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Dr. Isabelle Irene Tavares '38
Submitted by Mark Ortega on February 1, 2012 - 9:46am.Isabelle Graduated from Fillmore Union High School in 1938. She continued her higher education at U.C. Berkeley where she received her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D degrees.
Isabelle dedicated her life to science and worked for many years in the Herbarium at UC Berkeley.
Her Family admired her for her joy of life, love of travel, and kindness to others, especially those less fortunate.
She was very generous and supported many underprivileged children in countries all over the world.
She was a favorite aunt of her nieces and nephews and beloved sister to Ellen and Marian.
Isabelle was a collector of art and was especially fond of Japanese Prints.
Although she spent time traveling all over the world she was born in and chose to live in California. Isabelle Tavares - University and Jepson Herbarium
Viola Margaret King Greenwood Curran '41
Submitted by Mark Ortega on January 30, 2012 - 12:08pm.January 28th, 2012, Dear Friends, On Thursday Jan 26th, 2012, our mother, Viola Margaret King Greenwood Curran, passed away. She was at the Sacramento airport on her way with Janet, and son in law Ron Bakke to attend the wedding of her grandson Kohl Curran, and his fiancee Megan in Orlando, Florida. She told Janet that she needed a second to catch her breath, and then collapsed. Mom never regained consciousness, she was 88. A heart attack is the most likely cause.
Mom went out of this world in a manner I am sure we can all appreciate, quickly so as to not cause any inconvenience. She vever asked for much or for any special treatment. Vi was always ready, willing, and able to help all she could. She optimistically faced each day with a glass half full. I am sure she would tell us all not to cry or feel sorry for her. She had a rich, full life, loved by a family and friends that most people would envy. After all, she was on her way to a party.
Memorial information will be sent as soon as we know. Love to all.
Tom Swift Class of 1958
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on January 28, 2012 - 7:36pm.Thomas Wayne Swift, 71, of Norman, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at Norman Regional Hospital.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Riverlife Church in Moore. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetary in Norman.
He was born Oct. 7, 1940, in Modesto, Calif., to William and Maude Swift. He was the middle child of three sons. His older brother, Wes, was a great example to him. He tried to emulate everything that he did. His younger brother, Bart, was always tagging along to be part of their adventures.
Tom spent most of his childhood in Fillmore, Calif. Tom participated in numerous activities, including FFA, church and the school band. He graduated from Fillmore High School, the home of the Flashes, in 1958.
In 1964, Tom married his longtime sweetheart, Linda Carol Robbins. He pursued her for six years before she finally caved in to his romantic persuasions. He knew early on that she was such a special person that he bought her a necklace with a promise ring pendant on it when she was in the seventh grade. She proudly still wears that necklace, to this day.
Tom started his career with Pacific Bell in 1964 as an accounting assistant. He worked for the Bell Companies until his retirement in 1991.
Tom’s career path and his success was driven by his insatiable appetite for learning. He loved to read and share books on management and leadership. He attended New York University later in his career.
The family moved from southern California to Edmond in 1977. They moved to Breakaway Acres in Shawnee in 1978. Tom was very active in the activities and hobbies of their two sons, including BMX racing, sports, school, etc.
Tom and Linda were longtime members at Evangelistic Center in Shawnee. They were actively involved in children’s ministry for several years. He was also very involved in the Passion Play production held at the church. He loved to be involved in the design and construction of the entire project to construct the theater and spent many hours working behind the scenes. He fondly talked about how much being involved in this ministry meant to him, allowing him to utilize his talents for God’s Kingdom.
Upon retirement, they moved to Oklahoma City then to Norman, where they have resided for the last 10 years.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of more than 47 years, Linda; two sons and daughters-in-law David and Jennifer Swift of Oklahoma City and Brent and Alisse Swift of Norman; two grandchildren, Zach and Hannah of Oklahoma City; their soon-to-be-born grandson, Stone; and brother and sister-in-law, Bart and Eva Swift of Bakersfield, Calif.
The family would like to thank all of his doctors and nurses who he has had the pleasure to get to know over the last several years. A special thanks to Dr. Ballard and her staff at the Norman Clinic for their compassionate care. Also to the ICU nursing staff who cared for Tom during his last few days. Kelly, Ashley, Jennifer and Dovie showed such grace and compassion to him and the entire family. Words cannot express how we feel for allowing us to spend those precious moments with him at his bedside.
Arrangements are under the direction of John Ireland Funeral Home.
LARRY & BARBARA MYERS
Submitted by Mark Ortega on January 26, 2012 - 1:49pm.It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our parents, Richard "Larry" Myers, Sr. and Barbara Vivian Hampton Myers.
