Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Eugene V. White
Eugene V. White died on Sept. 24, 2002, at his home in Willows.
Born on May 4, 1925, in Calamus, Iowa, he was 77 years old.
He lived in Davis from 1965 to 1993. He served in the U.S. Navy and worked as a machinist.
He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and going to garage sales. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is survived by his wife, Donna White of Willows; sons, Richard J. White of Arbuckle and Kevin J. White of Chico; daughter, Diann A. Boucher of Merlin, Ore.; sister, Dorothy Reneau of Clinton, Iowa; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A funeral will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at F.D. Sweet and Son in Willows.
He will be buried
at the Willows Cemetery.
Paul W. Turpin
Paul W. Turpin was interred in the Davis Cemetery on Sept.16, 2002, with his wife, Laura Mitchell Turpin. He died in Davis on Aug. 26, 2002, at the age of 82.
Born on July 11, 1920, in Georgia and raised in Sweetwater, Tenn., he moved to Davis this summer to be near his daughter Linda.
Turpin retired from the U.S. Navy after a 30-year career that included action in two wars. He was an athlete from his high school years on and excelled in a broad range of sports, including football and basketball. He was a Golden Glove boxing champion and crewed on Navy yachts off the East Coast for a time.
Throughout his naval career, he was a champion doubles and singles tennis player in military championships. In the late 1940s, he collapsed after winning a grueling championship singles match in full equatorial sun, not from sun stroke, doctors discovered, but from acute loss of blood from an undiagnosed bleeding ulcer.
For 20 years after his retirement, he continued to be a sought-after doubles partner in the San Diego and La Jolla tennis scene.
After his retirement from the Navy, he took his tireless imagination and management skills to the creation and direction of recreation programs in the San Diego-Coronado area. His trademark was the zany twinkle in his blue eyes that meant to all who knew him and worked with him that he was getting another idea for activities that typically proved successful.
He was an unstoppable independent thinker, an inventor, a man who just could not let things be but was convinced that everything could be improved. He was a prolific writer, and in his later years concentrated on accounts of his Tennessee childhood and animal stories that were published in the Turpin Family Journal that he published for his wife, Laura, and his children and grandchildren. Paul was a charmer.
When actor John Wayne was making a goodwill tour of military installations, he dropped in to talk to Turpin as part of a fast-paced tour of the ship. The actor ended up spending an hour talking with Turpin, and gladly accepted his invitation to lunch in the Chiefs' Galley, famous on board ship for its fine dining.
Turpin always took as much time as was needed for whatever he did. He always took time to talk to strangers and no transaction, not even paying for a cup of coffee at a Starbucks, was brisk or impersonal.
People warmed to him and animals did, too. The stray cats that ran from everyone else sought his company. Wild birds stayed put when he approached them for a chat.
He was preceded in death by his wife Laura, who died earlier this summer in San Diego.
He is survived by two daughters, Linda Turpin and her husband Bob Johnson, and Nancy and her husband Robert Gordon of Chicago; a son, Paul Bruce and his wife Susan Jones of Las Vegas; three grandchildren, Alice, Ellen and Cord of Davis; four brothers, Wayne, John and Frank of Sweetwater, Tenn., and Elmer of San Antonio, Texas, and their families; as well as other nieces and nephews.
Members of his large family met in Davis for the interment.
Dixie B. Teague
Dixie B. Teague of Winters died on Sept. 27 2002. Born on Sept. 19, 1924 in Rush, Colo., to Hubert and Alice Hadley, she was 78 years old.
She marriage her childhood sweetheart on Dec. 31, 1944 in El Reno, Okla., during World War II. Although raised in Colorado, she and her family lived in Davis for 25 years. She most recently lived in Winters.
She spent many hours enjoying God's world and always had beautiful flowers. She was a skillful flower arranger and used those skills to honor God. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Davis for 25 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Winters. She has served the Lord her entire life.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Teague of Winters; son, Rich Teague of Crescent City; daughter, Diane Gale of Winters; and four grandchildren, David Teague of Susanville, Danny Teague of Gresham, Ore., and Bethany and Samuel Gale of Winters.
