Bret Matta, BHS 1980

Bret Matta, BHS 1980

February 25, 1962 — November 25, 2025

Bret Matta, 63, born on February 25, 1962, in Burbank, California, passed away November 25, 2025.

Born in Burbank, California, Bret Matta entered the world as a fighter—less than four pounds, alongside his twin brother, Bart. That early resilience carried through his entire life. As a teenager, he proudly lived up to his nickname “Mr. Excitement” —always at the heart of the day’s craziest story. He was well-known for his boundless energy, confidence, and the way he dove—literally—into everything he did, especially baseball. He was a standout player, willing to sacrifice his body for the out.

He built an honorable 40-year career in aerospace manufacturing, rising to become President of STADCO in Los Angeles. He led with dedication, humility, and genuine care for the people he worked with. He believed deeply in treating everyone with respect, and he developed close, meaningful relationships across every level of the company.

He was a die-hard Steelers fan from birth, and he carried that passion like fuel—arguing play calls, celebrating wins a little too loudly, and turning every game day into a show. In his twenties, he and his twin shared a boat and spent many days fishing and tearing across the water. He loved to explore new places, go to the beach, and being outdoors. He loved to crack jokes and always welcomed the kind of chaos that made each day with him unforgettable.

What defined him most, though, was his connection to people. He cared deeply and sincerely about everyone around him; His humor, timing, wit, and presence made people feel seen and welcomed. He was approachable, goofy, and always himself.

Above all else, he was a devoted husband and loving father. He planned with care, supported without hesitation, and showed up in every way that mattered, always. Whether it was attending his son’s football practices, answering his daughter’s late-night calls, or organizing family trips down to the cent, he was fully invested in the people he loved most. His devotion extended to every member of his family, including his childhood dog, Barney; his late cat, Goody; his beloved Riley; and his two loyal companions, Hampton and Gnocchi.

He is survived by his loving wife, Penny Matta; his son, Garrett Matta; his daughter, Rachel Matta; his older brothers, Bill and Bud Matta; his twin brother, Bart Matta; and all those who loved him.

He’ll be missed in this world, even as he’s welcomed into the next.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Service Schedule

Funeral Service of Bret Matta

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

12:30 - 1:30 pm (Pacific time)

Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills - Church of the Hills

6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Daniel Wain Ruffell, BHS 1962

Daniel Wain Ruffell, BHS 1962

1944 - 2016

RUFFELL, Daniel Wain born May 22, 1944 Burbank, California. Passed away on April 30, 2016, Tucson Arizona. Leaving behind his loving family, Julie wife of 51 years; three children, Jaime, Christina, Geoff; five grandchildren,, Zachary, Savannah, Collin, Kealy and Jake; one great-grandson, Zachary. 

Daniel and his wife owned a construction company for 50 years. Danny and Julie were in the process of building their dream home at the time of his passing. Danny loved music, dancing and spending time with his family and friends. 

Honoring Danny's last wishes no services will be scheduled. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on May 15, 2016.

Kathryn Louise Hoadley, BHS 1968

Kathryn Louise Hoadley, BHS 1968

7 November 1950 - 31 October 2004 

Kay suffered from Lupus for many years. During her first few years of life she was diagnosed with melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Because of her lupus, the doctors didn't really know how to treat the cancer, which rapidly spread to her lungs.

She underwent experimental treatment at the Norris Cancer Center as a last resort. This treatment was not successful and Kay died a week before her 54th birthday. 

Kay was a special education teacher in the Burbank schools. I believe one of her last teaching jobs was at John Burroughs High School. When she was forced to retire early because of her lupus, she volunteered at the Burbank Temporary Aid Center. 

Kay and I knew each other from the time we were 1 years old. She's now been gone for several years. I miss her very much. (sent in by Laurie Eisenberg to the Class of 1968)

Note: Burial was in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California. See Kay's Find A Grave memorial here

Ronald Murray Everett, BHS 1958

Ronald Murray Everett, BHS 1958

October 2, 1940 - July 5, 2020

 Late last night or very early this morning my dad passed away. The past two to three years he dealt with medical challenges that slowly took from him that which we take for granted. His name was Ronald M. Everett but was know simply as "Ron". Losing my blood father to a plane crash at a very young age, my mom remarried Ron and from that day forward, he has been my "Dad". In the beginning, it was he, my mom, me and my sister. And then soon came three more sisters. Something that impressed me over the years he raised the five of us, was that he always treated us equally.

"We were both of similar stature, broader in the shoulders and thicker in the chest. In years gone by more that a couple times someone had said, you look like your dad. We'd smile at each other and just say thank you.