Larry was born March 23, 1934 in Fillmore, Ca., and passed away December 27, 2010 in Twin Falls, Idaho. Preceded in death by parents Dalmer "Dutch" Myers, Bill and Estelle Johnson and baby brother Sam Myers. Barbara was born April 27, 1933 in Santa Barbara, Ca., and passed away June 8, 2011 in Twin Falls, Idaho, preceded in death by parents Orville and Vivian Hampton and brother Charles.
Larry and Barbara met at Fillmore High School, Larry the class of '52 and Barbara the class of '50 and were married January 8, 1953 in Fillmore, where they resided a number of years. In 1959 the family moved to Oak View where Larry worked in the oilfields and Barbara worked at the Blue Chip Stamp Store. In 1970 the family moved back to Fillmore to pursue a new career in owning "Larry's Place" on Santa Clara Street. In 1975 Larry and Barbara moved to Frazier Park to start retirement. In 1983 they came out of retirement to go into the hotel business in Carlin, NV. Finally in 1996 they left the hotel business to go back into retirement at South Fork Lake, Nevada, where they enjoyed each others time, laughter and their back road rides with their dog in the back and a cold one in hand.
Both are survived by their children, Cheryl and Brad, grandson Garrett, Dick and Tania, grandchildren Josh, Susie, Ricky and Becky, Clay and Cathy, grandsons Josh and Jeremy. Larry and Barbara were truly blessed, four great-grandchildren Drew, Adam, Sami and KK. Also brother and sister-in-law Beverly Myers, along with numerous
Lloyd Rey Perkins '45
Submitted by Mark Ortega on January 26, 2012 - 12:52pm.Lloyd Rey Perkins passed away December 4, 2011, with his loving and devoted wife Cathryn, of 47 years, at his side. Lloyd was born November 10, 1927 in Fillmore, CA to Ed and Ruth Perkins, He was raised on their orange ranch in Fillmore and attended local schools. After graduating from high school, Lloyd enlisted in the army. During his active duty, he attended Stanford University's engineering program. He was honorably discharged from the services in 1946.
Lloyd's career was primarily in oil related positions. He worked for Getty Oil, Trico Industries, and BFI in Bakersfield and Ventura. He was also Vice President of Perkins Land Co. in Fillmore.
Most important in Lloyd's life, was his service for the Lord. He was a longtime member of Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International, serving as both president and vice president of the Ventura chapter. He attended their conventions world-wide. He received his minister's license in 1981 and at that time he and Cathy founded Olive Branch Ministries. Through that ministry they produced the radio program "Ordinary People" which was broadcast on stations around the world for 27 years.
Lloyd is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Eddie and two of his three children, Lee Perkins and Jerrilyn McCurley. He is survived by his wife, Cathy of Ventura, his daughter Janalee Whisler of Bakersfield, Cathy's children, Sandra Butterfield and husband Mike of Oregon, and Steve Barnes of Hawaii. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Albert E. Avila '52
Submitted by Mark Ortega on January 26, 2012 - 12:14pm.Albert E. Avila passed away at home peacefully with his loving family at his bedside after a long illness on August 29, 2011. Albert was born June 26, 1933, in the town of Piru, to Pablo and Carmen Avila. He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1952; he then served in the US Army during the Korean War, Albert then met and married Esperanza Hurtado and had four children. He worked for General Motors in Van Nuys for 30 years and retired in 1989. In his retirement he volunteered his time to San Salvador Church in Piru for 13 years. Albert had a big heart for helping others and gave to various charities. He loved spending time with his wife and family barbecuing on the weekends, dancing while listening to his favorite music, watching college football, tending to his yard, and spending time with his dogs. Albert was a loving and caring man with a great sense of humor and loved by all who knew him. We are so blessed to have been loved by him and he will be dearly missed. His love and memories will forever be in our hearts.
Albert is preceded in death by his parents, Pablo and Carmen Avila; his brothers, Joe, Margarito, Pablo Jr. Avila; and his sisters, Rosie Cortez and Rita Avila.
Albert is survived by his wife, Esperanza, of 54 years, children, Anthony and wife Lena Avila of Oxnard, Robert and wife Marisa Avila of Piru, Steve and wife Isabell Avila of Fillmore, Gloria and husband Lupe Cervantez of Ventura, his grandchildren, Jacob and Noah Cervantez, Bobby, Randy, Serena, Amanda, Emily, Robert, Ashley, Monique Avila, Chante and husband Tommy McCary, and gread-grandson, Conner McCary, his brothers, John, Raymond, and Charlie Avila of Piru.
Samuel Armond Gunter '42
Submitted by Mark Ortega on January 26, 2012 - 11:42am.On January 14, 2012, Samuel Armond Gunter went home to the Lord. He was 87 years old. Armond was born in Oakland, California, on April 8, 1924. He moved to Fillmore at a young age and attended Fillmore Union High School, where he was the student body president and quarterback on the football team.
