Jinni Ellen Gaines Reinus, BHS 1970

Jinni Ellen Gaines Reinus, our friend from Burbank High Class of 1970. April 28, 1952 - June 20, 2016 

Jinni passed away peacefully on Monday at home in Fieldbrook, CA with her loved ones with her after suffering so much and enduring so much over the last six years. Her husband of 45 years, Jeffrey Reinus, endured it all along with Jinni these past years. Jeffrey is also our BHS '70 classmate (he and I began in kindergarten together), and he and Jinni were high ...school sweethearts. 

Jinni's service will be this Thursday the 23rd at 10:00 A.M. in Eureka, CA. Please be thinking of Jeffrey and his family during that special time for them. Besides Jeffrey, Jinni leaves their daughter Jessica, and her husband Justin, her two granddaughters Sadie and Orah, her brother David, and sister Terri. Jeff and Jinni's daughter, Jaimee, predeceased Jinni. Any memorial contributions may be made to "Hospice of Humboldt". 

From: Alan Landros, BHS 1970

Carole Ann Vaughn Toffel, BHS 1957

Carole Ann Vaughn Toffel, BHS 1957
February 1, 1939 – June 11, 2016

Born in Los Angeles on February 1, 1939 along with her twin Brother Kenny to Robert and Elizabeth Vaughn, Carole Ann Toffel passed away peacefully at the age of 77 after a courageous battle with arthritis and cancer on June 11, 2016 in her Burbank home surrounded by her immediate family.

Carole was raised in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School with honors in 1957. Soon afterword she married Lee Toffel and moved to Arleta, California where she would soon be the proud mother of Robert Toffel (1958), Alan Toffel (1960) and Linda Toffel (1963). She worked part time, while raising three young children, at the Talley Rand restaurant in Burbank as a waitress. She was a very active member of the PTA and supported numerous charitable organizations. Carole was dedicated mother and friend to all.

The family eventually moved back to Burbank in 1974 where Carole started a new career at Republic Federal Savings and Loan as a Bank Teller. She eventually put herself through college and rose to the rank of Bank President and held that title until she retired. Carole was heavily involved with the Burbank City of Commerce, multiple charitable organizations and was named women of the year in Burbank in 1985.

Carole's health declined in her later years due to rheumatoid arthritis and she was forced to retire earlier than she would have liked but she took this free time to do what she loved to do best, give back to the community. She spent most of her last year's spending time with family and friends, working for
the church thrift store and offering her time and home to others in need.

Carole is survived by her son Robert Toffel and his wife Annie, Alan and Tricia Toffel and Linda Young. She is also survived by her greatest joys in life, her grandchildren; Max, Ben and Charlie Toffel and Samantha Rivera and Dustin Young. She was lucky enough to enjoy her great grandchild, Dominic Rivera, born 12/30/2015, for a short while. Carole made the world a better place and our family will forever miss her smile, kindness and unconditional love.

 Funeral ceremony will be held Saturday, June 18th, at the Burbank First United Methodist Church at 700 N. Glenoaks Blvd. in Burbank at 3:30pm. Reception immediately following at 933 N. Lincoln St. in Burbank. In lieu of flowers, please don't vote for Hillary Clinton.     

Published in Los Angeles Daily News from June 16 to June 18, 2016

Susan Lee Groves Swift, BHS 1966

 

Susan Lee Groves Swift, BHS 1966

Susan Swift, age 58, longtime Jacksonville resident and civil servant died Saturday, September 23, 2006. She was born Susan Lee Groves on March 25, 1948 to Lee and Jane Groves of Burbank, CA. On January 23, 1971 she married Frank Swift in Van Nuys, California. They moved to Jacksonville in 1977.

She served 27 years in federal civil service after modeling for Max Factor in Hollywood and working as a stewardess for Continental Airlines. She began her federal career with the AF Office of Special Investigations in Alaska. She worked at the Little Rock AFB in the civil Engineering and Supply Squadrons and as the CHAMPUS Advisor at the Base Hospital. More recently, she worked for the Army Corps of engineers in Little Rock, then for the FBI until her retirement in 2004. She was a volunteer with the Spay and Neuter Clinic in Little Rock, and the Jacksonville Public Library.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Swift and daughter, Michelle Swift of Jacksonville.

Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2006 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County.

www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com
501-982-2136

Kathleen Marie Sullivan Himes, BHS 1965

Kathleen Marie Sullivan Himes, BHS 1965

Kathy  Himes, a 1965 graduate of Burbank High School passed away on Monday, October 19, 2015 after being diagnosed with Melanoma. Because of her health she became very weak and fell and broke her hip.  The doctors operated on her Monday and she never recovered from the surgery.