"If there was a memorial/celebration of life that could have been done Pre-Covid, I'm quite sure there would be a good number of people in attendance. Not just because we come from a large family but because he touched many lives. Yes he was a husband, father and grandfather but also

-Involved in his church for decades

-Participated in leadership for the Walnut Valley School District

And

-Participated in city politics for his city of Diamond Bar, CA. He was a Councilman and then held the position of Mayor of Diamond Bar.

"It was some months back we were told that his time may be near and Debbie and I went out to see him at the care facility he was at. We made up a little photo album for him to flip through and hopefully trigger memories. My sister Marla shared later that there were two pictures we put in the book of he with his two brothers and he'd tap his finger and linger on. I was able to hold his hand we shared a gaze but the ability to share in give and take conversation, that time was gone.

"If this had been fast and sudden, there would be more sorrow. But given the road he had traveled to get here, my feelings today are more of joy knowing he is in heaven and is suffering no more.

"Blessings to my sister Marla and brother-in-law Steve Rickard, who for so many months drove up to my folks and cared for dad, daily. I am moved by their enduring care and love."

George W. Charles Key, BHS 1967

George W. Charles Key, BHS 1967

"Sho Fur"

February 11, 1949 - January 20, 2002

George was born in Culver City, California and grew up in Burbank, California where he graduated from High School and enjoyed driving the Pacific Crest Highway to his favorite surf spots. He served in the armed Forces for  3 years as a helicopter crew chief and mailman. He then went to work at Lockheed. George then married Gail and they had a daughter Melissa in 1976 when they all moved to Bakersfield, California. George served the Lord at Westside Church of Christ for many years doing many different tasks. People there will remember him for being in charge of communion preparation. He was a member of the Muedell Oildale Masonic Lodge #695, the Scottish Right of Bakersfield and Shriner with the Al Malaikah Temple of LA. He was best loved as a clown with Kern County Shrine Club Clowns. He sponsored many children for the Shriners Hospital. Along with all his accomplishments he was an inspiration to many. We will cherish the memories we had with him and remember all the wisdom he passed on.  

George is survived by his loving mother, Anna Key, his wife Gail Key of 28 years, daughter Melissa and her husband Carl Powell, brother-in-law Gary Brown, devoted sidekick Hunnee, his Aunt Dot and Auntie Lolo. Along with numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and "the Caldwell Dr. kids."

Graveside services will be held at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills on Saturday, January 26, 2002 at 3 p.m. Memorial services will be held at the Westside Church of Christ, 7300 Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield at 10 a.m. on Monday January 28.

Published in The Bakersfield Californian,  Thursday, January 24, 2002

Patricia Ann Morris Woods, BHS 1972

Patricia Ann Morris Woods

March 12, 1953 ~ May 19, 2021

Pat Morris Woods, BHS '72, passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 68 years of age. Pat was diagnosed on April 27th with ovarian cancer, which was only three weeks before her passing. She and her husband, Steve Woods, BHS '70, were married on April 14, 1973, and recently had their 48th anniversary. They moved from Burbank to Colorado Springs 25 years ago in 1996. 

At BHS Pat was "Varsity Dog Walker" at the Varsity games, walking "Pleasant" the school mascot bulldog! Pat worked for Farmer's Home Mutual Insurance until early 1982, before her daughter and son were born in 1983 and 1985. For the last 15 years Pat worked as a PARA for special needs students at Woodmen Roberts Elementary School in Colorado Springs. 

Because of Pat's strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, her family is assured that at 8:20 on Wednesday morning, May 19th, she instantly entered her eternal HOME in HEAVEN.

Pat is survived by her husband, Steven K. Woods; her daughter, Laura Woods Longhenry; her son, Andrew Woods; son-in-law, A.J. Longhenry; daughter-in-law, Rachel Woods; and four grandchildren, Addison and Jacob Longhenry, and Aedin and Rylynn Woods. All of them live in Colorado Springs. Pat is also survived by two sisters, Dee Dee Morris Sincomb, BHS '74, of Southern California, and her family, and Diana Morris, BHS '77, also of Southern California; and sister-in-law, Penny Woods Austin, BHS '72, also of Colorado Springs, and her family. Pat was predeceased by her parents, Luther and Betty Morris, and by her in-laws, Harry and Irma Woods. 

Written by the late Alan Landros, BHS 1970

Shirley Ann Reed Schenck, BHS 1950

Shirley Ann Reed Schenck, BHS 1950

September 9, 1932 - October 10, 2015

Shirley Ann Reed Schenck was born on September 9, 1932 in Grand Island, Nebraska to Marion and Lorraine Reed. She grew up in southern California graduating from Burbank High School in 1950. She married the love of her life, Maurice Paul Schenck on Valentine's Day in 1952. 

