Ruth Clausen
Ruth Clausen, 88, of Ojai, died Thursday, May 1, 2003 in Baker, Ore., following a brief illness. She was born May 15, 1914 in Chicago, Ill., and lived in Ojai since 1937, coming from Atascadero, Calif.
Ruth and her husband, Harold, founded Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai in 1937. They also provided an ambulance service to the Ojai Valley.
Mrs. Clausen was a member of the Ojai Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 50 years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Old-Time Fiddlers Association, and Phi Alpha Kappa Sorority (holding national offices). Along with her husband, she was a member of the Ventura County Funeral Directors Association.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jerald and Barbara Clausen of Ojai; son Robert Clausen of Cave Junction, Ore.; daughter and son-in-law Marie and Gene Marks of North Powder, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Clausen, in 1975.
Friends may call at Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai on Friday, May 9, from 2 to 8 p.m.
Services will be held Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at Clausen Funeral Home. Pastor Scott Harrell will officiate, and the Old-Time Fiddlers Association will provide musical selections. Private interment
will be at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.
Family services were also held in Baker City, Ore., on Saturday, May 3.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Robert Elwood Chelsey
Robert Elwood Chesley, 71, of Ojai, died Monday, May 5, 2003 at his home. He was born April 23, 1932 in Hamilton, Texas, to Joseph Theodore and Lois Cameron Chesley.
After the death of his father, he came to the Ojai Valley at age 16 to attend The Thacher School. Following Thacher, he received a bachelor of science degree in physics and a master's in education from Stanford University. While at Stanford he met Alice McKinney, and they married and raised a family.
After a short stint in the U.S. Army, Mr. Chesley returned to The Thacher School in 1957 to teach physics and math. Over the next 13 years he passed on his knowledge of physics, astronomy, photography, the outdoors, flying and ham radio to the students and faculty of Thacher. As his experience in education grew, he was able to expand his horizons in conjunction with Harvard Project Physics and teach in India, Chile, and the Philippines.
Mr. Chesley left the Ojai Valley in 1970 to begin work for the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., ultimately managing the Educational Research Information Center (E.R.I.C.). While there, he was able to provide flight instruction to his three sons and see them solo.
Mr. Chesley returned for the third time to the Ojai Valley in 1983, to become business manager of The Thacher School. After retirement, he built his own airplane, which he first flew in 1999. His son, Matthew, continues to fly the plane. During retirement, Mr. Chesley began his service to many organizations in the Ojai Valley, including the Ojai Rotary Club, and serving on the boards of Ojai Valley School and Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers (C.R.E.W.).
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Alice; sons John and Matthew; daughter-in-law Julie; and grandchildren Peyton, Michael and Cole.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Michael, in 1975.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. in the outdoor chapel of The Thacher School. His family would like to thank all those who provided comfort in the last months and Hospice, who helped in the final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ojai Valley School, The Thacher School, Ojai Rotary Education Foundation or Rotary International Foundation.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Beverly Ann Meador
Beverly Ann Meador, 75, of Ojai, died Sunday, May 4, 2003, after a battle with congestive heart failure. She was born July 11, 1927 in Tulsa, Okla., and had lived in the Ojai Valley for the last 42 years.
She and her husband, Don, celebrated 58 years of marriage in February. Mrs. Meador worked as a nurse in Ojai and Ventura. Her interests included cooking and baking bread for family, friends and neighbors.
She is survived her husband, Don C. Meador, of Ojai; daughters and sons-in-law Carolyn and Don Luttrell, Linda and Mike Coffey, and Susan and John Cahill; son and daughter-in-law David and Margie Meador; and five grandchildren.
Friends may call at Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai today from 2 to 8 p.m.
Services will be held Thursday, May 8, at 10 a.m. at Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai, with Father Michael McFadden, O.S.A., officiating. Interment
will be immediately following at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Gladys O. Kirkwood
Gladys O. Kirkwood, 88, of Ojai, died Thursday, May 1, 2003. She was born Gladys Benedict on Sept. 30, 1914 in Marlon Township, Minn.
She married Lawrence J. Kirkwood on Dec. 23, 1933, and they raised three children, LaVonne Ruth, Shelley Rae, and Jon Dennis. The family moved from Minnesota to California in 1951 and eventually settled in Burbank, where they lived for 26 years. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkwood were active in the Burbank First United Methodist Church, and also did a great deal of traveling.
