San Diego, Julie Sanchez of Desert Hot Springs and Daria Lynn Sanchez of New York; her mother, Julia Sanchez of Davis; and her stepfather, Larry Sanchez of Castroville.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Petra Pereyra.
Visitation will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at McNary's Chapel, 458 College St. in Woodland. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at McNary's.
Tim Brophy
Tim Brophy died May 20, 2001, surrounded by family. Born in Ogden, Utah, on Aug. 22, 1937, he was 63.
He graduated from Ogden Senior High School and the University of San Francisco. He and his wife, Marilyn Joan Brophy, were new to the Woodland area, and have been greatly embraced by the community of Holy Rosary Church.
He was an avid golfer and sports fan. His love of music was legend among his family and friends. He pursued a lifelong interest in the restaurant business throughout his and Marilyn's marriage life. His presence will be missed by all at Lamppost Pizza and the supportive community of Davis.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his six children and their spouses, Michael and Kathy, Kevin and Celia, Colleen and Kurt Ohlau, Timothy and Julie, Brian and Kelly, and Ned and Sandi; 11 grandchildren; and his brothers and sisters, Phillip Brophy, Sister Annette (Margaret), Joanne Dean and Annette Jacobs.
A celebration of Brophy's life was held this afternoon at Holy Rosary Church in Woodland. The celebration continued at Lamppost Pizza, 1260 Lake Blvd. in West Davis. All friends are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA 95617, or to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, P.O. Box 96024, Washington, D.C. 20090-6024.
Robert W. Porter
Robert W. Porter died May 20, 2001, after a short illness. Born Jan 22, 1938, in Oakland, he was 63.
He served with the U.S. Air Force Reserves for seven years from 1956 to 1963. He worked his family ranch in Pope Valley for 13 years until 1965. He worked for the city of Davis Public Works Department for 31 years, retiring in 1997 as senior supervisor of the transportation division. He was a 27-year resident of Vacaville.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Porter of Vacaville, daughter, Nancy Porter of Monterey, son, Aaron Porter of Vacaville, mother, Martha L. Porter of Fairfield, sister, Loraine Van Brackle of Fresno, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
A memorial service will be held at the family home, 4615 Midway Road in Vacaville, on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. Inurnment will be private.
Nina A. Paulson
Nina A. Paulson died May 28, 2001, in Woodland. Born May 2, 1916, to Avon and Beulah Warren in Perham, Maine, she was 85.
She moved to Fillmore at the age of 3. She marriage Clifford Paulson in 1940, and they moved to Woodland in 1981 to live near their daughter's family.
In addition to her husband of 61 years, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christine and David Milligan of Woodland, and her grandchildren, Daniel and Erin Milligan of Woodland.
A graveside service is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Monument Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to the Arthritis Foundation, 3040 Explorer Drive, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95827.
John Harrison
John W. Harrison of Davis died May 26, 2001. Born June 23, 1938, he was 62.
He had previously resided in Santa Rosa. He graduated from the University of the Pacific, served in the U.S. Navy and was an avid golfer.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Christine, his parents, Cecil and Mary, and his sister, Lavelle Vessels.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Shar-on, his son, Ryan Harrison, his stepdaughter, Carol Ernst, and his sisters, Shirley McDonald and Jeanie Ames.
A memorial service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the Santa Rosa Neptune Society, 2607 Santa Rosa Ave. in Santa Rosa. Interment will be at Sebastopol Memorial Lawn.
Donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Arrangements are being handled by the Neptune Society of Northern California.
William G. Hutchison
William G. Hutchison died May 29, 2001, at Woodland Memorial Hospital. Born May 26, 1927, in Michigan to the late L.B. and Bertha Hutchison, he was 74.
He was a resident of Yolo County for the past 50 years. He was a hod carrier for 40 years and was a member of the hod carriers union Local No. 185 Sacramento branch. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1945. He was an avid gardener and loved to go fishing and frogging.
He is survived by his wife, Willie Mae Hutchison of Woodland; children, Peggy Benbow and her husband Michael of Reno, Billie Guy Hutchison of Missouri, Debbie Dickey and husband David of Texas, Andy Hutchison and his wife Jennifer of Oregon, and Roger Hutchison and his wife Robin of Woodland; step-children, Edward Smith and his wife Sue of Woodland, John Smith and his wife Judith of Corning, Lena Duke and her husband Chris of Washington, Charles Smith of Woodland, and Tina Quinn and her husband Joseph of Esparto; 25 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by three brothers, Hutch Hutchison and his wife Marion of Carmichael, Paul Hutchison and his wife Edna of Woodland, and Frank Hutchison and his wife Dorothy of Dunnigan; and two sisters, Peggy Vawter and Margie Daley, both of Woodland.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Guy and L.B. Hutchison.
A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Monument Hill Memorial Park. The Rev. Floyd Mauldin will officiate.
McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
