Mountaineer Progress Newspaper

Michael Troy Dicken
WRIGHTWOOD

Lelond A. Parde

1945-2020

Lee, a loving husband and father of three children, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020, at age 74, in Wrightwood, California.  

Lee was born in Nebraska on December 6, 1945.  He served in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968.  Lee always had a heart to serve and volunteer in the community he lived.  He most recently he served as Vice President of the Wrightwood Historical Museum and he was a volunteer for the National Forest Visitor Center.  He was a resident of Wrightwood for over 13 years.

Lee was survived by his wife Darlene of 44 years, daughter Lisa May, son Nicholas Parde, and son Anthony Parde, brother Eldon Parde, sister Marlene Parde Bales, and many living grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.  Lee was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone.  A memorial service is pending.

Kathleen Ann Feia-Stevens, 

age 73 died unexpectedly 

May 2, 2020

Kathleen was born and raised in St. Cloud, MN where she earned her teaching certificate and graduated with her master’s degree from St. Cloud State University. 

She raised a blended family with her husband Jack Feia, who preceded her in death in 2012.  Her stepson, Tom, also preceded her in death in 2020. 

She moved to California in the mid-1990s and continued her teaching career.  Kathleen was a dedicated schoolteacher for children with special needs for over 35 years. 

She was a deeply spiritual, passionate, and creative person. Kathleen was a lover of animals, and always willing to help both animals and people in need.  

The loss of this beautiful woman will be deeply felt by her family and many friends.  

She is survived by her husband Billie Jack Stevens, three daughters, four stepdaughters, her grandchildren, extended family, and her beloved dogs.  

There will be no Mass or services at this time due to COVID 19.

 Janice Marie (Kruger) Williams

    January 26, 1927 - May 6, 2020

Janice Marie (Kruger) Williams formerly of Carlisle passed away peacefully at the home of a friend in Phelan, California, on May 6, 2020. She was 93.

Born in Buffalo, NY, on January 26, 1927, she graduated from Bennett High School. In 1951, at the age of 24, Janice was chosen queen of the Bicentennial Celebration of Cumberland County, PA, held in Carlisle. She traveled extensively as a cabin attendant for American Airlines from 1952 until her marriage in 1959. Thereafter, she worked for several transport companies as an administrative assistant, in Winston-Salem, NC, Carlisle and finally in Orange, CA. Throughout her life she lived in Winston-Salem, NC, Depew, NY, Carlisle, PA, and Orange, CA; but ultimately settled and retired to Phelan, California.

She was a preceded in death by her husband, James Turner Williams; her parents, Elmer William Kruger and Mary Margaret (Kruger) Weibley; and her sisters, Dorothy May Greenway (Nate) and Betty Jean Nitsche (Bruce). She is survived by six nieces and nephews who lovingly called her Aunt Jan, and many grand nieces and nephews.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed going to the temple. She enjoyed serving in her church callings and especially loved being the church librarian for many years. It gave her great joy to visit while handing out pictures and supplies which allowed her to be a friend to all. She was a tender caregiver to a gentleman who had severe health issues. For many years she faithfully cared for him until his passing. She loved being active and in shape.

She enjoyed walking and spending endless hours working in her yard planting and tending anything that would bloom to make her desert property a beauty to behold. She loved travel adventures with her girlfriends from Phelan; Alaska being the pinnacle!

A memorial service will be held by friends and family at a later date. Janice’s ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean.

Charles T. Orr Jr., 40-years plus, resident of Wrightwood, passed away March 12, 2020, at home surrounded by his family. Charles was born March 4, 1935, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The family moved to California in the early 40s where Charles attended school in El Monte, graduating from El Monte High School. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korean War. After military service Charles took classes at Azusa College to become a fireman.

He was a proud L.A. County fireman for 36 years. Charles is survived by his wife Icky of 26 years, four children, Jeffrey Orr, Robert Orr, Kim Orr, and Mary Jane Jennings (Mike), four stepchildren, Dave, Diana,

Donald, and Dennis Griffiths, fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his sister Sharon Smedley, and nieces & nephews. Celebration of Life services will be announced at a later date.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt
 
Nanette Fisher, formerly of Wrightwood, died June 28 near her home in Morongo Valley. Born July 20, 1934 in Redfield, South Dakota, she was the eldest of five born to Fred Oliver Hunt and Pearl Christine Levans.  
In 1956, she earned her B.A. from Seattle Pacific College, where she met her future husband of 60 years, Donald Fisher. Upon marrying, the newlyweds ventured to New York City, where Nan began her teaching career and completed her Master’s degree at Hunter College.  She continued teaching amidst moves to Massachusetts and New Jersey, and the births of three children. Defying strict dictates at the time, which forbade pregnant women from teaching or attending school, Nan did both.
In 1964, the family relocated to California, where until 1995 Nan taught Home Economics and English at El Segundo High School. In 1986, Nan became a licensed realtor, and in 1990 a broker, when she and Don founded Park Place Realty in Wrightwood.
Her interests included literature, theatre, film, art, and music. She shared her delight in cooking, dress-making, ice cream, flowers, and games with those close to her. She loved traveling, and her favorite destinations were Switzerland, South Africa, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Holy Land, the Amazon, Greece, and Italy.
Nan is survived by loving siblings John, Charlotte, Christine, and Fred; beloved children Daniel, Tamara, and Kim; and cherished grandchildren Jessica, Nelson, and Laura. The memorial service in Manhattan Beach is this Saturday, July 20 at 2:00. If interested in attending, please call or text 510-333-2771.

Steven Linn Hedden

July 8, 1955 – March 30, 2019

Steve journeyed to be with his Heavenly Father on March 30, 2019, after a valiant six-month battle with brain cancer. He was 63.
Steve spent his formative years in Wrightwood, with his family and friends. He graduated high school at Apple Valley, California.
Steve is survived by his father, Robert Hedden and Robert’s wife Shari, of Wrightwood; brothers Michael, of Hurricane, Utah and Mark of Vancouver, Washington; and sister Laurie Schaefer of Chino, California.
Steve was predeceased by his mother Audrey Bach.
A memorial service in Steve’s honor will be held on May 11, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at Community United Methodist Church in Wrightwood, 1543 Barbara Street. Pastor Dave Conrad will officiate. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall of the church, after the service.

Wally Anderson
1932 -2019

Wally Anderson, 86, passed away April 8, 2019. He was a resident of Ontario, Ca. for many years and Wrightwood, Ca for the past 22 years. He was born in Bay City Texas on July 9, 1932. Wally served in the U.S. Army for 3 years during the Korean War, including 2 years in Okinawa, Japan. Wally was co-owner of Wally and Jim’s Body Shop in Ontario, Ca for 26 years. He was a member of the Optimist club, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the California Autobody Association.
He is survived by: his wife of 60 years, Sylvia Anderson, two daughters, Charmaine Kreinheder and Jane Hurst, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, sisters Jeanne Cartozian and Theresa Takencareof  and brother Wendel Anderson.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., April 27, 2019 at the Wrightwood United Methodist Church.

Kelley S. Hyland
5/7/1961 – 2/20/2019

Deputy Kelley S. Hyland died February 20, 2019. He went to be with the Lord peacefully in his home surrounded by love. He resided in Phelan, California. Kelley would have been 58 this year. Kelley is survived by his devoted and loving Wife Vicki, four Children, Stephanie, Jon, Chaz, and Trevor, parents, Jim and Marcia, and one brother, Tracey. Kelley also had five grandchildren. London, Maximus, Jolene, Sayre, and Ava.
Kelley was a Sheriff’s Deputy with Riverside Sheriff department. He took great pride in his work and family. All who knew him felt love and were unable to hold in their own laugh when he started laughing. His contagious spirit of adventure and personality surely lives on in his children. Kelley served in the United Sates Army for four years prior to having children. Kelley had an incredible list of jobs that he worked at to maintain his family. All of them precluding his service in the Sheriff’s department. It is his enormous heart, and wild spirit that will be missed. Remember, if he wasn’t teasing you, he might not have liked you at all.
Services will be held at Phelan Community Church March 30th, at 11 a.m. If you would like to attend and have the honor of wearing a service uniform of some sort, this is encouraged. If you do not, Tommy Bahama and Island attire is recommended as we will not be wearing black. Please attend ready to laugh, and share memories of Kelley.

Rick Baxter
1960 - 2019
Rick Baxter - Ricky (the Rickster) Lynn Baxter - 58, passed away Tuesday February 5, 2019, at Paulding County Medical Center in Dallas, GA. from complications of Muscular Dystrophy.
Rick was born April 6, 1950 to Velma and. Eddy Baxter in Wilmington California. Rick worked for 14 years at Valley High Toyota in Victorville, CA. Later, he opened Rick’s Roadside Cafe in Piñon Hills, California.
Rick is survived by his daughters Mercedes Baxter, and Christina Lindgren, and sons Richard Baxter and Codie Mackey Tamida, grandchildren Miguel, Mariah and Nova Merida, James Lindgren, and Haley and Ricky Baxter, his sisters Vickie Saunders and Christy Yackley, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rick was preceded in death by his sister Gail Baxter Bacot, and his grandparents.
Condolences may be addressed to Rick’s son, Richard Baxter, 113 North Beckman Ct., Dallas, GA 30132

Carl “Smitty” Smith  
May 3, 1944 – December 19, 2018

Carl Smitty Smith, resident of Wrightwood, passed away on December 19, from complications of kidney disease. He was 74.
Smitty was born in San Francisco in 1944, and was raised across the country, in Mystic Connecticut. He served four years in the United States Air Force, stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside. After his military service, Smitty worked as a peace officer, as the Chief Deputy Coroner for the County of Riverside. He later became a private investigator, and continued in that profession for 20 years. Smitty was a proud 40-year member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
It was during his time in the employ of Riverside County that Smitty met Janet Gryniuk, the woman he would marry nearly 20 years later. Smitty and Janet were wed in Las Vegas, after a 12-year courtship, in 1994. From that day, Smitty would always refer to Janet as his “bride.”
Smitty’s best friend, of 50 years, was Larry Boyes. They met in the Air Force and became fast friends. Larry lived in Wrightwood and helped arrange for Smitty and Janet to move here in 1997. Together the two friends were involved in the development and establishment of the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Park, and the annual Willys Jeep Day.
Smitty is survived by his wife Janet, son Brian (Shelly), Daughters Samantha Luebs (Jay),
Melissa Smith (Barry) and Stacey Pena, grandchildren Marisa, Summer, Bella, Daniel, Logan, and twins Baylee and Kaylyn, and his sister Susan.
A celebration of life will be held on January 19, 2 p.m., at the Wrightwood Community United Methodist Church, 1543 Barbara Street. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
 

Ronald T. Jodice
June 15, 1953 – November 28, 2018

Ronald Jodice passed away on November 28, 2018 in Palmdale, California at the age of 65, following a sudden illness. Ron was born in Jersey City, New Jersey June 15, 1953. He grew up in Palmdale before moving to Wrightwood, California, where he was an active member of the community for 37 years.
Ron led a distinguished career with Lockheed Martin for 42 years and retired in 2013. He was always referred to by his peers as the “Go to Guy” by all who worked with or for him. He will be remembered by his Lockheed family as a strong leader who was committed to managing results as well as being a good, kind, and caring person.
Ron excelled at baseball, softball, bowling and fishing. However, he will always be remembered for his love of God, Country, Family and friends.
Ron is survived by his sons Scott and Kevin, grandson Marley Jodice, and brothers Don, Robert, and Harry Jodice.
Ron was preceded in death by his son Steven Jodice, and his Father and Mother, Salvatore Jodice and Mary Walters.
A Celebration of Ron’s life is scheduled for January 12, 2019, 11 a.m. at Sunrise Church, 770 Highway 2 Wrightwood, CA 92397.

Dr. Marilyn Elizabeth
Neudeck-Dicken PhD.
May 17, 1946 - November 27, 2018
Dr. Marilyn Elizabeth Neudeck-Dicken PhD. of Wrightwood Calif. passed away early November 27, 2018. She was born May 17, 1946 in Denver, Colorado to Kenneth William Neudeck and Elizabeth (Betty) Anne Neudeck.
Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Michael Troy Dicken, of 32 years, and her chosen daughter Teresa Dorado, her sister Nanette Gefreh, her brother Kenneth Michael (Mike) Neudeck, and her step children David, Karen, and Frank Dicken.
Viewing will be held on December 10, 2018 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Desert View Funeral Home, 11478 Amargosa Road, Victorville CA 92392. Memorial service will be held December 11, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at the same location. Graveside service will be directly after at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.

Jackie Devlin
February 5, 1940 - November 28, 2018

Jacqueline Ann Devlin, loving wife, and mother of four children, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at her home in Wrightwood, California, after a sudden illness. She was 78 years old.
Jackie was born February 5, 1940 in Los Angeles California to John and Mildred Matthews. She was a graduate of Holy Family High School and UCLA Dental Assistant School. On November 25, 1960 she married Richard Devlin, whom she had met at the Los Angeles Police Academy where she was a dispatcher. They raised four children, Julie, Kelly, Brian and Jack.
During her life, Jackie worked hard building businesses, including a Sears Catalog franchise, The Cellar - a wine tasting business, and Devlin Realty. Jackie was active in the Catholic church, as President of the Women’s Council. She also loved to travel and spend time with her family and friends.  
Jackie is survived by her husband Richard, her children Julie, Kelly, Brian and Jack, brothers John and Eddie Matthews, sister Carole Melton, grandchildren, Keely, Hannah, Jessica, Cara, Hailey, Abby, Paul, Blake, and Regan, and great-grandchildren Isabella, Ephraim, and Reese.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Our Lady of the Snows Church in Wrightwood.
Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of our Snows Women’s Council, in memory of Jackie.

Gloria Jean Price

9/1/1957 – 8/15/2018

Gloria Jean Price passed away on Wednesday August 15, 2018 following a long, courageous battle with ALS. Gloria was born on September 1, 1957 in Riverside, California and was an active community member of Wrightwood for more than 35 years. Gloria enjoyed line dancing, karaoke, and many outdoor adventures.

Gloria is survived by her sons Scott Jodice and Kevin Jodice, grandson Marley Jodice, her mother Ada Dunmire, her sister Shirley Isham, nephew Michael Isham, and niece Candy DeBellot.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved son Steven Jodice, and her father Robert “Pops” Frost.

Although Gloria had three boys, she was called “Mom” by many. She will be missed by her friends and family, whom she loved so much.

Memorial services to honor Gloria’s life are scheduled Saturday September 29, 2018, 11 a.m. at Sunrise Church. 770 Highway 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397.

Leo Karlen

June 29, 1930 – August 20, 2018

With loving hearts, we mark the peaceful passing of Leo Magnus Karlen, in Calgary, Alberta, at 88 years of age.

Leo will forever be remembered by his eight children: Gregory (Barbara), Todd (Cathie), Jill (Stephen), Noni, Tim (Annie), Tom (Kathy), Cindy (Ben) and Charlie (Renee), grandchildren: Jesset, Tavin, Kian, Michelle (Rene), Sandra (Israel), Jackie, Karla (Kevin), Nicole (Charles), Danielle, Joseph (Brittany), Christopher (Rachealyn), Joshua, Cory (Holly), 23 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. Leo was predeceased by two children, Blake (1957) and Janet (1964), as well as his true love Florine, his first wife Jean, and his third wife Lupe.  

Leo called California his home for many, many years and when he and Florine married they moved to Wrightwood, Calif. Leo and Florine had their own business (as he was a General Contractor), fondly called Karlen’s Crew. Many of his children have worked for him and were taught more about construction than could be learned in a school. Leo loved his craft and imparted all he could to whomever was willing to learn. Many Wrightwoodians can attest to having seen Leo working, up on a roof, long after he should have retired. Leo remained in Wrightwood, even outliving his 3rd wife, until he moved home to his beloved Canada.

William (Bill) Alan Swift

January 10 1941 - July 9, 2018

William (Bill) Alan Swift, of Wrightwood, California, passed away at home on July 9, 2018, at the age of 77, after recent brain surgery.

Bill was born January 10, 1941, in Fullerton, California. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a Chief of the Order of the Arrow in North Orange County. He graduated from La Habra High School where he played football and ran track. He played semi-professional football for the Orange County Rhinos.

Bill retired from GTE in 1989 after more than 20 years. He received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Cal State San Bernardino and then worked as a school psychologist for the Snowline Unified School District.  He was also a member of the San Bernardino County Mental Health Board until a few years ago and still attended meetings with both the County Public Health & the District Advisory Council until his passing.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, hunt and hike in the local mountains. He was an active member of the Timberline Lions Club and enjoyed the fellowship he found in the Wrightwood community. He was grateful every day for his sobriety. Bill loved his family, his dogs and his beautiful mountain home that he and Mimi built nearly 30 years ago.

He is survived by his wife Marion (Mimi) Swift, their children Laurie Woolery (David), Dan Swift (Joyce) and David Swift (Shannon), 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, as well as his sister Sharon Sanders and her children and their families.

Bill was predeceased by his parents William Clayborn Swift and Mildred Leona Weisel, step-fathers Harry Weissberg & Peter Weisel and his grandson, Michael Woolery.

A memorial service will be held August 3 at 11am, Hillside Community Church, 3321 CA HWY 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397. If you prefer not to send flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society in Bill’s name.

