Natalie Smith Banta, BHS 1969

Natalie Smith Banta, BHS 1969

July 24, 1951 Burbank, Calif. ~ June 19, 2021 

Henderson, Nevada

Natalie Smith Banta passed away on June 19, 2021 at the home of her son, Nathan, in Henderson, Nevada. She had been receiving hospice care for melanoma cancer which had metastasized. Natalie's passing was five weeks before her 70th birthday.

Natalie Smith was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank. She grew up in the 700 block of Hampton Rd. in Burbank, and attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary, John Muir Junior High, and her first year of high school at BHS before she left after her sophomore year in 1967. She was part of the BHS '69 class her sophomore year. In recent years Natalie divided her time between her homes in Salmon, Idaho and Henderson, Nevada.

Natalie was widowed. She is survived by five children, Nathan Woodward, Heidi Woodward Osborne, Breana Rue, Chris Banta, and Julia Banta Locke. Natalie also leaves 12 or 13 grandchildren. Natalie's older brother, Christopher Smith, passed away in early 2021 in Salmon, Idaho due to a heart attack. He was 70. He was Natalie's only sibling. Their parents are both deceased.

Natalie Smith and Krenn Wilkinson were neighbors as girls on Hampton Rd. in Burbank, and have remained life-long close friends. The second photo is the two of them in recent years during happy times. Krenn Scott

 By Alan Landros June 20, 2021

Marilyn Lorraine Yanche Parks, BHS 1965

Marilyn Lorraine Yanche Parks, BHS 1965

26 Oct 1948 - 16 Mar 2007 

Marilyn Lorraine Yanche Parks was born on October 26, 1948 in Pennsylvania. Marilyn was the daughter of John and Margaret Bagley Yanche. Somewhere along the way the family relocated to Burbank, California. Marilyn graduated from Burbank High School with the class of 1965.

Marilyn  married her high school sweetheart  Richard "Rick" Parks (BHS 65). To this union they had one son, Mica.  Sadly Marilyn passed away on March 16, 2007. Marilyn is survived by her husband, Richard Parks and son Mica.

Interment was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California. See her Find A Grave Memorial here.

Rubin Rodriguez, Jr., BHS 1978

Rubin Rodriguez, Jr., BHS 1978

July 20, 1960 — November 16, 2023

Farmington Utah

Rubin Rodriguez Jr. passed away on November 16, 2023. Rubin survived numerous heart attacks, Stage 4 Tonsil Cancer, a quadruple bypass, and finally succumbed to Stage 4 Colon Cancer and lung disease. Rubin was born on July 20, 1960, to Froydis Johansen and Ruben Rodriguez Sr.

Rubin grew up in Rose Park, UT and Burbank, CA where he attended Burbank High School. His passions included competitive swimming, surfing, ultimate frisbee, and skateboarding. Rubin was an entrepreneur at heart. From a young age, he and his friends had various businesses during his time in California. Rubin enlisted as a Marine at 17 years old and served as a helicopter mechanic. He had several opportunities throughout his 30+ years in broadcasting to make friends and associates all over the country, with his favorite being Jackson Hole TV.

Rubin “Happy Pappy” exuded so much life and laughter. His love for his family and dogs made his days memorable. He loved everything that let him feel the wind on his face—whether it was on his skateboard, surfing, riding a motorcycle or a boat, or in his Jeep with the top off and the windows down. He loved being in the mountains, at the beach, or on road trips with his family. Rubin loved to fish and spent many days fishing in Lake Powell, Strawberry, or Big Bear. Rubin loved to ski in his youth with his uncles. He was an excellent pool player, playing in leagues for years that lead to him bringing home a few too many trophies. Rubin had a love for rock ‘n’ roll music and watching football or NASCAR. You could often hear him singing around the house or in the car to Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, or Jimmy Buffet. He loved to listen to music too loud, so he could sing even louder. He was a wannabe chef, an amateur movie critic, and a natural comedian. Rubin loved to make people laugh—nothing brought him more joy than to laugh with others, especially his children. His laugh was loud and contagious and often times made any joke funnier with how hard he made himself laugh. He coined the name “Happy Pappy” because he wanted to be known for being a source of happiness.

Though Rubin battled many health problems in the last several years of his life, his family and close friends made his days worth living. He had many times that he defied the odds to see another day. His absence has been felt by those who knew and loved him.

