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Ambrose R. Nichols, Jr.
Ambrose 'Andy' R. Nichols Jr. died on Feb. 4, 2000, in his Santa Rose home, with his wife of 61 years, Barbara, and other loved ones at his side. Born on June 21, 1914, in Corvallis, Ore., to Ambrose and Cecil (Matthews) Nichols, he was 85.
He died, challenging the effects of Parkinson's disease, as he had lived, with dignity, humor, patience and grace. Thanks to the love of his family and friends and the support of the Santa Rosa Hospice, he was able to die in his own home.
He spent his early childhood in Corvallis, but moved with his family to San Jose in 1927, when his father became principal of San Jose Polytechnic High School. Amby attended San Jose State College, received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from UC Berkeley in 1936 and his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1939.
He met his wife, Barbara Adele Seward, at San Jose State, and they were marriage on Aug. 21, 1938, in Santa Barbara.
He began his career teaching chemistry at San Diego State College in 1939. During World War II, he taught radar at the Navy Radio and Sound Laboratory at Point Loma, San Diego. He worked as a research chemist in the top-secret project to develop the atomic bomb, first at the Berkeley Radiation Lab and later at the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
He had returned to San Diego State when, in 1961, he was appointed as president of the as-yet-unbuilt Sonoma State College.
As founding president, he guided Sonoma State through its infancy and nurtured its unique character among California's state colleges. By the late 1960s Nichols' egalitarian spirit and tolerance had put him at odds with the state college system's Board of Trustees. He was nearly fired in early 1970 after he upheld the disputed election of a black student body president once convicted on marijuana charges.
Nichols stepped down as president later that year, saying he felt he had lost the trustees' confidence. He blamed himself for not explaining the university more clearly to the trustees and others in the community. His integrity, humility, kindness and humor made him beloved by students and faculty alike.
He accepted a position as professor in the school's chemistry department, where he taught from 1970 to 1976. In 1976, the trustees, in a highly unusual move, named a three-story classroom building at Sonoma State Ambrose R. Nichols Jr. Hall. And in 1983, Nichols was honored again by trustees, who named him president emeritus, the first such honor in the 19-campus system.
During his last years of teaching, Nichols also served as president of the Santa Rosa Symphony Association Board from 1973 to 1976. Upon retirement, he became active in Elderhostel, bringing the program to Northern California, and serving as the Northern California director from 1977 to 1987.
He continued to be a staunch supporter of the university, active in fund-raising and in other events. He and his wife sponsored a scholarship awarded each year to an outstanding student leader and hosted the Nichols Founder's Society, whose members leave money to the university in their estate plans.
Amby and Barbara planned to move to the University Retirement Community in Davis in June.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Ward Matthews Nichols.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his two daughters, Deborah Nichols Poulos of Davis and her husband John W. Poulos, and Eleanor Nichols of Cotati; his son, David S. Nichols of Portland, Ore.; his sister, Louise Nichols Castle of Visalia; two grandchildren, Matthew Taggart of Sacramento and Kelly Taggart of San Francisco; two nephews, Richard Nichols of Placerville and Nick Castle of Fresno; a niece, Carol Castle Seastrom of Visalia; and their spouses, children, grandchildren and other family members.
The family has requested that memorial donations be given to the fund for the SSU Center for the Musical Arts. Information is available by calling (707) 664-1712.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. at the Evert Person Theater at Sonoma State, with a gathering to follow at the Commons.
FELIX
James Andrew Felix
James Andrew Felix died Sunday, March 16, 2003, at age 26.
Born Aug. 17, 1976, in Woodland, Mr. Felix graduated from Fairfield High School in 1998. He had been a Fairfield resident for 25 years. He was a member of Special Olympics. He attended school at IMPACT, in Fairfield.
Survivors include his mother, Susanne Ramirez-Robinson of Fairfield; brothers, Chris Ramirez and wife Cindy of Sacramento, Miguel Ramirez and wife Veronica of Los Angeles, Mundo Ramirez and wife Katherina of Vacaville, Trinidad Ramirez and wife Tanya of Cordelia and Erasmo Ramirez; sisters, Crystal Rodriguez and husband Jaime and Roxanne Felix and husband Tony; stepfathers, Donald Robertson and Erasmo Ramirez, all of Fairfield; grandmother, Irma Carrera; and grandfather, Benjamin Carrera, both of Bakersfield. He was preceded in death by his father, Andy Ramirez, in 1985.
The family requests memorials be directed to James A. Felix Memorial Fund (0473901897), Bank of America, 1120 West Texas St., Fairfield 94533. Arrangements are under the direction of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home of Fairfield.
Services: Visitation is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Bryan Braker Funeral Home Chapel, 1850 West Texas St., Fairfield. A funeral service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, March 21, at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4th Ward at Cordelia, with Bishop John Mikolajcik, officiating. Interment is scheduled at Suisun-Fairfield Cemetery, 1707 Union Ave., Fairfield.