Jane Wolverton Vehrencamp

April 23, 1922 – July 9, 2018

Jane Vehrencamp was called home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2018 at the age of 96.  Her life began in Woodstock, Virginia and it was here that she met Forrest Vehrencamp.  They were high school sweethearts and were married in Clearwater, Florida in 1943 where Forrest was serving in the United States Army Air Corps.  Their first daughter, Cheryl, was born in Woodstock, Virginia after which they moved to Burbank, California, where they had daughters Jeannine and Ann.  From there they moved to Wrightwood, California where Forrest was the Postmaster until he retired.

Jane was devoted to the Wrightwood Methodist Church, her husband, family, and friends.  She loved to bake, sew, knit, and work in her yard.  She did not like the snow so after Forrest passed in 2000, she finally consented to move to Kernville in 2006 to be closer to family.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Rena Wolverton, husband, Forrest, daughter, Cheryl Mora, 3 brothers, Irving, Gordon, and Charles Wolverton and 2 sisters, Evelyn Crabill and Mary Ann Fadely.  She is survived by daughters, Jeannine Vehrencamp of Vancouver, Washington, Ann Perkins-Justice of Kernville, grandchildren, Sarah Perkins of Kernville, Kurtis Perkins of Moscow, Idaho, Steven and Melanie Mora, two great-grandchildren, Joseph and Jared Mora and a very special sister-in-law, Thelma Wolverton.

Many thanks to all the caregivers at The Burlington Assisted Living in Wofford Heights and Optimal Hospice.

Services will be held for both Forrest and Jane at the Bakersfield National Cemetery on Monday, July 30 at 10:00

Margaret Gotwals 

Margaret Dannatt Gotwals, recently passed away at Mariposa Care Home in Ventura, California. 

We were very fortunate to have her celebrate her 100th birthday with family and friends. 

Margaret was born in Alberta, Canada and grew up on a farm in Warner. She attended the one-room Powell School and the Warner Consolidated School. In 1937, she attended Sawyer School of Business in Los Angeles to learn secretarial skills. She met her true love, Anthony “Curly” Gotwals in L.A. and they married in 1941. They lived in Burbank for 29 years where they raised their 3 children, Linda, Lee, and Jan. After Curly’s retirement from Lockheed, they settled in Piñon Hills, Calif. They celebrated their 50^th Anniversary in 1991 with a party and then a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Curly passed away in 1999. At age 92, Margaret moved to Ventura.

Margaret was a full-time homemaker who cooked and sewed for her family. She always remembered birthdays and was well-known for her chocolate chip cookies that were extra special because they were baked with love. She was generous and giving with her time, volunteering for Scouts, the hospital, her Catholic church, Meals on Wheels, and the Piñon Hills Senior Center and Food Bank. Margaret and Curly loved to square dance, and she enjoyed playing Bunco and other games with friends. Margaret was dearly loved by her 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson, who continue her legacy and cherish her sweet memory.

An intimate gathering is planned to celebrate Margaret’s well-lived life.

Don Fisher

1935- 2018

Don Fisher of Morongo Valley, CA, formerly of Wrightwood, died unexpectedly due to a medical accident on March 12, 2018 at Desert Regional Medical Center. Donald Clive was born on April 18, 1935, in Colville, WA, the sixth child of the Rev. J. Franklin Fisher and Dorcas Olive Ramsey. He was raised in Free Methodist parsonages in Boise, ID; Colville, Ballard, Everett, and Seattle, WA, and Sacramento and Stockton, CA. On the morning of June 10, 1957, Don graduated from Seattle Pacific College, and that evening he wed Nanette Lois Hunt. He attended Harvard Divinity School before ultimately earning a Master of Divinity from NY Theological Seminary in 1962. An ordained Methodist minister, he pastored churches in New York, New Jersey, Washington and California from 1958 through 1967. Always naturally gregarious, Don’s favorite aspect of the ministry was the counseling, and in 1971 he earned his Ph.D. from USC. He practiced psychology in Manhattan Beach, CA for nearly two decades before founding Wrightwood’s Park Place Realty in 1990. An avid birder, he retired to a home across the street from the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, where he excavated elaborate ponds and delighted in the variety of birds he could attract.

Beloved husband of Nan for 60 years, cherished father of Daniel, Tamara and Kim, adored grandfather of Jessica, Nelson and Laura, and devoted brother of Mary Lu Vogt. A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 12 in Morongo Valley. 

For more information, contact olivepearl853@gmail.com. As Irving Berlin wrote, “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”

Thelma Gentile
July 17, 1939 – January 8, 2018

Thelma moved to Wrightwood from Ohio more than 30 years ago. She worked at The Attic, the Evergreen, and Jensen’s Market, and provided in-home care. Thelma was active in the Methodist Church, where she sang bass in the choir, and in the Snowline Players, where she cued actors for their lines. She retired several years ago.
Standing 4’11”, Thelma was known for her feisty but loving personality. She loved the Cleveland Browns, and like her team, she was a perennial underdog.
She is survived by her children; David, Louie, and Ann, residing in Ohio.
She adopted Wrightwood as her home and will be missed by her many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Methodist Church on February 12, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Remembrance
William “Bill” Bailey

Bill passed away on December 8, 2017 at the age of 86 with his wife by his side; he had been in and out of the hospital since August. Bill was born in Oakland, CA. He was the eldest of 2 boys born to Earl Louis and Mary Florence Bailey. Bill’s family moved down to the south bay and lived in Compton, where they raised rabbits.
He attended Willowbrook Jr. High and High School, and attended Compton Jr. College. From college, he joined the Ski Patrol in Big Bear at Snow Summit. He was on the Patrol for 20 years. Bill married Idoma Herring in 1964 and they adopted 2 of her nephews in 1970. He worked for L&F Industries as the VP of Manufacturing. Idoma died in 2004 of Alzheimer’s.
Bill met Beverly Doran in 2007 and fell head over heels in love. They were married 6 months later. They have a home on Laura St., here in Wrightwood. Bill enjoyed woodworking and making toys for children. He volunteered at Rolling Hills Covenant Church in the Sunday School program, and helped with making the art pieces for the Pageant of the Lord. He also volunteered at TMMC, delivering mail and other duties for more than 10 years. He loved going to Gaetano’s Restaurant almost every day, even walking there for lunch with his walker. He was predeceased by his brother, Jim Bailey, and son, Bret Bailey. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Bailey of Lomita; son, Loy Bailey in Seaside, OR; stepson, Chris Doran (Rebecca); stepdaughter, Katie Rosin (Jon); sister-in-law, Margaret Mazakis; niece Terri Everett (Todd); grandchildren, Katelyn Bailey, Josie, Domenico, and Sebastian Doran, and Jackson Rosin.
Celebration of Life at Rolling Hills Covenant Church-North Campus on Friday, December 29th at 11 a.m. at 2221 PV Dr. North, Rolling Hills Estates.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. or to the PO Foundation. That is a philanthropic group who promotes furthering education for women. PEO checks can be mailed to Beverly at 25525 Pennsylvania Ave., Lomita, CA 90717. Both are tax deductible.

In memory of
Seth Greer 1951 – 2017

Seth Andrew Greer III passed away on Monday, December 4th 2017 in San Bernardino, California
surrounded by family. He was 66 years old. .
Mr. Greer was born in Youngstown, Ohio in March of 1951 to Genevieve McAfee.
He graduated from Chaney High School in 1969 and went on to attend Youngstown State University. In 1973 he moved to San Bernardino, California where he met his wife, Lorri Greer. H e moved his family to Phelan, California in 1987. Mr. Greer worked for Red-E-Kamp for 10 years. He then became an employee of Stater Bros. Markets and was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 63 for more than 18 years while living
in Phelan, California with his wife and two children. He enjoyed traveling across the country, visiting National Parks, camping, and
being a motorcycle enthusiast. H e loved the open road and the wind in his beard. H e was a wonderful son, caring brother, loving
husband, and an amazing father. Mr. Greer is survived by his wife Lorri Greer, his daughter Noelle Sack, his son
Seth Greer IV, his grandchildren Trevor Sack, Jayden Sack, and Chloe Greer, and his sister Suzanne Martin.
Funeral arrangements to be set at a later date.

In Memory of
Edward Max Bordenkircher, Jr.

March 2, 1937 - November 18, 2017
Obituary

Edward M. Bordenkircher, 80 of Ontario, died November 18, 2017 at home in Wrightwood. He was born March 2, 1937 in Glendale, CA and lived in Ontario for 20 years. He worked for the Ontario-Montclair School
District as an Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and Teacher for 33 years. Ed was a life member of the Lions Club and was honored with the Ambassador of Goodwill Award. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Security Agency, Cryptography and Communications during the Vietnam War. He loved woodworking, making birdhouses, playing with his grandkids and enjoyed spending time in the kitchen making jam.

Ed is survived by his daughter Heidi, his son Scott, and his grandchildren Liam, Ethan, Alexis, Cody, Brianna, and Ashley. He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen and his father, Edward.

Funeral Services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 920 W. Sixth Street, Ontario, CA on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Bellevue Memorial Park following services.

Terry Gott,
March 20, 1953 - October 30, 2017
Former longtime Wrightwood resident, Terry Gott, age 64, died on Monday, October 30, 2017 at home in Spring Valley Lake with his family by his side. He was born on March 20, 1953, in Upland, Ca to Wallace and Betty Gott.
Terry graduated in 1971 from Upland High School, and began working for the family business, W. D. Gott Construction Co., where he served as Vice President for over 20 years. Terry was preceded in death by his mother Betty Gott. He is survived by his wife Diana Gott, his father Wallace Gott, brother Mike Gott and sister Connie Gott, his daughters Betsy West and Brooke Canchola, his sons Robert Gott and Bryan Gott, and his seven grandchildren.
Terry will be remembered as a man of integrity who cared deeply for his family and always put others before himself. He was an avid golfer and was also known as a fisherman and outdoorsman. Additionally, he enjoyed building model trains. Terry’s zest for life inspired others, and he touched the lives of everyone who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on November 6th from 5-8 PM at Draper Mortuary, 811 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario, Ca 91762. Funeral services will be held on November 7th at 11:00 AM, also at Draper Mortuary.  Burial will follow at Belleview Memorial Park.

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Alex Paul Tschantré
May 1, 1964 - September 26, 2017
 
Alex Tschantré passed away on September 26th, 2017. He is survived by his wife Cathy and daughter Danielle, his father and stepmother Louis and Joanne Tschantré, and his sisters Erica & Inga Tschantré. We invite you to join us as we celebrate his life, this Saturday, November 4th, 1:00 p.m., at 1401 Linnet Road (Camp Wrightwood – Top of Elm) in his hometown of Wrightwood, California.

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Joan Dieterich, 83
Joan Arlene Dieterich, 83, of Covina California, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6th, 2017, at Citrus Valley Hospice in West Covina
Joan grew up in Baldwin Park, went to Covina High School, and settled in Covina with her husband of almost 60 years, Homer Dieterich. Joan spent a lot of time in the Tri-Community with her daughters Cindy Dieterich of Wrightwood and Cheryl Buckle of Pinon Hills.
Joan is survived by her husband, three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Community Says Farewell to Joe Sosa

Joseph Michael Sosa, 73, died on Thursday, August 3, 2017, at his home in Wrightwood, CA, with his two children by his side. Joe was born on May 31, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY, to Jose Manuel Sosa and Lilia Sosa Santiago, who were immigrants from Cuba. He was the older of two sons. As a child, the family moved to Miami, FL. He graduated from Southwest Miami High School 1964. Joe served a brief stint in the U.S. Air Force.
Joe enjoyed skiing, photography, fishing, computers, cars, motorcycles, and music.  He also enjoyed flying planes, and had a twin-instrument rating. He was a lifelong fan of the Dodgers, who he loved since attending Brooklyn Dodgers games with his father and brother at Ebbets Field as a boy.
Joe moved to California in 1970. He lived in San Francisco for eight years, and then settled in Los Angeles, where he lived for more than 30 years.
Joe enjoyed a successful career in advertising, working in Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles over a 40 plus-year career. He started his career working in the mailroom for a small ad agency in Miami. In the 1970s and 1980s, he worked for Chiat/Day as Vice President of Print Production, winning Advertising Production Manager of the Year for Southern California in 1981. He also worked for several other ad agencies and won many other awards for his work over his long, distinguished career. In his retirement, Joe owned and operated a PC repair business, ComputeRxLA.
Joe lived in Wrightwood for a few years in the early 1990s, and moved there permanently in 2009. He was active in the community, a member of Sunrise Church, a Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and a volunteer for Wrightwood CERT. He was very proud of being recognized as Wrightwoodian of the Year for 2014.
Joe was a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous and enjoyed 24 years of sobriety at the time of his passing.
Joe is survived by his son, Daniel Sosa; his daughter, Leah Sosa; his brother, Al Sosa; his partner, Joyce Baker; and many other relatives and close friends.
The community gathered at the Wrightwood Community Building last Monday, August 14, 2017, for a celebration of life and memorial service.

And now we resume the greatest love story of our time.

On August 2, 2017, Reginald Michael Adams was reunited with his loving mate of 70 years.  
Reginald Michael Adams, AKA “B”, was born July 23, 1923. He was given his nickname by his sister since he was the baBy of the family.  
B was shaped into an extraordinarily unique individual through equal forces of optimism, sun, sea, cars, poverty, war and opportunity.
He was a troublemaker to be sure.  Entrepreneurism tinged with larceny. Call it what you will-he had mechanical affinity & personal affection for cars. he was good at finding them, fixing them, selling them for profit and he was getting this done at the tender age of 14.  
This was around the time that he spotted the forever love of his life: DorothyVirginia Adams, affectionately nicknamed:HappyDay.  
Shortly after their marriage-he was whisked away for pilot training to serve in WW2.  
Owing to his mechanical adroitness, it was decided that he would best serve the country fixing the planes instead of flying them.  
This served their young family of three very well. It allowed for a luxury unknown to fellow soldiers. HappyDay was able to set up home close to the base  and he was able to come home to his family every weekend-as if working a normal job.  
At the end of the war, B took a few jobs as a machinist and once he hit a perceived ceiling- he left and eventually he leveraged that experience to form his own precision aerospace machine shop. he worked side-by-side with his sons to produce complicated jobs for every major aeronautical company.
Their family grew to five.  B leaves behind daughter Carol Lee Young & Son Daniel Martin Adams. He was preceded in death by his firstborn Son & namesake, Reginald Michael Adams.   
These three produced a slew of their own children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   The walls of B & HappyDay’s home are plastered with the pictures of progeny of various ages.
B did not think outside the box, rather B was not aware of a box.  He was a rugged individualist who crafted a world that many came to call home.  
B Essentially built his own city on 27 acres with paved roads & parks & even the school bus for his school aged grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  
On this spot of dirt he also operated his successful machine shop. He would come home every lunch hour to have a sandwich with the love of his life and play a game of Scrabble before walking back to work to finish out a full day.  He kept this up until his early 80s when his beloved HappyDay’s ailing health required his full time care.  
He buried the love of his life six years ago and never failed to visit her gravesite daily to bring her flowers.
On this day-they are reunited.  
B lived and died on his own terms due in no small part to the sacrifices that his loving daughter in law-Vickie Adams-made on his behest
A memorial service will be held at
Desert View Memorial Park this Saturday, August 5th @ 2pm
Please come to say goodbye. If you can bring along a story to share- so much the better.

Dean Allen Harris 10/18/1977 – 6/1/2017

Beloved son, Dean Allen Harris died June 1, 2017 of end stage renal failure and breast cancer. Dean was at his home in Pinon Hills, with family, at the time of his passing. He was 39.
Dean was born October 18, 1977 at Pomona Valley Hospital. He lived in Pinon Hills for 38 years, and was a graduate of Serrano High School. Dean loved sports; he volunteered at the Serrano football games and he played in local pool leagues for years.
Dean is survived by his parents Dennis and Debra Harris of Pinon Hills, brothers Daniel Harris and Darren and his wife Sarah Harris, nephew Darren Harris II, twin nieces Mallory and Violet Harris, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents Mac and Doris Harris, and Robert and Patricia Ferguson.
Dean had a big heart. He was well loved by many, and would do anything to help his family and friends.
A service to honor Dean’s life is scheduled on Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m., at the Womack Auditorium on the Pinon Mesa Middle School Campus. A reception will follow at the T-Bird in Phelan.