Her memorial services "A Celbration of Life" were held Sunday, October 25th at 2:00pm, at Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California. No other details at this time.

Jeanette “Jeanie” Elizabeth Detweiler Larson, BHS 1960

Jeanette “Jeanie” Elizabeth Detweiler Larson, BHS 1960

May 25, 1942 - September 19, 2014

Jeanie Larson passed away unexpectedly at her family home in Burbank, California on September 19, 2014. She was looking forward to returning to an active life after having partial knee replacement surgery when a postoperative complication caused her untimely death. Her entire family is deeply mourning her loss, yet knowing Jeanie would want them to celebrate the life that she so joyfully embraced, surrounded by the love of family, friends, and community.

Jeanette Elizabeth Detweiler was born on May 25, 1942, in Lansing, Michigan to Dorothy Elizabeth Wiebe and James Irvin Detweiler. Jeanie grew up in Burbank with her two brothers, Douglas and Richard, attending Bret Harte and Providencia elementary schools, John Muir Junior High School, and Burbank High School (Class of 1960). As a youth she was involved in various school activities, the First United Methodist Church, and the Burbank Chapter of National Charity League, of which she was a founding member. After high school, Jeanie attended California Western University, and the University of Redlands where she met the love of her life William “Bill” Larson, college roommate of her brother Doug.

Jeanie and Bill married in 1962, starting their married life in on-campus barracks housing. After college, they moved to Long Beach, returning to Burbank where they raised three children, Michael, Shaunna, and Stephanie. With a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential, Jeanie taught briefly and then turned her full attention to her growing family, friends and community.

She was known for her positive personality, sparkling sky blue eyes and radiant smile. Jeanie cared deeply about everyone she knew and spread her positive energy wherever she went. Raised with a strong desire to help others, she spent her life offering her smile and help to those around her. Jeanie was proud to be a member of P.E.O., a women’s organization dedicated to raising money for women’s education and National Charity League, which she was thrilled to have shared with her mother and daughters. A businesswoman at heart, she used her skills to successfully guide the family property management business.

Married to Bill for 52 years, her family was her most cherished life achievement. She and Bill were delighted to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary with their children and

grandchildren on a safari to Africa. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, family and friends. Her family includes her children: Michael Larson (Melinda) of Palm Desert, Shaunna Raab (Michael) of Burbank, and Stephanie Larson of Burbank, grandchildren: Shea and Danica Larson, Zane and Cassandra Raab, and Natalia and Aaron Ortiz. Her brothers, Doug (Ingrid) and Rick (Carol), now live in Massachusetts and Michigan.

We will be celebrating the life of Jeanie Larson on Saturday, October 4th, 2014, at 1:30 PM at the Burbank First United Methodist Church, 700 North Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, California 91502. Her family invites you to join them, bringing your joyful memories with you.

Jeanie’s family has chosen two memorials close to her heart. A “P.E.O. Star Scholarship,” supporting young women entering college, will be named in her memory (P.E.O. c/o 3113 N. Naomi Street, Burbank, CA 91504). Contributions in her memory may also be made to the “Burbank First United Methodist Church” (700 North Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, California 91502).

Erik Anthony Riss, BHS 1983

April 4, 1965-April 10, 2016
 

Erik Anthony Riss, 51, of Lake Havasu City, died at 12:02 a.m., Sunday, April 10, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Parker.
 

Erik was born April 4, 1965 in Los Angeles, Calif. Erik has lived in California, Nevada, Wyoming and most recently, Lake Havasu City, where he enjoyed being on the water, boating and skiing. He worked as a plumber for Mohave Plumbing and Ideal Pools, and liked to post pictures on Facebook of the exotic pools he was working on. He also enjoyed spending time with his dad and family, having lunch dates with his daughters, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his girlfriend Julie, and their two dogs, Tyson and Jack. Erik liked to cook and grill and had many gatherings with friends, impressing them with his culinary skills. Erik was loved by many and will be truly missed.

Erik is lovingly remembered by his father, Gerard “Sweet Ol’ Bob” Riss of Las Vegas, Nev.; two sisters Diane Jackson and husband John “JJ” of Las Vegas, and Stacey Riss of Las Vegas; three daughters Roxanne “Roxy” Rede of Riverside, Calif., Tara Huesca-Riss of Portland, Ore. and Erika Huesca-Riss of Los Angeles, Calif.; two grandsons Isaiah Godinez and Xavier Godinez; and niece, Hilary Wood of Las Vegas.

He is preceded in death by his mother Audrey Riss and sister, Margie Riss.

