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Sidney W. Patterson '1940
Submitted by Mark Ortega on November 5, 2012 - 3:08pm.Sidney Wilbert Patterson was born May 12, 1922 in Fillmore, CA to Harvey S. "Pat" Patterson and Edith Hazel (Foster) Patterson. He passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2012 in Okemah at the age of 90. Mr. Patterson graduated from Fillmore High School in 1940 and joined the U.S. Navel Air Corp. He served four years and was discharged after WWII. On December 13, 1943 he married Helen Jean Young in Corpus Christi, Texas. Mr. Patterson was a member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Okemah. He served on the board of trustees or several years and assisted with the upkeep of the church Mr. Patterson was a talented woodworker. He often directed his wood working skills to such efforts as building more hymnal packets and small tables for flowers. Mr. Patterson was instrumental in forming the Ventura California Yacht Club and was past commodore before moving to Oklahoma. He build two sail boats; the first was a 20 ft. Boat and later a 30 ft. Rhode Island Sloop named "Tijer" after the Dutchman boat tha discovered Rhode Island. In 1977he took early retirement and built a home south of Okemah. It is a lovely place with views of the country side and forest hill sides. He and Helen would spend hours sitting on benches admiring their ponds and spending time together. Mr. Patterson was also a longtime member of the Wetumka Kiwanis Club. His daughter, Jana, says "one of the first thoughts of Dad was how quick was his wit; always joking and had a quick comeback to others jokes". He is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Richard. Survivors include his wife, Helen Patterson of the Home; two sons, Sidney Stephen Patterson of Wetumka and James Brian Patterson of Etiwanda California; two daughters, Linda Jean Ray and husband Bobby of Wetumka and Jana Kathleen Majeed and husband Ali of Oslo, Norway; one brother, Harvey Patterson and wife Emma of Fillmore, Ca; one brother in law, John Lloyd Young and wife Nancy of Coalinga, CA, three sister in laws, Virginia Orr of Ojai, CA., Barbara Alstot of Ventura, CA. and Margaret Larabee of Santa Maria, Ca. 6 grandchildren, Tami Jean Ray, Marsha Patterson, Charity Chapman and husband Jason, Rebecca Johnson and husband Daniel, Rabia Majeed and Aysha Majeed; 8 great-grand-children and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Patterson said that the sum of his Christian learning was "It's just nice to be nice". He lived by that belief.
Otheda "Fleming" Hill '44
Submitted by Mark Ortega on October 29, 2012 - 10:42am.Otheda"Nana" Hill, 86 passed away on Saturday, October 6th, 2012 in Hanford, California. She was born on March 16th, 1926 to Ike P. Fleming and Beatrice Morrison Fleming in Texas, Otheda graduated from Fillmore High School in Fillmore, California in 1944. She married the love of her life, Norman T. Hill 1944 in Oakland, California and moved to Laton in 1948. Otheda and Norman owned a retail milk delivery service in Hanford called "Norms Dairy" until his death in 1979.
She has three children; son, Randy & "Liselle" Hill of Fresno, daughter, Sandra Hill of Hanford, ex-son-in- law, Frank Dias, Jr. of Sanger and son, Danny & Madlene Hill of Hanford, Ca. She leaves behind her five wonderful grandson: Jon & Melody Dias of Hanford, Chad Dias of Fresno, Justin Hill of Fresno, Ryan Hill and Marc Hill both of Fresno and one precious granddaughter Tonya Dias of Arroyo Grande, CA.
Otheda was also cherished by her great-grandchildren; Richard Dias Kobie Dias and Baylee Dias. She also leaves her very best friend of 65 years, Thelma Price. Her 4 little dogs Tuffy, Angel, Tippy and Taz who miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Ike and Beatrice, her beloved husband; Norman and her sister in law; Adele Hill.
