Ronald Rex Marks
Ronald Rex Marks, 68, of Ojai, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003 unexpectedly at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. He was born June 1, 1935 in Denver, Colo., to Joseph and Helen Marks.
He attended Lincoln Elementary School, Ventura Junior High School (now Cabrillo), and graduated from Ventura High School in 1953. He also attended Ventura College.
Mr. Marks had varied occupations throughout his lifetime, including sales of automotive products, insurance and yachts. He was the owner of M.H. Loe Construction Company and Rormark Video, production and computer-aided design and drafting.
He was a member of the Ojai Valley Gun Club and was a pilot. His interests included car racing, airplanes, electronics, computers, boats, shooting, Internet surfing, planning high school reunions, and spending time with his granddaughters.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley Marks, of Ojai; son and daughter-in-law Gregory and Nancy Marks of El Cajon; daughter and son-in-law Maureen and Ned Dickson of Fair Oaks; brother and sister-in-law Edmund and Jackie Marks of Oak View; sister and brother-in-law Betty and Jackson McPherson; sister-in-law Hehir Christofferson; three granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ojai.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Los Angeles Chapter, 1111 S. Arroyo Parkway, Suite 400, Pasadena, CA 91105, or to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 409 Topa Topa Drive, Ojai, CA 93023.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
James Groves
James Groves passed from this life Saturday, December 6, 2003 at his home in Ojai where he and his wife had resided for over 28 years. He was a graduate of University of Toledo in 1940. He was a minister for 73 years with 28 years of local service for the Oak View Church of Christ. "They who turn many to righteousness shall shine as the Stars in Heaven."
Jim was a lover of people with many friends in the Ojai Valley. He was concerned with both the "little" and the "big", and like a "good shepherd" knew each of their names. He was dedicated to God, ever-concerned about the Gospel, a giver of Bibles, encouraging to the right and condemning to the wrong, protective of his family, delighting in a clean laugh, an active radio amateur "ham" radio operator for 72 years, loyal to local merchants, and scrupulous in his business dealings. He leaves a memory of being a great father.
He is survived by his wife Irene, three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. also at Clausen Funeral Home, with Minister Dwight Clements officiating.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at El Toro Memorial Park, Lake Forest, California, near his children, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Orange County.
The many kindnesses of this community to him are genuinely appreciated by his family.
Arrangements are under the direction of the privately owned and operated Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Johanna Porter
Johanna Porter, 56, of Ojai went home to be with the Lord December 4, 2003. She died from complications after suffering a brain aneurysm while on vacation in the Virgin Islands.
Johanna was born July 10, 1947 in Palisades Park, New Jersey to Bianca and Joseph A. Iorio and was a resident of Ventura County for many years. She was a nurse at Community Memorial Hospital since 1989 where she helped to deliver and care for thousands of newborn babies. Johanna loved her work and the people she worked with. Many of her coworkers were counted among her dearest friends.
Johanna will be remembered as a woman of strong faith who had a heart for helping others. In 2001, she traveled to India where she spent two weeks working in an orphanage. She always had a kind word for the people she met and she was a good friend. In fact, she considered close friends and neighbors her family.
She was a member of the Church of the Living Christ in Meiners Oaks for several years and she more recently attended services at the Sure Foundation Worship Center in Ventura.
Johanna loved nature and the outdoors. Some of her favorite moments were spent hiking California trails and walking throughout the Ojai Valley. She enjoyed music and had recently started playing the guitar.
Johanna was preceded in death by her parents, her infant daughter, Camara and her husband, Mark Porter. She is survived by her beloved companion, Rick McGrath, brother, Joseph A. Iorio (wife Carol and children, Carolina, Joseph A. and Sean P.), sister-in-law, Ruth Miller (husband, Howard) niece, Adonda Brennan (husband, Rob and their children, Tess and Liam, whom she helped to deliver). She also leaves her four adored cats, Nikki, Goldie, Lilly and Charlie.
There will be a celebration of life in Johanna's honor at Joseph Reardon Funeral Home at 757 E. Main Street in Ventura, Wednesday December 10 at 7:30 p.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to come and please wear red. It was Johanna's favorite color.
Douglas J. Theriault
Douglas J. Theriault, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed on to his next life on Dec. 2, 2003. Born in Grande Anse, New Brunswick, Canada on May 3, 1913 to Thomas and Gertrude Theriault, he moved to Portland, Maine as a young boy.