After her husband's retirement in 1976, Mrs. Kirkwood retired from the Auto Club of Southern California in 1977. She and her husband then moved to Ojai, where she has resided for the past 26 years.
Until the last few years, Mrs. Kirkwood was active in the Ojai United Methodist Church and could frequently be spotted on various tennis courts in Ojai. Her interests also included cooking and horses.
She is survived by her daughter, LaVonne Allison; son Jon Kirkwood; son-in-law Mark Allison; daughter-in-law Pam Kirkwood; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Kirkwood, daughter Shelley, sister Violet Johnson, and her parents, Mabel Jefferis and Ray Benedict.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Help of Ojai, P.O. Box 621, Ojai, CA 93024.
Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai is handling the arrangements for a private family service. Inurnment will follow at Nordhoff Cemetery in Ojai.
Donna L. Honer
Donna L. Honer, 74, of Ojai, died Monday, May 5, 2003. She was born Nov. 20, 1929 in Santa Monica, Calif., to Lewis and Leota Schutt. She was raised and educated in southwest Los Angeles.
She married Richard Honer 55 years ago; together they raised five children in Montalvo. Mrs. Honer worked at Ventura County Hospital for 15 years. She moved to Orange County when her husband was transferred.
Upon moving back to Ventura County and settling in Ojai, Mrs. Honer became a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She volunteered time at St. Joseph's Health and Retirement Center in Ojai, where she was past president of the Women's Auxiliary.
She is survived by her husband, Dick Honer; children Linda Laws, Patti and Bill Figge, Jim and Lisa Honer, Ricky Honer, and Rocky and Dorothy Honer; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Health and Retirement Center, P.O. Box 760, Ojai, CA 93024-0760.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ojai.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, Ventura.
Richard C. Booth
Richard C. Booth, of Ojai, died Sunday, April 27, 2003. He was born Aug. 2, 1917 in Ohio. He came to California in 1948, where he met and married his wife, Jean. Together they raised their family in South Pasadena, Calif., eventually moving to Ojai in 1980.
Mr. Booth was a builder of custom homes and was past master of the Ojai Masonic Lodge. His interests included barbershop singing, sailing, hunting and golf.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Booth; his children, Deborah, Teri, Jacalyn and Gary; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his son, Rick.
The Booth family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Ojai Valley Community Hospital for their care during his last days.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Francis Michael Mandulay
Francis Michael Mandulay, 78, of Ojai, died Monday, May 5, 2003 in Ojai of natural causes. He was born Oct. 1, 1924 in Youngstown, Ohio, and lived in Ojai for 50 years, coming from the Los Angeles area.
Mr. Mandulay was the Ford franchise dealer in Ojai for many years. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles and member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was inducted into the UCLA Football Hall of Fame. His memberships included Association of Retired Secret Service Agents, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish (50 years), board member of the Association of Ford Motor Car Dealers and he was a 50-year member of the Ojai Valley Inn. He also had obtained his law degree.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Mandulay of Ventura, and Jennifer Mandulay Poelking of Grover Beach, Calif.; sister Eleanor McCandless of Ojai; niece Marilyn McCandless of Ojai; and son-in-law Michael Poelking of Grover Beach.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Ojai, with Father Bill Olivas, O.S.A., officiating. Interment
will be at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Phillip D. Harvey
Phillip D. Harvey, 85, of Ojai, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas, of natural causes. He was born Nov. 17, 1917 in Pittsburgh, Okla. He resided in Ojai for 20 years.
Mr. Harvey had been an engineer and technical writer, retired from the American Society of Metals. He was a resident of the Ojai Villa Mobile Home Estates for 20 years. His interests included gardening, shuffleboard and other senior activities.
He is survived by his wife, Bonita Harvey, of Ojai; son Richard Harvey of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Sandra Shinn of Escondido, Calif.; son John Harvey of Oakley, Ill.; and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at Clausen Funeral Home with Father Michael McFadden, O.S.A., officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Loretta Dean Boren
Loretta Dean Boren, 69, of Ojai, died suddenly Monday, May 12, 2003, while visiting her mother in Fresno. She was born Sept. 19, 1933 in Russell, Kan.
