Davida Elizabeth Ingram Symonds, BHS 1937

Davida Elizabeth Ingram Symonds, BHS 1937

September 27, 1920 - May 28, 2021 

Davida Elizabeth Symonds died on Friday, May 28, 2021, after more than 100 years of a well lived life. She was born in Wellington, Texas on September 27, 1920. She moved, as a young child, with her mother and father, Werta and John Ingram, and her two older brothers, Frank and John to Burbank, California. 

She attended and graduated in 1937 from Burbank High School and went on to study at Glendale Community College and graduated with a A. A. Degree in 1939.She began working at a local bank where she met the love of her life, Robert Gregg Symonds and they were married on August 31, 1941. In 1943, their first daughter was born. After her husband returned from the Pacific, they had another daughter and a son. They established their new home in the San Fernando Valley where they lived for over 40 years, then moved to Agoura, and then, in 2012, they made one last move to Pasadena, CA.

After the end of World War II, Davida continued her education at L.A. Trade Technical Junior College, Pierce Junior College and Loyola University, where she was trained in engineering math. In 1951 she was employed by Hughes Aircraft, beginning as a draftsman, then left Hughes and was employed by Radioplane Company and then The Steven's Company. She worked as a design engineer in the research and development of missiles and production of drones, so she was truly a woman before her time. 

In 1962, she decided to change direction and further her education; when she enrolled at Cal State Northridge. She graduated in 1966 with a BA in Art. She began to use her new skills in furniture design and production, weaving, jewelry, pottery and produced many items that still grace a number of homes today. 

After their children moved on in their lives, Davida and Gregg began to travel throughout the world. They used all modes of travel, their personal plane, commercial aircraft and probably their most favorite traveling was done in one of many motor homes, visiting family and friends throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. After retiring from working and finished up with her formal education, she took on another field of interest; Genealogy. She has done an in-depth study of both the Ingram and Symonds families and has research ancestors and linked them to the early colonization of America. During their travels and to document her research, Davida and Gregg visited historical societies, museums, various cemeteries and distant relatives in the USA, England, Ireland and Scotland. In pursuing her interest, she was invited to join the Board of the New England Genealogical Society which she enjoyed very much. 

Davida will be remembered for her smart wit, curiosity, tenacity, and love of family. She was predeceased by her husband, Gregg, who died in 2012. She is survived by her two daughters, Marilyn Dee Buchanan (Gene), Carole Louise Daly (Jim) and a son, David Allen Symonds, ten grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A private memorial service as held for close family members on July 3, 2021. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 26, 2021.

Ralph W. Iggulden, BHS 1937

Ralph W. Iggulden, BHS 1937

Ralph W. Iggulden, of 2023 N. Karen Street, Burbank, passed away August 23, 1962. Co--owner of American Printing Company, Burbank Veteran of World War II.

Survived by his wife, Gladys B.; son Jerry R., a daughter, Mary Ann Iggulden; mother, Mrs. Daisy Iggulden and brother, Warren D. Iggulden, all of Burbank.

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m. at the Eckerman Funeral Service Chapel.

Published in the Valley News, August 1962

Daniel E. Griffin, BHS 1937

Daniel E. Griffin, BHS 1937

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Wednesday, March 24, 1982

Daniel E. Griffin, 62, of Panorama City died March 22, 1982. Born in Glendale, he was a Burbank resident for sixty years. A graduate of Burbank High School, he worked for Lockheed Corporation in Burbank and was a United States Army veteran of World War II. 

He is survived by his wife, Jean, son Michael, of West Germany and a brother Jack. A rosary will be said Thursday evening at J.T. Oswald Mortuary in North Hollywood. A Mass will be celebrated Friday at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Panorama City. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Martin Akmakjian, BHS 1937

Martin Akmakjian, BHS 1937

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Martin Akmakjian. Born November 12, 1918, Martin finished his course of faith on February 19, 2016, as the longest standing member of our church family. Martin is beloved by many and now rests from his labors. He is survived by his wife Joyce, their two sons, Michael and Gregory, and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on:

Friday, March 4, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Burbank First United Methodist Church
700 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502

Ruth Carol Niemeier Whitney, BHS 1937

Ruth Carol Niemeier Whitney, BHS 1937

Ruth Carol Whitney, of Newport Beach, California, passed away March 16, 2007. The youngest of three children, she was born to Harry and Claribel Niemeier in Los Angeles, California on December 27, 1919. She graduated from Burbank High School and attended Glendale Community College where she met her husband of 44 years, Bernard Whitney.

