Thursday, September 26, 2013

Judith Ann Weatherwax Burke, BHS 1958

Judith Ann Weatherwax Burke, BHS 1958

Our beloved mother, and our father's wife of 51 years, passed away Monday, May 20, 2013. Her husband and two daughters were at her side when she left the world she loved and enriched. Born in April 1940 in Glendale, Calif., Judy was the oldest of three sisters, with whom she was very close and for decades shared an annual "three-sisters vacation" at the Little Sister Resort in Sister Bay, Wis. These trips brought her great joy and were the highlight of her year as they were filled with late night laughter, endless craft projects and friendly competitions at the paintball shooting range or baseball batting cages.

Our parents met in high school when they were 15 years old. They married on July 28, 1962, and settled in San Luis Obispo in 1968, where they raised their family and watched their daughters grow up in the community they loved. Mom and Dad's life of 58 years together included many wonderful family vacations, lots of movies and Sunday crosswords, and in recent years, unforgettable world travels.

Our mother's talents and accomplishments and examples of her kind nature cannot possibly be condensed into a short sketch such as this; however, her passion for designing and making beautiful quilts, her amazing piano playing, the trips she took around the world with our dad, and the pride she felt for her daughter's and grandchildren's achievements would be the starting point of outlining what was important to her.

Mom was also a lifelong learner - after her children were grown, she went back to school. After finishing her bachelor's degree at Stephens College, she continued on to earn two master's degrees from Skidmore College. Our mother was an active member in her community and enriched the lives of others through service with the Monday Club, Civic Ballet Performing Arts Center, Law Wives Group, and many other volunteer positions throughout the years.

Judy leaves behind her husband, Jeffrey Burke; two daughters, Brooksley (Burke) Williams and Meredith (Burke) Lawler, sisters, Marjorie Baldwin and Nancy Carlson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lee and Robert Chandler Weatherwax.

As our mother was especially passionate about women's education and its vital role in shaping young women to become well-rounded, compassionate members of their community, contributions in her memory can be made to your favorite charity that supports education or the arts. Or, in lieu of a charitable contribution, consider also simply "paying it forward" with an act of kindness toward another, as our mother did on a regular basis. She knew how far an encouraging word and a warm smile could travel, and it would bring us great comfort to know her legacy of kindness, good will, and wonderful humor will endure.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

William G. Montenegro, BHS 1972

William G. Montenegro, BHS 1972

William G. Montenegro, 60, of Burbank, California, passed away on August 13, 2013 in his home after a long battle of cancer.

William was born in Costa Rica on February 18, 1953. He graduated from Burbank High School. He enjoyed a long, passionate career at Warner Brothers (Motion Pictures); but most of all, he lived an active and very social life, cherishing his time and experiences with his friends and family.

William is survived by his wife, Jing; mother, Jeannette; father, Herminio; sisters, Jenny Mattox and Maritza Amaro; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A public burial was held on September 11, 2013 at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.


Burbank Leader, September 17, 2013

Monday, September 23, 2013

Robert Hess Baker, BHS 1953

Robert Hess Baker, BHS 1953
February 26, 1936 - January 15, 2013

Beloved husband, father of four children, brother and grandfather. Bob was born in Burbank, CA, and graduated from Burbank High in 1953. He co-owned Accurate Engineering Corp for many years. He was a really kind and nice person, who was loved by everyone. Bob will be missed by his son, Tom; his daughters, Sheryl, Karen and Jennifer; eight grandchildren and wife, Nancy.

Graveside services will be Friday, August 2nd, 11:00 a.m., at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City, CA 90230. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Burbank, 521 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91501.

Published in Los Angeles Daily News from July 28 to July 30, 2013

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

David Jackson Rugee, BHS 1966

David Jackson Rugee, BHS 1966

David Jackson Rugee, was born on March 4, 1948 in Los Angeles County, California and passed away Friday, July 5, 2013, in Arizona where he lived with his wife, Sharon. Dave and Sharon were married in Clark County, Nevada on April 7, 2001.

Dave is also survived by two sons, four grandchildren and his sister, Leigh Rugee Crossen, BHS '67.

He is loved by a large extended family and will be greatly missed by all.

No other details at this time.


Monday, September 16, 2013

Christine Alice Harden Rife, BHS 1965

Christine Alice Harden Rife, BHS 1965

Christine passed away on Monday, July 1, 2013, after a three year battle with Ovarian Cancer. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Christine was born in Burbank on February 16, 1948 to Marcelle and Richard Harden. She attended Village Christian School thru 9th grade. she attended Burbank High School where she was Captain of the Drill Team her senior year and graduated in 1965.

Following graduation she worked at Ansell and Ansell Law Offices, OTI Corp., and the Burbank Law Center. In 1985 Christine married Scott Rife (BHS 69). Shortly after their wedding they moved to the Santa Clarita Valley, and in 1998 they settled in Valencia where they continued to live until her passing.

Christine enjoyed crafts of all kinds, gardening, traveling, and decorating their home for different holidays. Her greatest joy however was achieved by her children and granchildren who she treasured.

Christine is survived by her husband, Scott Rife; mother, Marcelle Harden; sister, Kushi Jones and brother-in-law E.J.; daughter, Diane and son-in-law Jim Larson; son, Richard Steinhart and daughter-in-law Brenin Steinhart; and Toby and Tyler Lester; plus many other family and friends.