In WWII he served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, 504th Parachute Infantry. He saw 371 combat days in French Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, England, Holland, Belgium, France and Germany, and was awarded two purple heart medals. Germans called the paratroopers "Devils in Baggy Pants."
Doug completed his education at the University of Wyoming in Laramie and University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a Speech & Hearing Pathologist. He taught at the University of Wyoming before coming to California in 1954, serving as Speech Therapist in Ojai and Ventura schools for 30 years in addition to his private practice.
Doug was an avid hiker and could often be seen exploring the trails north of Ojai with a dog and a child or two.
He was Past Master of: Ojai Masonic Lodge #663, Council of Cryptic Masons, Ventura Masonic Council #15, Ventura Royal Arch #50; served on the Public Schools Committee for California Grand Lodge for many years, and was Associate Guardian of Jobs Daughters for many years. He was a member of Ojai Eastern Star #528, Ojai Retired Professional & Business Men's Club, DAV, 82nd Airborne, 504th Parachute Infantry.
He is survived by his wife LaVonne (Rounsevell), daughter April Theriault, son-in-law Kenneth Eros, former son-in-law Chris Danch, grandchildren Eric, Aimee and Sage Danch of Ojai, sister Hazel LaPierre of Maine, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003 at Clausen Funeral Home, with a gathering following at 814 Mercer Ave.
Memorial donations may go to HELP of Ojai, P.O. Box 621, Ojai, CA 93024 or Hospice Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman #101, Ventura, CA 93003.
Poppy lived his life as he left it - with strength, courage, loyalty, laughter, and LOVE.
William Norman Cooper
William Norman Cooper, 88, of Ojai, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003. He was born May 24, 1915 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The family moved back and forth between Winnipeg and Los Angeles several times while he was a child, but eventually settled in Los Angeles. Since his father was a U.S. citizen, Norman was able to claim his United States citizenship.
As a young child, he took an interest in religion, even before his parents became active in church work. As a child he decided that God was not a person, but the force that guides people to help others.
He was working in a nursing home in San Francisco when he was drafted during World War II. In the Air Force, he attained the rank of staff sergeant. Later in his life he would decide that all war is wrong, but at this time he was doing what he believed was right.
After the war he attended Chapman University and received a bachelor's degree. Later in life, he would attend a summer session at Oxford. After graduation, he became a religious healer and lecturer, traveling all over the world. He taught religion and has published numerous inspirational books.
Mr. Cooper has been active in many organizations. From his youth onward, he had comforted many people who were dying, so it was natural for him to join the Hospice as a volunteer. The American Association of Retired Persons awarded him a Certificate of Gratitude for dedicated service. The Photographic Society of America gave him associate standing.
He was led to the Quakers, where he found a people who believed in helping others, just as he did. He was active in the Ojai Friends Worship Group and became a member the Santa Barbara Friends Meeting, since Quaker worship groups do not have membership.
His interest in the theater led him to found "Salons on Sunday," which allowed local residents to express their musical and dramatic abilities. As the name salon suggests, the group originally performed in private homes, but grew so popular that it moved to Kent Hall of Little House.
For several years until his death, Mr. Cooper was editor of the Ministerial Association's Friday column in the Ojai Valley news.
He died of cancer in his home in Ojai where he was cared for by his friend, Dewey Val Schorre, with whom he lived for more than 30 years. He is survived by his brother, Albert Cooper; and by cousins Jean Carter, Coral O'Leary, Peggy Cooper, Joyce Williams, June Gibler, Maureen Robertson McDonald and Tom Johnstone.
A celebration of the life of W. Norman Cooper will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, in Fisher Hall of the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on the corner of Ojai Avenue and Bristol Road. This will be a Quaker service in which those present sit in silence and speak about Mr. Cooper as the spirit moves them. A vegetarian potluck will follow.
In lieu of sending flowers, it is requested that his friends make a donation to their favorite charity.
Armetia M. Roberts
Armetia M. Roberts, 84, of Ojai, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, in Ventura of natural causes. She was born March 12, 1919 in Centralia, Kansas, and lived in Ojai for 29 years.
She volunteered as a docent at the Ojai Valley Historical Museum for many years. She also was a docent at both the Ventura County Museum and the Ronald Reagan Library. She found and displayed artifacts of historical value in the El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon, Ariz., where she worked for three years with her husband. She was a member of the Christian Women's Club and was active in the Ojai Valley Community Church. She hosted many Bible study classes in her home.