Bob Williams 6/7/1945 – 5/10/2017

Born to Cecil Howard and Margaret Lee Williams 7 June, 1945, on the now defunct Army base at Ordinance, Oregon, (Robert Howard) Bob Williams died 10 May 2017, at home in Wrightwood, CA.
Graduating from Oregon State University, Class of 1967, with a B. S. degree in Electrical Engineering, he began his career at the China Lake Naval Weapons Centre, Ridgecrest, CA. Bob received his M. S. E. E. from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. in 1978. 1984 found him at General Dynamics in the position of Senior Engineer. In 1981 he joined Lockheed Martin, Palmdale, CA., as Senior Software Engineer, with additional assignments to JPL in Pasadena, CA and the National Training Centre in Ft. Irwin, CA.
A long-term Wrightwoodian, Bob and his adoring wife Jennie relocated to Hood River, Oregon in 2013, after his retirement. In March 2017, they moved back to Wrightwood, planning to have so many more adventures together.
None of this speaks to the man, though. To say he is funny, with a gentle manner and an even temper… that he loves entertaining, to BBQ, quiet evenings with a glass of wine, cheese, and Jennie…that he is generous, kind, good…brave. A singer, member of Hood River’s VOCI, the Antelope Valley Master Chorale, Bob also sings with the Wrightwood Methodist and Hood River Valley Church choirs to mention a few. Music and Bob are one together. An avid hiker, tinkerer extraordinaire, opera lover…deeply beloved husband, father, brother, uncle…friend.
Faith, his certainty and trust in Christ, is the structure around which his life is built. It is this basis that gave him the courage to manage his diagnosis of Stage 4 Prostate Cancer in 2011. The illness has never been able to diminish Bob. Rather, without conscious decision, he set a role model for others facing this disease. Bob participated in a clinical trial, managing the many time schedules, constant tests, medications and side effects with a self-deprecating humor…relegating the Cancer to its proper perspective…a chronic condition.
Services will be held at the Wrightwood Community United Methodist Church, 1543 Barbara St., Wrightwood, CA. 11AM, Saturday, 8 July, 2017, followed by a luncheon.

Patricia Corpe Krig passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the age of eighty-seven (87). She was an exemplar matriarch of her family, and a pillar of our community.
Patricia, born to Goodspeed Sam and Hildred Caywood Corpe in Alhambra, California, was the younger of the two Corpe siblings. Her older brother Edsel was named after the Edsel automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company.
Patricia’s father Goodspeed owned and operated the first Ford Dealership in Southern California located in El Monte
In 1937, after many years visiting Wrightwood on weekends, Goodspeed and Hildred permanently moved the family to Wrightwood, inspiring a perpetual and historic family venture spanning three generations and more than eighty years to date.
Patricia, just seven years old when first arriving in our small town, quickly adopted the wonderful mountain life afforded her by assisting her father in the early operations of the Wrightwood Lodge, and by riding and enjoying her horses in and around the vast, then wide open valley, sparsely populated and home to acres of apple orchards. Pat’s love of ponies and horses was a lifelong adoration, which she relished on her own and with her extended family and friends.
Pat endeavored in a successful life-long career in real estate. At age eighteen she obtained a Real Estate Brokers License, which expired only upon her recent passing, earning her the coveted status as the youngest female to obtain, and longest to retain, a Real Estate Broker’s License in California.
In the early 1950s an astute and handsome Air Force Pilot and officer named Harry E. Krig met Patricia while searching for a rental property within commuting distance to George Air Force Base where he was stationed. The two turned a romantic attraction into an inseparable union of marriage that spanned more than 60 years or, “Till death us do part.”
Pat is survived by her 96-year old husband Harry, who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Air Force after more than 20 years of service. In addition, Patricia is survived by sons Erik Krig of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Mark Krig of Wasilla Alaska, Lance Krig of Wrightwood, and daughter Kara Krig of Victorville California, and numerous grandchildren, great-grand children and the recent addition of a great-great grandchild.
Patricia’s love of Wrightwood, coupled with her hands-on experience and uncanny ability to know and appreciate the historic value of our community, was exemplified through her ownership, development, and management of the many properties she and Harry owned and operated in and around Wrightwood. She and Harry purchased and restored the Wrights’ Ranch home on Lark Street, known to many as “Red Gate Lodge.” The couple brought this historic landmark back to life and provided many a chance to venture back in time as they visited and toured the renovated property.
Patricia’s devotion to our little town she so adored was instrumental in gaining her extensive historic knowledge and understanding of the people, places and properties that make Wrightwood so unique. Her love of the history of our town was forever captured in print in two books she wrote and published, Wrightwood and Big Pines, written in collaberation with her dear friend Barbara Van Houten, and Wrightwood’s Past, by Pat Corpe Krig.
Pat was available at any time to sit and chat with anyone who wanted to stop by. She would share her wealth of knowledge with a charm and delivery that was unique to her. She was loved and adored by many.
The family has planned a local service, for the celebration of Pat Krig’s life, on April 1, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at the Wrightwood Methodist Church. All are invited to attend. In addition, there will be a small family service at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Park, located in Boulder City, Nevada, where Patricia will be laid to rest, on April 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life for  Marla Olson
Marla was born February 6,1955, and passed away February 23, 2017.
She has been part of the community since the early 80s.
She has four children, Nate, Michelle, Megan, and Kristen, and two beautiful granddaughters, Emma and Lilah. Jack Firner was Marla’s long-time love.
Marla loved animals and she loved her garden. She had such a green thumb; she could grow anything.
Marla would light up a room with her witty humor. She will be missed.
Celebration of Life for Marla Olson
Sunday March 12th 2017
1-4 pm
Lake House
Wrightwood Country Club
1387 Oriole Rd
Wrightwood, CA  
This will be an informal service, an open house style.
Please come and celebrate her life with us, her family, and friends.
Food and beverage will be provided.

Margaret Weeks
6/29/1923 – 1/20/2017

Margaret weeks, long time resident of Wrightwood, was born June 29, 1923 and peacefully passed away January 20, 2017.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, her brother, her son Dan and her beloved husband James Weeks.
She will be dearly missed by her daughter Diane Krajsa, step daughter Sandra Rakestraw and her husband Jeff, daughter in law Francie Ainsworth, granddaughter Cyndee Smolik, grandson Craig Ainsworth and wife Dana, great grandsons Gavin and Garet Smolik, and granddaughter Alexis Spence. Her extended family includes adopted son Bob Bailes and his wife Elaine, adopted grandson Weston Smith, Richard Smith, and a host of friends whose live she touched.
Margaret will be reunited with her husband Jim, for their eternal dance, during a service for family and friends at Riverside National Cemetery, February 24, 2017 at 11:45 a.m.

Richard T. Ackley
    Richard Ackley passed away on the 2 February 2017 at the age of 88 in his longtime home in St. George Utah, where he and his wife spent many happy years in retirement.
    Dick’s father, Tom, was a first generation Italian with a third grade education, who had spent his first years in America in a Catholic orphanage in New York City.  The orphanage burned down, Tom’s identity papers were destroyed, and he was released to find his way in the new world.  Tom eventually moved to Los Angeles, opened a bakery, and met and married his wife and partner in the bakery, Lorraine.  Richard, an only child, was born in 1928 and spent much of his non-school hours in the family bakery located adjacent to the University of Southern California. Tom and Lorraine came to know the faculty and students at USC and wanted nothing more than for Richard to grow up and graduate from this private university.  And so he did, entering through the US Navy’s ROTC program.  In 1950, he received his commission and became the first in his family to earn a college degree.  Dick dedicated his life to making the most of his life in a fitting tribute to his father’s legacy.
    Dick married Joan in a naval wedding service and shortly after deployed on his first assignment aboard the destroyer Brinkley Bass, to support the Korean War. After graduation from Submarine School, he served in GREENFISH and CARP from 1952-1956.  His son Steven was born in 1953, and his daughter Karen in 1956.
    Commander Ackley completed postgraduate training in Naval Intelligence and in the Russian language.  He served as Officer-in-Charge, US Naval Field Intelligence Office, Miami, Florida, Executive Officer of REMORA and Commanding Officer of BREAM.  Commander Ackley was assigned two tours of duty on the staff of the Commander Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet, and as Assistant Naval /attache US Embassy Moscow, USSR.  He was awarded the degree of Master of Arts in Political Science at the University of Hawaii in 1969.  Commander Ackley assumed command of Submarine Division Thirty One in August 1969.  Commander Ackley retired in 1970 and moved to Redlands, California.  
    Dick received his PhD in International Relations from his alma mater, the University of Southern California.  He and Joan then built a home in the mountains of Wrightwood, California where he launched his second career, this time in academia.  He taught strategy and defense policy at USC, the University of Redlands, and for 15 years at the California State University San Bernardino.  He was a consultant to Science Applications International of Washington, DC.  Dr. Ackley authored many articles and contributed to books in the field of strategic studies and defense policy.  He was the founder of the National Security Studies graduate program at the California State University, San Bernardino.  In September 1990 he became Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Director Emeritus of National Security Studies.
    In 1989, Dick and Joan both fully retired and moved to St. George, Utah where they built their dream house on the 3rd green of the Bloomington Country Club.  He served on the Board of Directors for several years, and thoroughly enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie built from hours of play on the links, and country club dining events.
    In May 2013 his wife and partner unexpectedly passed away after 63 years together.  He used to playfully claim that “she broke the rules and died first!”  Her loss was devastating and he worried about how to navigate alone.  It did not take long for his St. George neighbors and friends to step forward and show their generous spirit.   He frequently commented on how surprised and grateful he was for their warm embrace, and their kindness gave him a new reason to stay engaged, and to reimagine his new life as a single man.  He wanted to stay in his house as long as possible, and the goodness of his friends and neighbors made that a reality.  All thanks!
        Services will be held Tuesday 7 February 2017 at 11am at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St George Boulevard, St. George, Utah.
    In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorprojet.org.

Billie O’Deal Huddleston
April 20, 1931 - January 7, 2017

Billie O’Deal Huddleston was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 7, 2017. Billie was 85 years old. She was born in Crystal City, Texas to Pete Pierce and Velma Vaughan Pierce. She was a resident of Phelan for 51 years.
Billie is survived by her loving husband, Charlie and children Debbie Harris (Ron), Sharlyn Walker-Berry (Al),  Mike Jacobs (Terry), and Liz Petersen, her sister Frances Gallant (Bruce), and grandchildren Gregory, Jordan, Michael, Cole, Matthew and Jessica. She leaves 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Billie was a loyal servant of God. She touched many lives as a powerful prayer warrior and witness for the Lord. She was an American patriot and a loyal Texan.
Billie was a very supportive, encouraging and loving mother. She will always be in our hearts and will continue watching over us. She will be so very missed by her family and friends.
A celebration of Billie’s life was held January 13, at Harvest Christian Center in Phelan.

Virginia Vaughan
10/14/1918 - 12/31/16in
Virginia Schofield-Vaughan died peacefully at her Phelan home on New Years Eve, with her family by her side. Virginia was born in St. Anthony, Idaho. She had four children - Trenna Anderson, Lynette Snapp, Kyle Schofield, Christine Noriega. She and her family moved to Azusa, California in 1952 and then to Wrightwood in 1972, and she spent the rest of her life in WrightWrightwood and Phelan.
Virginia was very active in her church and community. She loved to paint, sing, listen to music, crochet, quilt and travel. She made quilts or afghans for all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren. She also made hundreds of quilts for babies in her church, the community, and to send to children all over the world. She sang 16in Sweet Adeline’s for 6 years and loved the girls she performed with.
A
few years ago one of her great, great grandkids said to her, “You are so old! How did you do that?” She responded, “I walk every day for 2 miles and eat candy!”
Virginina is survived by Trenna & DeLoy Anderson, Christine & David Noriega, 9 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and more than 45 great, great grandchildren, and many people who called her friend.
Virginia was a miracle in our lives. It is true that she is no longer with us on earth. But, she will always be in our hearts, she will always be watching over us, praying for us, laughing with us when we are happy, crying with us when we are sad, and she will be there to greet us with open arms when it is our time to leave this earth.

Paula Biller VanLeuven
1951 – 2016

Paula Biller Van Leuven of Wrightwood departed this life on October 8, 2016
Paula was born on October 10, 1951 in San Pedro, CA. Paula was a kind loving person, always willing to help others. She had a beautiful singing voice and often was a D.J. for Karaoke.
She was a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, mentor, grandmother and friend to many.
Her son Terry Michael predeceased Paula. Paula’s surviving relatives include her husband John Taylor, mother Lona Lee Biller, sister Kathy Biller Maguire, brother Wayne Biller, grand-daughter, Jessica Panto, grand-son Anthony Panto, grand-son Vicent Panto, step-daughter Sharli Taylor and multiple step-grand children, nieces and nephews.
Memorial service to be announced at a later time.

Kenneth Joseph Metzmeier
August 16, 1941 – September 21, 2016
Kenneth Joseph Metzmeier, 75, of Phelan, CA went home to be with the Lord on September 21, 2016, after a long illness.
Ken was born in Louisville, KY on August 16, 1941 to August and Anna Mae Metzmeier. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. After boot camp, he trained as a Navy Seal and served in Vietnam. Ken retired in 1995 from McDonnell Douglas, Long Beach as Branch Manager in Assembly after 34 years. Ken loved bowling, golfing, camping, and boating at the Colorado River. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and trips to Las Vegas. He was a member of the Fountain of Living Waters Foursquare Church, where he served as an usher.
Ken is survived by his loving wife Sharon Metzmeire, his daughters Devera (Mike) Martin, and Kimberly Metzmeier, both of Garden Grove, CA, his son Todd Metzmeier (Kathy) of Cherry Valley, CA, and grandchildren Alana Martin, Jamie Martin, Matthew and Jason Armijo, Isaac Metzmeier, and Christopher Metzmeier.
The Celebration of Life services are on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Life Chapel, 10184 7th Ave., Hesperia, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fountain of Living Waters Building Fund, at PO PO Box 290100, Phelan, CA 92329-0100, or to your favorite charity would be a blessing.

William Michael Sikora, father, husband, son, friend and mentor, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016 at the age of 76. He was born September 2, 1940 in Duquesne Pennsylvania. He moved to Fontana, California in 1943 and then settled into Phelan around 1980. 

Adrianne Marie Edgerly   
5/16/1948 – 7/4/2016

Longtime Wrightwood resident and shopkeeper, Adrianne Marie
Edgerly, passed away on July 4th. Her family was at her side.

She was preceded in death by her father Nicholas Lechiara, and her son Donny Pope. She is survived by her mother Esther Falsetto, husband Ron Edgerly, her daughters Nicki Boyce and Debbie Lynn, stepson Stefan Edgerly, and siblings Joanne Minello, Janice Kinderman, Michael Lechiara, James Lechiara, and Lori Weaver. She also leaves grandchildren Amanda Jo Pope, Jessica Rees, Jordan Rees, Jeremiah Boyce, Charlie Boyce, Levi Boyce, and great granddaughter Penelope Lanning.

Adrianne graduated from La Quinta High School in Westminster, CA and attended Santa Ana City College. She married Ron Edgerly on June 30, 1980 at their home in Wrightwood. Ron and Adrianne moved to Wrightwood full time in 1997.

Adrianne opened Off Melrose in 2002; it became a family enterprise. She changed the name to Willow Boutique and Salon when she moved to the current location in the village center. No one was a stranger in Adrianne’s shop. Her customers became her friends the moment they saw her smile. Her children and grandchildren were inspired by her love of art, fashion and design.

Adrianne was very active in the community. In 2005, she served as President of the Wrightwood Youth Association. Most recently she served on the board of ChemoWize, a non-profit organization that connects Partners in Health with patients in need of financial, physical, and emotional support.

The graveside service for Adrianne will be private and limited to family. However, Adrianne’s beautiful spirit will be celebrated Tuesday August 2 at The Apple Farm, 936 State Hwy 2, Wrightwood. The celebration starts at 5:00 PM.

Mrs. Jean D. Dana (Wakefield)  
01/06/1934 – 07/10/2016
  Jean Dana, with family and friends at her bedside, joined her Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 10th after a brief struggle with cancer. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Jean, a resident of Wrightwood, was 82.
  Jean was born in Monrovia, California on January 6th, 1934 the daughter of Luther and Jimmye Wakefield. The family soon moved to Bell Gardens, California where Jean and her brother Morris Wakefield grew up. There, she would meet and marry her high school sweetheart, Frank Dana. Together they would enjoy a 62-year marriage.
  Jean worked as an Instructional Aide in the Montebello Unified School District for 20 + years. She enjoyed local politics, as her husband Frank was a Mayor and Councilman in Bell Gardens. In 1988, she retired with her husband and moved to Willow Valley, Arizona and then later to Laughlin, Nevada. Together they enjoyed a long retirement along the Colorado River until 2013 when Frank passed away.
  In 2014, Jean moved to Wrightwood, California to be near her daughter and son-in-law, Lynn & Wayne Satterfield. In Wrightwood she was active in the local philanthropic women’s club, “The Blue Thong Society,” helping people in the community, and participating in many village events. She also enjoyed being a member of the Wrightwood Country Club.
  Jean remained very close to her friends, many of whom were from her childhood and high school years. She enjoyed the many visits and yearly reunions with them. Jean’s smile and hearty laugh will be missed by those who loved her.

“Celebration of Life” services are pending.

Michael M. McGowan, D.C., N.D.
12/29/1933 – 07/05/2016

 Dr. Michael McGowan, resident of Wrightwood, passed away on July 5, 2016. The beloved chiropractor died in Harrogate, Tennessee of cancer. He was 82.
 Michael M. McGowan was born in New Zealand December 29, 1933. He served his country in the military. He was a resident of Wrightwood for more than 31 years. Dr. McGowan provided chiropractic care to countless local community members.
He is survived by his wife Elaine in Wrightwood, and his four daughters: Robyn Simmons of Simi Valley CA, Sandra Trupiano of Moorpark CA, Deborah Murphy of Rancho Palos Verdes CA, Judy Orland of Manhattan Beach CA, and his brother Tim McGowan of Pauanui, New Zealand. Michael had 10 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.
 Even after his retirement, Dr. McGowan continued to share his technique with the next generations by teaching at various chiropractic conventions and seminars. So devoted to the health of his friends and family was he, that his last adjustment was literally on his deathbed for two of his dear friends.
 A small service was held at the McGowan home in Wrightwood, and was officiated by Fr. Patrick Kirsch.