Otheda was active in Laton Lioness Club, Laton High School home & school club and Laton 4-H Club. She worked a few years delivering mail, selling Tupperware and Rubbermaid items in the Laton area. She loved knitting and making many different craft items. Her door was always open to all. Otheda will always be remembered as a very giving kind, and caring person. She was always there to help someone. Her door was open to everyone! She loved travel;ing every weekend to Santa Barbara to watch Tonya play softball for the University of Santa Barbara College. She loved anything outside. in place of flowers please send donations to the Laton Lions Club in her name and the Hanford SPCA.
Keith Warring '58
Submitted by Mark Ortega on September 19, 2012 - 2:53pm.The Alumni Office was informed that Keith Warring '58 had passed.
Juanita "Turk" Standridge '53
Submitted by Mark Ortega on September 14, 2012 - 9:57am.The Alumni office was informed that Juanita passed away on August 17th, 2012.
Eleanor Jean Perkins Class of 1945
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on September 12, 2012 - 8:44pm.Our beloved Eleanor Jean Perkins passed away at Santa Paula Hospital on September 6, 2012, following a long and hard-fought battle. She was born in Fillmore, California on March 22, 1927 to Lester and Ruth Burroughs. Her family consisted of two older sisters, a younger sister and younger brother, placing her squarely as the middle child, the peace keeper. She graduated from Fillmore High School in 1945 and went on to marry Eddie Earl Perkins in 1947, a WWII Navy veteran. In 1949, they were blessed with a daughter, Susan, and then welcomed their second daughter, Peggy, two years later. Eleanor’s whole life was spent as a dedicated home-maker, wife and mother, with the majority of her life spent on Perkins’ ranch where Eddie and she made their home. She worked in town from time to time and enjoyed her work at Western Auto and the Fillmore Bootery. Eleanor always remembered those times in her life fondly as she loved meeting new people, seeing old friends and doing something that she took pride in.
The cornerstone of Eleanor’s life was her unwavering faith in God. She was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore and lived her life following Jesus’ example of living simply and with purpose. Her faith was what sustained her throughout her life, saying nightly prayers and turning to God not just for the big things, but also to thank him for the little ones. She was passionate about nature, often choosing to spend her time outside with her flowers or perusing the ranch on her walks she so enjoyed. In 1996, Eleanor and Eddie reached a milestone in their lives, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their family members by their sides. In 1999, Eddie suffered a stroke and Eleanor unselfishly became his primary caregiver, spending her days caring for him in their home until he passed away in 2002.
They shared a special bond that demonstrated to those who knew them the dedication and love that is possible between two people. Eleanor had a deep devotion to her family and is survived by her sister Kathleen Amrhine (nee Burroughs), daughters Susan League and Peggy Evans (Gene Evans, D.D.S.), granddaughters Carrie Alamillo (Timmy), Amy de la Piedra (Doug), Linsey Evans, and Abby League, great-grandchildren Moneh Tello, Evan Alamillo, Anthony Chessani, Della Alamillo, and Thomas Alamillo, and great-great-grandson David Tello, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Eddie Perkins after 56 years of marriage, beloved parents Lester and Ruth Burroughs and siblings Elaine Moller, Patricia Erickson and Donald Burroughs. Eleanor’s life was one spent loving God, her family and friends.
She was happiest surrounded by beauty and believed everyday was worth living to its fullest. She will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved her, whether it was by the name Mom, Mimi, Grandma Nor or simply and blessedly Eleanor. “You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.” We’ll keep on smiling, Eleanor, because we were honored that you were here to teach us how. Eleanor’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all the men and women at Santa Paula Hospital, and a special and heartfelt thank you to Norma Viorato for her dedication to caring for Eleanor and the love and happiness she shared with her daily. A private memorial service will be held Thursday, September 13, 2012. Arrangements were entrusted to Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Fillmore Alumni Association in Eleanor’s name.
Joseph Alcocer Jr. Class of 1967
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on September 4, 2012 - 8:39pm.Joseph Alcocer Jr., age 64, passed away Sunday August 27, 2012 at UCLA Medical Center after a 5 month courageous battle with leukemia.
Joseph also known as “Joe” was a life-long resident of Piru, Ca. Joseph graduated from Fillmore High School and shortly after married his high school sweetheart, Josephine Alcocer. They were married for 42 years and together raised 3 children.