Rubin is preceded in death by his mother Froydis, sister Vivian Smith, his beloved grandparents, and many other loved ones and dear dogs. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his father, Ruben, and children Olivia (Casey) Creager, Jordan Wager, Rubin Rodriguez III, and Tristan Quinn Rodriguez, along with his 6 grandchildren and sisters Rita and Sonja and several nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

A viewing will be held Friday, November 24th from 6 PM-8 PM at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street Farmington, UT. The funeral will be held Saturday, November 25th at 10 AM at Russon Mortuary in Farmington. An additional viewing will take place prior to the service on Saturday morning from 9 AM to 9:45 AM.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

Rubin was passionate about bringing awareness to the hardship that fighting cancer can cause. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.

Howard (Woody) Kenneth Wood, BHS 1955

Howard Kenneth Wood (Woody), BHS 1955

On Sunday, March 20, 2016 Woody passed away in Seattle, Washington, after suffering a fatal stroke.

Woody had accepted Jesus Christ as his savior many years ago. He was originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Southern California as a small boy.

Due to the untimely death of his father he was forced to begin working at a very young age. Woody graduated from Burbank High School in 1955. After graduation he began a long career as a "Grocery Man" and throughout the years he worked for several large food chains in the San Fernando Valley.

Woody was a devoted husband and a committed father who willingly took on enormous responsibility; often working seven days a week to provide for his family. He was a long-term and proud member of "Local 777." In the Grocery business, he considered himself from the old school before calculators, computers or bar scanners.

One of his pet peeves ! was beginner clerks who could not mentally count back correct change (without some outside aid or device). More than once he provided on the spot schooling. Sadly, he was forced to retire at age 50, due to disability from Neuropathy.

He and his wife Ellen moved to the Las Vegas area. After Ellen passed he eventually moved closer to his youngest son Grady and his family in Seattle, Washington. As his medical issues increased this move proved to be a blessing for both. Grady became his caregiver, guardian and friend.

Eventually their roles reversed, as often happens, and the son became the father. Much like his father, Grady took on this responsibility with respect and devotion. Upon his passing his son Grady and wife Frances were at his bedside.

Woody is survived by one sister, six children, ten grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

San Fernando Valley Sun, The (CA) - Thursday, April 14, 2016

Darrel John Sorensen, BHS 1974

Darrel John Sorensen, BHS 1974

January 12, 1956 – June 18, 2025

IN THE CARE OF

Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

Darrel John Sorensen, age 69, of Burbank, California passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Jacqueline Louise McNellis Boebinger, BHS 1958

Jacqueline Louise McNellis Boebinger, BHS 1958

Jacqueline Louise (nee McNellis) Boebinger, 78, of Reseda, California, passed away February 16, 2018. She was born November 23, 1939 in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of John Kathleen (nee Lutes) McNellis.

Jackie enjoyed her family and life, and had an infectious laugh. She enjoyed going to the horse races along with playing tennis with her husband; hanging out with her family and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Charles "Chuck" Boebinger; she is survived by her daughter Donnette and son-in-law, Rob Nelson; her grandsons, Keith and John. She will be greatly missed by all her knew her.

Richard Edward Franco, BHS 1968

Richard Edward Franco, BHS 1968

Richard E. Franco,, age 57, of Pompano Beach, FL. passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at a local hospital.

He was the owner of Franco's Cocktail Mixes for the past 31 years, a member of the Pompano Beach Exchange Club, the National Food Distributor Assoc. and the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Franco; and his sister, Arlene Ann Franco. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Brenda; mother, Arlene Nicholson; brother, Michael (Julia) Franco; and a circle of close relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to the Pompano Exchange Club Charitable Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 672, Pompano Beach, FL. 33061 in his memory.

Note: Burial was in the Lauderdale Memorial Park, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida, USA. Find A Grave Memorial

John Juan Ramon De La Rosa, BHS 1967

John (Johnny) Ramon De La Rosa, BHS 1967

December 14, 1947 - July 21, 1996

Johnny was born Juan Ramon De La Rosa to Tereso and Alicia Davila De La Rosa. He, his sister Yolanda (1948-2004) and brother Terry (1950-living) grew up in Burbank, California. Their mother died at the young age of 33 (1928-1961) and their father died at 74 (1907-1982).

Johnny was a alumnus of Burbank High School and would of graduated with me with the Class of 1967, but he transferred to John Burroughs High School when the boundries changed. His mother's maiden name was Davila. Johnny died of problems relating to alcoholism on July 21, 1996 in Humbolt County, California. No other details at this time.