Betty Marie Anderson, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 26, 2015, in Thousand Oaks, California, with family at her side. She was born in Surrey, North Dakota on January 30, 1933 and graduated from Surrey High School before marrying Gordon Anderson in November of 1951. 

She moved to California in 1957 where she raised her family. Betty was an active member in her church community, teaching Sunday School and volunteering her time for a number of charitable causes. She worked side by side with her husband at their family-owned pharmacy in Thousand Oaks for nine years. Betty and her husband moved full time to their home in Wrightwood, California in 1974 where they continued to live for the next 41 years. She was known and loved for her kindness and generosity. Betty enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, singing, sewing, baking and being with family.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon, of nearly 64 years; her two daughters, Debra Christensen and Kimberly Kussman; sister, Sharon Paulson; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Sunday, August 30, 2915, at Wrightwood Community United Methodist Church. 

Donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.

Calvin S. Phillips

March 23, 1938 – August 2, 2015

Beloved son, husband, brother father, uncle and friend passed away from complications of leukemia and pneumonia in Apple Valley, California

Cal was a submarine sailor for ten years, last serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln (SSBN 602) as a MK1 and MK2 Missile Technician. After active duty, he was employed by the Department of the Navy serving for six years at the Liaison office at Ford Island  – Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and to the Naval Weapons Station – Seal Beach, California.

During his time in civil service, Cal completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics at the University of Hawaii and a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance Engineering at the University of Southern California.

Over the next twenty-five years, Cal enjoyed bartending at numerous dinner houses, including owning and managing four of his own. His last stop, at the Old Washoe Club in Virginia City, Nevada, was undoubtedly his favorite (1995 – 2001). Serving the locals of that great town and making friends with tourists from around the world were some of his favorite memories.

Cal was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth A. Phillips, Sr. and Elizabeth A Swain. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; his four children Christy, Cal Jr., Cameron, Candi; his brother Kenneth A. Phillips, Jr. and his family; Brother-in-law Jerry Cameron and his family; sister-in-law Twylia Cameron and her family; beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Cal enjoyed fishing with his buddies and playing horseshoes and darts with his veteran friends at VFW Post 9415. Cal loved classic car shows and representing Bonnie’s clan at Scottish festivals, He looked forward to his yearly visits back to Virginia City to reconnect with old friends and remember old times.

He deeply loved his Bonnie, his family, his dogs, his friends and his yard. We will all miss him more than words can express.

Private family services are being arranged. Memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Cal’s memory. 

Yolanda Sherburn  6/22/1954 – 7/15/2015

Yolanda (Lana) Whited - Sherburn was born June 22,1954 in Denison, Iowa to Hilda and Warren Whited. Lana spent most of her youth in Denison and at the age of 22 moved to Southern California where she met and married Fred Sherburn in 1979. They started a family soon after, adopting their four children, LeeAnn, Nathan, Whitney, and Veronica. Lana and Fred raised their four children in Wrightwood, California. Lana was very active in PTA at Wrightwood Elementary School. She started the first Daisy Girl Scout Troop in Wrightwood, Coached Soccer, T-ball, and kept score and taught scorekeeping for the Little League. Lana worked as a manicurist for many years in Wrightwood. In 2007 Fred retired from Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Lana and Fred moved to Fort Collins, Colorado so that she could be closer to her brothers and sisters in Iowa. All of Lana’s children followed her to Fort Collins. Lana loved her grand children so much that they all loved to come to her house. On 7-15-15 Lana lost her 4-year battle with Melanoma cancer. She died at home under Hospice care with family by her side. Lana leaves Fred, her husband of 36 years, her four children, 10 grand children, and brothers Gale Whited of Vail, Iowa, Jerry Whited of Deloit,
IA, and sisters Donna Stone, Schleswig, IA, Ruby Barns Isabella, MO. and Judy Dugan, Theodosia, MO., and many nieces and nephews. Lana was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Irene Stone, Delores Slater and Arlene Bolken. A celebration of life will be held on July 25th at 1pm at Cronks Café and Lounge at 812 4th St. South  (Hwy 30) Denison, IA.  Please leave a message of condolence for the family at www.VesseyFuneralService.com.

Helen Ward (Cornelius) 

1933 - 2015

On May 3, 2015 Helen Ward (Cornelius) passed away of sudden cardiac arrest after moving to Northern California to be near her daughters just 4 months earlier.  At 82 years of age, she’d only moved from Wrightwood a few years ago and been a part of the community for over 45 years – she talked often of her happy memories while participating in this unique mountain village.

Helen Ward had the privilege of moving to Wrightwood in 1966, first as a weekender, and then as full time resident in 1967. Shortly after settling, she worked as a waitress for the Yodeler on Park Drive where she met and married Grant Cornelius. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal State San Bernardino, her career in real estate began. For nearly 20 years, she and Grant owned and operated what was known as the Wrightwood Village Realty offices in both Wrightwood and Phelan. As a real estate agent and broker, she enjoyed participating in the local community life, raising her three daughters - Debra Edwards, Marcia Mills and Tami Dockendorf- and helping to raise Grant’s two children, Kevin Cornelius and Karen Redmond.

Grant Cornelius passed away in 1987 and in 1988 she married David Ward. As he managed Ski Sunrise (Mountain High North) for many years, her relationship to the community was expanded to include many newly formed friendships in the ski community.

Helen remembered Wrightwood fondly, as a close-knit community where everyone knew you and supported your family and business. She’d recently talked about her memories of sharing in the many activities with fellow residents over the years: swimming and playing tennis at the Twin Lakes Club (Wrightwood Country Club), skiing at Holiday Hill (Mountain High East) and Ski Sunrise, having BBQs and campfires at Table Mountain Campground, Grand Marshall of the Mountaineer Days Parade, participating in the Lions Club, sewing in her quilting group, singing in the Sweet Adelines a Capella group, entertaining for progressive dinner events, hosting luau parties, dining at the Blue Ridge Inn,  shopping and visiting at Holiday Foods (Jensen’s), and attending Wrightwood United Methodist Church. No matter what the activity or event, she remembered everyone with kind words and laughter.

Most recently, she absolutely loved her 3^rd story view of the Sierra Nevada countryside and was happy to be near her family. Although she’d moved to Apple Valley for health reasons after leaving Wrightwood, she continued to speak of how much she missed the mountains; so it was fitting that she was able to be in the pine trees again as she went home to be with Jesus. A private memorial service was held on June 6^th at her daughter’s home in Shingle Springs, where her favorite song was sung – Amazing Grace – followed by a time of sharing memories while eating the foods of her favorite summer holiday – 4^th of July. The family would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who touched Helen’s life and helped make it happy and full. We miss you, Mom, and are happy that you’re now free from pain. We look forward to the day when we can all be together in Heaven.

Wrightwood guitar hero George “Sonny” Harris passes

1949 - 2015

The Wrightwood music community mourns the loss of one of its most brilliant and accomplished artists.

George “Sonny” Harris died Sunday night, June 7, after a brave battle with lung cancer. Sonny was 66 years old.

With his signature cowboy hat, long silver hair and handlebar mustache, playing his Fender Telecaster left handed and upside-down, Sonny was an ionic guitar player in many local lineups. He was a virtuoso in the tradition of seventies blues-based rock music.

In recent years Sonny had been a star soloist for Gayle Dowling and other local luminaries. At the time of his death he was developing original material with local Rock band F.A.B.

Sonny Harris was born in Pomona, CA, on May 21, 1949. He served his country with honor and distinction in the Vietnam War. After his discharge he moved to Canada and joined the celebrated rock band The Guess Who. He remained prominent in the Canadian music scene for many years. Sonny is survived by sister Marlene Risner, and many loving friends and band mates. Dave Cimino and Rob Hazard will miss him as a brother.

Sonny Harris will be remembered for his gentle, kind demeanor as much as for his musical brilliance. 

Notification of services is pending.

Edsel Lindy Corpe

Mesquite, Nevada

 EDSEL LINDY CORPE, 87 years of age, passed away peacefully at home in Mesquite, NV, surrounded by his loving wife Loretta and family, on May 5, 2015.  

Born on June 6, 1927 in El Monte, CA.  Ed, as he preferred to be called, was raised in Wrightwood, CA, and graduated in 1944 as valedictorian and student body president from Victor Valley High School in Victorville, CA.  Before joining the Navy, Corpe attended the University of Redlands, transferred to the University of Southern California, graduated and was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy.  After completion of forestry school at Utah State University, Corpe began a career with the US Forest Service that included a stint with USAID in Vientiane, Laos, and Supervisor of the Forest Service Southern Region in Atlanta, GA before retirement to Kalispell, MT and Mesquite, NV.  Corpe was known for his direct style, memorable communication skills, and creative approaches to challenges. 

A man of many interests and skills, Corpe was engaged in many hobbies; he collected and traded guns, collected and traded knives, built custom gunstocks, and participated in many social and civic affairs.  After retirement he took particular interest in the Veteran’s and the Senior Citizen’s Centers in Mesquite, NV.  However, those who love him are sure that he will be best remembered for his character - he was a patriot, devout, deeply devoted to family and friends, and absolutely dependable - “one of the good guys.”

Preceded in death by his parents Hildred and Goodspeed Corpe, his first wife Colleen Nix Corpe, and his grandson Robert John Goodspeed Hosler, Corpe.  He is survived by his wife Loretta of Mesquite, NV, his sister Patricia Corpe Krig of Wrightwood, CA, and a large loving family of children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren and dogs.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Senior Center located at 102 W Old Mill Road in Mesquite, NV.  Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV, 1900 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Mesquite Veterans Center, Inc., PO Box 2431, Mesquite, NV 89024.  Family and friends are invited to leave a memory or message on their web page at www.virginvalleymortuary.com. 

Sven “Norm” Willerup,

 2/1/1940 – 2/15/2015 

Mr. Sven Norman Willerup age 75 of Grass Valley, California died on February 12^th, 2015 in Roseville, California. “Norm” was born on February 1^st, 1940 in Glendale, California.

Norm Willerup resided in Wrightwood from 1978 to 1985 and worked for Mountain High, Ski Sunrise and the JPL observatory as an electrician and maintenance worker. Mr. Willerup died from complications from diabetes. Norm is survived by his wife Elly Willerup, and his two daughters LynDee Monson and Lori Hetherington. Lori is a graduate of Serrano High School and was Miss Congeniality in the 1982 Miss Wirightwood Contest. Mr. Willerup leaves behind four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Of note, Norm was long involved in the Boy Scouts and as a young man helped to build the hikers monument at the top of Mt. Baden Powell. He will be greatly missed.

Loren R. Wendt

A man of many talents - Corporate man, Magician, Poet, Community man, and Family man

By Vicky Rinek

Wrightwood community is mourning the loss of one its own, Loren R. Wendt aka Magic. Loren passed away in his sleep Saturday night, February 14, 2015

A longtime resident, and community leader in Wrightwood Loren is known best for his many years as the Honorary Mayor of Wrightwood. “He was a huge part of this community,” said a Chamber member. “One of a truly incomparable individual, Loren impressed everyone with his professionalism conducting the Chamber meetings adding his own kind of humor and magic.”  

In recent years, however, he focused the majority of his efforts on one person—his wife, Betty who has health issues.

Loren was born in1927 Woodbine, KS and moved to Ontario, CA in 1941.  He and his wife Betty were married in 1947. Loren worked for the Southern California Gas Company from 1947 to 1984 when he retired as District Manager for the Covina area. 

Loren had a full life. Most recently Loren was Honorary Mayor of Wrightwood for 3 terms. He won the prestigious Fred Olds Western Poetry Award, 2nd Place, Los Angeles Corral for his poem titled “An Eventful Night in Tombstone.” 

Loren was a member in many organizations including:

Member of the Westerners International Poet Society

Member of the Society Of American Magicians 

Member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians

He had many published poems and was entertainer to many generations. 

He will forever be remembered as "Magic".

Loren is survived by his wife, two sons, five grandchildren, and two great granddaughters.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 4:00 p.m., at the Desert View Memorial Park, 11500 Armargosa Rd., Victorville.

Poem written by Loren, published in 2012

At Peace On The Prairie by Loren Wendt

“You wouldn’t mind a little music now would you, old hoss?”

And Hawley took out his harmonica and gave it a tap or two

The first tune he played was “Little Joe the Wrangler”, of course

Then came “Amazing Grace” for reasons that even he never knew

Echoes of that sad and mournful song had just begun to fade away

As Hawley and his faithful horse were gazing at the setting sun

The sky was turning from blue to orange – the end of another day

Two at Peace On The Prairie – a hard-workin’ day was really done

Hawley stood up – “Well, if that ain’t the gol-durndest thing!”

A towering old Saguaro was framed against that fiery, flaming sky

No one could have doubted the message it seemed to bring

And a cross stood out in bold relief as the day prepared to die

Hawley sort of held his breath and then dropped to one knee

“Lord I tell you – I ain’t never seen the likes of that on this here prairie

I just wish every dog-goned cowpoke could have had a chance to see

That message from up there – Lord, you sure been good to Red and me!”

Published in the Cowboy Poetry book by The Westerners Los Angeles Corral in 2012, with the inscription: 

Dedicated to Loren Wendt! A man of integrity and quiet dignity whose cowboy poetry is “Top Rail.”

The Los Angeles Corral of Westerners is proud to have you as our member and dedicate this keepsake to a real cowboy poet. To know Loren Wendt is to be inspired to write honest, from-the-heart, lines on America’s most storied profession: The Cowboy!

Loren’s Magic Man days

Excerpt from newspaper archives from the Covina Argus, 1953 and La Verne Leader, September 1976: 

It started when his father gave him several magic card tricks. He had so much fun with them that he began looking for more stunts to amaze his friends with his bag of tricks.

Taking his cue from Dorothy of storybook fame, Loren Wendt left Kansas at the age of 14 years and a fledgling magician with six years of experience behind him to become the “Wizard of Ahhs” in San Dimas, California.

During Loren’s high school and junior college days, he took magic up seriously. 

It wasn’t easy to acquire good magic tricks but one day George Foote, a well-known magician, saw him doing tricks before students at Chaffey College and he took an interest in him. Magic said, “He thought I showed a glimmer or two of talent, and sold me his bag of tricks.” He learned many tricks from Foote and after three years of hard work he was able to prove to the public, “the hand is quicker than the eye.”  

“I was seriously accused of practicing black magic. But I was finally exonerated and escaped being burned at the stake.”  Said Wendt. Wendt’s wife, Betty, used to help him in some of his acts such as mind reading and another where she magically appeared out of a two-story dollhouse filled with furniture. “One of my biggest thrills was when Betty bought me an old sword that turned out to be one of five that had been handmade for a special sword card trick,” Wendt said. “The act consisted of someone picking any three cards out of a deck, then throwing the deck in the air where I speared those particular three cards with the sword. It was quite effective. “However, not all my attempts have been successful,” Wendt admitted. “I at one time planned to add the famous ‘bullet catching trick’ to my repertoire.” I bought a .22 pistol, got ketchup capsules for it and had my assistant fire it at me from 10 feet, expecting to catch the bullet with my teeth. It ended with him shooting off half of my moustache,” Wendt said. “But even with George’s coaching, it took me a good three years before I felt I was ready to perform with my new act.” Since that time, Wendt had given more than 2,000 performances before audiences.

In order to maintain an amateur standing, Wendt never charged for his performances. “I’m pretty much out of the business now,” Wendt said, “because of other commitments that take up my time. But I still perform occasionally to keep my hand in.” There are three types of magic generally performed: close-up, parlor, and stage. Wendt had mastered hundreds of tricks in all three categories. During his active career as a magician, Wendt served as chief wizard of the San Gabriel Valley Magicians and was a member of the Society Of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was a member of The Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences better known, perhaps, as The Magic Castle. “It’s been a very rewarding hobby,” Wendt said. “But one thing I’ve always made it a point to keep in mind as a magician is that I was there to entertain not to satisfy my own ego. I think this is important for any entertainer to remember.” 

There have also been some heartache connected with his hobby, Wendt admited, such as the time he brought a white rabbit back to the hospital as a gift for a little girl and found she had passed away. “But the rewards outweigh the heartaches,” Wendt said, “and there will always be a place for the amateur who goes around saying, ‘take a card any card.’”

His passion of performing magic tricks continued on throughout his life. It was more than a hobby, whenever asked he would do his magic tricks before many groups such as service clubs, PTA, church groups, social clubs, Children’s Hospital, Veterans’ Hospital, prisons, any worthwhile group. Special performances were given before blind audiences where a sighted spectator described the act or members of the audience were asked to hold Wendt’s hands as he performed his tricks. His wife Betty often assisted him in presenting the magic program.

Chance Karras Henopp 

2/05/1998 - 11/03/2014

Chance Karras Henopp of Phelan, CA passed away on Monday, November 3, 2014.

Chance was born in Apple Valley, CA on February 5, 1998. He attended Eagle Summit High School in Phelan.