Ruth and Berny were married August 6, 1942 and raised two children in Burbank and Glendale while enjoying their beach homes in Crystal Cove and Balboa Island. In 1968, Ruth and Berny moved to Balboa Island permanently. Ruth's passions in life revolved around her family and tennis. Whether it was enjoying the beach or playing card games with her children and grandchildren, her true joy was being surrounded by family. 

She also spent much time playing bridge, reading, and enjoying time with the love of her life, Berny. She was a member of the Newport Beach Tennis Club for 25 years and spent most days on the court enjoying the game with close friends. Her love of the game led her to own and operate a tennis store located on Balboa Island appropriately named Island Tennis. 

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Carolyn McBride of Costa Mesa; her son, Gary Whitney of Seattle, Washington; her son-in-law Robert; her daughter-in-law Vickie; her eleven grandchildren and her seven great grandchildren. Her generous spirit and loving personality will be missed here but we know she is now in heaven with her beloved Berny. A service held at Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona del Mar on March 22, 2007 with interment following. 

The Orange County Register March 20, 2007 

James Archie Hill, BHS 1937

James Archie Hill

Nevada Appeal (Carson City, NV) - Tuesday, March 19, 2002                         

A graveside service for James Archie Hill, 81, a Gardnerville resident for the past 25 years, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Eastside Memorial Cemetery in Minden with the Rev. Pete Nelson officiating.

A private family visitation will be at Walton's Chapel of the Valley from 1-2:30 p.m. today.

Mr. Hill died March 16, 2002, at his home. He was born Nov. 6, 1920, in Kansas City, Kan., to John and Margarie Fulton Hill.

He married Jacqueline on June 21, 1941, in Las Vegas.

He graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, Calif., in 1937.

Before moving to Gardnerville, he lived in Sun Valley, Calif.

Mr. Hill was a plumber. He enjoyed hunting and ocean fishing, woodworking and he built his own house. He was experienced in welding. He was a member of the Boy Scouts, the Elks Lodge in Gardnerville, a life member of Local Union 761 and the Carson Valley United Methodist Church.

He served in the U.S. Navy Seebees, 55th Battalion, during World War II from 1943-45.

He was preceded in death by a son James Leroy, brother John R. and wife of 50 years Jacqueline.

Among his survivors are his daughters and sons-in-law Kathy D. and Eric Wicklund of Monterey, Calif, and Susan R. and Anthony Spotts of Gardnerville; sister Helen M. Hill of Reseda, Calif.; brother and sister-in-law Paul E. and Ann Hill of Gardnerville; two grandsons and one granddaughter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the food pantry nearest them.

Walton's Douglas County Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jean Nellis Cadwallader, BHS 1937

Jean Nellis Cadwallader, BHS 1937



San Diego Union-Tribune, The (CA) - September 20, 2007


Jean Nellis Cadwallader, with her family at her side, passed away in San Diego, CA, on September 16, 2007, following a brief illness.


She was born in Russell, Illinois, on February 15, 1919, the daughter of Robert Landon Nellis and Hattie Zander Nellis. Her father had a grocery store in Elburn, IL. In 1925, her family came by train to California and settled in Burbank. Jean attended Burbank schools. She was the valedictorian of her Burbank High School class, the youngest student in her class. Jean attended Glendale College and Glendale Business College. She started work with Smart & Final Co. in Los Angeles and then transferred to the Bakersfield office.