Cheryl Lynn Garbers Henderson, BHS 1970

Cheryl Lynn Garbers Henderson, BHS 1970

May 29, 1952 ~ mid-2021

We just learned at our Class of ’70 50+1 Reunion on October 3rd that Cheryl Garbers Henderson passed away a few months ago.  She had had several health issues the last few years, including dealing with M.S.

Cheryl was the third of the four children of Art and D’Anne (Doris Anne) Garbers.  While the kids were growing up the family lived at 937 Uclan Dr. in Burbank.  Jennifer Garbers was BHS ’67, Sylvia Garbers was BHS ’68, Cheryl was BHS ’70, and Doug Garbers was BHS ’72. Art Garbers, was one of the original engineers for Disney, specializing in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC and ventalation.  In the late ‘50s and half of the ‘60s the Garbers Family attended the First Baptist Church of Burbank at Glenoaks and Fairmount Rd.  Cheryl went through school in Burbank at Thomas Jefferson Elementary, John Muir Junior High, and Burbank High.  On January 27, 1973 Cheryl married Lyle Henderson.  They had three children and several grandchildren.  They lived for many years in Los Angeles, in Eagle Rock.  They also had a home at Frazier Park, CA where they spent much of their time in recent years.

Cheryl’s mother, D’Anne (Doris Anne), was the twin sister of Darrell Shaner, father of Stan Shaner BHS ’70, Anne Shaner Hansen BHS ’71, and Jeanne Shaner BHS ’76.  D’Anne Garbers passed away in mid-2020 at age 99, and her twin brother, Darrell Shaner, passed away a few months later on November 11, 2020 at age 99 ½.

Cheryl Garbers Henderson is survived by her husband, Lyle Henderson, her three children, several grandchildren, and by her older sisters, Jennifer and Sylvia, and their families.  Cheryl’s father, Art Garbers, passed away in 1999, her mother, D’Anne, passed away in 2020, and her younger brother, Doug Garbers, passed away in 2014.

Alan Landros, BHS ‘70

October 6, 2021

Jack Lester Osborn, BHS 1965

Jack Lester Osborn, BHS 1965

From the Office of the President, University of Redlands

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Professor Jack Osborn on May 12, 2025. Jack was a beloved member of the University of Redlands community, a 1969 alumnus, professor, mentor, global business leader, and friend whose life and work profoundly shaped our institution.

A proud Bulldog, Jack graduated from U of R with a degree in international relations. While at Redlands, he served in student government and wrote for the Redlands Bulldog. He went on to study Eastern economic and military affairs at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, launching a distinguished career that would take him across the globe and into senior leadership roles at the highest levels of international business. He served as Vice President of TRW’s Asia/Pacific office and later as President and CEO of Kibun Products International and President and COO of Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics North America.

Jack’s expertise was widely recognized, and he served on numerous industry and government boards, taught at several prestigious universities, and testified before both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

In 2001, Jack returned to the University of Redlands as the Hunsaker Chair in Management. He brought with him global experience and a deep commitment to students and learning. He founded the University’s Global Business program and played a pivotal role in developing our Fulbright program, which has produced 28 Fulbright students to date.

Jack received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the University’s first Alumni Career Achievement Award in 1987 and the Outstanding Service Award in 2007. He was also nominated multiple times for Mortar Board Professor of the Year.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, and at the request of Rich and Ginnie Hunsaker, both Class of 1952, the Hunsaker Chair in Management was renamed the Jack Osborn Chair in Management upon his retirement—a lasting tribute to his dedication and leadership.

As we remember Jack, we honor a life lived with purpose, passion, and generosity. He gave his students the gift of global vision, helped elevate Redlands on the world stage, and remained always, a true Bulldog. 

PS: Jack was also a true BHS Bulldog.  He was a natural leader, always active in student council, including student body president the second semester of our senior year in 1965.  RIP dear friend. Read more here.

James Randall Hutton, BHS 1958

James Randall Hutton, BHS 1958 

Published in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Saturday, May 25, 1991

James Randy Hutton, 50, of Newhall, mechanical engineer for Department of Water and Power. Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills.

Toni Ann Antonucci Parker, BHS 1973

Toni Ann Antonucci Parker, BHS 1973

Toni grew up in Burbank, California and was a 1973 graduate of Burbank High School, Burbank California.

She married Derick Parker and lived in Florida at the time of her passing. They had one son. Sadly, Toni died of a heart attack, only 26 days after her husband on June 15, 2019 in Florida.