Chance is survived by his loving parents, David Henopp and Jodi Karras of Phelan, and brother Robert Karras of Clarksville, AZ. Chance was a beloved son, and was loved many family members and friends, too many to name. He will be greatly missed.

Join his family and friends for a celebration of his life. We will share stories, memories, and laughter in honor of Chance. The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 5:00PM at Calvary Chapel, 4501 Nielson Rd. Phelan, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please contact: hdpheonixfoundation.com.

Marianne Lehman (Wilson) Troyer

1/31/1931 - 11/7/2014

Born: January 31, 1931 Pasadena, CA, Died: November 7, 2014, Service: Saturday, November 15th, viewing is 9:00 - 9:30 AM  Service starts at 9:30am., Location: Burning Bush Church, 14849  7^th Street, Victorville.

Survived by her beloved husband, Richard L. Troyer; Children: Marilee Frank, Evemarie King, Wm. Lincoln Troyer, Melody Woodard; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren.

Marianne was born Mary Ann Lehman to Aaron Samuel Lehman and Marguerite Thompson Lehman in Pasadena, CA; raised by her “foster” parents, Ruth and W. Henry Wilson.  An amazing woman who was extremely talented, creative, hard working, and funny. She had a passion for living for the Lord Jesus and teaching children.  She graduated from Pasadena Nazarene College, a teacher by profession, and taught for 10 years in La Puente. She married Richard L. Troyer on June 24, 1961.  Family was very important to her and they had four children. They moved to Wrightwood in 1970 and to Phelan in 1978 where they lived for 36 years until moving to the Apple Valley/Victorville area and finally Inland Christian Home in Ontario, CA.  She was constantly involved in her church, community, and children’s schools.  She was PTA president of Wrightwood Elementary, in leadership for the Grange, and co-pastored, with Richard, the Baldy Mesa Wesleyan Church for 13 years, to name only a few of her accomplishments. She was a reporter/writer for the Mountaineer in the 1970s. Marianne substitute taught for many years in the Wrightwood and Phelan Elementary Schools, but also had opportunities to teach all ages. She was a Master Teacher and last taught at Victor Valley Christian School for 25 years. Marianne served and worked at full-speed - giving, helping and impacting many people within her sphere of influence. She lived to serve and give glory to the Lord!

Stories and remembrances may be posted on Facebook: The Legendary Mrs. Troyer

On the first Friday of October while sleeping, Ron Marx quietly slipped into eternity. Born and raised in California, Ron spent his early years in Beverly Hills. as a teenager , his family moved to Fontana. At age 19 he was employed by Kaiser Steel until the Plant closed in the 1980s. During that time, he married Ellie, now deceased, with whom he had three children. He lived briefly in Victorville, finally moving to Wrightwood where he and his second wife Judy, now deceased, build a home. During the 1990s he was employed by the Snowline School district where he worked exclusively for Wrightwood Elementary as the school’s Custodian. Word was: “He could fix anything.” He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Jerry Marx, Robert McLellan, Christine Rice and Roberta Baker as well as his three children: Ron Marx, Penny Reese and Jeannie Kingsbury, and seven Grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sheila (Jollie) Lesch

1951 - 2014

Sheila (Jollie) Lesch went home to be with Jesus on October 18, 2014, with her family by her side. She was 63.

Sheila was born January 9, 1951 in Providence, RI to the late William and Mary (Dillon) Jollie. She was a resident of Phelan for more than 20 years. Sheila attended Fountain of Living Waters Church and was a member of Sonshine Ministries. She loved serving others, family gatherings, and playing cards. She will be especially remembered for her love of family, friendly smile, and outgoing personality. Sheila never met a stranger.

Sheila leaves behind daughter Tracey Johnston of Redlands, CA, and son Josh Lesch of Yucaipa, CA. She is survived by her brothers, William (Linda) Jollie and Jay (Cheri) Jollie, both of Phelan, and her sisters, Melodie Jollie and Sharon (Ken) Metzmeier of Phelan, and Frances (Glenn) Flohr of Pinon Hills.

Sheila is also survived by grandchildren Cameron and Lauren Johnston, Morgan, Dylan, and Greyson Lesch, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her, and a family that meant so much to her, Roy, Treva, Amanda, and Khya Grove.

A private, family Celebration of Life will be held November 8, 2014.

Local family suffers tragic loss

By Terri Hill

Wednesday, October 15, 2014, a fatal car accident took the life of local Serrano student, Allison LaVogue. The accident, which occurred just before 5:00PM, happened at the intersection of Beekley and Nielson Roads in Phelan.

Shockwaves rippled through the Tri-Community as news of the tragedy spread across social media and news sites. Allison was involved in many activities at school, church, and within the community. She was a senior at Serrano High School and a member of the Rattlesnake Regiment Color Guard. In tributes to her, Allison is remembered as a fun-loving, positive young woman who valued her Catholic faith and her family and friends. She is also remembered as kindhearted and thoughtful.

Teree and Larry LaVogue, Allison’s parents, are longtime residents of Wrightwood. Teree works at Serrano as the Director of the ROP Preschool Program on campus, and Larry is a San Bernardino County Fire Battalion Chief.

A Rosary was held on Monday at Our Lady of the Snows in Wrightwood and the Memorial Service, at Blessed Junipero Serra Church in Phelan, was held on Tuesday.

So many mourners attended the mid-morning service, the church could not accommodate the entire crowd within the building, and many people stood outside, near the doors, to listen and to share their grief.

Jill Yvette Kipnes

July 23, 1965 – September 14, 2014

Jill Bradley Kipnes grew up in Wrightwood. She attended Wrightwood Elementary School, and graduated from Serrano High School in 1983. Jill lived in Laurel Hollow, New York with her husband Andy, and two sons, Maxx and Bryce.

The following is a tribute to a beautiful woman who gave so much love to all who knew her.

God received another Angel,

With blue eyes and golden hair,

She’s a very special lady,

Of this we’re all aware.

She dreamed of being an actress,

This was a life-long goal,

But being a Mom to Maxx and Bryce was her final starring role.

She had the biggest heart,

Beyond generous to all she knew,

Her time with us was way too short,

Days together way too few.

Her beauty was unparalleled,

Both on the inside and the out,

She will be Heaven’s shining star,

Of this I have no doubt.

So many memories of her as a little girl, the daughter of my best friend, will remain with me forever.

In my heart her life won’t end. I know she’s found some peace at last, 

After her courageous fight,

And like her days amongst us, She will make the heavens bright. 

Memorial Service

Christine Banks

Christine Banks, 55 years old, a resident of Wrightwood, Ca passed away on September 20, 2014.  Christine leaves behind so many family & friends who will miss her dearly. Please join us for a memorial service on Friday, October 3, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Community Church located in Wrightwood, Ca.

Obituary

Tony Arens 

6/10/1941 – 9/6/2014

Alton “Tony” Arens, born June 10,1941 in Hartington, Nebraska to Arthur & Erna Arens, the fourth of ten children, passed away September 6, 2014. Tony died at home, after a short illness, with his sister JoAnn and his girlfriend Suzanne at his side. Tony was predeceased by his parents, brother Melvin, and sisters Yvonne & Karen, and his son Jim. He is survived by his daughters Peggy and Cindy Arens, sisters JoAnn, Elaine, and Cheryl, and brothers Merle, Dale, and Rick. 

Tony owned and operated Tony’s Backhoe Service in Wrightwood for 30 years. He retired and moved to Chico, CA where he lived for 7 years. In April this year, he moved “back home” to Wrightwood with Suzanne, his beloved girlfriend of 18 months.

Please join us for a celebration of Tony’s life on Saturday September 20, 2014, 1:00 PM at the Vivian Null pavilion. A potluck at the Wrightwood Community Building will follow.

Ralph Eugene Miller

1935 - 2014

Ralph Eugene Miller, 79, of Phelan, died Sept 1, 2014.  Known to family as “Gene” .  He was born May 15 1935 in Gardena, California, to Peter Valentine Miller and Inez Clara Moore.  His grandparents are Valentine Miller and Anna Ebling; and Ralph Moore and Irma Wimer.  He married Barbara Jane Clarke, July 7, 1956, who now resides in Studio City, CA.

Gene often referred to himself as a “Desert Rat” and has lived in Phelan since 1975. Intrigued by geology, he assisted a friend in the mapping of Owl Canyon.  He enjoyed fixing large diesel generators, tinkering on old vehicles and scrapping metal.  He lived a sparse life while enjoying walks, caring for his dogs and talking to new friends.

 The family is grateful for the caring neighbors , friends and strangers who assisted Gene in his last years.  Our deepest gratitude to Temie Waymire for going above and beyond while caring for him the last 6 months of his life. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald Miller.  Gene is survived by children, Sarah, Howard, and Ennis .

A brother, Wayne (Marilyne) Miller,  a sister, Virginia  Miller, , and eleven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Nancy Brooks

1957 – 2014

Nancy Joyce Brooks (Laubinger) 57, passed away after a short battle with cancer on Friday, August 8, 2014.

She was born February 16, 1957 in Sumerville, Massachusetts, to the late Phyllis and Robert Laubinger.

She married the love of her life Steve on June 1st, 1975. 

Nancy is survived by her husband Steve, son Jason and daughter-in-law Kaysha and their children, Anthony, Nicole and Tiffany, the loves of Nancy’s life.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

In keeping with Nancy’s wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, California 92354

Ruth McDaniel

1912 - 2014

Ruth McDaniel, a pioneer who helped to bring electricity to the High Desert, was elected Phelan’s honorary mayor in 1962, and also served as postmaster for 31 years in the town, has died.  She was 101. Her death was announced by her daughter, Patty McDaniel, who said her mother died peacefully, in her Hesperia home on July 8, of natural causes. Ruth was born in Vernon Center, Minnesota on December 18, 1912. Two years ago she made local headlines when she celebrated her centennial birthday in Hesperia with five generations of her family. “She touched every one of us very much. She was a big support to all the five generations of family,” Patty said.

Her memoir entitled, “Phelan: The land of Champagne Climate,” written in 1987, chronicles her bequests and legacies, including the early days of bringing electricity to the High Desert. “We contracted the Rural Electric Administration in 1945 which federally funds organizations to give rural areas electricity. The power companies fought them. We formed Mesa Electric REA in 1945 to serve a large area of the High Desert all the way to Apple Valley. Then the electric companies came in and tried to get easements. Some people would not give them easements and [physically] sat in the holes to prevent them from putting in poles. Those were exciting days,” Ruth McDaniel wrote. After a couple months of negotiations, the local Baldy Mesa REA reached a settlement with the utility.

Ruth’s first husband, Gordon Mannigel, who was right beside her in trail-blazing the local electricity needs, died of a heart attack in 1947, one month after the lights came on. “Each pole (in the High Desert) is a memory to him,” wrote McDaniel. Ruth married her second husband, Alton McDaniel, in 1949. They were married 58 years.

In 1939, Ruth took over Postmaster duties after three days of informal training. According to her memoir, mail was delivered seven days a week, including holidays. Because of the demand, she was able to legally obtain California Driver licenses for her then 14 year-old children, Barbara and Stephen, in order to help deliver phone messages. Barbara died in 1989. Stephen currently resides in Baldy Mesa.

 

“She had a hand in everything,” McDaniel said. “If you’re in the High Desert and can turn on a light, then you have my family to thank.” “I don’t want this to come across like mother did this by herself, she worked with other families such as the Nielson and Howard families, as well as many other families, as a team, to get all these things going,” Patty said.

 

Ruth helped form the Phelan Chamber of Commerce in 1961 and Patty said that her father Alton McDaniel was instrumental in organizing street lights until the county took over in 1970.

Ruth was elected Phelan’s first honorary mayor in 1962, at the same time the street lights went up. Her inaugural ceremony was supposed to coincide with the street lighting ceremony, but was abruptly cancelled when a member of the board, Sam Curlet, died suddenly while on vacation.

Ruth also championed and took an active part in the Phelan Woman’s Club. For a time, the club provided hot lunches for Phelan Elementary school.

Also on the list of Ruth’s accomplishments, was being in charge of running the general store and the county library. At the time, according to Patty, they were all located in one building.

In 1950, Pacific bell put a pay phone in the general store. “One of the biggest thrills I ever had was when a new phone booth was sent to me. I really got a kick out of that,” Ruth wrote.

In 1970, Ruth retired with her husband and moved to Hesperia, in order to be closer to Leisure League, a Senior Center in Hesperia. Ruth and Al celebrated 58 years of marriage before he passed away in 2006. At the end of her memoir she writes, “I have enjoyed my life here in Phelan and [the town] is very dear to me and I have watched it grow into a beautiful community.”

Patty mentioned, “People would ask her what her hobbies were, Ruth always said, ‘Phelan.’”

She is survived by her two sons Stephen, and Thomas, and daughter Patty, as well as numerous great-great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth remained active until the age of 100, when, last Christmas, she participated in a fundraiser where she handed out stuffed animals to senior citizens whom she called the “Old People.”

A Funeral Service was be held at 11:00 am on Monday July 14, at Mountain View cemetery, 570 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino 92404, and was be open to the public.

Ensminger, Maria S. (Caballero)

Maria Ensminger, 67, passed away in Pomona, CA., on June 12 after a long illness.
She was a resident of Phelan, CA. Maria was married 34 years to her beloved
husband Jerry Ensminger who preceded her in death in 2004. She was also
preceded in death by her father Albert Caballero. She is survived by her mother

Lupe Caballero of Lancaster, CA, brothers Mario Caballero of Brea, CA, Alfonso Caballero of Lancaster, CA, and Albert V. Caballero of  Chula Vista, CA, and sisters Maria A. Bennett of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Anna Maria Caballero of Clyde, TX, Maria C. Edwards of Lancaster, CA, Matilda C. Rico of Long Beach, CA, and many nieces and nephews. Maria worked for more than 20 years with the San Bernardino County Court System as a systems technician. She was also a CERT volunteer in her Phelan community and had been a member of the Red Hat Society. A celebration of life was held on June 20 at Blessed Junipero Serra Church in Quartz Hill, CA. and internment was at the Good Shepherd Cemetery in Lancaster, CA. She is so loved and will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.

OBITUARY

Aaron Cagle, 3/19/1971-6/30/2014

Aaron Cagle passed away peacefully from natural causes at home on June 30.  He was born in Upland, and resided in Wrightwood for most of his life.  He was father to daughter Mallory.  They shared a very special bond and friendship, one that only a father and daughter can share.  Aaron was the caregiver for his grandmother, Lorene Cagle.  He gave her the care, love, support and laughter that only Aaron could give, in his own very special “Aaron way”. Aaron lived his life full of love for all of his family. He is now with God in Heaven, joining his son Casey who passed just 2 years ago.

Aaron will be missed by his daughter, Mallory Cagle, and her mother Carrie Cagle, and by surviving family members his father Jerry Cagle, his mother Debra Parrott, and his brothers Justin and Brandon Cagle.  

Please join his family and friends for a Celebration of his Life on Friday, July 11, at 11 am at the Sunrise Church in Wrightwood.

Garry Curry is remembered

Submitted by Eric Steinmann

This week Wrightwood should celebrate the life of one its best sons, Garry Dean Curry, who on Monday, June 2 passed away at his home in Hermosa Beach, California. This is a story about the effect on the world that one good person can have and is not an obituary. Garry grew up in Wrightwood, the youngest in a family of three that lost their mother at a very early age and were then raised by their father in a house on Heath Creek Road. Their father Wendel used to operate the small market in town (before there were minimarts) at the location that now is home to Mile High Pizza. Older brother Larry Curry was a fixture for many years at the Holiday Foods market at the bottom of Park Street before that market moved across the street. Older sister Judi was a long-term employee of the Wrightwood mini mart and friend to many in town before recently moving to New Mexico. Garry’s nephew Eli still lives and works in town as a foreman for C. Ford plumbing.

When Garry was just graduated from High school at Apple Valley (where Wrightwood kids went at that time) his father passed away in a tractor accident. At the time, in the early 70’s, the way to fit in was to “tune in, turn on and drop out.” Garry, even lacking parental guidance, or perhaps because of it, did not go that route. He was simply fun loving and the best example in town of how you could have a lot of fun doing generally the right things. Garry always held down a job, supported himself and then went to college at night. Garry was the organizer of many activities in town and was never concerned with who or what age participated. This is where he changed many lives for the better. On any given day Garry could be found playing basketball or softball, which he generally organized at the school, coaching the Dodgers little league team when he was only 22 and had no kids, working on his 58 Bel Air that he bought for $500 and fixed up with mags and an Earl Scheib paint job, going down to San Bernardino to go bowling, driving to LA to see a Dodger Game, going down to San Bernardino to cruise E Street, going down to the swap meet in Saugus on a weekend. At all times, if he had room in the Bel Air you were welcome to join him at any age, provided you paid your share of the gas. A whole lot of us did, and a whole lot of us are still here and connected to the community we had fond memories of growing up in. We all saw Garry and his brother keeping a job and we all, for the most part, followed suit.  We all saw Garry going to the junior college at night and many of us again followed suit. Garry also organized one of the most fun community experiences we ever had in Wrightwood, which was the summer basketball league that went on for about 5 summers. Garry bought the score books and whistles, organized the refs and provided the game scores and statistics and rankings to this local paper after every game. There were two full courts on the upper yard at Wrightwood Elementary (covered with portable buildings now) that were the height of activity, once a week all summer, with big crowds watching and for perhaps 40 people in town with a 30 year age range playing there was the highlight of their week.