Joseph had a love for deer hunting and being outdoors. He looked forward to his yearly hunting trips to the Sierra Mountains and traveling out of state with his close friends. He also enjoyed fishing and camping. Joseph had so many great memories and stories of his adventures with his buddies. In his younger years Joseph was fond of his motorcycles and cars and took pride in them.
Joseph worked for General Motors as an auto worker for 35 years and retired at the age of 54. The years following his retirement Joseph was able to lead a more relaxed and enjoyable life with his family. He enjoyed working in his yard and spending time with his dogs. He was able to spend quality time with his wife. He cherished the times he got to spend with his children and grandchildren.
Joseph is preceded in death by his father, Joe G Alcocer and mother, Elisa Alcocer. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Alcocer; son, Joseph Alcocer and wife Julia; daughter, Sunshine Gray and husband Jeremy Gray ; son, Mike Alcocer. He is also survived by his sister, Olivia Magallon and husband Joe; sister, Sonia Oseguera and husband Felix. He also leaves 3 grandchildren: Joseph Miller Alcocer; Sierra Gray, and Gerrit Gray and 6 nieces and nephews.
Joseph was a very generous man who was always willing to help others in time of need. He had a kind heart and gave unselfishly to family and friends. We will forever remember his love and devotion to his family.
Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Joseph Alcocer Jr. will be held at San Salvador Mission Parish in Piru, CA., beginning first with the recitation of the rosary at 7pm, Friday, August 31st. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Saturday, September 1st with Father Barney Gatlin Officiating. Committal & Interment will follow immediately at Piru Cemetery. A potluck reception will take place at Britt Park in Piru, CA following the interment.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Joseph's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula. 805.229.7054.
Gretchen Anderson Class of 1930
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on September 4, 2012 - 8:33pm.Gretchen Anderson, 100, died peacefully on Wednesday August 15 in Fillmore, California. A funeral was held last Saturday, August 18. Born as Gretchen Stewart, at age 10 she moved with her family to Fillmore from Bolivar, Missouri. A 1930 graduate of Fillmore High School, Gretchen had a sharp mind, a love of other people and an excellent sense of humor. She worked for the telephone company (what is now AT&T) for 43 years, as Fillmore’s chief operator, then as a regional manager. At one time she was the only woman manager out of the 600 managers in Southern California. She enjoyed people and had many friends from the organizations she belonged to: Business and Professional Women, Ebell Club, and the Women’s Society Circle of her the Faith Community Church. Gretchen was married and widowed twice to Ralph Stanley and Ray Anderson. Gretchen was one of eight children. Kenny Stewart, Sid Stewart, Walt Stewart, Guy Stewart, Ruth Howard, Effie Hancock, and Mayme Hurt. She is survived by fourteen niece and nephews, all who will miss her greatly.
Viola Riesgo Garnica Class of 1950
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on August 12, 2012 - 7:10pm.Viola Riesgo Garnica, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully after a brief hospitalization for an infection, the morning of Sunday, August 5, 2012, at her home in Fillmore surrounded by her family. She had bravely battled non-Hodgkins Lymphoma since 2009. She had just celebrated her 80th birthday, having been in remission from cancer for a year.
Viola Catherine Riesgo was born on June 25, 1932, to cement mason James and housewife Lou Riesgo of Fillmore. The third of four Riesgo children, she began her education in Fillmore’s segregated schools during the height of the Depression. A determined 5-year-old, Viola enrolled herself in Sespe School kindergarten instead of the old Mountain View School. Her innocent determination to attend school with her friends broke the ‘color’ barrier of the time opening the doors for many others to follow. She excelled in mathematics, spelling, reading, writing and sports. While attending Fillmore High School she lettered in four sports and was vice president of the Girls’ Athletic Association. She graduated from Fillmore High with the Class of 1950 and had hoped to attend college but the Korean War and family necessity required her to go to work. She worked as an office clerk for the Frank Munoz Pipeyard until 1955 when she married her next door neighbor, Louis Garnica. The couple started a family, raising three daughters, Catherine, Luanne and Debra. As a working mother Viola was first a seamstress, then a payroll clerk and office administrator for the Fashion Development (Olga) Corporation in Fillmore. She was an officer with the Business and Professional Women’s service club and also served on the Fillmore Planning Commission.
