Mary Joann Freeman Sutro, BHS 1948

Mary Joann Freeman Sutro, BHS 1948

Joann Sutro, a longtime resident of Oakland, died peacefully in hospice in Concord, California, on September 19, 2024, at age 94.

At the time of her passing, Joann lived at Belmont Village Senior Living in Albany. Her activities there reflected lifelong interests. She had a passion for the outdoors and went for regular walks in the neighborhood. She maintained her connection to books through participation in their book club and shelving books in the library. Scrabble was her favorite game and she bested most opponents with her eclectic vocabulary.

In recent years, Joann volunteered at the Oakland Library’s Bookmark Bookstore in downtown Oakland. She collected books dating back to the 19th century, many of them related to California and Bay Area history. Her favorite authors ranged from Mark Twain to Stieg Larsson, Annie Proulx, and Barbara Kingsolver.

Joann was devoted to her large family, and she mailed birthday and holiday cards that arrived exactly on time. Each holiday season, her family looked forward to the lush green wreaths she sent.

Born in 1930 in Boulder, Colorado, to Adam and Suzanne Freeman, Mary Joann Freeman grew up in Colorado towns including Mancos, Olathe, and Basalt, as her father took jobs at various small public schools. She moved to Burbank when Adam switched careers to become an electrical engineer at Lockheed during World War II.

Joann attended Burbank High School. She was an excellent student and graduated in 1948. At Stanford University, she majored in anthropology. She enjoyed many Saturday afternoons at football games, including the annual Big Game between Stanford and UC Berkeley. When she was home in Burbank for the holidays, she was often a spectator at the New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena.

While in college, Joann met Henry Sutro one summer in the beachside town of Carmel, where she worked as a waitress and performed in the water ballet. They were married in Burbank in 1951 in a candlelight ceremony.

After Henry completed dental school, they raised their children Dirk, Mark, and Karen at a home in the Oakland hills. The family took skiing vacations at Lake Tahoe and Joann became a good skier. She also excelled at tennis and frequently waxed her children at ping pong. She especially enjoyed wandering beaches at low tide, collecting driftwood and beachstones that she displayed around her home.

In the seventies, Joann was among volunteers who joined the effort to rescue and restore the Victorian-era Camron-Stanford house next to Lake Merritt in Oakland. Pursuing her interest in California history, she also earned a master’s degree in folklore at UC Berkeley in 1976, with a thesis focused on California Gold Rush humor.

An excellent and versatile writer, Joann was a longtime news editor at Bay City News Service, working for several decades with founders Richard (Dick) and Marcia (Schwalbe) Fogel, and Wayne Futak. She assigned reporters to cover news throughout the greater Bay Area, helping to set the agenda for media coverage in the region. Many young journalists, including current BCN owner Katherine Ann Rowlands, began their careers working for Joann and credit her with getting them off to a solid start in journalism and sparking their passion for the profession.

After Joann and Henry divorced, they remained good friends. At her own home in Montclair, Joann hosted countless family gatherings and summer visits. An ace at various card games, she organized bridge luncheons that included fellow Stanford alums Beverly Chavalas and Joan Tornlof.

Her seven grandchildren loved to visit their warm and friendly Grommy Jo, aka Mema, who always kept toys, art supplies, and children’s books on hand. Joann will be remembered for her kindness to everyone, for her curiosity and broad interests, and for helping those who were less fortunate. Most of all, she will be remembered for her deep and unconditional love of her family. They miss her very much as they celebrate her long and well-lived life.

Joann Sutro is survived by her children Dirk (Sally), Mark (Mia), and Karen (Jim); seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; Berta Harris (Dirk’s first wife, who remained close friends with Joann); nephew Paul Nepote; and niece Kathleen Nuckles. Joann’s former husband, Henry, pre-deceased her in 2012. Her younger sister Joyce Nuckles died in 2007.

No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the Sutro family suggests that in keeping with Joann’s love of books and reading, donations be made to Friends of the Oakland Public Library, on behalf of its non-profit Bookmark Bookstore. https://www.fopl.org/the-bookmark

Published in: East Bay Times from December 22, 2024 to December 24, 2024

Helene Ruth Texier Acton, BHS 1948

Helene Ruth Texier Acton, BHS 1948

Helene Acton, born Hélène Ruth Eleanor Texier, passed away in her beautiful home on February 22nd, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Helene was born November 30th, 1929, in Juan Les Pins, on the Cote D'Azur in southern France. She was the daughter of Charles and Ruth Texier, two musicians who met while attending the Liege Conservatory in Brussels. Charles was a French Opera singer, and Ruth was a promising Canadian violinist born in England. In tribute to their love of music, Helene was named after the operetta, La Belle Hélène, by Jacques Offenbach. Helene enjoyed much of the first nine years of her childhood on the shores of the Mediterranean. Later, her family moved to Paris. As her musician parents traveled to perform in Egypt, Vietnam, and other global venues, Helene spent parts of her early years with her grandmother and aunt in rural Provence and the Brittany coast.