As Garry got older he married a flight attendant, traveled a lot and ended up living and working and managing businesses in many different parts of the world, often with some of his friends from Wrightwood. Garry, who was a fantastic long distance runner, always returned to Wrightwood to run the Angeles Crest 100 mile race, He had completed the course every year since its inception (26 straight times) a record he shares with fabled and filmed runner Jussi Hamalainen. What is to be noted throughout this story of a fantastic individual and friend, is that Garry made all of this happen by just thinking, “that looks like fun,” or “that looks like a challenge,” and then approaching the task with discipline, ethics and character. And by doing so, he influenced me and my following friends that remain involved in this community to this day, Brent Speers, Tommy Boyles, Dan Walsh, Joe Walsh, George Keene, William Boyles, Scott Ahern, Richard Smith, David Gates, Brad Smith, Dean Mele, Steve Story, Russell Story, Dennis Nadalin, and many more who all have enjoyed a better life and set off on our own ventures often following Garry’s example.   

In closing it should be noted that “only the good die young” is a time worn phrase.  Garry passed in his sleep after the previous day having completed a 30 mile training run for this year’s Angeles Crest 100 mile race that will start August 2nd from the bottom of Park Street, and there may never be a better example to point to for this saying. 

Obituary

Dennis Jay Ruhl

1956 - 2014

A loving father, always himself a kid at heart, longtime Wrightwood resident Mr. Dennis Jay Ruhl will be fondly remembered by his family and many friends.

He died late last month from a heart attack. He was 57.

The son of Elaine and Albert Ruhl, Dennis was born on Nov. 15, 1956, in Lynwood. He graduated from Lynwood High School, later working for more than three decades as a machinist and small business owner.

Recently retired, Dennis loved being with his children. He saved every Father’s Day card and every photograph. His favorite pastime included family vacations to Hawaii or day trips to play Frisbee at the beach or visit local amusement parks.

He was an honest man and a loving person with a quirky sense of humor and an infectious chuckle. Dennis had an appreciation for the small things such as macadamia nuts, scary movies and cooking tacos for holiday dinners.

Dennis is survived by his children Zach, Taylor (and Ashleigh), Elizabeth, and Hunter as well as the mother of Dennis’s children, Karen. He also is survived by his siblings Glenn (and Susie), Kurt and Brian. 

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. this Sunday, June 22, at McKenzie Mortuary, 3843 E. Anaheim St. in Long Beach. For details, call the mortuary at 562-961-9301.

OBITUARY

Miriam Safford 

5/21/1922 to 5/2/2014

Mrs. Miriam Safford of Grass Valley, CA died of heart failure on May 2, 2014. She was 92.

Miriam was born in Boston Massachusetts, May 21, 1922. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts and was a teacher for the Lompoc School District for 20 years. Miriam moved to the Wrightwood area in 1978.

Daughters Linda Strahan of Riverside, CA, MaryAnn Kirschenheuter of Alameda, CA, and Debbie McKitrick survive Miriam. She had five grandchildren and three great granchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Alley Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 585, Mt. Ranier, MD 20712  

Veteran Photographer Dan Elliott Died Monday, April 21, 2014

Freelance photographer Dan Elliott died Monday April 21, 2014. His work was featured in the Mountaineer Progress for more than a decade, capturing memorable moments at Serrano High School and breaking news in the Tri-Community. He went on to cover events for the Daily Press, Press-Enterprise and the San Bernardino Sun, as well as numerous magazines and websites with his prep sports and breaking news photography. 

For many years Dan was a volunteer photographer for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, capturing photos of firefighters at work. He loved being part of the team, dressing in his fire-gear, and capturing incredible shots on the frontline. He was also a Citizen Patrol member and volunteer photographer for the Sheriffís Department. After years of volunteer service Dan was offered, and he accepted a part-time position with County Fire in September 2006. During his tenure, he captured historical fires such as the Sawtooth fire, residential fires, traffic collisions, Haz-Mat incidents, retirement parties, and department celebrations with his lens.

Though Elliott recently overcame his battle with cancer, he faced many ailments throughout his life. For many years Dan was on regular kidney dialyses while he was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. After he received his first of two transplants, Elliott contracted cancer. Dan believed it to be a side effect from the anti-rejection medication for the transplant.

 ìDan always had a great attitude, and big grin,î said Daily Press Chief Photographer James Quigg. ìBut he really smiled about covering any fire department-related assignments, from toy drives to thousand-acre fires. He loved the fire department.î

According to spokeswoman Tracey Martinez of County Fire, Elliott never stopped talking about ìhis brothers and sistersî and what a privilege it was to work so closely with the people of County Fire.

Thoughts and cards can be sent to The Elliott Family, at 12949 Nellibell Dr., Victorville, CA 92392. Services are being planned and will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahís Witnesses in Phelan.

Obituary

Noel Milovick

December 25, 1941 – March 24, 2014

Noel Miloveck, longtime resident of Wrightwood, California, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 24, after a two year battle with cancer. Noel died at home in the early morning hours Monday where he had been lovingly carded for by his closest friends and leaves behind a community where he is remembered fondly.

Noel was born and grew up in Los Angeles where he attended Saint Dominic’s Grammar School in Eagle Rock and Saint Francis in La Canada, California.

He worked for Cal Trans as land surveyor and after retirement, continued to work as a private contractor in the same field.

Noel loved the outdoors. In the winter, he skied Mammoth Mountain, always attending opening day at Lake Crowley, and fishing the streams all summer. Later in life, that favorite pastime was spent at Eagle Lake.  He enjoyed riding his Harley, and restoring classic Corvettes. Having a passion for aeronautics, he built and flew radio-controlled airplanes, and excelled  at everything he did.

Services will be held Saturday, April 5, 11:00 am at Our Lady Of The Snows Catholic Church located in Wrightwood, at the corner of Acorn & Lark. 

Obituary

Hans G. Steinmann

As we move through this period of deep sadness, his wife, a large immediate and extended family and a number of loving friends and valued work colleagues deeply mourn the passing into eternal rest by Hans G. Steinmann while at home on February 8, 2014 after a lengthy illness.  Throughout his suffering with cancer, Hans endured the illness with the quiet strength, personal perseverance and unfaltering love for his wife of 36 years, Hannelore.  Despite the knowledge of his terminal condition, Hans continued to lavish his love and attention on his children and their families.  His daughter Heidi and her husband Robert and children Becker and Rylan; sons Gregor and wife Robin and children Bergen and Eric; Lance and wife Lili and children Annaliese and Kaitlyn; and, Kristan and wife Kristen and children Aiden, Hunter and Kaia continued to bring many pleasures into his life.  Hans’ family, here and in his homeland of Switzerland, brothers Kurt and Heinz and sisters Edith, Isabella and Toni and more than 40 nieces and nephews always enjoyed a long life of sharing mutual pleasures and love.  Hans lived a very rich and fulfilling life with many personal and professional achievements that truly marked him as a leader of men and a very successful business in the field of structural engineering for more than 50 years, retiring as the President and principal owner of King, Benioff, Steinmann and King.  

Although he devoted considerable time and talent to the success of KBSK, Hans also exhibited highly successful leadership skills while participating in the family management of general operations and ski school manager for Holiday Hills resort in Wrightwood, California---where he met, courted and later married Hannelore.  Hans’ father established Holiday Hills in 1948 and in 1959 relinquished the resort management to his sons Heinz, Kurt and Hans.  Although Heinz assumed full operational management in 1962, Hans continued management of the ski school for nearly 30 years until it was sold to a management group that renamed the resort property as Mountain High East.  Throughout his management of the ski school, Hans was active and maintained certification in the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the Far West Ski Instructors Association, often presenting seminars and training session for both organizations.

Hans also owned and raced a number of thoroughbred horses that competed and won a variety of local track races.  In his spare time he focused on golf, recording two lifetime holes-in-one that are documented by the World Golf Hall of Fame.  All of these personal and professional achievements were accomplished with the mutual support and undying love of his wife and partner, Hannelore.  Hans began his professional development at an early age when he designed the family home in Switzerland at age 13.  After reaching age 19, Hans helped his father build a five-story family residence.  He then continued to mark his achievements by graduating with a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich Switzerland in 1949—one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. ETH is well-known for its excellent education, groundbreaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.  ETH is an important member of the 90-country Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research (CESEAR), a conference of 90 countries.  Its successful students come from more than 100 countries of the world.  Hans also continued educational endeavors through lifelong learning endeavors at UCLA and USC over a period of more than 40 years, as well as being an active participant in professional organization conferences and workshops.  

Hans was very proud of his obligatory military service in Switzerland.  His success in work endeavors, physical requirements and leadership were evident in his rapid promotion to become one of the youngest military officers of the Swiss Army.  Hans served with distinction as a cavalry and artillery officer during his brief military career. 

After immigrating to the United States, Hans worked for McKeague and Associates in Honolulu, Hawaii and Ammann and Whitney in New York City before joining KBSK in 1954.  He was named President and principal owner in 1966.  Not only was the firm successful in the construction of many projects with the US Navy; major film studios (Universal, Warner Studios, CBS, Burbank, Columbia and Paramount Studios); banks (Bank of America Headquarters in Los Angeles); churches (Holy Rosary Church in Pacoima, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Encinitas, and Bethel Lutheran Church in Encino); hospitals (Valley Presbyterian in Van Nuys); and schools (the Administration Building of LA Unified, Alfred Nobel Junior High School, El Camino Real High School, the Engineering Building at the University of California Santa Barbara as well as serving as the prime design professional or structural consultant to schools and facilities design teams for more than 125 projects); but KBSK also created such landmarks as the US Federal Building in Westwood, the Tupperware International Headquarters in Orlando Florida, the unique inverted boat-shaped Henry’s Restaurant in Pomona, the Safeway Distribution Center in Santa Fe Springs, the Sheraton Universal Hotel as well as buildings and exterior facilities for the Los Angeles County Fair Association along with many other projects.  

Hans also dedicated himself to the continued professional development of his colleagues by his selfless service in organizations such as The Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (serving in a variety of leadership positions, including President in 1978-79) and California; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Concrete Institute (President 1990-91); American Consulting Engineers Association; Coalition for Adequate School Housing, and California Association of School Business Officials.  Hans was appointed and served with distinction as a member of the Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department Appeals Board beginning in 1985. 

Hans and Hannelore developed and fervently maintained a bond of mutual respect, love and commitment to one another.  Although Hans has preceded us in death, all the members of his immediate, extended family and all of his close friends and respected colleagues will always continue to respect and appreciate Hans as a person and a consummate professional.  We will share the fond memories---but we can also contemplate the inner strength of character, the appreciation of quality in all aspects of his life and the respect for quiet confidence.  This we can do when we are able to see and appreciate his life work---both as a man of principal and ethics and his professional endeavors that will serve as a physical reminder of his professional achievements. 

Memorial services for Hans G. Steinmann will be held on March 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, located at 975 Lark Road, Wrightwood, CA 92329.  The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Hans’ name to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Cancer Services, 1100 W. Stewart Drive, Orange, CA 92868.               

Obituary

Lupe Esther Mayer Karlen

Born: 7/19/1919   Passed: 2/14/2014

 Lupe was a resident of Wrightwood for 38 years.  She enjoyed living in what she called, “Her Beautiful Mountains.” Lupe participated in all of the Wrightwood Celebrations, especially Mountaineer Days. She was the Wrightwood Queen and rode in the parade down Main Street. She loved to sing and dance especially at the Wrightwood Inn and The Yodeler. Everyone who met her loved her. She is survived by her husband Leo Karlen; her daughters Celeste Bowman and Carole Berwick; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren and many friends and relatives. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years Stanley D. Mayer.

Services will be held on March 1st at 1:00 PM at Rose Hills Memorial Park, in the Memorial Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, Ca. 90601. A reception will follow. A viewing will be held Friday Feb 28th from 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM.

OBITUARY

Margaret Mary Boisen Goossen Cramer

1920 – 2013

Margaret Mary Boisen Goossen Cramer, age 93, passed away July 12, 2013 in Apple Valley, California. She was born March 7, 1920 in Dickinson, North Dakota to Anton Peter Boisen and Marguerite (Lardy) Boisen of Sentinel Butte. She graduated from Sentinel Butte High School in the class of 1936 at the age of 16. She later attended Business College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  In 1943, Margaret enlisted in the Coast Guard. In 1946, she married Theodore Bernard Goossen, who was also in the Coast Guard. She then worked in the Narcotics Bureau of Los Angeles as a secretary. Later, she worked at Bank of America and retired in 1978 as an Investment Officer and Secretary to the Manager. After 49 years of marriage, Ted passed, and she married Nelson Cramer in 1997.

Margaret lived in Oak Springs Valley from 1978 to 2003 and Pinon Hills from 2003 – 2013. She was a member of Blessed Junipero Serra Catholic Church, Phelan.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Nelson Cramer of Pinon Hills, 3 daughters; Judy Arlotti of Wrightwood, Vicki Brooks of Lake Arrowhead and Bonnie Tallis of Albany, Oregon; plus 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Ginny Rantala of Spokane, Washington, brothers Don Boisen of Diamond Lake, Washington, and Bud (Lawrence) Boisen of Hauser, Idaho. Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Anton Peter Boisen and Marquerite (Boisen) Ogilvie, her brother John Boisen, and sisters Kathleen Buffett, Eleanor Alrich, Angeline Boisen and Mary Ann Fletcher.

Services were held at Blessed Junipero Serra Catholic Church on Friday, July 19, 2013. Internment was held at Riverside National Cemetery on July 22, 2013 with military honors.  She will forever remain in our hearts.

OBITUARY

Gerald Bradford Quinn

1936 - 2013

Gerald Bradford Quinn, 77, left his earthly home on July 21, 2013, after a valiant battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at home in Wrightwood, California, in the presence of his loving family. Born on May 13, 1936, in San Bernardino, California, to Robroy and Marie Quinn, he was raised in Colton. In 1962 Gerald married Lisbeth (Libby) Ballard.  They then moved to Lancaster where they began raising their family of 7 children.  He worked for 20 years at US Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale as a Civil Engineer with Rockwell International Space Division on the Space Shuttle program.  While in Lancaster he was actively involved in civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club and the Antelope Valley Board of Trade.  In 1976 the family moved to Wrightwood where they have lived for the past 37 years.  

After retiring from Rockwell he began a new career as the Building Facilities Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He retired from this position in 2001. Jerry was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as a Missionary, Branch President, Bishop, and Stake President. He also served as a Mission President in Asuncion, Paraguay and San Antonio, Texas. He later served with his wife, Libby, as a missionary to oversee the construction of the Redlands, California Temple. He was the driving force behind one of his favorite projects, which was the building of the LDS Chapel in Wrightwood. He lived a full life, faithfully served the Lord, loved his family and was a wonderful teacher and example to all.  He loved working on cars, finding new adventures, traveling, and always had several projects in the works.  His most recent project was remodeling a home in Island Park, Idaho, which became the family gathering place. Jerry and Libby had just celebrated their 50th anniversary in December of 2012. He is loved by his family and friends and will surely be missed. 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Libby, and his seven children, Kenneth Quinn (Beverly) of Wrightwood, Kevin Quinn (Wendy) of KaoHsiung, Taiwan, Deborah Walgren (David) of McCall, Idaho, Robroy Quinn (Cecilia) of Wrightwood, Rebecca Berger (Roger) of Richmond, Utah, William Quinn (Julie) of Huntsville, Utah and Brian Quinn (Danielle) of Littleton, North Carolina; and 23 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his only sibling, his sister Marlene Fawcett.  Viewing will be from 10am to 10:30am, with funeral services at 11am, on Saturday, July 27th, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 888 Highway 2, Wrightwood. Interment will be in Montecito Memorial Park, Waterman Avenue and Barton Road, Loma Linda. Emerson-Bartlett Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. You may send your condolences to www.ourfuneralservices.com 

Chris Rezek

1963 – 2013

Durango resident Chris Rezek died Monday June 3, 2013, in an accident. He was just 16 days short of his 50th birthday.  Chris was born June 19, 1963, to Jerelyn Rezek Hawkins and Ray Rezek in San Bernardino, California. He was a go-getter from the start. Walking at seven months and causing plenty of trouble for being “too hyper” in school, he eventually learned to channel that energy as a teenager into playing water polo and running cross-country.  Always selling something and often winning prizes at school fundraisers, he was a born businessman. Despite his mother’s insistence on attending college, he assured her that college was not necessary to achieve his life’s goal. He was going to be a “very successful businessman.”

Chris had many friends along with his two stepbrothers, Rick Cronk (manager of Jensen’s for many years) and the late Curt Cronk. He worked for twelve years for his father, Ray Rezek, at what at the time was Holiday Foods. He loved to water ski at Silverwood Lake and snow ski in Wrightwood. He also coached Little League at Wrightwood Elementary School. 

On December 7, 1985, Chris married Sue Kiverzis in Wrightwood, and gladly accepted the role of being father of her two children, Joseph and Breanne. They built a home in the Old Wright Ranch building and their family quickly expanded to 4 when Brett arrived followed by Caden two years later.