MAININI-LIEBENBERG
Veronica M. Mainini-Liebenberg
Veronica Mary Mainini-Liebenberg died on Jan. 1, 2003, after a 10-month battle with cancer. She died peacefully with her parents by her side.
Born Aug. 16, 1989, she was a beautiful, creative and friendly 13-year-old who inspired everyone around her with her valiant and joyful attitude. She was not only a loving sister, but also a giving and compassionate friend.
An eighth-grader at Emerson Junior High School, she enjoyed Girl Scouts, swimming, camping, volleyball and soccer. She especially loved spending time with her friends and her cats. She was active in a local church youth group, particularly with a small group of girls her age. Her faith in Jesus and her vibrant personality profoundly affected these girls as well as many others.
During her illness, she participated in the Sutter Memorial Hospital Child Life Program's contest for Christmas card covers. She was excited and proud that her drawing was one of the five selected. She also inspired and encouraged other children during her hospital stays.
In addition to many friends, she is survived by her mom, Pam Mainini, and siblings Paige and Forrest, all of Davis; her dad, Steve Liebenberg, half-brother and sister A.J. and Tarrah, and grandmother Margaret Liebenberg, all of Santa Cruz. She is also survived by her "Grammy" Pat Mainini of San Jose.
A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Davis, 38141 Russell Blvd. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be sent to the Child Life Program of Sutter Memorial Hospital, 5151 F St., Sacramento, CA 95819 or to the First Baptist Church of Davis.
FERNANDEZ
Maria Lopez Fernandez
Maria "Mary" Lopez Fernandez passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 1999, at the Sutter Davis Hospital. Maria was born on Sept. 17, 1914, in Lubrin Almeria, Spain. She was 84 years old.
A 78-year resident of Yolo County, she worked as a tomato sorter at the Contadina Cannery for 20 years. Mary loved to bake and cook for her family and loved caring for her grandchildren.
She is survived by her two sons, Pete Fernandez and his wife Nadine, of Vacaville; Sam Fernandez and his wife Gloria, of Woodland, nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonso Fernandez, Sr.; two sons, John and Alphonso, Jr.; her two sisters, Isabel Cortez and Yluminda Fernandez; and one grandchild.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 10, at 10 a.m. at Smith's Colonial Chapel, 14 Main Street, Winters. Burial followed at the Winters Cemetery.
FERREIRA
Lola Ferreira
Lola Ferreira died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, at Sutter Davis Hospital. Born July 7, 1910, in Alma, Wash., she was 90 years old.
A resident of Woodland for the past four years, she had been a homemaker for all of her adult life.
She is survived by her daughters Toni Ferreira of Woodland and Irene Van Zandt of Rocklin. She is also survived by her sons Stanley Ferreira of Woodland, Billy Stockdale and Don Stockdale, both of Rocklin; her sister, Midge Turley of Medford, Ore.; as well as 21 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Ferreira, in 1969; a sister, Rita Vasquez, in 1944; and a son, Bobby Stockdale.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, 6600 Steinner, Sacramento. Interment will be private.
FISH
Rhoda Ruth Fish
Rhoda Ruth Fish died in Woodland Wednesday, Nov. 23 at age 97.
Mrs. Fish was born in Woodland on Oct. 9, 1908. She had been a lifelong Yolo County resident. She attended Fillmore Elementary School and Woodland High School. For 10 years, she did alterations and worked as a stock clerk for JCPenney. After retiring, she continued to do alterations out of her home and was known as "the Sewing Lady."
Survivors include Mrs. Fish's daughters, Louise Brasch and Melva Storz; her grandchildren, John Storz Jr. and Eric Storz; her sister, Olive Puener of Woodland; her brother, David Robinson and his wife Mary Ann all of Woodland. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Melvin Fish; her parents, Charles and Mamie (Delpha) Robinson; her sons-in-law, John Storz Sr. and Howard Brasch and numerous brothers and sisters.
The family requests memorials in Mrs. Fish's name be directed to Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, 95617. Services: Visitation is scheduled for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Kraft Bros. Funeral Chapel, 175 Second St., Woodland. A private graveside service for family will be held at Woodland Cemetery with Pastor Bill Schroeder officiating. Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors is assisting the family with arrangements.
FISHER
Dorothy Helen Fisher
Former Winters resident Dorothy Helen Fisher passed away at Alderson's Convalescent Hospital in Woodland on April 9, 1003. Born on May 19, 1922 she was 80 years old. A resident of Yolo County for 35 years, she worked as a lab supervisor at American Home Foods.
Ms. Fisher is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Muriel and Peter Hardy of New Jersey, nephew Spencer J. Hardy of Connecticut, niece Joan H. Lesnewski of Virginia, three great-nieces, and the daughter of her companion, Sandra Carter and her husband, George.
She was preceded in death by her companion, Retired Naval Officer William Henry Carter and his daughter, Mary Francis.
The North Sacramento Funeral Home is in charge of Ms. Fisher's cremation. Her ashes will be returned to her family. No local services are planned.