Mrs. Boren was retired and worked for many years as a volunteer at the Community Thrift Store in Carpinteria.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery and Sheryl Watts of Paso Robles, Robert and Mary Watts of Vallejo, and Trumen and Julie Boren of Carpinteria; her mother, Veda Watts, of Fresno; brothers Robert G. Young of Oakhurst, and Jack Zinn of Fresno; sisters Rebecca Todd and Barbara Devine of Coalinga; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Boren, and son Kevin Boren.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 18, from noon to 6 p.m. at Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai. A graveside service will be held Monday, May 19, at noon at Carpinteria Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Florence Vernand
Florence Vernand, 81, of Ojai, died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, in a Ventura hospital following a lengthy illness.
She was born April 17, 1922, in Pasadena, and was a 36-year county resident, coming from Manhattan Beach. Florence was a homemaker and a loyal U.S.C. Trojan Football team supporter. Being an avid gardener, she was the past president of the Ojai Valley Garden Club, and was honored to have her home selected to be on the Ojai Garden Tour in 1997, 2000, and 2002.
Florence is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Lawrence; daughter, Ramona Andrews of Ojai; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Fred Magness of Ventura; son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Elisabeth Vernand of Ojai; daughter and son-in-law, Patrice Vernand and Mario Aguirre of Ojai; four grandchldren, Julie, Aaron, Ryan, and Danielle; one great-granddaughter, Delaney; and her dog and cat, Button and Frack.
Memorial services will take place at 12 noon Saturday, May 24, 2003, at the family residence, 10750 Creek Road, Ojai.
Memorial contributions may be made in Florence's memory to the Ojai Valley Garden Club, P.O. Box 328, Ojai, CA 93024.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura, CA.
Krysta Spring Cowgill
Krysta Spring Cowgill, 14, of Ojai, is walking hand in hand with the Lord after fighting a courageous seven-year battle against a rare brain cancer. She was born Aug. 19, 1988 and died Thursday, May 22, 2003 surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Known to her doctors as the "Miracle Child," Krysta was that and so much more to those whose lives she changed forever.
Throughout her life, she served as a constant source of inspiration thanks to her courage, determination and ability to make others laugh even in life's darkest moments.
She touched many people during her short time on Earth and will continue to do so in Heaven, as she sings along to her favorite Dixie Chicks CD with the other angels.
A freshman at Nordhoff High School, Krysta was a former Girl Scout, an honor roll student at Matilija Junior High School and proud member of the Matilija Choir and Scrapbook Club.
She will be missed but definitely not forgotten.
We are not afraid of death, only of being left alone.
"Trust - lean not on your own understanding"; and a promise: "he will make your path straight."
Let go completely. Trust. Live with it all in an open hand before God. Jesus promises he will work it all out. I do believe for you, always - a new sunrise. - The Women's Devotional Bible
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Alysia and Tim Dewar, of Ojai; father and stepmother, Scott and Crystal of Ventura; sister, Cassidy; brothers, Brandyn, Chrisman, Dawson and Will; grandparents, Rita "Mama Bear" Behlman of Groveland, Calif., Pat "Papa Bear" Montplaisir of Ojai, and Debbie "Nana" Cowgill of Camarillo, Olivia "Grandma" Lillis of Salem, Ore.; great-grandmother Rella Powell of Ventura; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jerry "Big J" Cowgill.
The family wishes to thank the many wonderful doctors, nurses and care professionals who helped Krysta over the years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Ronald McDonald, the Humane Society of Ventura County or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at South Coast Fellowship Church in Ventura. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 30, at 6 p.m. at Church of the Living Christ in Ojai.
Arrangements are in the care of of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Walter "Kit" Mungo
Walter "Kit" Mungo, 94, of Ojai, died Wednesday, May 21, 2003 in Ojai of natural causes. He was born on June 24, 1908 in Charlotte, N.C., and resided in Ventura County for 61 years.
Mr. Mungo owned and operated his own retail meat markets here and in Florida and was co-founder of Pacific Coast Jerky. He was a warrant officer in the Navy from 1942 to 1945 during World War II.