In the fall of 1939, young Helene and her mother left France to spend 6 months visiting her mother's relatives in Vancouver, Canada and Southern California. The decision to travel with the rumblings of war brought some trepidation to her parents, but they honestly believed that war would be avoided. In a story she liked to tell later in life, she and her mother sailed up the St. Lawrence River in Canada in early September 1939 just as World War II was erupting in Europe. Helene's return voyage to France was extended well beyond the 6-month period intended.

Initially, Helene and her mother visited relatives in Vancouver and continued with their plans to visit her California relatives in San Bernardino. Helene attended the local elementary school there until she and her mother relocated to Burbank, several years later. Soon, most of her remaining Vancouver relatives moved nearby, and her future as a U.S. citizen became clear. It was not long afterwards that Helene graduated from Burbank High School. She has many fond memories of the friendships she developed during those years.

Around the time of her 18 birthday, Helene met Albert Acton while she and her mother were living in a boarding house. He was a young man from Baltimore who had come to visit his Uncle Eugene Young and stayed! Gene was a talented artist who married Helene's mother and became her stepfather. Helene and her mother insisted that, with marriage, Helene and Al spend a year with her father in France– and they did just that shortly after their wedding in 1950. It was an incredible year! Helene helped Al by transcribing the lectures of classes he attended at the Sorbonne. They both enjoyed traveling to different areas of France and engaging in many cultural experiences.

Upon returning to Southern California, Helene and Al enjoyed time with friends, as Al pursued his career as a public-school educator. Helene worked at Mobil Oil and later assisted in a pediatrician's office until they welcomed their children a few years later. Helene became a devoted mother and cherished her involvement in the Thousand Oaks community where the family moved in 1965. She supported her children's involvement in school activities, scouting, dance, and, of course, music lessons. Summers were spent on family camping trips throughout the Western US-wonderful memories! Most Sundays were filled with her mother and stepfather spending the day, remodeling our home, and landscaping our yard. These Sundays inevitably ended with discussions about world politics and cultural events around the dining room table, with everybody eating and talking. Helene and Al always had opinions!

Helene was supportive of her husband and eager to embark on the adventure of a lifetime when the Acton family spent two years in Thailand in the early 1970s with Al's career in education. This time was relished by all and added so much to Helene's life.

Helene returned to the workforce as a teacher's aide in an elementary school in the late 1970s; she was able to express her passion for early childhood education-especially reading-for all children. As her own children became adults, Helene became more involved in the Thousand Oaks community and in her church at Saint Paschal Baylon where she was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Mission Circle, a group that supported the international Church. She enjoyed volunteering at Mary Health of the Sick thrift store; was an eager member of League of Women Voters and election day poll worker; and was an advocate for improvement in our mental health care system.

Pets were important in the family home-over the years there were dogs, goats, chickens, geese, doves, peacocks and koi fish, and even a burro. And Helene also loved her Siamese cats!

Helene cherished the friendships she maintained, particularly with neighbors and those at Saint Paschal Baylon Church. She was always willing to give her time to help others as well as to learn. She enjoyed the intellectual curiosity offered by University Series and her involvement with the Mission Circle.

Helene loved to read and continued with daily newspapers, the Economist, the Los Angeles Diocesan magazine, and America magazine, very often sending children and grandchildren clips of interesting articles or calling and letting them know about what she was reading. In later years, she delved into crossword puzzles even more than before and still excelled in them right to the end. She was also great at Scrabble. Words were her friends, and she knew them well!

When Al passed away suddenly in 1995, Helene continued to stay involved in multiple activities and did so into her late 80s. She traveled to Maryland, Hawaii and Europe several times with her children and grandchildren and encouraged their own travels around the world. She supported her children's love of the outdoors, and over her last years, became environmentally conscious-especially toward issues in Thousand Oaks and Ventura County. She loved the natural beauty of her own home, developed with the tremendous help of her nearby son and daughter-in-law. She was an integral part of her youngest granddaughter Trinity's upbringing, like her grandmother was with her.

When her health started limiting her mobility at age 91, she fiercely protected her independence and enjoyed the time in her home-a home she had cultivated with care over 60 years in Thousand Oaks-filled with waterfalls and trees lovingly created and planted by her husband and son many years ago and the ongoing menagerie of koi fish, birds, squirrels, and dogs that lived with her. And let's not forget the ducks which gave her delicious fresh eggs!

Helene was predeceased by her husband Al and her son Mark (Feb 4, 2025). She is survived by her daughter Danielle Acton (Marc Tunzi), son David Acton (Debbie), grandchildren Gabriela (Martin) Behn, Dominique Tunzi, Matthew (Natalie) Tunzi, and Trinity Acton. In addition, she is survived by 4 great grandchildren - Theodore, Franklin, Wilhelmina, and Giovanni, a brother-in-law and dear cousins as well as several nephews and nieces and their families.

Mom's gift to us, to her friends, and to her community is a reminder that each of us has the power of kindness and compassion for each person. Even in the last week of her life, she was complimenting people on their beautiful smile and so thankful to those who came to visit. She was full of faith and empathy for the marginalized. We believe she would want everyone to honor her with acts of kindness-not just toward those we know, but particularly toward those we don't.

Helene also enjoyed a good joke: thank you to St Paschal's morning Mass coffee group! She would want everyone to enjoy a hearty laugh each day, regardless of whatever else might be going on around them.