She went home to be with the Lord on October 10, 2015 at the age of 83 at her home in Oroville, California. She stayed home, raising her three children until they were all teens. She went to work for Mosley's Blueprinting, managing the business for two owners. She then became the office manager for Thermalito Irrigation District, retiring in 1982 to travel with her husband. Together they traveled around the United States and then the world. They spent some time as missionaries and church planters. 

She is survived by her three children, Susan (Jim) Hoopes, W. Paul (Rosalie) Schenck, and Terri (Roger) Wells; eight grandchildren, seven great - grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters. Her memorial service will be held at the Foothill Blvd. Church of Christ in Oroville, California on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10 am. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877

Sally Ann Kusch Szoke, BHS 1966

Sally Ann Kusch Szoke, BHS 1966

Submitted by Peggy Melton Cyphers

It's sad that I am doing this on my Christmas. 

On Monday December 22, 2025, we lost Sally Kusch Szoke ('66) to cancer.  Such a sweet person. She and Bob Szoke  ('66) were married for over 50 years. They had two children, Wendy and Mike. She is  missed!

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While in high school Sally was a member of the Legislative Council. No other details at this time. Prayers go out to her family and friends and fellow classmates at the lost of dear Sally just before the Christmas holidays. May she Rest in Peace.

Geneva D. Hoofman Chiabotti, BHS 1959

Geneva D. Hoofman Chiabotti, BHS 1959

24 Oct 1941 - 14 Mar 2019

Geneva D. Chiabotti passed away peacefully Thursday March 14, 2019 at her home in Benicia with her family by her side. She was born in Arkansas and lived in Benicia for the past 30 years. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1959 and worked as a banker for over 25 years, beginning at First Interstate Bank in Southern California, then transferring to Walnut Creek, and later at Wells Fargo Bank in Rossmoor before retiring in 1991.

She was a member of the Diablo A’s Model A Ford Club of America for more than 25 years. She was voted the most Outstanding Member of the club in 1996 and was it’s first Vest Lady. Geneva enjoyed gardening, sewing and traveling the United States as well as travelling to Italy, Germany, and France.

Her biggest love, however, was her family and being around as many of them as possible during holidays and other special times. Geneva was a regular at her grandchildren's ballgames, performances, graduations, births, and other special events. She was the rock of the family during the holidays and was famous for her cheesecake that was so beloved by her family.

.

Geneva is survived by Paul, her husband for the past 58 years; son Stephen (Tracy) Chiabotti; daughter Nancy (Robert)Martinez; sister Brenda Rhoads; her grandchildren Allyssa (Chiabotti) Cabrera, Anthony, Dominic & Michaela Chiabotti and Matthew, Andrew, Vincent & Christopher Martinez; and her great grandchildren Ethan, William & Tyler Cabrera. She was preceded in death by her brother Wayne Hoofman, her sister Phyllis Hoofman, and her mother Verna Olsen.

Vigil services will be held 7:00 p.m., Thursday March 21st at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, 901 West 2nd Street, Benicia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 22nd at St. Dominic’s Church followed by burial in St. Dominic’s Cemetery. Visitation will be at the mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Thursday. Please visit the online tribute at www.passalacquafuneralchap.com

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Geneva D. Chiabotti please visit our Sympathy Store.

Previous Events

Vigil services

MAR 21. 7:00 PM (PT)

Passalacqua Funeral Chapel

901 W Second Street

Benicia, CA 94510

(707) 745-3130

info@passalacquafuneralchapel.com

https://www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com

Mass of Christian Burial

MAR 22. 10:30 AM (PT)

St Dominic's

475 East I Street

Benicia, Ca 97510

Donald Dewitt Lister, BHS 1956

Donald Dewitt Lister, BHS 1956

October 5, 1937 – January 14, 2022

In the care of Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park

Donald Dewitt Lister, age 84, passed away January 14, 2022. Don was born on October 5th 1937 to Glyn and Audie Lister in Burbank California. Don and his sister Sherry attended Burbank High School, where he also met the love of his life, Belinda Billingham. They married and had 2 children, Glyn and Lucy. Don loved cars, gambling and Hawaii. In his 20’s he was spotted in the LA River drag racing and in his 80’s could be seen headed up and down PCH in his red ’32 Ford. He and Belinda loved life together. If they weren’t in Vegas or Hawaii, they were watching grand kids grow up and visiting Colorado. When Belinda passed, Don moved to Costa Mesa to be closer to his son. His final years were spent on Lido Island where he enjoyed a beautiful view and ocean breezes. He is survived by his sister Sherry Lister, son Glyn, daughter Lucy and his grandsons Wyatt, Henry and Max.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please play a hand of blackjack or poker in Don’s honor. We hope you win big!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the Lister family.