Armed with a single carpet cleaning machine and a burning desire to start a business, the family moved to Durango in 1992. Working incredibly long hours, Chris not only took care of his four children and wife, who was suffering from breast cancer, he also managed to expand his company. After Sue’s passing, in 1998, he became a single parent and continued to provide the best life possible for his children.  Happier then ever, the last couple of years were a true testament to the rewards that Chris had earned over his many years of backbreaking work. He had recently purchased his dream property, a ranch in Mancos, where he planned to make a home with Silvia Pina and her two young daughters.

He is survived by his father, Raymond Rezek and stepmothers Karen Rezek of Irvine, and Karen Rezek of Phelan, Jerelyn Hawkins, and stepfather Victor Rempel of San Bernardino; companion, Sylvia Pina of Durango, sons Joseph Huntsinger and Caden Rezek of Durango; daughters Brett Rezek of Durango and Breanne Huntsinger Rezek of Colorado springs; and three grandchildren.

Chris was a loyal, honest and generous man who loved wholly. He genuinely cared about those he encountered and wanted to have fun. Although his life was cut short, Chris was a fun loving man who was blessed with a great many happy days enjoying his family and his time on Lake Powell.  

A celebration of Chris’ life will be held in Wrightwood, for all family and friends, date to be announced. 

Obituary

Mike Mathias

1950-2013

Mike Mathias, 62 of Wrightwood, CA went to be with the Lord on June 10, 2013 after a long battle with cancer.  Mike was born July 14, 1950 in Buffalo New York, he lived his early years in California. Then moved to Florida where he learned the electrical trade and worked for the next 10 years before returning to California. He then became the owner of Mike Mathias Electric. Mike was a master electrician, well known throughout the community.  Mike is survived by his brothers Rick and Mark, sister Corinne,  stepdaughter Jody and grand children.  Mike is preceded in death by the love of his life Millie.  There will be a Celebration of Mike’s life on July 14, 2013 at 5:00 pm at the Wrightwood Country Club.

Obituary 

Kathryn (Katy) E. Smith

1928-2013

Kathryn (Katy) E. Smith, born January 11th 1928, passed away at the age of 85, from lung cancer on June 21st 2013, while being watched over by her devoted family. The eldest of nine children, the mother of five is survived by her two daughters, three sons, her brother Eddie, and her sister Pat, as well as a step daughter and a step son.

Katy had a long and until recently, surprisingly healthy life. She was lively and loved meeting people. Her many friends and neighbors will miss her. For the past several years she had a favorite saying when asked how she was. She would respond, “Mean, ornery and ugly!” All would agree she was rarely mean, never ugly and most definitely ornery. She said it was her orneriness that kept her going.

Katy had close ties to the community. She was a Bookkeeper and Tax Preparer for many of the local residents and area businesses and continued to do so for many years after moving to Hesperia in 1978.  Her daughter Jada Speers, teaches at Wrightwood Elementary and her stepdaughter, Mary McHenry, teaches at Quail Valley Middle School in Phelan.

In keeping with Katy’s formal wishes and those of the immediate family, there will be no service held. We would prefer to have her remembered as she was and to keep our grief private. The family does however wish to express our gratitude to all of Katy’s friends and to the healthcare professionals who also became her friends over the past year or so. Knowing she was loved and cared for eased her passing for us all.

OBITUARY

Maxine Taylor 1932- 2013

Maxine Taylor, age 80, of Victorville, CA, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2013. She was born on December 1, 1932 in Irene, SD to her parents, Lester and Irene Christenson. She was the oldest of three children. 

Maxine married Bill Taylor on February 14, 1954. She graduated from Riverside City College in 1952 with an Associate in Business. Maxine and Bill moved to Wrightwood in 1975, where Maxine was involved with the Tri-Community Art Association. An artist, Maxine won several awards for her paintings of birds, flowers and nature.

Maxine loved spending time with her grandchildren, and enjoyed painting, needlework, reading, and jigsaw puzzles.

Maxine will be remembered by her children Mike Taylor (Patti) of Maryland, David Taylor (Liz) of Virginia, and Kathy Walsh (Dan) of Wrightwood. She is survived by her loving grandchildren Jessica Taylor, Alec Taylor, Allison Taylor, Mark Taylor, Sean Walsh (Michelle), and Ryan Walsh. She is also survived by her brother Don Christenson, her sister Shirley McGrath, and many other loving family and friends. Maxine was predeceased by her loving husband Bill Taylor.

Relatives and friends are invited to a service for Maxine at 2:30pm, followed by a 3:30 burial, on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Desert View Funeral Home, 11478 Armargosa Road, Victorville, CA. A gathering will be held in Victorville after the funeral.

Alvin Francis McLean 

Obituary

Alvin Francis McLean passed away at his home on March 15, 2013.

Al loved his country, the Air Force, State Farm, and women – pretty much in that order. Al overachieved at everything he tried, from flying F4 Phantoms over Viet Nam to decades as a State Farm agent. He was highly instrumental in the development of the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial and served as the First Husband of Wrightwood when his beloved late wife Jan Stroud was Mayor.

Al’s prodigious confidence, thirst for excellence, and never failing   sense of humor inspired everyone he touched.

Al is survived by his two sisters, Madeline and Cora. Al was the proud father of six children: Robert (and Becky) McLean, James (and Georgia) McLean, Deborah (and John) Barrett, Linda (and Drew) Dye,  Dennis (and Kim) McLean, and Vicki (and Tom) Hightower. He has 17 grandchildren and growing numbers of great-grandchildren. He is loved  by many and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 20 at 1PM at the  Wrightwood Methodist Church with a pot luck reception at the  Wrightwood Inn.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Fund through the Tri-Community VFW Post 9415.

Obituary

Thomas Joseph Moseley

1950 - 2013

Thomas Joseph Moseley, 63, of Phelan, CA, passed away on March 7, 2013 after a short battle with Esophageal Cancer.

Born in Upland, CA on February 12, 1950, he graduated from Chaffey High School in 1968 and received associates degrees from Chaffey Community College. Tom served on the Upland Fire Department for 27 years where he retired as Captain. 

Tom was a collector and historian of the Old West.  He was known as “Tom Muley” to the Single Action Shooters Society and a volunteer docent at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville. A talented artist in wood, leather, drawing and carpentry; his passions included his three mules, his John Deere tractor, landscaping, chuck wagon/dutch oven cooking, prospecting and fishing.

Tom was married to Sandi (Drake) for 36 years. Tom is also survived by son Kurt and his wife Kassee, daughter Lori, daughter Tarah and her husband John Karr and their children Kya and Kase, mother Doris, brother Mark, sister Dorothy, mother-in-law Pat Drake, and brother-in-law Dean Drake.  Tom is preceded in death by his father Robert and father-in-law Don.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the California Route 66 museum in Victorville, CA or to various cancer research foundations.

OBITUARY

Anita Louise Funk

1944 - 2013

Anita Louise Funk passed away on Saturday February 16, 2013 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona at the age of 68.  Anita was born on May 1, 1944 in Upland, CA to Merle Winston and Dorothy Louise (Beck) Sloate.

Anita was raised in Ontario, CA where she met the love of her life, Jerald “Jerry” Funk.  Following graduation from Chaffey High School in June 1962, which was one of her greatest accomplishments, Anita and Jerry were married on June 24, 1962.

Anita and Jerry were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Debra Lynn and Denise Renee.  Anita was very active in their school activities, assisting in classrooms and PTA, and supporting the girls in their sporting activities.  In 1976, Anita and Jerry moved to Wrightwood, CA. where she continued her involvement with the girl’s activities.  Anita also learned the bartending profession while working at a fine dinner house, she worked as a checker at the local grocery store and became the merchant/head teller at the only bank.  She was also active in the Sweet Adeline Chorus.

Growing tired of the cold winters and the continuous threat of forest fires, Jerry and Anita moved to Lake Havasu City in September 1999 which brought new adventures as Anita became involved with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #4299, serving on several charity committees and rising to the honor of Past Madam President and serving as a State Auxiliary Officer.  She was also involved with the women of the Moose Chapter #1608 and was honored as a member of the Academy of Friendship.  Anita enjoyed bowling, collecting dreamcicles and frogs.  During warm weather, she could be found in her pool listening to her wind chimes.  Most importantly was enjoying her 5 grandsons.

Anita is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Jerry, daughters Debra Orr and Denise Blair of Lake Havasu City; sister Donna (L. Darryl) Hill of Apple Valley, CA; sister in law Karen (Steven) Jones of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; 5 grandsons, 1 niece, 3 nephews and her beloved pets, Sara and Nibbles.  Anita was preceded in death by her parents Merle and Dorothy Sloate and her in laws, John and Georgene Funk.  Anita was respected and loved by all that knew her.

 Viewing will be on Friday March 1, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.  Services will be held on Saturday March 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.  A reception will follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1561 Marlboro Drive.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Havasu-Polidori House, 1970 Bahama Avenue, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

 Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com  Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.

Obituary

Edward J. French, Jr.

1923 - 2013

Edward J. French, Jr. aged 89 passed away on February 12, 2013 in Riverside, CA after a short illness. 

He was born in Cleveland, OH to Edward J. French, Sr. and Florence Rhodes French, who predeceased him. 

Edward was married to his wife Elizabeth Gittings French for 31 years before her death in 1975. They are survived by their five children; Suzan French (Greta) of Ashburn, VA, Rae Anne French-Ducharme (Roger) of Sandown, N.H., Thomas French of Orange, CA, Valerie Brown (Peter) of Phelan, CA, Nancy French of Phelan, CA, eleven grandchildren, ten grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Edward was a WWII veteran, having served in the 8th Air Force. He was a waist gunner in a B17 serving 25 missions in France, Normandy, Rhineland, Air Offensive Europe and Western European Offensive. 

He was happiest in his later year’s square dancing in several local clubs, where he was affectionately known as, “Just Ed”. He loved taking long walks, reading stacks of history books, and hiking the deserts of California collecting the western artifacts which filled his home. 

Private graveside services with military honors will be held on February 20, 2013 at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, CA 

In lieu of flowers, his wishes were for donations to The Wounded Warrior Project for disabled veterans or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

William “Bill” Carl Donnan

March 23, 1967 – January 20, 2013

William “Bill” Carl Donnan of Wrightwood passed away on January 20, 2013 at 12:12 pm at Glen Helen raceway at the SRA Grand Prix, from a heart attack while doing what he loved, racing his motorcycle. 

Bill was born on March 23, 1967. 

Bill loved his family more than anything. He loved his kids dearly; he had a passion for plants and loved working in the desert as a biologist. Bill spent most of his time in the mountains of Wrightwood working out, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding. Bill lived to race his motorcycle.  He was one of the most kind and loving persons plus the best friend you could ask for. Bill looked out for everyone. He would give you the shirt off his back. Bill will be truly missed by all.

Bill was very proud to carry the #4 plate on his motorcycle from the SRA Grand Prix at Glen Helen.

Bill is survived by his daughter Tesa Donnan, son Trent Donnan, parents David and Julie Donnan, and brother Brett Donnan.

Funeral Services will be held at the Wrightwood Methodist Camp 1401 Linnet Rd, Wrightwood, CA, in the dining hall, on January 26, Saturday at 2:00 PM.

You will be missed dearly my friend. Ride wide open to the clouds R.I.P. Wild Bill.

OBITUARY

Gary “Griff” Vincent Griffith

Apr. 16, 1940 to Nov. 22, 2012

Griff passed away peacefully in his Palm Springs home on November 22, 2012. Griff had been battling cancer for a year. He was 72 years old. Born in Laramie, Wyoming on April 16, 1940. Griff grew up in Long Beach, California

Griff was well known in the San Gabriel mountain town of Wrightwood. Beginning in the mid-sixties and for over two decades he owned and operated the Yodeler, the very popular pub (best hamburgers) in town. People would come from afar to spend time in the fresh mountain air and relax in the sunshine on the outdoor patio at the Yodeler. He then went on to continue spreading his wit and wisdom and amazing stories at the Wrightwood Inn for several years. He had many friends, including several celebrities and famous sport figures that loved his “Large the Life” personality.

Griff is survived by his mother Shirlee, sister Candee, brother Mark and nieces April and Raphaela.

Speaking of stories, there will be a “Celebration of his Life” at the Yodeler in Wrightwood on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 4pm on. All are welcome come rain, snow or sun.

OBITUARY

Michael Roland Carone

Feb. 14, 1946 to Dec. 8, 2012

Michael Roland Carone leaves behind the love of his life, his loving wife Melissa Carone. Michael was so very proud of his son Nick Carone, his wife Jamie and their children Tanner, Riley and Jason. Michael touched so many lives in a wonderful way and he will be greatly missed. 

Obituary

Shelly Hanson

Our Guardian Angel, Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother, Shelley Hanson was called Home to be with our Lord on Nov. 24, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Robert Hanson, three daughters, Roxie Critton, Gaby Seeba, Kim Abdelmuti, and five grandchildren, Joshua, Reis, Kashus, Harper, and Elle.

  A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Wrightwood Country Club 1387 Oriole Road Wrightwood, Calif. This will be an open house event please feel free to come by anytime between 12 p.m to 3 p.m.

Obituary

Betty Jane Brunette-Schneible

On Nov. 10, 2012, Betty Jane Brunette-Schneible passed on to be with our Lord at the young age of 90 years. Betty Jane was a woman of great faith. She had a tremendous love of life and was an inspiration to all that knew her. Betty would have you smiling just by her presence with her beautiful blue twinkling eyes. Her compassion and kindness for others will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by all.

Betty Jane was very blessed with the “Voice of an Angel” and began singing at the age of 13 years. She sang a multitude of songs throughout her life. Her last precious angelic voice was heard in the mountains of Wrightwood, CA at the Snowline Players Talent Contest held outdoors on Aug. 4, 2012.

Betty Jane’s passion for tennis began in the late 1930’s. She is known in the tennis communities of the High Desert. She coached tennis in the High Desert for more than 30 years and 20 years in Long Beach, CA.

She is survived by four children, James P. Brunette and his wife Barbara Brunette, Jan P. Brunette, Jill P. Brunette, Jean Brunette-Dougherty and her husband Peter C. Dougherty, 9 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren, many Cousins, and an abundance of Friends.

Betty Jane is preceded in death by her husband Douglas E. Schneible (12/1986), son Jay Paul Brunette (Long Beach, Ca. 4/1986), Granddaughter Lonai Jayne Brunette (Wrightwood, CA.12/2005). Visitation: Friday evening, Nov.30, 2012 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Westminster Memorial Park.

Services: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at 12:00 noon in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel with a graveside service also. Followed by Reception in the main building next to the Chapel.

Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, California 92683. 714-893-2421

Betty’s Dignity Memorial Website:

www.dignitymemorial.com Type: Betty W. Schneible or Google Search.

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignitymemorial/obituary.aspx?n=Betty-Schneible&lc=4979&pid=161098561&mid=5309823

Obituary

David Hanly Baker

David Hanly Baker, 80, a respected teacher and counselor, died from advanced dementia on the evening of Nov. 20, 2012. Born and raised in E. St. Louis, IL, he joined the USMC in 1951. His stint in the service included a Mediterranean tour and participation in special exercises related to the first detonation of an atomic weapon, at Camp Desert Rock...later the Nevada Test Site. He retained his pride as a Marine throughout his accomplished life.

While deployed in NV, he was attracted to Las Vegas, where he would relocate upon being discharged in ‘54. There he met his wife Frances at Nevada Southern University. He obtained an MA in Counseling & Guidance from U of N, Reno. His two children Linda and Stuart were born in Reno during this time, before the family moved to Las Vegas. David taught high school before becoming a vocational counselor for underprivileged students. In the late ‘60s he was director of the federal Upward Bound program at UNLV.

In ‘89 he moved to Wrightwood, CA and began employment as a special education teacher at Hesperia High School. He retired in 2000. Shortly thereafter, he experienced the first in a series of small strokes that ushered in the slow advance of dementia, which he battled with humor and bravery during his declining years. 

David was a skilled photographer; antique collector; tennis enthusiast; devoted long-distance runner; WWII history buff. He was an ironic man, unreligious and committed to science and rational thought. 

Throughout the cruelties of his affliction, his family remained humbled by his devotion and singular concern for their well-being.  A selfless man by nature, his family will remember him as a consummate provider and protector.

David Hanly Baker is survived by sisters Margaret and Virginia; life-long spouse Frances; daughter Linda and son Stuart. Services are pending at the Veteran Cemetery in Boulder City, NV.