Funeral services will be held Saturday April 5 at 10 am; the service will be held jointly with those for her son, Mark, at St Paschal Baylon in Thousand Oaks. A celebration of her life will occur immediately after at the family home. Please join us!

Donations in her honor may be made to Catholic Charities of Ventura County, St Paschal Baylon, Catholic Relief Services, SOAR (a Ventura County land conservation nonprofit), and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Ventura County.

Rose Family Funeral Home & Cremation on Mar. 8, 2025

Jacqueline Baker Petersen, BHS 1948

Jacqueline Baker Petersen, BHS 1948

Jackie Petersen passed away peacefully in San Diego on Wednesday December 18, 2024 at the age of 94. She was born February 7, 1930 in Burbank, California, the daughter of Mary Baker (Hess) and Harry Baker. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Bob Petersen, in 2018. She is survived by her son John Petersen (Shelagh) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Nicolee Nourani (Robert) as well as grandchildren David (Caitlin), Eric and Joseph Nourani of San Diego.

She met her husband at Burbank High School and they were married in Burbank in 1951. She attended UCLA and San Jose State and taught elementary school in San Jose. In 1957 Bob and Jackie moved to San Diego where Bob worked in the aerospace industry and Jackie worked at home raising John, born 1956 and Nicolee, born 1958. Jackie returned to teaching in 1973, first substituting a few years, then teaching at Lowell Elementary School, working in the ESL program, until her retirement in 1990. She subsequently spent several years tutoring. Jackie also volunteered at Presbyterian Urban Ministries and the San Diego Uplift program. For over 60 years, Jackie and Bob were active members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Point Loma and enjoyed singing in the choir and serving in various other areas.

Jackie and Bob loved spending time with family. They traveled extensively in the US and abroad and especially enjoyed camping and backpacking.

A celebration of life will be held for Jackie on March 8th, 2025 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 3598 Talbot St., San Diego, CA 92106, at 11:00 AM.

Published in San Diego Union Tribune from January 17, 2025 to January 19, 2025

Janice Marlene Krenzer Keder, BHS 1948

Janice Marlene Krenzer Keder, BHS 1948

December 22, 1930 - December 10, 2024

Janice Marlene Krenzer Keder died December 10, 2024, just shy of her 94th birthday, due to Alzheimer's disease. Jan was born December 22, 1930, at home in Dodge County, Nebraska. She spent her early years on a farm in rural Nebraska where she attended a one room school. In 1941 her family moved to California to seek better economic opportunity. Jan graduated from Burbank High School and earned an A.A. from Glendale College. 

During a sum
mer trip to Nebraska, she met Wilbert Keder at a Farmers Union Hall dance. They married in 1951 in Pittsburgh, PA where Bert was a graduate student. During the next three decades she raised four children while living in Richland, WA and Bradford, PA. She returned to school during the 1970s and obtained both her B.A. and M.L.S. at the University of Pittsburgh. Jan went on to work professionally at Pitt Bradford, on Semester at Sea, and as science librarian at Colorado College until her retirement in 1996.

Jan's many interests included world travel (to all 7 continents), reading, gardening, quilting, playing word games, spending time with friends, and instructing her family how to load the dishwasher. 

Her husband Bert, son John (Cheryl), and son-in-law Bill Gignac (Nan) preceded her in death. Her survivors include her brother Richard Krenzer (Sandi); her daughters Nan, Lisa (Bill Pohlman), and Martha; her daughter-in-law Cheryl; her grandchildren Nicki, Austin, Tyler, Elliot, Neal, and Carl; and honorary son Uddhav.

 A formal service is not planned. Her family will fulfill her request to scatter her ashes on the Oregon coast. In memory of Jan, please consider a donation to the Colorado College Summer Music Festival.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 22, 2024.

William Bruce Ruff, BHS 1948?

 

William Bruce Ruff, BHS 1948?

Valley Times, North Hollywood, California, Monday, April 5, 1948

AUTOPSY ORDERED IN POISON DEATH OF BURBANK STUDENT

An autopsy was pending today in the death of William Bruce Ruff, 17, Burbank High School student, who police listed as a suicide.

According to the Burbank police report, young Ruff telephoned his grandmother, Mrs. Anna Bruce, of 416 E. Providencia ave., and told her he was sick. She hurried to his home at 422 E. Elmwood ave., and the youth admitted taking a dose of ant poison mixed with table syrup Saturday night.

Mrs. Bruce gave him an antidote, prescribed by their family physician, and the youth slept through the night well enough.

Apparently recovering from the dosage, he was given a glass of milk yesterday, returned to bed, and a few moments later he was found unconscious by his mother, Mrs. Myrtle Ruckle, and Mrs. Bruce. The boy died in spite of 40-minutes effort by an inhalator squad and a physician. The body was taken to Eckerman’s mortuary pending autopsy.