Viola and her family helped to fundraise for the new St.Francis of Assisi Church on Highway 126 in Fillmore. Louis and she chaired the St. Francis Church fireworks booth for 16 years with help from family and friends. Viola and Louis also made many friends as members of the church-affiliated Padrinos and Los Caballeros organizations. When Viola retired from the Olga Company after 25 years she was able to help raise her five grandchildren, one of the greatest joys of her life. And, because she and her husband missed the chance to attend college, she made sure that her three daughters attended and graduated from Pepperdine University. She also encouraged four of her five grandchildren -- Will, Marie, Karen and Jim -- to graduate from California public universities, with the fifth grandchild, Megan, on track to graduate from Cal State University, Monterey Bay in two years.
Viola was an affectionate “Nana” to her family and as a consummate cook. She lovingly prepared everything from tasty lunches and snacks to lavish meals of Mexican, Italian and All-American fare for “family night” dinners and special occasions. She loved to tend to her rose garden and backyard filled with fruit trees and exotic plumeria plants. In later years she enjoyed road trips along the historic “Route 66” highways through Nevada and other western states, visiting the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and attending mariachi festivals in Arizona, New Mexico and Las Vegas.
Viola is survived by Louis, her devoted husband of 57 years; sister Eleanor Vargas of Fillmore; brothers Frank Riesgo of Santa Paula and James Riesgo of Ventura; daughters Catherine Garnica of Fillmore, Luanne and son-in-law John Schaper of Simi Valley and Debra and son-in-law Kevin Louth of Fillmore; grandsons Will Schaper of Madrid, Spain, and Jim Schaper of Simi Valley; granddaughters Marie Schaper of San Diego, Karen and Megan Louth of Fillmore; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, goddaughters, godsons and friends.
Family and friends may visit 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2012, at Skillin-Snyder Mortuary in Fillmore. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore on Monday, August 13 at 10 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Bardsdale Cemetary. A reception will follow at the St. Francis of Assisi Church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to the “Relay for Life” fundraise
Viola Catherine Riesgo was born on June 25, 1932, to cement mason James and housewife Lou Riesgo of Fillmore. The third of four Riesgo children, she began her education in Fillmore’s segregated schools during the height of the Depression. A determined 5-year-old, Viola enrolled herself in Sespe School kindergarten instead of the old Mountain View School. Her innocent determination to attend school with her friends broke the ‘color’ barrier of the time opening the doors for many others to follow. She excelled in mathematics, spelling, reading, writing and sports. While attending Fillmore High School she lettered in four sports and was vice president of the Girls’ Athletic Association. She graduated from Fillmore High with the Class of 1950 and had hoped to attend college but the Korean War and family necessity required her to go to work. She worked as an office clerk for the Frank Munoz Pipeyard until 1955 when she married her next door neighbor, Louis Garnica. The couple started a family, raising three daughters, Catherine, Luanne and Debra. As a working mother Viola was first a seamstress, then a payroll clerk and office administrator for the Fashion Development (Olga) Corporation in Fillmore. She was an officer with the Business and Professional Women’s service club and also served on the Fillmore Planning Commission.
Viola and her family helped to fundraise for the new St.Francis of Assisi Church on Highway 126 in Fillmore. Louis and she chaired the St. Francis Church fireworks booth for 16 years with help from family and friends. Viola and Louis also made many friends as members of the church-affiliated Padrinos and Los Caballeros organizations. When Viola retired from the Olga Company after 25 years she was able to help raise her five grandchildren, one of the greatest joys of her life. And, because she and her husband missed the chance to attend college, she made sure that her three daughters attended and graduated from Pepperdine University. She also encouraged four of her five grandchildren -- Will, Marie, Karen and Jim -- to graduate from California public universities, with the fifth grandchild, Megan, on track to graduate from Cal State University, Monterey Bay in two years.