Jean met her future husband, William Y. 'Red' Cadwallader in Bakersfield. They were married in 1944, at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, between Bill's World War II Army assignments on Kodiak Island, Alaska, and the European Theatre after D-Day. During the war, Jean worked at Lockheed Overseas Corp., located in the Disney Studios in Burbank, and Navy Lockheed Service Center in Van Nuys. The Disney Studios were especially fun during the war because, in the evenings, the workers were allowed to come back to view movies.


After World War II ended, Jean and Bill came back to Bakersfield. Bill worked in oil field sales and Jean worked at Shell Oil Co. After the birth of their first child, Jean stayed home to raise their family. Jean returned to work after her children were all in school. She worked at the Bakersfield Civic Auditorium as executive secretary to the manager for 20 years before retiring.


An important part of her life was her membership for over 50 years in the Sigma Chapter of Phi Epsilon Phi sorority and her friendships with this special group of women. Jean enjoyed bridge, reading, travel, and collecting paperweights. She was an outstanding rose gardener with many awards from the Kern County Fair, including Outstanding Exhibitor. She also was a breeder of AKC registered Beagle puppies and an accomplished pianist.


Jean is survived by Bill, her husband of 63 years, children Janis Cadwallader (Larry Edwards) of San Diego; Lynn Cadwallader (Richard Barran) of Cambridge, MA; Bill Cadwallader (Lois) of Las Vegas, NV; Neil Cadwallader (Ellen) of Vista; and Suzanne Cadwallader (Arthur Raybold) of La Mesa; and grandchildren Sarah Cadwallader of Lake Eildon, Australia; Sam Cadwallader of Del Mar; and Chloe Barran of Cambridge, MA.


She also leaves a brother, William Nellis of Woodstock, CT; and nieces and nephews Brady Nellis, Kirby Nellis, Nancy Nellis, Terry Baurley, William Montgomery, Matt Cinquini, and Valerie Bennett. Jean and Bill had recently relocated to San Diego to be closer to their children. We will remember her as witty, clever, and humorous, and we will miss her very much.


Private services will be Friday, September 21st, at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, Bonita, CA. Condolences may be sent to W.Y. Cadwallader, 11588 Via Rancho San Diego G2076, El Cajon, CA 92019.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

Merrill Anker Henricksen, BHS 1937

Merrill Anker Henricksen, BHS 1937
October 14, 1919 - April 11, 2011

Arrangements under the direction of Joshua Memorial Park Mortuary, Lancaster, CA.

Merrill Anker Henricksen was born October 14, 1919 in Alta, Iowa to Anker Washington and Esther Christina Miller Henricksen. Merrill passed away April 11, 2011 in Lancaster California at the age of 91.

Merrill was an only child and the family moved from the farm in Iowa to California when he was a boy because of his poor health. Merrill graduated from Burbank High School.

On June 20, 1943 he married Glendora Mary French in Burbank. They lived in Sun Valley, Newhall and Quartz Hill and enjoyed 60 years together before "Billie" passed away in 2004.

Merrill drove trucks most of his life and worked in the dump truck business for over 40 years. He was proud to be an owner operator and retired at the age of 75.

Merrill is survived by two children. Sherrill Olson of Three Forks, Montana and Neil and spouse Katie Henricksen of Quartz Hill. Grandchildren Jody, Mariah, Michael, Kristi, Megan Sarah and Evan, Seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad and grandpa we love you and we will miss you.

Rev. David Clemens "Bud" Newquist, BHS 1937

Rev. David Clemens "Bud" Newquist, BHS 1937

November 23,1918 - January 15, 2007

Yakima Herald-Republic, January 21, 2007

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Rev. David Clemens Newquist entered heaven on January 15, 2007. "Bud", as he was affectionately called, was born on November 23, 1918 in Ray, Arizona to Arvid and Hannah Newquist, immigrants from Sweden. Dave grew up in southern California with his three sisters, Clara, Helen, and Evelyn, often helping his father in the construction of homes and the airport hanger for Amelia Earhart's plane.

