Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Agnes Avilla
Agnes Avilla died at her Woodland residence on Jan. 4, 1999, at the age of 85.
She was born on April 24, 1913.
Preceded in death by her husband, Manuel, she is survived by her son, Lynn Avilla of Woodland; her daughter, Erline Goodman of Arbuckle and her husband John; her son, Mike Avilla of Portola Valley and his wife Jan; her grandchildren, Jay Goodman of Rocklin, Bret Goodman and his wife Janene and daughter Erica of San Francisco, Sheryl Goodman of Cheney, Wash., and her son Michael, and Joel and Greg Avilla of Portola Valley.
She was a resident of Woodland for 67 years and was active in the Holy Rosary Church and Altar Society and the Delta Theta Lau Alumni Sorority. She was also an avid golfer and member of the Yolo Fliers Club.
Friends are invited to attend the vigil service to be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Holy Rosary Church. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Mausoleum.
The family prefers remembrances to the American Cancer Society, 1765 Challenge Way, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95815-5000; Arthritis Foundation, 3040 Explorer Drive, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95827; or to the Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA 95617.
McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Andrew D. Williams
Andrew Duane Williams died of pneumonia in his sleep the morning of Jan. 5, 1999. He was 48.
He was born in Ithaca, N.Y., on June 6, 1950. He graduated from Davis High School in 1968, where he played first clarinet in the orchestra, was one of the leads in the musical, ``Oklahoma,'' participated in cross country and tennis, and was treasurer of the senior class.
Andy became ill when he was 17 with schizoaffective mental illness and struggled with it daily for the rest of his life with the aid of many medications and the help of the fine staff at Yolo Mental Health Services and the Stepping Stones program. He lived in San Mateo for 14 years and while there graduated with an associate of arts degree from San Mateo Community College.
He moved to the Pine Tree Gardens group home when it opened in 1986 in Davis. He led the weekly sing-along there with guitar and singing.
He enjoyed the dances, Jam Band, caring for the animals, self-help groups, many other activities and the homey atmosphere among the Pine Tree residents and staff.
He also participated in the Schizophrenic Anonymous, Bipolar Anonymous, and Working Wonders groups. He was greatly helped by the Yolo Community Care Continuum programs at The Farmhouse, Safe Harbor Crisis House and Haven House.
Andy was an active member of the Religious Society of Friends and served on the Peace and Social Concerns Committee as United Nations liaison. He wanted to make the world a better place and felt that his ideas about people living in farming villages would help build community and peace on earth.
Last Sunday morning, when he was too ill to attend church, he said to his mother, ``Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.''
He worked for Davis Lumber & Hardware Co. watering plants in the nursery, and loved greeting the customers.
Andy was preceded in death by his brother, David Christopher Williams, on Feb. 5, 1981. Surviving him are his father and mother, Bill and Pat Williams of Davis; sister, Kathleen Fossdahl and her husband Dennis Fossdahl of Los Angeles; aunt, Jayne Giffen and her husband Al Giffen of Port Ludlow, Wash.; uncle, Donald Williams and his wife Luana Williams of Ann Arbor, Mich.; uncle, James Moore and his wife Claire Moore; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at Davis Community Church, 412 C St.
Viewing will be held Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Chapel, 116 D St.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andy Williams Memorial Fund, Pine Tree Gardens, P.O. Box 988, Davis, CA 95617, or to the donor's favorite charity.
Nathonie Greer
Nathonie Greer died on Dec. 15, 1998, in Davis. Born Nov. 23, 1923, she was 75.
Arrangements are under the direction of North Sacramento Funeral Home. She will be buried
at the Woodland Cemetery.
Julian C. Crane
Julian C. Crane, professor emeritus of pomology and pomologist in the agricultural experiment station at UC Davis, died on Jan. 4, 1999, at Courtyard Healthcare Center in Davis. He was 80.
At his request, no funeral services will be held.
Born in Morgantown, W.Va., in March 7, 1918, he earned his bachelor of science (1939) and doctorate (1942) degrees in horticulture at the University of Maryland.
After serving several years in Cuba and El Salvador as a representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he was appointed assistant professor and assistant pomologist in the department of pomology in 1946 at UC Davis. He retired as a professor and pomologist in 1985.