She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Kiah, Kelsey and Christian Teague of Gresham, Ore., and Bailey and Garrett Teague of Susanville. Her surviving sisters are Dorothy Vidmar of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Elaine Johnson of Security, Colo.
A service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winters. A reception will be held in the church's social hall following the service.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA 95616 or to Gideon's International, 2900 Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37214.
Janet M. Harrison
Janet Marlynn Harrison died on Sept. 26, 2002, at Woodland Memorial Hospital. She was 54 years old. She was born on July 1, 1948, in Paso Robles.
For the past 37 years she was a resident of Yolo County. She worked at Woodland Clinic for 18 years as a receptionist and was a member of the Holy Rosary Church. She was an avid reader and loved to sew and garden. She loved her family, especially spoiling her grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ron Harrison of Woodland; daughter, Barbra Sosa and her husband Ramon of Woodland; son, Jason Harrison and his wife Christine of Oregon; and five grandchildren, Samantha, Alexis, Hayley Garcia and Jonathan Mijares, all of Woodland, and Charlene Harrison of Oregon.
Other survivors include her father, Joseph Lewey; brother, Doug Lewey and his wife Chris of Zamora; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbra Lewey.
A memorial mass will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Church in Woodland. The family would prefer that memorials be directed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
John H. Rott
John Hutchins Rott of Davis, formerly of Lodi, died at home on Sept. 28, 2002, from myelofibrosis. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on Jan. 29, 1952, he was 50 years old.
He graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1970 and attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and UC Davis. He was employed by Bank of America and Diebold Inc. as an ATM technician for 12 years.
He enjoyed scuba diving, track and field, gourmet cooking. He loved animals, especially cats. As a camp counselor, he taught rifle shooting at the Bob Mathias Summer Camps.
He was a lifetime member of the Boy Scouts of America and a troop leader. Spending time with his sons and being involved with their sports was the most important thing in his life. He loved to cook at the Davis Community Church for its "Wonderful Wednesdays" inter-generational gatherings.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Patricia Lee Rott of Davis and Lodi; two sons, Jeffrey Hutchins Rott and Andrew Rutledge Rott, both of Davis; brother, Jim Rott and his wife Thalia of Clements; sisters, Katherine Rott King of Acampo and Margaret R. Rott of San Leandro; two nephews, Michael Rott of Clements and Jimmy Rott and his wife Kim of San Jose; and two nieces Trudi Geiszler and Jennifer Clemons Gomez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben P. Rott and Lorraine L. Rott, both of Lodi.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bread of Life Center, 412 C St., Davis, CA 95616 or Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box, 1014, Davis, CA 95617.
The Rott family sincerely thanks the doctors and staff of Sutter Health, Stanford University Hospital and Yolo Hospice for their generosity and wonderful heartfelt care of their husband, father and brother.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at Tandem Properties at 3500 Anderson Road in Davis.
Felicia G. Obieta
Felicia Golzarri Obieta died Sept. 3, 2002, at the home of her daughter, Jane Estremera. She died peacefully with her family by her side. Born on Nov. 26, 1902, in the Basque province of Viscaya, Spain, she was 99 years old.
She was a homemaker, then a cook, caregiver and foster grandparent. For the past several years she enjoyed her daughter Jane's tranquil garden, often commenting on the beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and the visiting cats who delighted her. Her Catholic devotions gave her much comfort and peace, especially the rosary.
She is the loving mother of five daughters, Francisca "Suzanne" Fernandez, Louise Arnerich and Elisa Fernandez of Sacramento, and Jane Estremera and Inez DeFazio of Davis; son, Andrew Fernandez and his wife Ana of Carson Valley, Nev.; 24 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren.
Diana Mogolaki, Bui Vatea and Elena Knutti lovingly assisted her daughters with her care.
A funeral and Interment took place in Sacramento. Friends are invited to a memorial Mass on Saturday at 8 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Davis. A breakfast reception will be served in the parish hall following the Mass.
Remembrances may be sent to the St. James Building Fund, 200 W. 14th St., or Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA 95617.
Beulah Jacuzzi
Beulah Jacuzzi died at the University Retirement Community on Sept. 29, 2002. Born on March 22, 1918, in Nebraska, she was 84 years old.