He was a member of Mason Lodge No. 214 of Ventura, and the Ventura Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, "Dee" Mungo, of Ojai; sons Kit Mungo Jr. of Ventura, and Frederick Mungo of Colorado; and one granddaughter, Arin Mungo.
Private family services were held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Livingston Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Patricia Ann Gulliksen
Patricia Ann Gulliksen, 52, of Ojai, died Friday, May 23, 2002, after a long battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 22, 1951 in New York, to John and Lucy Bailey, and has been a Ventura County resident for 16 years.
Mrs. Gulliksen was a private home nurse.
She is survived by her sons Daniel Gulliksen and Mathias Savino; her father, John Bailey; sister Jo Carver; and grandchildren Jonathan and Kiersten Savino.
No services are being held.
Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary, Camarillo.
Betty Lu Brown
Betty Lu Brown, 74, of Ojai, died Monday, May 26, 2003, following a lengthy illness. She was born on April 2, 1929 in Santa Monica, and lived in Ojai for 39 years coming from the San Fernando Valley.
Mrs. Brown was a bank teller and a member of the Ojai Valley Community Church.
She is survived by her husband of 10 years, Earl D. Brown, of Ojai; daughters and sons-in-law Valerie and Randy Cardoza, and Monica and Jeff Ferguson, all of Modesto, Calif.; daughter Becki Harn of Ojai; stepdaughters Janet Frost (husband Stephen) of Ojai, Linda Charters (husband Dean) of Emmett, Idaho, and Patti Tindle (husband Ron) of Ojai; stepson Gary Brown (wife Ann) of Ojai; brother Cliff Moore of Culver City; sister Jean Ramos of Portola Valley; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nine stepgrandchildren; six great-stepgrandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Monday, June 2, at 2 p.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park in Modesto, with Pastor Rob Hidahl officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Donald Russel Williams
Donald Russell Williams, 88, of Ojai, died Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at Ojai Valley Community Hospital, following a brief illness. He was born Oct. 5, 1914 in Independence, Mo., and lived in Ojai for 27 years, coming from Los Angeles.
Mr. Williams was a milk salesman and played semi-professional baseball. He was a sports fan.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Williams, of Ojai; daughter and son-in-law Donna Lynn and Sam Southard of Ojai; son and daughter-in-law Gary Alan and Estela Williams of Malibu; and grandchildren Kelly, Kyle and Ana Luisa.
A family service will be held at a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to any veterans' organization.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Sandra L. Maugeri
Sandra L. Maugeri, 60, of Ojai, died Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at her home with her family at her side following a long illness. She was born July 22, 1942 in Ventura, and lived in Ojai for most of her life.
Her interests included the great outdoors, camping, fishing and occasional trips to Nevada. She was a past-member of the Ojai Canasta Card Club and was on the Ojai Bowling League.
She is survived by her husband, Gerald Maugeri, of Ojai; son Gerald Maugeri Jr.; daughter-in-law Wendy; brother Robert Hunsaker of Ojai; brother Sandy Hunsaker of Sacramento; sister Sharon Masters of Arlington, Texas; and grandchildren Joseph, Blake and Travis.
She was preceded in death by sisters Marilyn Bangs and Lorraine Robinson.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai, with Pastor Scott Harrell officiating. Interment
will be at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Livingston Memorial.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Kate Lee Terry (Lopez)
Katie Lee Terry (Loper), 88, of Ojai, died Monday, May 26, 2003 in Ojai, of natural causes. She was born Aug. 22, 1914 in Ben Wheeler, Texas, and had lived in Ojai for four years, coming from Los Angeles. She had lived in the Los Angeles area since the early 1940s.
Ms. Terry was a telephone supervisor, having worked for the telephone company for more than 40 years. Her interests included traveling, dancing and children.
She is survived by her nieces, Valretta Sexton Lamkin, and Doris Sexton Thomas, both of Tyler, Texas; and nephews Vernon Sexton, Harold Sexton, and Noel Sexton, all of Ben Wheeler, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lela Florence Jackson, father Robert Layafette Loper, and sisters Nettie Sexton, Velma Sexton and Lillian Cramer.
Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 30, 2003 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Chapel in Ojai, with Father Carroll Laubacher officiating. Interment
will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