Shirley Henkel Nill, BHS 1948

Shirley Henkel Nill, BHS 1948

February 27, 1930 - August 18, 2021

Sacramento, California - Our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Shirley Henkel Nill passed away peacefully at her home on August 18, 2021. Born in Alton, Illinois, on February 27, 1930, she moved to Sacramento in 1949 where she met her future husband, Ivan Nill. She worked for McGeorge School of Law and Dean Gordon Schaber from 1970 until her retirement in 1995 and was nicknamed "The Dragon Lady" for her diligent guarding of the Dean. During this time she also worked part time for the late actor, Raymond Burr.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Garry Henkel; daughter, Carol Lee (Victor); son, Ivan F. Nill, III (Anne); grandchildren, Erin Estacio (Bobby) Courtney Lee (Steve); step grandchildren, Sherie Wong and Justin Lee; great-grandchildren, Isaac and Maya Estacio, Archie Schwander and step great-grandchildren Mathew, Daniel and Lauren Wong.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Ivan and step-son Michael Hartman.

Shirley will be remembered for her sweet, kind spirit and her love for her family and friends. She will always be deeply loved and greatly missed.

Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 1:00 pm at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA. 95819. Arrangements are under the care of Harry A. Nauman & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests donations made in her name to St. John's Program for Real Change.

Published in the Sacramento Bee, August 2021

Robert Joseph Elias, BHS 1948

Robert Joseph Elias, BHS 1948

Port Hueneme - Robert Joseph Elias, 91, of Port Hueneme, CA, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 4th, 2021 after a long battle with kidney disease. Robert was born in East Los Angeles on July 6th, 1930 to Henry and Julia Elias. He attended Burbank High School and Glendale College. He married his High School sweetheart, and had two sons, Mark and Richard. He was drafted into the Army, and became a Korean War Veteran. On his return, he joined the San Fernando Police Department, where he worked from 1960 to 1965. He then returned to his childhood home to work for the Burbank Police Department from 1965 until June of 1992 with 33 years of combined service. He was a detective at the time of retirement. While he worked in many capacities, his favorite assignment was Traffic Bureau Detective. His interests and skills were many, from flying private helicopters and small planes, photography, polygraph operator and Spanish interpreter. He also was part of the Volunteer Horse Patrol as a Reserve Officer when he was younger. He was a Mason with Magnolia Park Lodge, and a member of the Burbank Police Officers' Association.

Robert is survived by his wife Judith Elias, daughters-in-law Kim Simmons and Deb Schneider, grandson Sean Simmons, sister-in-law Esther Elias, nephews Kenny and Dan Elias, nieces Sherry Kelley, Karen Olson and Kathy Cervantes. He is preceded in death by his sons Mark Simmons and Richard Simmons, sister Margaret Lucero and brothers Henry Elias Jr. and John Elias.

Funeral services are pending. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Assoc. or American Kidney Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.

Posted online on December 07, 2021

Published in Ventura County Star

Sharon Rae Hennagin Goldsmith, BHS 1948?

Sharon Goldsmith, BHS 1948?

Sharon Rae Hennagin Goldsmith passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 8, 2020, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Los Angeles.

She was born in The Dalles, Ore., on Sept. 15, 1930, the eldest child of Lloyd and Henrietta Hennagin. The family moved to the Los Angeles area in 1945 where Sharon graduated from Burbank High School and attended Los Angeles City College. In high school and college, Sharon pursued music and vocal studies that led to performing both classical music and musical theater. Her vocal career included work with both the Los Angeles and San Francisco Civic Light Operas.

In 1950, Sharon married film composer Jerry Goldsmith, and together they had four children. She later moved from the Los Angeles area to Mammoth Lakes, where she worked as a substance abuse counselor.

She retired to San Diego, but later moved to Vermont. During retirement, Sharon was busy. She loved being an active part of her grandchildren’s lives and bringing family together. She had a passion for lifelong learning and actively participated in the Osher program at University of San Diego and the CALL program at Keene State College. Sharon was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Vermont’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

She sang for many years with the Brattleboro Community Chorus and the UU All Souls Church Choir. She loved to travel, and did so all over the world through programs like Semester at Sea and Rhodes Scholars.

Sharon was a friend of Bill W.’s for almost 46 continuous years, and her steadiness and support to others through that friendship was greatly appreciated and will be remembered with gratitude.

Sharon was loved by all she came to know; she was “Grandma Sharon” to a large, extended family. No one will forget her adventurous spirit as she traveled the world on her own, and her great passion for learning, exploring different cultures, and all things artistic — music, literature, the movies and theater.

We will all miss her enthusiasm for sushi and card games, along with her fierce sense of personal responsibility in regards to the democratic process and social justice.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents; her sister Derrie Barone; her brother Michael Hennagin; her son Joel Goldsmith; and her former husband, Jerry. She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Ellen Goldsmith Edson of Swanzey, Carrie Goldsmith and husband, Gary Barnard, of Swanzey, Jennifer Goldsmith and husband, Nowell Grossman, of Valley Village, Calif.; her daughter-in-law Martha Goldsmith of Hidden Hills, Calif.; her six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends and acquaintances made over her long lifetime.

A future date for a memorial service will be announced. Donations in Sharon’s memory may be made to The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Playing for Peace Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 217, Sullivan, NH 03445-0217.

Published in The Keene Sentinel, Keene, NH

Harold Winston Vorhies, BHS 1948

Harold Winston (‘Hal’) Vorhies, Colonel, U.S. Army (retired) passed away at age 89 on April 18, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia.