She was raised in Nebraska, where she lived until she was 16. Her family then moved to Sacramento where, in 1939, she met Virgil Jacuzzi. The couple were marriage in Oakley in 1941. They later lived in Canada for many years and in St. Petersburg, Fla., before moving to Davis in September 2000.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carter and Joanna Jones; a brother, Carter Jones; and two sisters, Ada Messier and Corilee Weatherby.
She is survived by her husband, Virgil Jacuzzi of Davis; children, Beverly Ann Edgell of Atlanta, Lita June Gitt of Sea Ranch, Virginia M. Burgess of Huntsville, Ontario, Diane Jean McCrae of Kingston, Ontario, Virgil L. Jacuzzi of Little Rock, Ark., Susan Joan Hansen of Mississauga, Ontario, and Paul Vincent Jacuzzi of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She also leaves her sisters, Hilda Stevenson, Geraldine Runyan and JoAnne Winters, and brothers, Bryce Jones and Larry Jones. Sixteen grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren also survive her.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Davis Funeral Chapel, 116 D St. The evening vigil service will be held at 7 p.m.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 971 Ohara Ave. in Oakley. Burial will follow at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Antioch.
Alexander J. Gillis
Alexander J. Gillis, a retired 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army, and former Davis resident, died Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 77. He was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Pontiac, Mich.
He served during three wars and rose from private to chief warrant officer in a career that took him around the world. He served in Saudi Arabia for 20 years and maintained a residence in England. He later returned to the United States and was employed with the Environmental Protection Agency until he was 70. He served as an independent contractor in Bosnia, supporting U.S. troops until he was 72. He was a witness to five American conflicts and a man of many travels.
His first wife, Catherine Gillis and one son, Christopher Gillis, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Martin Gillis of Granbury, Texas; two sons, Steven Gillis, and Jay Gillis and his wife Mary, of Davis; two daughters, Robin Flores and husband Mike of Granbury, Texas; and Heather Peterson and husband Tim of Grass Valley. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Joseph Peterson of Grass Valley; Amanda and Hannah Gillis of Davis; and Ashley and Nolan Flores of Granbury, Texas.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at St. James Catholic Church, 200 W. 14th St., Davis. Burial will follow at Davis Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Chapel.
Genevie Dexter
Genevie Dexter, a long-time resident and respected member of the Winters community, died Oct. 3, 2002, at Sutter Davis Hospital. She was 92 years old.
She was born March 31, 1910, to Elmer and Ivy Dexter in Winters. She was one of three children. She grew up in Winters with her two sisters and graduated from Winters High School, Class of 1928. Following graduation, she went to UC Berkeley to study botany; however, she ended up receiving a degree in physical education with a minor in health.
She then moved to Southern California, where she took a teaching position at Excelsior High School in the Los Angeles area. For the next 13 years, she taught speedball, a combination of basketball and soccer. She also taught volleyball, rhythm, folk and modern dance to football players to help them with their coordination. She even had a drill team.
She received a master's degree in health education in 1948, returned to Winters, and became the consultant on physical education for the state Department of Education. For the next 25 years, she traveled the state to meet with school officials to aid in setting up P.E. programs. She further helped schools develop classes for the physically disabled. She received a doctorate in health education from Stanford University.
After her retirement at the age of 65, she became Winters representative on the Yolo County Commission on Aging and served for 10 years. She also volunteered to get the first elderly nutrition program going in Winters, making sure that all who couldn't get out received a hot meal at home.
However, above all, she was a devoted Christian. Her undaunting faith helped her reach her goal in life, which was to help people. She was a staunch member of the Pioneer Presbyterian Church for many years, serving as an elder and deacon, as well as the superintendent of the Sunday school program. In 1984, she was named Citizen of the Year for her contributions to the community of Winters.