Viola was an affectionate “Nana” to her family and as a consummate cook. She lovingly prepared everything from tasty lunches and snacks to lavish meals of Mexican, Italian and All-American fare for “family night” dinners and special occasions. She loved to tend to her rose garden and backyard filled with fruit trees and exotic plumeria plants. In later years she enjoyed road trips along the historic “Route 66” highways through Nevada and other western states, visiting the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and attending mariachi festivals in Arizona, New Mexico and Las Vegas.
Viola is survived by Louis, her devoted husband of 57 years; sister Eleanor Vargas of Fillmore; brothers Frank Riesgo of Santa Paula and James Riesgo of Ventura; daughters Catherine Garnica of Fillmore, Luanne and son-in-law John Schaper of Simi Valley and Debra and son-in-law Kevin Louth of Fillmore; grandsons Will Schaper of Madrid, Spain, and Jim Schaper of Simi Valley; granddaughters Marie Schaper of San Diego, Karen and Megan Louth of Fillmore; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, goddaughters, godsons and friends.
Family and friends may visit 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2012, at Skillin-Snyder Mortuary in Fillmore. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore on Monday, August 13 at 10 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Bardsdale Cemetary. A reception will follow at the St. Francis of Assisi Church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to the “Relay for Life” fundraise
Joyce Lee Zavala (Stoner) Class of 1956
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on August 4, 2012 - 6:11pm.Joyce Lee Zavala( Stoner), born on November 16, 1937 in Tuckerman, AR, went to meet her Lord on Thursday July 19, 2012 in Plano, TX at the age of 74, after a lengthy battle with several illnesses. Mom was a resident of Frisco, TX for the past six years and was a longtime resident of Fillmore, CA. She graduated from Fillmore High School in 1956. She worked for Sunkist in the Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association beginning in 1969 and retired in 2000 after 31 years. Mom loved spending time with her children and grandchildren when they came to visit.
She will be remembered for her dry sense of humor, quick wit, undying compassion and her willingness to help wherever and whenever she could.
Our lives have changed forever. Learning to live without your physical presence is a daily challenge. We love you and miss you more than words could express.
She will be deeply missed by all her family. She was preceded in death by her mother (Alma Jackson) father (Lewis), sister (Mary Vest) and granddaughter (Amber Zavala). She is survived by her brother, Lewis Jackson Jr, children Richard, Regina, Joe, Michael (Ronnell) and Patrick (Angelica). Also, by her grandchildren Suzanne, Jenna, Kristopher, Cameron, Devyn, Joseph, Julia, Jennifer, Shane, December, Destyni, Brandon, Nathan, Anthony, Dezeray, Jazmine, Matthew, Ethan and Isabella Zavala. And, two great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Richard.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date, per family request.
Joseph G. Tirado '75
Submitted by Mark Ortega on August 2, 2012 - 9:14am.Joseph G. Tirado, 54, of San Francisco, passed away July 15th, 2012, while surrounded by Family and close Friends. Joseph was born July 30th, 1957, in Santa Paula, Ca, to Jose Guadalupe Tirado, and Ida (Sanchez) Tirado. He Graduated from Fillmore High in 1975. He continued his education at California State University Northridge, graduating with a Business degree in Business Administration, and obtained his Master of Business Administration Degree from California Polytechnic University Pomona. He found great joy in philanthropic works, active involvement in his parish community, and the years he served as Master of ceremonies for the Bishop of San Jose, P.J. McGrath. He enjoyed traveling, the arts, and fine culinary experiences. He treasured time with family and friends, and will always be remembered for his thoughtfulness and remarkable sense of humor.
He is survived by his father, J.G. Tirado, of Piru, brothers and their spouses, Frank, ('71) and Karen Tirado of San Antonio, TX. Greg and Annie Tirado of Riverside, CA; His sister and her spouse, Nini (Norma, '72) and Joseph Trafecanty of Newhall, Ca; his sister, Julie Jimenez of Pisa, Italy; and several Nieces, Nephews, and great nephews, and Nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida (Sanchez, '45) Tirado.