Crane's varied interests in fig and pistachio nut culture in particular, and the use of growth-regulating chemicals for modifying fruit set, growth and maturation in general led to more than 200 technical and popular publications.
He was the first to produce such fruits as apricots, cherries and peaches by treating the flowers with chemicals and thereby substituting for the usual process of pollination and fertilization.
His research contributions were marked by excellence and he was the recipient of the Vaughn Award of the American Society for Horticulture Science, the Award of Merit by the California Fig Institute, and the Man of the Year Award by the California Pistachio Association.
The National Science Foundation awarded Crane a postdoctoral fellowship for a year's study in England at the Long Ashton Research Station. He held the distinguished position of Fellow in the American Society for Horticultural Science.
He was a highly competent and respected teacher of both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Crane's greatest satisfaction was derived from directing the research of graduate students who came from around the world. Through his own research activities, as well as those of his students, he had become known worldwide.
He was particularly active in faculty governance. His offices in the Davis division of the Academic Senate were extensive and included, among others, the Committee on Committees, Educational Policy and four years of service on the Committee on Budget and Interdepartmental Relations.
His activities in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences included, among others, the Executive Committee, the Committee on Committees and five years as chairman of the College Personnel Committee.
The extended period of service on the latter, together with that of the Senate Committee on Budget and Interdepartmental Relations, attests to the high quality of his contributions and the reputation he enjoyed among his colleagues.
For more than 55 years, Crane was a member of and contributed extensively to the activities of the American Society for Horticulture Science. He was also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Plant Physiologists, Sigma Xi, Alpha Zeta and Phi Sigma Kappa.
He was a deacon and elder in the Davis Community Church.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty, and his sister, Helen Beattie of State College, Pa.
It is requested that remembrances be made to the Julian and Betty Crane Fund, Department of Pomology, University of California, Davis, 95616, payable to the UC Regents; or to the donor's charity of choice.
Charles B. Dudley
Charles Blaine Dudley, also called by his middle name, was 37 when he died suddenly on Dec. 22, 1998, in Salinas.
He was born on Aug. 12, 1961. He was a 1980 graduate of Woodland High School.
He was a 10-year Salinas resident and member of a long time Monterey County family.
He is survived by his son, Charles Leland Dudley II; his significant other, Tiffany Hazen; his mother, Zella Dudley; his grandfather, Leon Smith of Woodland; his father and stepmother, Chuck and Judy Dudley of Dunnigan; and his step-brother and step-sister, Duke Zinani of Salinas and Lisa Christiansen of Santa Clara.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Donna Dudley.
He loved his son, Lee, who was the true bright spot in his life, family members said. He worked as a surveyor and hoped to become a licensed land surveyor. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Burial will be in San Ardo at noon on Monday, with Father Rudy Ruiz preciding at the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to the Charles Leland Dudley II Education Fund, c/o Katie Woodward, Edward Jones Co., P.O. Box 8268, Woodland, CA 95695.
Robert J. Santa Maria
Robert John Santa Maria died in Sacramento on Dec. 23, 1998, at the age of 72.
He was born to William and Dolora Santa Maria in Burkburnets, Texas, on Nov. 3, 1926.
He was a resident of Yolo County for 30 years. He served in the U.S. Army and was a sergeant in the 397th Fighter Squadron, receiving an Occupational Medal and World War II Victor Medal.
He was the owner and operator of Santa Maria Trucking for 30 years as well as a rancher in Lancaster and Lakeport. He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 47 years, joining the Lancaster Lodge and then moving his membership to Woodland when he moved here. He was a member of the Woodland Masonic Lodge No. 81 and the American Legion Post 77.
Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at McNary's Chapel in Woodland. Burial will follow at Monument Hill Memorial Park.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Lung Association.
Gladys A.M. Younger
Gladys Anita Merritt Younger died on Dec. 26, 1998, at the age of 100, at Woodland Memorial Hospital.
A lifelong resident of Yolo County, she was born on Sept. 29, 1898, at the Merritt family ranch between Woodland and Davis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellard Younger, a rancher and orchardist; her two daughters, Anne Younger and Jeanne Reese; and her sister, Florence Merritt Stephens (Mrs. Williams G.H. Stephens Sr.).