Hobie Belknap 

Hobart Dean Belknap Jr. passed away on Oct. 14, 2012, in Murrieta,
California. Aside from living in Murrieta, the family resided in LaVerne (12 years) and Wrightwood (19 years). Hobie was born Feb. 1, 1932, to Hobart Dean Belknap Sr. and Lucille Snyder Belknap in Portland, OR. In 1943, his family moved to Pasadena, CA, where his father served in the United States Army as a doctor. Hobie graduated from McKinley Junior High School in 1948 and then from Pasadena City College in 1950. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps proudly serving as an artilleryman during the Korean War. In 1952, he attained the rank of sergeant. After the Korean War, he attended the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany. There he met his future beloved wife, Nancy Toliver. They were married in 1956 in Weathersfield, Essex, England, at the 20^th Tactical Air Force Base. They returned to the United States where Hobie briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles. Hobie moved the family to Kentucky so he could attend the University of Louisville to study law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science law degree in 1959 and a Juris Doctorate law degree in 1961. Hobie then enlisted in the United States Army for 3 years as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer attaining the rank of captain. After his term in the Army, he returned to civilian work spending 5 years as an attorney for Lockheed in Ontario, CA. In 1970, Hobie began working for Southern California Edison where he specialized in air quality management. He retired 20 years later, an attorney on SCE’s Senior Counsel. Hobie is preceded in death by his father Hobart, mother Lucille, sister Marilyn, son Jeffery, and grandson Cameron. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Nancy, his two daughters Suzanne (Steven) Giorgi and Barbara (Jeffrey) Sprague, his two sons Hobart (Bart) Belknap III (Gerda) and Gregory Belknap (Katherine), 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on November 17, 2012, at 11:00 am, at The Colony, located at 40710 Avenida Florida, Murrieta, CA, in the Club House. Interment will follow at 3:00 pm, at Montecito Memorial Park at 3520 E. Washington St. Colton, CA. 

Margaret Amann

1928 – 2012

Margaret (Marty) Amann passed away Aug. 23, 2012 in Fontana, CA. Marty was born Jan. 25, 1928 in Borger, TX to Cleveland Columbus and Gladys Ruth Melson.

She was married to Earl R. Amann in 1943. After raising their family, Marty and Earl moved to Wrightwood, CA in 1972 and later to Phelan, CA in 1976. After Earl’s death Marty moved to Fontana, CA.

Marty is survived by son Timothy R. Amann of Phelan, CA; daughters Theresa E. Thackeray of Proctorville, OH and Toni E. Laws of Corona, CA; seven grandsons, three granddaughters and six great-grandchildren; brothers, Dud Melson of Idaho and Andy Melson of Missouri.

Marty was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her parents, eight brothers and two sisters.

Graveside Services were held at Riverside National Cemetery on Sept. 13, 2012.

Connie Chin

1953 – 2012

Connie chin 59, co-owner and operator of Chin Family Day Care in Wrightwood parted from this life on September 1, 2012

Connie was born April 21, 1953 and grew up in La Habra, California. She lived in Wrightwood for more than 30 years and had worked as a waitress, a housekeeper and a Camp Wrightwood until she began caring for many children over the past several years by providing a day care service in her home.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Chin of Wrightwood, her children Erik Stafford and Katrina Stafford, a granddaughter, Nixie, her Mother, Irene Rodriquez, brothers, Mike Ruelaz and Dr. Robert Ruelaz, sisters, Lillian Florida and Dr. Evelyn Ruelaz-O’Leary. Connie was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Ruelaz. She also had many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Connie will be fondly remembered for her shining personality and unique sense of humor.

Her family is asking that her many friends join them for a celebration of Connie’s life on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 3:00 PM at Camp Wrightwood located at 1401 Linnet Road in Wrightwood, CA.

Fred W. Hayden

1940 - 2012

Fred W. Hayden, Jr., 72, of Moorseville, NC, passed away suddenly, August 27, 2012.  He was born May 20, 1940 in Santa Monica, CA to Fred and Norma Hayden, long time residents of Wrightwood. Fred, Jr. made his residence in Wrightwood for many years during his life. 

He is survived by his mother, Norma Watkins Hayden of Salisbury, NC, brother, Robert Hayden, Simi Valley, CA, daughter Sheryl Hayden-Lenhart, sons Richard Hayden, Philip Hayden, Tony Hayden and Fred W. Hayden III, step-daughter Crystal Southard, granddaughters, Jessica and Ashley Craig and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Fred is now in the presences of his Heavenly Father, earthly father, Fred Hayden, Sr. and grandson Todd M. Lenhart. Those left behind will miss him.

Cynthia Gail Schinke

1978 - 2012

Cynthia, surrounded by her family, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 5, 2012. Cynthia was born January 20, 1954 in Brownfield, Texas. She found her faith in Christ at a young age and chose to dedicate her life to serve her Savior. Cynthia graduated from L.I.F.E. Bible College in Los Angeles in 1976 and began her ministry in serving at Calvary Foursquare Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. There she met and married Dale Schinke in June of 1977, and the two of them began a journey of service to Christ. Cynthia served as Sunday School Superintendent at Calvary and also worked with her husband in the churches mid-week children’s program.

Cynthia lived for time with her family.  Her first child, Melissa, was born in 1978 and her second, Valerie, was born 1980.  Her life was dedicated to them. Involving herself in their daily life’s, sports, concerts, and other performances there wasn’t an event that Cynthia missed.  Every family vacation was packed with events and memories that Cynthia wanted her family to remember.  Cynthia gained a son, through marriage, in 2007 when her daughter married Joshua Sullivan.  Cynthia wanted grandchildren and before her daughter had any she made sure to adopt all the little ones in the church.  Cynthia’s wish came true in 2009 and 2011 when Melissa and Joshua had Riley Dale and Abigail Joy, her long awaited grandbabies.  She spent as much time as possible and made it a passion to spoil and pamper her two little ones.  “Roca” as Riley calls her, became very important to their lives and they were Cynthia’s pride and joy.

In the early months of 1990, God called Cynthia and Dale to the High Desert of Southern California to continue the new found work of a small church in Phelan, The Fountain of Living Waters Foursquare Church, which Cynthia served as Co-Pastor with her husband until her home-going. Cynthia had a deep desire and passion that God’s children should read and mediate upon the Word of God. Soon, with the help of a Bible Journaling Program, she was encouraging everyone to ‘get into’ the Word of God, the Bible, to see what the Lord was saying to them individually, and then to write down their thoughts and special insights into a journal that could become a tool of personal strength and growth in the Lord. Soon there were Bible journaling classes, which Cynthia called ‘Read For Life Sessions,’ happening all over the Tri-Community, and Cynthia attended them all. Cynthia recognized the need for women to hear from God personally, so she began a Women’s Bible Fellowship once a month where the ladies would gather for dinner and a study from the Word. Cynthia tailored these meetings around special themes that would help draw the women’s attention to relevant issues that affected them on a daily basis.

Cynthia was also very instrumental in helping to start a Community Women’s Bible Study and Fellowship with friends from Wrightwood, that blessed our community for several years. More recently, she supported and involved herself in the local Women’s Aglow chapter that ministers here in Phelan.

Cynthia also had a heart for the youth of our church and community, serving as a leader in our church youth programs, and organizing and supporting a program she called ‘The Fifth Quarter’ which came together on Friday nights after every Serrano home football game. These special activities gave the young people of our community a place to gather in a safe environment to have fun and food after the game. Cynthia also enjoyed working in our School District, volunteering at many school functions, and substituting in the offices of the district and at several school sites.

Cynthia is survived by her husband Dale, two daughters, Melissa (Joshua) Sullivan of Wrightwood, CA and Valerie of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, two grandchildren Riley Dale and Abigail Joy Sullivan. Also, her mother Bonnie Sanders of Fort Worth, TX, her brother Donald Ethington of Seattle, WA, a Sister Erlene Bates of Fort Worth, TX a brother Ronald Ethington of Cortez, CO, and a step sister Jaime Hamilton of Odessa, TX, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial has been set up with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel Missions Department in Cynthia’s name. Donations in her name can be made to that organization.

Tom Cambroto

Tom Cambroto, who along with wife Barbara built his dream home in Wrightwood in 1974, died August 12 in Redding, CA. He was 75.

Born May 14, 1937, in Youngstown, Ohio, Tom moved with his family to Fontana in the early 1950s. After graduating from Fontana High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Bertolina. They were married in 1957 and had three children, son John and daughters, Kim and Kris.

Tom spent his entire professional career at Kaiser Steel in Fontana, working his way up through the ranks to manager of the accounting department. When Kaiser closed down its operation in the early 1980s, Tom was one of the last people on site, handling inventory control as the firm dispersed its assets.

Meanwhile, he and Barbara were entrenched members of the Wrightwood family, with friends throughout the community. Barbara worked at the Mountaineer Progress, where the couple forged many lasting friendships. She later a headed up a large home rental business at Devlin Realty, with Tom’s able assistance with the bookkeeping.

After retirement, Tom and Barb bought their first RV in the mid ‘80s and began a life on the road together, traveling to most of the country and often extolling the life of the RVer. The two worked for several years as goodwill ambassadors for Camping World, talking to similar travelers about the joys and challenges of life on road.

While making cross-country treks, they were never far away from their Wrightwood home and their many friends.  Tom was a man known for his ability to lift other people through his sheer kindness and his skills of being able to do most anything.

His daughters, Kris Cambroto and Kim Miller, and brother John Cambroto, preceded Tom in death. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Barbara; son John Cambroto of Auburn, Wash.; brother and sister-in-law Andy and Louise Cambroto of Rialto; and sister and brother-in-law Dolly and Jack Anderson of Fontana.

A funeral service was held August 21 at the Family Funeral Center in Rialto. Memorial comments can be made and viewed at www.familyfuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions in Tom’s memory to Hospice of the Owens Valley, an organization that assisted the family during their daughter Kim’s illness. The hospice’s address is 155 Pioneer Lane, Bishop, CA 93514.

Phyllis Marie Olden

Longtime Phelan resident Phyllis Marie Olden passed away in Fall River Mills on July 3, 2012

Phyllis was born May 28, 1921 in Chino, CA to Henry and Violet Bickmore. She was the oldest of six children. She lived all of her life in Southern California, 28 years in Phelan. She spent the last four years in Fall River Mills with her youngest daughter Helen.

Phyllis is survived by her children Diane Nichols and husband Bruce of Phelan, Suzie Hall and husband Bob of Phelan, Cyndi Seddig and husband Dick of Denver, Colorado, Pete Bellis and wife Judy of Claremont, CA. Debby Bynum of Phelan, Helen Albaugh and husband Andrew of Adin, CA and step-son Del Olden Jr. and wife Georgia of Bullhead City, AZ, 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, her sister Nita McPherson of Antioch, brothers Bob and Bud Bickmore and numerous nieces and nephews. She was loved so much and will be missed by all of her family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Phelan Community Church, 9852 Sheep Creek Rd., Phelan CA

Bob Jones

November 1935- June 2012

Bob Jones, a fixture in Wrightwood due to his various involvements with the Snowline Players and, for thousands of Wrightwood children, his years representing Santa Claus at Christmas Shop at Home events, passed away on June 22, 2012.

Bob moved to Wrightwood in 1977, bringing his love of the theater to his new hometown. He joined Lora Steinmann’s Snowline Players and performed in a variety of roles, including his last major role as Andrew, the local judge, in their production of “Oklahoma.”

To his credit, Bob appeared in over 50 stage productions over his part-time “career” of 48 years. “Bob’s effort in “Man of La Mancha” and his outstanding performance as Captain Von Trapp in the “Sound of Music” showed what a performer he was,” stated Steinmann.

A love for singing, Bob performed with local choral groups and sang with the community Methodist Church choir.

With a gift for working with figures, Bob’s career led him to Roadway Trucking where he handled manifesting and scheduling. He retired from their Adelanto facility in 2002.

The son of Elizabeth Perry and Robert K. Jones, Bob was born on November 21, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York. His mother passed away when Bob was ten years old, presenting his with responsibilities well before most of his peers.

Bob is survived by his long-time companion Babs Thompson, his four sons, Greg, Ken Bob and Steve, his sister, Elizabeth Fennie, his three brothers, Canning (Perry), Pete and Kenneth (Paul), his ten grandchildren, Chris, Troy, Tessa, Madeleine, Claire, Hudson, Weston and Nathan, his eleven great-grandchildren, his nieces, nephews, and of course family and friends.

A family service was held in Yucaipa on Friday, June 29. A local celebration of life for Bob is planned for August 5 at the Wrightwood Inn, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Sam Spada

January 1,1939 – May 13, 2012

Sam Spada, beloved husband, brother, father and friend passed on to be with the Lord on May 13, at 6:30 PM at St. Bernadine’s Medical Center. Sam always had a smile on his face and a ready laugh. When someone needed help, he was there.

He was born in Sicily, in 1939, and moved to the United States after World War II. He was a very proud Marine and as a Marine he got to visit Japan. When he returned to civilian life, he worked at Chrysler and enjoyed pointing out the cars he built that were still on the road. He had a long career as a furniture mover and a truck driver. He worked for Snowline School District as a maintenance and custodial person at Phelan School, Serrano High School and Heritage School.

He will be greeted in Heaven by his mother Leona Spada, his father, Leo Spada and his beloved first wife, Bonnie Spada.

He will be sorely missed by his loving wife, Liz Wolf-Spada, his devoted sister Jo Remillard, the many children he helped to raise, Lewis Leighton, Cindy Leighton, Dina Spada, Leo Spada, Johnny Leighton, Karl Buchanan, Will Buchanan and Josh Wolf. He will be missed by his niece and nephew, Lisa and Tommy Remillard, his grandniece, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Sam’s life at the Methodist Church in Wrightwood, on Wednesday, June 13 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate money in his name at Antelope Valley Bank for a special fund to purchase another log bench on the Village Trail that will be dedicated to him. Checks should be made payable to Liz Wolf-Spada and can be taken into the bank or mailed to Liz at PO Box 2235, Wrightwood, CA 92397

(Jerry) Gerald C. Peterson

1917-2012

(Jerry) Gerald C. Peterson, from Pinon Hills, passed away quietly in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., on April 17, 2012. Jerry was 94 years young and lived a long, extremely happy life. He was a very sweet, intelligent, wonderful loving man and will be greatly missed.  

Jerry grew up in Iowa and after some college, joined the Army. He was proud to be a part of the 358^th Fighter Group, on the staff of the ‘Orange Tail’, overseas in England, France and Germany. After moving to California with his wife Lillian, he started a family, enjoyed fishing and boating, opened his own business, received his Master of Photography, was President of the Professional Photographers of America for two years, was part of the Covina Power Squadron, started riding horses around the age of 48 in support of his daughter, Jill and spent years riding his horse “Cimarron”, trail riding, parades and as a Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff Mounted Patrol. After moving to Pinon Hills, Jerry wrote as a correspondent for a few newspapers, volunteered in his grandkids classrooms, traveled and took some cruises. In 2000, Jerry’s wife Lillian passed away after over 60 years of marriage.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Jill Wilson, grandsons David Bakanas and Charlie Bakanas, granddaughter Alicia Wilson, his loving partner of over 11 years, Marguerite Wheeler, her sons Terry Wheeler, Gary Wheeler, Lawrence Wheeler, William Wheeler and Mike Wheeler, as well as her several grandchildren who also loved and admired him.

Collin “Q” Quick

1938 - 2012

Collin “Q” Quick passed away on April 5, 2012, in his former wife’s home with son and Janice by his side.

Collin lived in Wrightwood, California, where he had made his home for nearly 50 years. 

Collin was born in Monterey Park, California on March 12, 1938 to Lee and Pearl Quick.

Collin had a very intelligent and acquiring mind and was in the first graduating class from Cal State San Bernardino in 1967 with a degree in psychology. 

Collin was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He had a great love of flying and owned numerous planes throughout his life. He could fly anything from a Lear Jet to an Ultralight. 

He had a great love for animals, especially his dogs. 

For the past 20 years families around Wrightwood have depended on him for pine needle removal. He was known for his excellent service and had many out-of-the area customers who would rely on him to look out for their property.

He will be greatly missed by his son, Collin, who meant the world to him, by his former wife, Janice, with whom he remained close and by his many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. 

A memorial service is to be held at the Hillside Community Church, 3221 Hwy 2, Wrightwood on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

Rest in Peace “Q”. You will be missed

John David Gregory

1943 - 2012

John David Gregory, resident of Pinon Hills, passed away at home peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on March 16, 2012. John was born November 16, 1943 in Ohio. He fought a courageous battle for 6 months, but his type of cancer was rare and aggressive.

John ran a successful construction business in Lake Havasu Landing, CA and in the Tri-Community.

John had many interests and hobbies as well as being a huge NASCAR fan.

John is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer, mother Frances, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 9 devoted children, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, plus many in-laws, and friends.

John was a man like no other.  His kindness, devotion to his family, and ever lasting love, touched everyone who knew him.

We now have our “Buddy Angel” watching over us, from Heaven above.

If you wish to honor his memory with a donation, please send it to:  The City Of Hope, In Memory of John David Gregory, 1500 E. Duarte Rd. Duarte, Ca  91010-3000

Neva Lyons

1934 - 2012

Neva Lyons, 78, entered into heaven March 9, 2012 from  heart failure at her home with her loving family by her side.  She was born in Oklahoma to Mr. and Mrs. Wells. She has lived in California for 75 years.  Neva has lived in the West Cajon Valley for 38 years with her husband of 59 years.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Robert “Arky” Lyons, son Rob Lyons of Phelan, CA, daughter Diane Murphy of Idaho, daughter Brenda and Collins Fees of West Cajon Valley, CA, daughter Linda and Darrell Courier of Oregon,  16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  And, countless family and friends who loved her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Karen Britner of Phelan, CA, and parents Mr. and Mrs. Wells of Rialto, CA.

She was a devoted wife, mother, aunt and friend.  She loved to garden, play cards, go fishing see friends and hang out with her husband everyday.

Services will be held at a later date.