He was born in Inglewood, California, and spent his formative years in Burbank, California, graduating from Burbank High School where he was known as ‘Pete.’ He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California Berkeley, where he joined Army ROTC. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, he served nine years with the Quartermaster Corps and Field Artillery before assignment to the U.S. Army Security Agency, spending the remainder of his 30 years of active duty in Military Intelligence. 

He served two tours in Vietnam and completed assignments in France, Panama, Germany, and various domestic posts. He served in multiple command and staff assignments, to include Commander, Arlington Hall Station; Commander, 504th ASA Group; and Deputy Chief, NSA Europe. He attended the Command and General Staff College and the National War College, and earned a Master’s degree in International Relations at the American University. 

Colonel Vorhies retired from active duty in 1983. His numerous awards and decorations include five awards of the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Republic of Korea Order of Military Merit (for intelligence support to Republic of Korea’s military units in Vietnam), the Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Honor Medal, and a parachutist badge. Colonel Vorhies was inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 1999.

Following his service in the Army, Hal completed a second career with E-Systems/Raytheon, primarily based in Brussels, Belgium, as Regional Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He retired from Raytheon in 1995. Hal enjoyed skiing and scuba diving, and was a skilled photographer.

Hal was predeceased by his parents, Claude Orville Vorhies and Ursule Winifred Vorhies, his son-in-law, Bill Cumberland, and his former wife, Dixie Lee Skipton Vorhies. He is survived by his beloved companion of more than 25 years Karen Mahalik, his brother Robert Vorhies, his sister Delores Nichols, daughters Holly Vorhies Cumberland and Maureen Tankersley, son-in-law Jason Tankersley, numerous nieces and nephews, and the caring staff at Sunrise of Bluemont Park and Kate and Naomi from Ascent Homecare.

Donations in his memory may be made to Army Emergency Relief.

John C. Kirkpatrick, BHS 1948

John C. Kirkpatrick, 90, died on June 21, 2020, at his home in Evergreen, Colorado. He was the son of Earl T. and Agnes (Anderson) Kirkpatrick.

Born and raised in Burbank, Calif., he attended Occidental College and graduated from UCLA with a master's degree in geology. He worked as a petroleum geologist with oil and natural gas discoveries in Wyoming and Oklahoma.

John had lived in Evergreen for the past 43 years and filed more than 2,000 reports as a weather watcher with CBS4 for the Evergreen area. He also volunteered for the Bear Creek Cemetery, Humphrey History Park and Museum and Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice besides being a ready volunteer for his wife's many charitable projects.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda Kirkpatrick; children Sandra Kirkpatrick (Fruita), Robert Kirkpatrick (Central City), Dave Kirkpatrick (Golden), Michael Woodside (Thornton) and Amy Kenney (Littleton); plus five grandchildren.

He will be remembered as a quiet, honest and courageous role model who was kind and considerate up to the very end.

A memorial service will be held outdoors at Humphrey History Park and Museum, 620 Soda Creek Road, Evergreen, on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at 11 a.m. Gifts in memory of John may be sent to The Humphrey at the above address.

Published in Canyon Courier from Jul. 1 to Jul. 22, 2020.

NOTE: Wife said he graduated in 1947, but his senior photo is Winter Class of 1948.

Alice Verdelle Rhoads Gibbons, BHS 1948

Alice Verdelle Gibbons

October 29, 1930 ~ July 26, 2017 (age 86)

Alice Verdelle Gibbons, daughter of Robert P. Rhoads and Gladys Alice (nee Berndt) Rhoads, was born in Glendale, California on October 29, 1930 and died on July 26, 2017 in Ripon, California.  Alice graduated from Burbank High School in 1948.  She attended the Alliance church in Glendale, CA and heard God’s call to missionary service.  In 1951 she graduated from Simpson Bible Institute (Simpson University) then located in Seattle.  

Alice met Don Gibbons during a summer ministry time on Whidbey Island. Don and Alice were married on June 30, 1951 then served in Paulina, Oregon with Village Missions for two years. They were sent out as missionaries by the Christian and Missionary Alliance, setting out on an ocean freighter to Papua, Indonesia (then known as Netherlands New Guinea).  

They were among the first outsiders to contact stone age tribes in the Ilaga and Beoga valleys. In their 42 years of service they saw the good news of Jesus Christ transform the lives of these tribal people. The darkness of fear, spirit worship and constant warfare was transformed into peace and forgiveness from God. Alice worked as a full partner in this ministry spearheading literacy programs, writing Sunday School curriculum and seminar presentations and personally teaching future church leaders about the Bible.

Alice wrote two books that chronicle their lives and ministry in Papua.  “The People Time Forgot” and “Where the Earth Ends.”  After returning to the USA, Alice was active in their churches and community in Paradise, and Ripon, California. Alice and Don celebrated 66 years of marriage in June. 

Alice is survived by her husband, Don (Donald), their daughters Kathleen Brooks (Tim), Joyce Parker, Lori Clark (Dave), Helen White (Doug), Darlene LeTexier (John); and 13 grandchildren: Christy, Matthew, Eric, Dane, Joshua, Kevin, Jesse, Aaron, Caleb, Rachel, Daniel, Jack, and Karis; and 15 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Robert Rhoads, Ralph Rhoads and Miriam Johnston as well as nieces and nephews.  