ONE MORE WW II HERO HAS LEFT US
After graduation he joined the US Navy and became a pilot, flying Corsairs. He served the Pacific on board the USS Franklin. While he was in the air, the carrier was attacked and destroyed. He had no place to land. He was finally able to ditch his plane in the water next to a rescue ship. After the war, he returned to Fillmore and met Wanda Basolo. Three months later they were married. Armond and Wanda lived and raised their children in Fillmore. Armond worked in agriculture, spending most of that time working for Agri-Serv in Santa Paula. Armond was also an active member of the Fillmore Rotary Club. After retiring, Armond and Wanda moved to Poinsettia Gardens in Ventura whre they volunteered at the Ventura County Medical Center.
Armond would always say that his dear Wanda was the love of his life and that he was blessed to be her husband. They were married for 66 years.
Armond is survived by his loving wife Wanda, and their three children and their spouses, David and Donna Gunter, Lynn and Bob Williams and Jill and Bill Williams, all of Fresno, California. He is also survived by six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a nephew.
Graveside service will be held at Bardsdale Cemetery at 2:30 p.m., on Friday, January 27, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Lloyd Rey Perkins
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on January 9, 2012 - 7:07pm.November 10, 1927 - December 04, 2011 Lloyd Rey Perkins went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 04, 2011, with his loving and devoted wife Cathryn, of 47 years, at his side. Lloyd was born in Fillmore. CA. to Ed and Ruth Perkins. He was raised on their orange ranch in Fillmore and attended local schools. After graduating from high school, Lloyd enlisted in the army. During his active duty, he attended
Most important in Lloyd's life, was his service for the Lord. He was a longtime member of Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International, serving as both president and vice president of the
Patricia Marie Dann Rivera (1958-2011) '77
Submitted by Corinna Mozley on December 22, 2011 - 9:18pm."Patty" Dann Rivera, originally of Fillmore, CA and later Columbia, TN entered into eternal life at the age of 53 in her Santa Paula home after a four year battle with lung cancer. The 5th of ten children she was was predeceased by her father Jerry Dann. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her mother, Carol Newberry Dann, husband Jessie Rivera, five children Sean (Kylee) Rivera of Knoxville, TN, Patrick (Margot) Rivera of Ventura, CA, Eric (Jennifer) Rivera of Ontario, CA, Melanie Rivera of Santa Paula, CA and Maria Rivera of Santa Paula, CA; sisters Cherie (Drew) Ferguson, Laurie (David) Pillado, and Julie (Mark) Gallegos; brothers Jeff (Tiffany) Dann, Steve (Joyce) Dann, Mike Dann, Tom (Tori) Dann, Matt Dann, and Robert (Lynne) Dann. In the last two years of her life she was blessed with five grandchildren, Sophia, Carver, Mia, Rudy, and Marcella. Patty was born in Norwalk, CA and was raised in Fillmore, CA where she and high school sweetheart Jessie first met. He proposed to her before their Senior Prom and they were married in 1978. Patty was also a nineteen year resident of Columbia, TN where she raised her five children and was a devout member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
A faithful Catholic woman, she was a beautiful Christian witness to her family and friends. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and even to the last days of her life she prayed her rosary daily. She was also completely dedicated to teaching her children the values and importance of Christian virtue and the power of sacrificial love. Her son’s will not forget the long one-on-one conversations, whether across the country or in person, they shared with their mother, nor will her daughters forget the hours she would spend praying, singing, or dressing them for formal events.
She was a true woman of joy, and her sweet nature will be dearly missed by her family. The precious time we were given with our beautiful Patty will always be cherished. Her joy was a most promising sign of God's infallible presence. Jessie remained vigilant and present at her side with his five children until her death. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that donations be made to Catholic Charities or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Ventura County.
The family would also like to recognize Assisted 1 Hospice services who lovingly cared for her toward the end of her life. Their compassion and caring were living examples of Christian charity.
Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Patricia will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3169 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, beginning with visitation from 5pm-8pm with the recitation of the rosary at 7pm, Monday, December 26, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10am. Committal and Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore.
For map and direction 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 Patricia'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
Cecil C. Decker '61
Submitted by Mark Ortega on December 2, 2011 - 10:26am.Cecil C. Decker Jr., 68 of Lynchburg, VA, past away Tuesday, November15th, 2011 in Nelson County, VA., doing his job of excavating and playing in the dirt. He was born March 11, 1943 in Basic Townsite, Nevada, a son of the late Cecil Clovis Decker, Sr and Joyce Lemons Decker. Cecil Graduated from Fillmore High School in 1961, and was a proud member of the Football team. Cecil was an equipment operator for Johnson Excavating. He enjoyed mud bogging in his truck and proudly served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by two sons, Chris Decker and his wife Shannon, and Tim Decker and his wife Kellie, one sister, Joyce D. Pritchard and her husband Bill of Prescott, Arizona, and a brother, Lou Delgado, and his wife Sharon of McCloud, California. Cecil has eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To send condolences, please visit www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com.