Her parents were Lela Browning Merritt and Lanson Merritt. Her father died when she was a baby and several years later her mother marriage John Reith Jr. She was also a descendant of the Kincheloe and Barnes families.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Woolsey of Davis; her sister, Anne Reith of Piedmont; her son-in-law, Richard L. Reese Sr. of Sacramento; and seven grandchildren, Barbara Monty Reese and Richard L. Reese Jr. of Sacramento, Kathleen Powers of Glendale, Dr. Elizabeth Herbert of Australia, Robert Reese of Carmel, Jeanne Olson of Santa Rosa and Jane Gropp of Corona.
She also is survived by her 13 great-grandchildren, John, Rick, Deana, Christina and Pilar Jeanne Reese; Christopher and Elizabeth Powers, Katie, Anna and Michael Gropp, Mats and Conner Olson, and Shelly Anne Herbert.
Her half- and stepbrothers and sisters were John Reith III, Flora Hughson, Lindley Reith, Robert Reith, Leland Reith and Alice Dingle.
She attended Woodland schools and UC Berkeley, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
During World War II, she volunteered many hours at the local American Red Cross chapter.
She also enjoyed working as a Pink Lady at Woodland Memorial Hospital, particularly with the tray favor group. Until her death, she handled all her ranch and business affairs personally and read two newspapers every day.
She was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. On one church outing, she jumped fully clothed into Cache Creek to rescue some children on a sinking raft.
Her family would like to thank her care companions, Margaret Aguilar, Isadora Gallardo, Linda Dominguez, Marcella Aguayo, Sylvia Rengel and Laura Martinez.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 515 Second St. in Woodland, with the Rev. David M. Affleck officiating.
McNary's Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Woodland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Guide Dogs for the Blind of San Rafael or to a charity of the donor's choice.
James W. Black
James William Black died unexpectedly at the age of 60 near his Esparto ranch on Dec. 24, 1998.
Most currently, he was employed as a truck driver for John Gwerder and previous to that had worked for Dixon Redi-Mix for 10 years. Other drivers called him ``Blacky.''
He retired from law enforcement in 1984 after 20 years. During his career, he worked as a Yolo County deputy sheriff in what was then called East Yolo, now West Sacramento, and with the California Highway Patrol. While with the CHP, he worked the Needles, Merced, South Sacramento and Woodland areas.
He was born in Woodland, attended local schools and graduated in 1956 from Woodland High School. After graduation he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was a member of local pioneer families on both sides. His father's ancestors founded Black's Station, which is now called Zamora, and his grandmother's ancestors homesteaded the Cole family property in the 1850s on which he lived.
His grandmother, Lizzie Cole-Black, was a school teacher in rural western Yolo County in many of the one-room school houses during the early century.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Glenn Black, and in-laws, Jesse and Mona Drumright. He leaves behind his mother, Jean Black in Susanville; his wife of 36 years, Lynn; his two children, Elizabeth and Stephen; his daughter-in-law, Kristye; and three beautiful granddaughters who will not have the joy of knowing this fine man, family members said.
His untimely departure leaves a hole in the hearts of his family and friends.
Local residents who wish to remember him through a donation to an association may wish to choose his favorites: the Salvation Army, Ducks Unlimited, California Rifle and Pistol Association and the National Rifle Association.
Visitation will be at McNary's Funeral Chapel in Woodland on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Methodist Church, Second and North streets in Woodland.
Burial will follow in the Capay Cemetery, where he will rest beside his father and grandmother in the family plot.
George F. Hanna
George Hanna died at his Davis home on Dec. 24, 1998. He was 74.
He was born on Jan. 6, 1924, in Stockton and had lived in Davis since 1949, where he graduated from UC Davis and taught there for 32 years.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Madeline Hanna, and his brother, John Hanna.
Hanna is survived by his wife of 53 years, Myrna Hanna of Davis; his son, Barry Hanna of Davis; his daughters, Paula Larson of Cornelius, Ore., and her husband Jerry, Kelly Sandow of Rio Linda and her husband Robert, and Tracey Parker of Sacramento and her husband, Steven; his grandson, Dustin Cox; and his granddaughters, Brooke and Morgan Sandow.
He also leaves his brother, David Hanna of Walnut Creek; and his sisters, Doreen Melendez, Edith Rubino and Shirley Stockstill, all of Stockton, and Phyllis Culp of Saratoga.