Two Memorial services will be held: Tuesday 08/01/2017 10:00 am at Ripon Grace Church 734 W Main St.  Ripon, CA 9536 AND Friday 08/04/2017 11:00 am at Paradise Alliance Church 6491 Clark Rd. Paradise, CA  95969. In lieu of flowers please send any gifts in Loving Memory to: The Christian & Missionary Alliance 8595 Explorer Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 designated to: the GCF (The Great Commission Fund.)

Andrew Roger Adams, BHS 1948

September 25, 1928 - August 21, 2015

Andrew Roger Adams was born in Glendive Montana to Helen Wodke Adams on September 25th, 1928. Andrew was delivered just two minutes after his twin brother Robin. Andrew never knew his Father Andrew Robert William Hendry Adams who died after trying to stop a thief from escaping a crime scene just months before Andrew was born. He was the youngest of eight siblings of which six were boys and there was another set of twin girls.

 In 1942 the Adams Family grew weary of the long Cold Winters in Montana moved to Southern California and settled in Burbank. Raised by his mother Helen and Older Siblings Andrew Graduated from Burbank High School in 1948. 

He was inducted into the Air Force in March of 1949 and was stationed in the Bahamas during the Korean War, he was a specialist in Radar.Andrew married Corinne Jacobucci on May 7th, 1955 and they had five children Cindy, Mike, Vicki, Guy and Robert Adams. They settled in La Crescenta California and raised their Family there. 

Andy was self-employed most of his Adult life and was a Great Provider for his Family. After living through the Great Depression he always made sure his Children had enough to eat and sent all five kids to College. Andy loved to go Fishing, Water Skiing, Snow Skiing, and Camping in Motor Home. After retiring Early in 1981 he kept active in Elks Club, Gallivanters Motor Home Club and most of all enjoyed spending time with his Grandkids and Great Grandchildren. 

He is survived by his Wife Corinne Adams, Five Children, Eleven Grandchildren, two Great Grandchildren, two Brothers and One Sister. Andy spent the weekend with all his Children by his side and passed away peacefully Monday morning on August 24th with his wife of 60 years at his Bedside.

Published in Glendale News-Press on Sept. 5, 2015

June Ann Young Macomber, BHS 1948

June Ann Young Macomber, BHS 1948
1931-2016

June Ann Macomber passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 30, 2016 at the age of 85. For the past 3 years June lived in a private home called Cottage of the Oaks in Ventura County, in the city of Thousand Oaks. Her 2 boys live within 15 minutes of her home and had looked after her welfare since her move to California in 2009.

June was born on June 18, 1931 in Denver, CO to James and Anna Young. She had one sibling, Jimmy who was 11 years June’s senior. June’s parents moved the family to California in 1940. After moving to a few different cities and getting the feel of California, the young family settled into Burbank.

The high school June attended was Burbank High, where she met and fell in love with the man she would be married to for the rest of her life, Gary Macomber. June and Gary Married in 1947 and not long after started their family where they were thrilled to welcome 3 sons. June was the proud grandmother to 4 grandchildren and a very proud great grandmother to 7 children. June and Gary’s loving marriage grew to 60 years until Gary’s passing in 2007.

June worked in the California School system for 22 years. She worked in the cafeteria at Cleveland High School. She was also a secretary at Ukiah High and Pomolita Middle School. June and Gary finally retired together in 1988 to start a new chapter of their lives.

They loved to travel on their motorcycles. They have been through every state in the US and every Province in Canada. They rode from Northern California to the Panama Canal. They even flew their motorcycle to Europe and rode through many countries there.

In 1955 June and Gary joined the Mormon Church thanks to a dear friend, Allen Coryell and his wife Gayle. June held several positions in the church, but loved the mission that they served together in the Fiji Islands.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S. Main, Spanish Fork, Utah. Viewing will be from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Salem City Cemetery


Published in the Daily Herald, Provo, Utah, Aug 3, 2016

William Owen Reynolds, BHS 1948

William "Bill" Owen Reynolds, BHS 1948
April 25, 1930 - Oct. 5, 2018

Bill passed away peacefully at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by his family. The son of Ray and Maxine Reynolds, Bill was born in El Paso, Texas in 1930 and moved to Burbank, Calif., with his family in 1940. He attended Burbank High School, graduating in 1948. Bill was a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He excelled in sports and was an avid baseball player. He served in the Korean War and when he returned, married his first love, Joyce Lungren. They had a baby girl, Gale Lynn.

Bill became a makeup artist for MGM and Burbank Studios. He worked with many actors, including his beloved sister Debbie Reynolds, Elvis Presley, Ava Gardner and Carole Baker, among others. He also worked for popular television shows like “The Waltons” and “Knots Landing.” Bill later married his second wife, Jeanne Arntsen, and had two children, Robert and Leslie.

Bill had many friends and was loved by all who knew him. His grandchildren will tell you proudly that he is the “best grandpa ever.” He lived near Burbank most of his life and was especially close to his sister Debbie, who passed away one day apart from her daughter, and Bill’s niece, Carrie Fisher, in December 2016.

Bill was a truly awesome person, son, brother, father, uncle, grandpa and great-grandpa! He will be remembered for his easy demeanor, quick wit, love and generosity to his family and friends.