Dave graduated from Burbank High School and UCLA where he played football. A Christian since six years old, Bud was active in the Mission Covenant Church. While at UCLA, he was active in the college group at Hollywood Presbyterian Church lead by Henrietta Mears (mentor to Rev. Billy Graham and Rev. Bill Bright founder of Campus Crusade for Christ). It was there he answered God's call to ministry.

Dave matriculated at Princeton Theological Seminary for three years and attended William & Mary College Navy Chaplain School. He was stationed as marine chaplain at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. There he met a charming southern girl, Bettie Ruth Johnson, who played piano for services at the Baptist church where Dave occasionally preached. David and Bettie married on September 4, 1945 in the Mission Covenant Church in Los Angeles. (They celebrated their 61st anniversary in 2006.) Ten days later, Dave was shipped to Japan in the first wave of reconstruction troops after the dropping of the atomic bomb.

On returning to the States and finishing studies at Princeton, Dave and Bettie moved back to California and had two daughters, Carolyn Ruth (husband Jerry Hardebeck), daughter, Cara (husband Chris Curry) and son, Nathan (wife Robin, son Austin) and Sharon Rae (husband Steve Soames) daughter Alicia (husband Daniel McIntosh), son Dylan (wife Jennifer), and son Garrett).

Dave had his first church in Coalinga, California. The family then moved to Edinburgh, Scotland where Dave did doctoral studies at New College University and where son, John David was born (wife Cathy), daughter, Crystal (husband Guy, daughter Caitlyn) and daughter Emerald). Next they moved to Shawnee, Pennsylvania where Dave had two churches. They brought with them a new daughter, Patti Sue (husband Craig Anderson) daughter Rachael).

Then the Newquists moved to West Seattle, Washington and ministered at West Side Presbyterian Church. Beverly Dawn was added to the family (husband Greg Loughnane, daughter Nicole). Dave's next church was Westminster Presbyterian in Yakima, Washington, where he and Bettie returned to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2005.

Then Dave pastored at First Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield, California and retired from there in 1984. He continued with interim work in Nevada, New Mexico, Sacramento, Centralia, and Gig Harbor. He finished his work as Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield.

Dave loved and served the Lord all his life. He also loved gardening, golfing, fishing, stamp collecting, telling jokes and laughing, watching TV westerns, and spending time with friends and his family, wife Bettie, six children, eleven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Services are planned for February 3rd, 2007 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 17th & H, Bakersfield, California. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite youth organization or mission on behalf of Dave.

John L. Hamner, BHS 1937

John L. Hamner, BHS 1937 

Burbank Leader, February 2005 

John L. Hamner passed away peacefully on February 11, 2005 with his family in attendance. He was 85. John is the son of former Burbank Municipal Court Judge, Leonard Hamner and grew up in Burbank when much of the countryside around his Cedar Street home was covered with grapevines. 

He graduated from Burbank High School as a two-term Student Body President and went to UCLA. John leaves two adult sons, a daughter and five grandchildren.

Agnes Hendry Morrison, 1937

Agnes Hendry Morrison, BHS 1937

April 24, 2010 , Burbank Leader 

Agnes Hendry Morrison, a columnist for the Burbank Leader during the 1980s, died at an assisted-care facility in Stockton on March 20, 2010 after a lengthy illness. She was 91. 

She was born in 1918 in Toronto, Ohio. In 1933, she moved with her family to Burbank, where she attended John Muir Junior High School and graduated from Burbank High School. She attended Glendale Community College and UCLA. During World War II she was employed by Lockheed as a mathematician. She was also a librarian for the Burbank city libraries. 

She is survived by her sister, Helen Hendry Martin, Burbank High 1938, a daughter and three grandchildren.

Pat L. Watson Kubelka, BHS 1937

Pat L. Kubelka, 85, died May 9, 2004 in Van Nuys. She was born September 2, 1918, in Ventura, California. She lived in Burbank for 80 years.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Sr.: sons, Robert Jr. and Michael; brother, Howard Watson; sister, Norma Jones; and grandson, Derek Kubelka.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 pm Sunday at the Valley Funeral Home, 2121 W. Burbank Blvd. A Mass of Christian burial will be at noon Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Glendale. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any AIDS hospice.