She is survived by her two sisters, Alice Binns of Sacramento, and Gwendolyn and her husband, Horace Shell of Davis. She is further survived by her nephews, Richard and his wife Rosie Binns of Reedly; Thomas and his wife Karen Shell of Lakewood, Colo.; Charles and his wife Emily Binns of Sacramento; and niece Susan and her husband, Dr. Tom Winston of Wharton, Texas. Grandnieces and nephews who survive her are Tisha and her husband John Hankard of Sacramento; William Binns of Sacramento; Christina and her husband Jim Gagnon of Fresno; Victoria Binns of Sacramento; Jenny, Janice and Steven Winston of Wharton, Texas; and Kay Binns of Sacramento. Five great-grand nieces and nephews further survive her.
Friends are invited to attend a graveside service for Genevie Dexter on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. at the Winters Cemetery, 415 Cemetery Drive, Winters. A visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Smith's Colonial Chapel, 14 Main St. in Winters.
Shunta P. Yamamoto
Community members are invited to a special memorial service honoring Shunta Peter Yamamoto, founder of International House, Davis, at 7 p.m. Thursday at I-House, 10 College Park. Yamamoto died June 29, 2002, in Gainesville, Fla., at the age of 78.
The Yamamoto family will be present at the service, and the program will include readings from international sources. The program will be followed by a reception.
Community members also may sign memorial book pages in honor of Yamamoto. Stop by International House on Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to sign your name. The pages also will be available at the service.
Norman Pott
A memorial service was held last month for former Davis minister Norman D. Pott, who died Sept. 1, 2002, at his home in San Rafael, of myelofibrosis. He was 70.
He was born Feb. 23, 1932, in Summit, N.J., to Katherine and Alan Pott.
Pott earned his bachelor's degree in 1954 from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., where he received all-American honors as a basketball player. He was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals, then a National Basketball Association team, but chose to pursue the ministry instead.
He received a bachelor's degree in divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1957 and a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1960.
While studying at Wheaton, Pott met Enid Hensel and the two marriage on June 14, 1954.
Pott served his first ministry in Berkeley before moving to Eugene, Ore., in 1964 to serve as pastor of Central Presbyterian Church. In 1975, he and his family moved to Davis where he served as pastor and head of staff at Davis Community Church, until 1986. Pott is remembered by the Davis congregation for his personal graciousness, sense of humor and his deep passion for human justice. He served on the Davis Human Relations Commission.
He also pastored a church in San Rafael and served in an interim capacity for a congregation in St. Helena before ill health forced an end to his ministry in June 2001.
Survivors include his wife, Enid; two sons, Stephen of San Rafael and Aaron of St. Helena; two daughters, Emily of Oxford, England, and Carol of Inverness; four brothers, Roger, Gordon, Donald and Douglas; and three grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 1856, Merriefield, VA 22116-8056.
Jane A. Ellis
Jane Audrey Ellis died at home on Oct. 9, 2002, following a lengthy illness. Born April 5, 1939, in Evergreen, Ala., to Willie and Maggie (Cole) Ellis, she was 63. She had been a Yolo County resident for 28 years.
At 19, she moved to Northern California as an employee of Southern Bell Telephone Co. Following that, she began working for the Los Rios Community College District as the confidential administrative secretary in the vice president's administrative services office at Sacramento City College. She continued working with the district for the next 32 years.
She enjoyed her hobbies, the community and her family. She loved being outdoors and communing with nature, gardening, hiking and walking. In addition to donating her time to further public television as a volunteer at KVIE fund-raisers, she also volunteered to serve as a member of the Village Homes Agricultural Board. She spent much of her spare moments in search of antiques.
She was an active and independent woman who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, guiding and mentoring them, sharing her zest for life.
She is survived by her children, daughter Lisa C. Richards and her husband Michael of Elk Grove and son Michael L. Ellis of Davis. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rachelle and Michael Dahl of Davis; and her sisters, Ann Cook and her husband Alton of Pensacola, Shirley Smith and her husband Sam of Pace, Fla., and Joan New and her husband Jerry of Middleberg, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Steve Ellis and Billy Ellis.
Friends and family and invited to attend a memorial service Monday at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Road. The Rev. Christine Fry will officiate. No visitation is scheduled prior to the service.
Interment at Arkadelphia Cemetery in Evergreen, Ala., will be private and scheduled at a later date.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Lung Cancer Society of Northern California, 1765 Challenge Way, Sacramento, CA 95815.
Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors of Woodland is assisting the family with arrangements.