Bill and his sister, actress Debbie Reynolds, built the Reynolds Plaza, now renamed the Golden Hills Plaza, back in the early 1990s. Bill lived here in Tehachapi for about five years managing the plaza. He was also involved with Tehachapi's youth as a baseball coach for our little league team.

Bill is survived by his children, Gale (Skip) Koly, Rob (Dona) Reynolds, and Leslie (Richard) Reynolds-Nuckolls; grandchildren, Matthew (Helen) Reynolds, Heather (Shain) Gallagher, and Michael Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Zoe Vietti, Estie Vietti, Ashton Reynolds, and Carter Reynolds; nephew Todd and Catherine Fisher; great nieces and nephews, Billy Lourd, Vanessa (Steve) Gregornik Rivers, Brandon (Tiffany) Rivers, and James Rivers. Last, but not least, his ever-faithful step-dog Dwight Reynolds, as well as many loving friends and wonderful neighbors.

Special thanks to Donald Light for keeping our family well fed, Wade Collins for getting Dwight out and about, and Josephine Bouchard and Clara Borgonia for their excellent care, respect, and love towards “Uncle Bill” and his family.

“Love ya” to all — “Ditto”


“Miss Me, But Let Me Go”

Tehachapi News, Tehachapi, California

Rev. Dr. Marilyn Banks Batchelder, BHS 1948

The Rev. Dr. Marilyn Banks Batchelder

The Rev. Dr. Marilyn Banks Batchelder died on August 5, 2018 from heart failure. She was 87. Marilyn was a pastoral psychotherapist, a social activist, a beloved elementary and high school teacher, an author, and a national junior badminton champion. 

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard (Dick) Batchelder, their four children and five grandchildren. She brought a brilliant mind, a strong ethical sense, and a love of life to everything she did. 

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 2 at 3 PM at Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey.

Eugene Claude Tripp, BHS 1948

Eugene Claude Tripp
1930 - 2018

Eugene Claude Tripp died on February 8, 2018, after spending six weeks in a Long Beach hospital valiantly trying to fight a number of different infections. He is preceded in death by his three wives, Margie Tripp, Dorothy Hester Tripp and Mavis Griffiths Tripp. He is survived by his three daughters, Jean Ancell, Jayne Tripp and Paula Tripp Victor; four grandsons, Lance and Clint Ancell and Josh and Joe Tripp; and five great-grandchildren, Daisy, Lilly, Tripptin, Reiden and Piper; and sister, May Louise Nay.

Gene (or Chub as he is fondly remembered by family and childhood friends) was born on November 17, 1930 in Lincoln, Nebraska but moved to Burbank at age 6 where he grew up. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War and then attended and proudly graduated from the University of Southern of California with a B.S. and M.S in Geology. His early years of marriage to Margie were spent in Bakersfield where he worked for Texaco exploring for oil in the Central Valley. Exploration of oil in Alaska led him to Anchorage for 2 1/2 years and then back to California. Gene and Margie retired in 1996 and moved to their dream home on a hill in Morro Bay where they enjoyed their beautiful ocean view.

Gene was among the best fast-pitch softball catchers and most family vacations in the early years were spent camping between stops along the softball tournament circuit. Politics and involvement in community affairs were passions of his, later to be superseded by his commitment to his faith and local church. He was also an avid sports fan (loving his Trojans and Dodgers), enjoyed and was quite good at almost any game of cards, and loved to just get in the car and drive and see the world. Most of all, he was passionate about his family and friends and cherished moments with them, whether just watching a game together, playing a game of cribbage, canasta or Mexican train dominoes, or just being with them.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 10, 2018 at 11 AM at the El Morro Church of the Nazarene, located at 1480 Santa Ysabel Avenue in Los Osos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://alz.org/ or the ALS Association at www.als.org.

Published in Bakersfield Californian on Feb. 15, 2018

Eileen Duke Peterson, BHS 1948

Published in The Burbank Leader on Feb. 17, 2018

September 18, 1929 - February 9, 2018 

Mom was born in Long Beach, Calif. on September 18, 1929. She lived in Burbank for 82 years. She passed away in Kearns, Utah on February 9, 2018. 

Eileen married Vreeland S. Peterson May 12, 1952. He preceded her in death on December 13, 1990. Eileen had 3 children: Julie Tamayo, Denise Kidder and Arnold Peterson (deceased). She has 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 19 at the LDS church, 136 N. Sunset Canyon Dr., Burbank. Viewing 9:30-10:30 a.m., funeral service at 11:00. Burial to follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park.

Albert Edward Copping Jr., BHS 1948

Albert Edward Copping Jr.

March 17, 1929 – July 12, 2014

Albert Edward Copping Jr. passed away on July 12 at the age of 85.Al was born March 17, 1929 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the first of two sons of Louisa Alberta Copping and Albert Ernest Copping. He spent most of his life in the greater Burbank/Glendale and La Crescenta areas where he attended public schools and graduated from Burbank High School in 1948.He began work as a machinist out of high school and moved on to become an aerospace manufacturing engineer at Sterer Engineering in Glendale where he worked for 40 years until his retirement.

After high school Al began building, painting and professionally racing motorcycles winning countless races and custom motorcycle painting competitions. He absolutely loved to build and race, and was a top-notch mechanic as well.