Burial will be private at the Davis Cemetery. An informal memorial gathering will be held Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hanna home, 36711 Russell Blvd. in Davis. Friends and neighbors are all invited to attend. Parking will be available at the Kingdom Hall next door to the family's home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Chapel in Davis.
Neomi D. Beard
Neomi Dorothy Beard died Dec. 24, 1998, in Davis. Born on June 30, 1920, she was 78.
Despite her family's grief and sadness this holiday season, they give thanks for many years of joy brought by their loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her generous nurturing was embraced by all, family members said.
Parting from her family this Christmas Eve, she is survived by her husband of 59 years, Lee H. Beard; and her two sons, Larry Beard of Sacramento and Tyrone Beard of Wilton and his wife, Judy. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren as well as her extended family and endearing friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jerome Beard, and her daughter, Yvonne Beard.
Her family loves and misses her.
A service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Rancho Yolo Mobile Home Park clubhouse, 620 Pole Line Road in Davis.
Condolences may be mailed to 15 Outer Circle, Davis, CA 95616.
Robert F. Kasmire
Robert F. Kasmire died in his Davis home on Dec. 22, 1998. He was 74.
He was born on Oct. 31, 1924. He graduated from Vallejo High School in 1942 and from UC Davis in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in agriculture. He went on to earn his master's degree in vegetable crops at the same university.
Kasmire served in the U.S. Navy from July 1942 to December 1945 and from October 1950 to March 1952.
He was employed as the University of California Extension vegetable marketing specialist from August 1956 to July 1987. He provided leadership for, developed and conducted a statewide program to improve postharvest handling, transportation and marketing of fresh market vegetables. He concentrated on the transportation of perishables since 1978.
Kasmire conducted educational programs with shippers, buyers, brokers, transporters and market handlers.
He was an instructor in the successful University of California Postharvest Technology Short Course annually since it was started, 1978-1989. Two of the subjects he regularly presented were transportation and destination market handling.
He published more than 250 technical reports and trade articles on postharvest and postharvest-related subjects. He also wrote a monthly ``Transportation Talk'' column in ``The Packer,'' a national weekly newspaper of the produce industry, from 1981-1988.
He co-founded and co-authored the University of California Extension's newsletter, ``Perishables Handling,'' from 1962 to 1987 and consulted in numerous foreign countries. He also worked with trade associations involved in shipping, transporting and marketing of fresh produce, including serving on specific industry committees.
He received The Packer's Produce Man of the Year award in 1980. He retired on July 31, 1987, from the university after 34 years of service.
Kasmire then served as a postharvest consultant in the U.S. and foreign countries and an International Executive Service Corps volunteer executive, from 1987 and 1988 on.
He organized and conducted postharvest technology short courses, seminars and consulted. He received the 1989 Frank Pace Award from IESC as the outstanding IESC volunteer executive for coordination and participation in a postharvest technology short course at Universidad Del Valle, Guatemala.
He was a charter member of the nonprofit Refrigerated Transportation Foundation from 1986 to 1989. This foundation is devoted to improving refrigerated transportation of temperature-sensitive products.
Kasmire was awarded lifetime membership in the Produce Marketing Association in 1987 and was recognized by the fresh produce industry as among 100 who made a difference during ``A Century of Produce, 1883-1993'' by the Vance Publishing Co.
He worked for 34 years at UC Berkeley as a postharvest plant physiologist.
He is survived by his wife, Arleen Kasmire of Davis; his six children, Kathleen Kasmire of Yuba City, John Watson of Anchorage, Alaska, Jayne Beebout of Folsom, Charles Kasmire of Davis, Audrey Hentzen of Normal, Ill., and Nancy Kasmire of Anchorage, Alaska.
He also leaves his brother, David Kasmire of New York City; his two sisters, Marcia McDonald of Santa Rosa and Barbara Kasmire of Florence, Ore.; and his eight grandchildren, Eli Ross, Shannon Lusk and Glade Lusk, all of Anchorage; Allie Beebout and Roger Beebout, both of Folsom; and Andrew Hentzen, Katie Hentzen and Tom Hentzen, all of Normal, Ill.
He also leaves two great grandchildren, River and Sierra Ross of Anchorage.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service Saturday, Jan. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the AGR Room of the UC Davis Alumni & Visitors Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Chapel.