She is survived by her daughters, Cherrie Johnson of Simi Valley, Calif., and Merrie Preston of Norman, Okla.; son "Woody" DeForrest Elliott Roberts Jr. of Ventura, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Roberts was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Elliott Roberts, in 2001; her grandson Daniel Johnson; and sister Reata Boerner.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Clausen Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Moore officiating. Private Interment
will be held at Oakwoodt Memorial Park, Chatsworth, Calif.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Barbara Feldstein
Barbara Feldstein, 51, of Ojai, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003. She was born June 6, 1952 in New York City. She graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She pursued her love of the arts throughout her life studying at The Art Students League in New York City and the Kansas City Art Institute. Barbara was an accomplished and prolific artist, photographer and writer who maintained a studio here in Ojai. Barbara's first love was for her husband and children. She also had a lifelong love for all animals, in fact, her first job after college was as a graphic artist at the Buffalo Zoo.
Barbara moved to Ojai in 1999 after spending most of her life in New York City and Long Island, New York. She rapidly embraced Ojai, becoming active in support of the Ojai Valley School, the Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and the Ojai Library. Barbara was an avid tennis player, an active participant in the local book club, and the founder of a weekly Scrabble game in Libbey Park.
Barbara died of cancer in her home in Ojai with her family at her bedside. She is survived by Gary, her husband of 21 years; her children, Maxine and Simon; her brother, Len; and cousins Karen and Barry.
In lieu of sending flowers, it is requested that friends make a donation to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Arrangements are under the direction of the privately owned and operated Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Nancy Franklin Peery
Nancy Franklin Peery, 81, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003 in Ojai, following a brief illness. She was born Nov. 10, 1922 in Santa Barbara, Calif., and lived in Ojai for 17 years.
She was the owner and operator of Joe's Café. She was also a member of the Ojai Valley Wesleyan Church.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Peggy Peery of Mesa, Ariz., and Harold Franklin and Luverna Perry of Santa Barbara, Calif.; daughters and sons-in-law Susan Jane and Michael Bell of Santa Barbara, and Margo Ann and Gordon Gibbons of Carpinteria, Calif.; sister Jane Bianchin of Carpinteria; eight granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, at 1 p.m. at Ojai Valley Wesleyan Church, with Pastor Lyn Thomas officiating. Private Interment
will be at Carpinteria Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Santa Barbara Affiliate.
A memorial service in Santa Barbara is pending.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
George Carl Petersen
George Carl Petersen, 84, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003 in Ojai. He was born May 13, 1919 in Petaluma, Calif., and moved to Ojai upon retiring from the Pacific Bell Telephone Co.
His interests included sailing his boat on Lake Casitas and serving the Ojai community through the Meals-On-Wheels program until a few months before his death.
Mr. Petersen is survived by his daughters, Dawn Peterson of Ojai, and Gale Applegate of Eufaula, Okla.
Rose Siegel
Rose Siegel, 92, of Ojai died of heart failure on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003. She came to Ellis Island in her mother's arms in 1912. She was raised on the Lower East Side of New York City.
She remembered that in her kindergarten class there was a myriad of European languages spoken. She was proud of the public school system and how all these children from different cultures would be taught English and become Americans. Her dream was to become a teacher; however, due to the necessity of her income during the Depression, she became a secretary. Her last job was as executive secretary to the chief psychiatrist at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mrs. Siegel's interests included playing piano, singing and folk dancing. She gave generously of her time to Women's ORT, a rehabilitation and therapy organizations for Jewish immigrants.
She and her husband, Abe, moved to California in 1969 to retire. She became a widow in 1972, but made a productive life for herself in Seal Beach, Calif. She moved to Ojai in 1999 to be closer to her daughter.
Mrs. Siegel is survived by her children, Steve Siegel (Anne), and Carol Smith Yuva (Larry); brother Sol Fateman (Adelaide); grandchildren Michael Siegel (Andrea), Richard Siegel (Marion), Andy Siegel and Adam Zorskie; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Abraham Siegel; her longtime companion, Sol Rodney; her brother, Sam; and sister-in-law Ann Fateman.
Donations in her memory may be made to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association-Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 101, Ventura, CA 93003.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Gus A. Glazer
Gus A. Glazer, 71, of Ojai died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born Oct. 2, 1932 in Menominee, Mich., and had lived in the Ojai Valley for 60 years.