Al met the love of his life, Mary Anne, at age 17 while in high school. They were married soon after and lived a wonderful life together. They welcomed three sons, Nick, Al III and Matthew. The family moved to La Crescenta near his parents and Al and Mary Anne spent the remaining years raising beautiful champion Irish Setters and traveling to dog shows throughout California. Mary Anne passed away in 2011 at age 81, and Al continued to show his last Irish Setter, Katie, up until just a few months before he left us.

Al was an amazing man, a devoted husband and father, and a craftsman at all he did in life. He treated people as friends and was well respected throughout the community. He loved to work in his yard and design new additions to the house, right up to the last breath he took. He even drew a picture of a new front porch handrail from his hospital bed the very last day!

The final few months became difficult for Al due to his heart becoming weaker. Finally his heart could no longer keep up with his many ideas and dreams, and he slipped quietly and peacefully into eternal sleep.

Al is survived by two of three sons, Nick and Al III, after the unfortunate passing of his youngest son, Matthew, at age 49 from cancer. He also leaves six granddaughters, one grandson, and one great granddaughter. Al will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Services will be at Forest Lawn, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. on Saturday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at The Little Church of the Flowers.

Dad, Wherever we go, no matter how far, you will always be in our hearts
Thank you for being in our lives, and giving yours unconditionally.
Look up to the stars and feel the wind blow across the water
May God speed your way to eternal life, we will always be with you
Love forever, Al III, Nick, Patricia, and our families

Waldon Lee Reichman, BHS 1948

Waldon Lee Reichman, BHS 1948

Waldon Lee Reichman was born on November 3, 1929 and passed away on May 18, 2016. He proudly served his country as a Sergeant First Class E-7 in the Airborne 11th Ranger Company during the Korean War. After the war he became a life-long plumber.

He had many friends, and loved th fish. At 58 years old he contracted cancer and had to retire. He was very determined to overcome his setback and did so very well. He was proud to be with the 11th Airborne Ranger Division, and requested to be buried with other veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. His family is very proud of him and he will always be remembered. Lee is survived by his family including his wife Rita.

Charles Meacham Flanigan Jr., BHS 1948

Charles Meacham Flanigan Jr.
December 2, 1930  -  April 12, 2015

Charles Meacham Flanigan Jr. “Meach” was born December 2,1930 to parents Charles Meacham Sr. and Shirley Mae Flanigan in Santa Barbara, California.

Meach moved and lived for a time in Ventura, California before moving to Burbank, California where he attended Edison Elementary School, Burroughs Junior High School and finally Burbank High School, graduating in 1948.

At the young age of 13, Meach’s desire for business began in his family garage. He started with a small hand letterpress, hand set type cases, and an entrepreneurial mind. Meach would travel around the surrounding neighborhoods gathering small printing orders such as business cards and invitations. Word spread and the business grew quite impressively.

After high school Charles Sr. kept the business going while Meach attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. During his college career Meach started the printing club “Mat Pica Pi” that still continues to this day. His college days were cut short due to the Korean War.

Meach joined the Navy to avoid the draft into the Army.
After basic training in San Diego, Meach was assigned to the USS Bataan (a smaller aircraft carrier which launched gull winged Corsairs) where he served in the onboard print shop and as anti aircraft ammunitions assistant. Though his tour sent him to the Sea of Japan and the South China Sea, he never faced an enemy engagement. After his one-year combat tour, Meach spent the remainder of his four years in Pearl Harbor where he again was assigned to the Print Shop.

Having been honorably discharged, Meach returned to Burbank, California and with his father Charlie, they began what was to become Flanigan Printers Inc. for the next 45 years.

It was during this time on August 30th, 1956 that Meach met, what was to be the love of his life, Audrey Gwenyth Bergum. The chance encounter happened at his, and her mutual friends wedding.

After a beautiful courtship, Meach and Audrey married on August 20th, 1958. Their marriage filled with love and great adventure, was shared for 57 years.

On July 4th 1960 Meach and Audrey were blessed with the birth of a baby girl, Karen Ann. Karen’s birth coincided with the first of what would be an annual camping trip with many close friends, causing a constant stream of calls from a campground payphone. The “Camping Group” was born. November 15th 1967 Charles Meacham Flanigan III “Charly”, a baby boy with brown hair and dark brown eyes was born. Seven months later, with the desire for a son and Karen’s constant begging, Charly was adopted and the family was complete.

Through the years, hard work and long hours did not keep Meach from family time. Home for dinner every night, even if a trip back to the shop was needed. The family always found time for fun with annual camping trips, snow skiing and frequent trips to the beach, the favorites being Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. Later, Meach and Audrey found fun with each other and friends in the game of golf. Though Audrey stopped playing due to her eyesight, golf remained a joy for Meach the rest of his days.

Meach is survived by wife Audrey Gwenyth Flanigan, daughter Karen Flanigan Stegman, son Charles Meacham Flanigan III “Charly”, grandson Curtis Leon Ayers III, grandson Joseph Branning Flanigan, son-in-law Scott Ford Stegman, and daughter-in-law Gabrielle Jacquet Flanigan.

To know Meach was to have a caring friend.