Mr. Glazer was a general contractor for 40 years, and also the original owner of Valley Equipment and Ace Hardware.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joella Glazer of Ojai; daughters and sons-in-law Jodi and John Bryant of Ojai, and Lauri and Luis Lopez of Mammoth Lakes; daughter Jill Ricci of Auburn; sisters Leona Sieminski of Ventura, Edna Tousignant of Oak View, and Loretta Shields of Fall Creek, Ore.; sisters and brothers-in-law Elaine and Gavin Wilbanks of Ojai, Gertie and John Jetton of Alta Loma, Calif., and Carol and Jerry Burt of Bakersfield, Calif; and grandchildren Jared, Mindi, Kaila, Shannon, Casey and Ryan.
Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Clausen Funeral Home, with Pastor Eric Hodge officiating. Private burial will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
Memorial donations may be made to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 101, Ventura, CA 93003.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Mural Torrance
Mural Torrance, 86, of Ojai, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1998, at Acacias Care Center after a lengthy illness.
He was born July 12, 1912, in Watts, Calif., and lived in Ojai for 24 years, coming from Los Angeles.
Mr. Torrance had retired from the U.S. Navy as a chief boatswains mate. He was a member and director of the Golden Estate Mobile Homeowners League.
He is survived by his wife Ruth Torrance of Ojai; daughter Lois R. See of West Hills, Calif.; sons and daughters-in-law Earl F. and Sandy Boyle of McAllen, Texas, and Richard and Shirley Nageotte of Stafford, Va.; sister-in-law Edith Torrance of Vista, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Luke and Hallie Torrance and his brothers Alfred and Elwin Torrance.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Ojai Valley Estates clubhouse, with Pastor Scott Harrell officiating. Private inurement will be at Riverside National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Joseph Hesse Sr.
Joseph (Joe) A. Hesse Sr., 79, of Ojai, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998, at his home after a short illness.
He was born July 4, 1919, in Inglewood, Calif., and had lived in Ventura County 55 years, 50 years as a resident of Ojai, coming from Inglewood.
Mr. Hesse was a driller for Shell Oil Company, retiring in 1969, and was a member of the Soule Park Senior Men's Golf Club.
He is survived by his wife Lois Hesse of Ojai; son Joseph Hesse Jr. of Needles, Calif.; son and daughter-in-law William and Christine Hesse of Caliente, Calif.; step-children Tom Hall of Ventura and Judith Higginbotham of Bakersfield; sister and brother-in-law Bonita and Ben Parker of Arcadia, Calif.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Hesse was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie Hesse, who died in 1982.
Friends may call at Clausen Funeral Home today from noon to 8 p.m., with the family greeting friends between 4 and 8 p.m. Services will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. at Clausen Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Underwood officiating. Interment
will be at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Gerardo Aldea
Gerardo Aldea, 92, of Shell Beach died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998, at his home.
He was born April 20, 1906 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and has lived on the Central Coast since 1978. He was a member of Centro Evangelistico Church in Oceano.
Mr. Aldea is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Livia and Marty Kellerman of Atascadero, Liz Aldea-Cruz and husband Jim Cruz of Ojai, and Gladys and Paul Carson of Oakland; sons and daughters-in-law Warner and Lydia Aldea of Bayside, N.Y. and Luis and Felicia Aldea of Orlando, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Modesta Aldea on May 7, 1986.
Visitation will be at the Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach Thursday, Nov. 19, from noon to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. at Centro Evangelistico Church in Oceano, with Pastor Prudencio Ruiz officiating. Burial will follow at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.
Gwynne Church
Gwynne Church, 74, of Ojai, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 1998.
She was born Feb. 9, 1924, in Witcata, Kan., and had lived in Ojai for 50 years, coming from Lakewood, Calif. Mrs. Church had worked for the district attorney's office in Ventura. She is survived by her daughters Susan Hart and Sharon Pierececchi and son Steven Church. Private services will be held. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home.
Christine Y. Masaki
Christine Y. Masaki, 78, of Ojai, died Wed., Nov. 18, 1998.
She retired as a social worker and moved to Ojai 19 years ago and worked as a volunteer at the Ojai Valley Museum.
She is survived by her sons Mark, Geoffrey and Miles Masaki; daughter Roxanne Masaki-Pallack; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Mamoru Masaki in 1995.
A memorial service will be held Monday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. For details call Roxanne Masaki-Pollack at (818) 341-6881 or Mark Masaki at 646- 8649.
Arrangements are under the direction of Abbott & Hast Mortuary, Inc.