Services will be at 1 p.m., April 22, at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home in Lake Havasu City.

Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, Calif., where he will be laid to rest with his mother and sister; at a date yet to be determined.

Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.

Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.

Sharon Claree Jacobsen, BHS 1956

Sharon Claree Jacobsen, BHS 1956
May 26, 2016

Sharon Claree Jacobsen passed away peacefully in Chandler, Arizona on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at the age of 78. She was born on April 6, 1938 in Logan, Utah to Clyde Jacobsen and Marie Sprouse Jacobsen. The family relocated from Utah to the Los Angeles area and shortly thereafter her sister Gloria Jean was born. Upon settling in Burbank, Sharon attended Emerson Elementary, John Muir Junior High and Burbank High School. After graduation, Sharon attended Brigham Young University for 3 years where she majored in child psychology.
After college she returned to Burbank where she lived for the next 53 years and worked at Pioneer Savings and the City of Glendale. She also enjoyed sewing and would participate in holiday boutiques to sell things she had made throughout the year. Additionally, she entered some of her crafts into the County Fair and won various ribbons. As a hobby, she spent most of her adult life working on Family History not only for her own family but also for friends and colleagues. In 2012, she retired from the City of Glendale and moved to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to her sister and her sister’s family.

Sharon was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in various callings throughout her life. Some of her favorites were Primary teacher, Ward Primary President, Stake Primary Board member and working in the Los Angeles Temple. Her last calling at church was Family History Consultant for the Augusta Ranch First Ward in Mesa, Arizona.

Sharon is survived by her sister Gloria Poulson and brother-in-law Victor Poulson, her nieces Vicki Poulson, Lisa Schwalger and her husband Daniel, Julie Standlee and her husband Brian as well as four grandnieces and two grandnephews: Tess Schwalger, Lauren Schwalger, Tyler Standlee, Emma Standlee, Michael Standlee and Bridget Standlee. She also had one grandnephew doggie named Magnum.

A graveside service will be held at San Tan Memorial Gardens on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 5:00PM. Arrangements are being taken care of by Horizon Funeral Care. Memorial donations can be made to Reflections Hospice & Palliative Care, 1840 E University Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85203.

Susan Gale Powley Kennedy, BHS 1966

Susan Gale Powley Kennedy, BHS 1966

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, May 24, 1989

Susan G. Powley, 40, died May 18, 1989 in Burbank. Born in Culver City, she lived here for several years. She had worked as an airline stewardess with PSA for 16 years.

Ms Powley is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Powley, Sr. of Burbank; brother, Robert Powley, Jr. of Hollywood.

Graveside services were May 23 at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills Memorial Park. Forest Lawn handled the arrangements.

Robert James “Jim” Mylroie, BHS 1958

Robert James Mylroie, BHS 1958

Robert James “Jim” Mylroie, 75, of Burbank, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2016 at Keck Hospital of USC surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on November 5, 1940 in Lander, Wyoming to Lieutenant Colonel Robert and Grace (Sill) Mylroie. He had one younger brother, Gerald.  In 1945, after his father was in a fatal automobile accident, the family relocated to Burbank.

Jim attended Thomas Edison Elementary School and John Muir Junior High. He was an active member of the Jaguar YMCA Club.  He graduated from Burbank High School in 1958 where he lettered in varsity basketball and baseball and served as Student Body Vice President. Jim attended the University of Southern California on a full scholarship and joined the Theta Chi Fraternity. He graduated in 1963 with a BS in Industrial Management.

He served in the US Army Reserves between 1963 and 1970.
In 1968 he married Chris Orlow in Woodland Hills. They had one daughter, Lara, born in 1970.

Jim was active in the Toluca Lake Lions Club and served as President in 1972.
He worked as a sales representative for Shell Oil Company before moving on to property management for Park La Brea and later ABM.  He retired in 2005 allowing him more time to devote to his golf game.

Jim had been a member of Lakeside Golf Club since 1985.  He participated in numerous golf tournaments, events and committees and could be seen at the club almost daily for over 30 years.

He is survived by his mother Grace Mylroie Patz, brother Gerald, daughter Lara Infuso, three grandchildren and six nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial is pending. Any remembrances in memory of Jim may be made to the Burbank YMCA at

BurbankYMCA.org.

John Lynden Smallenberg, BHS 1963

John Lynden Smallenburg, BHS Class of 1963

John Lynden Smallenburg, 70, of Avon Lake OH, formerly of Burbank CA, passed away Tuesday January 5, 2016 following a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born on September 15, 1945 in Los Angeles CA and had lived in Avon Lake the past 8 years.    
After graduation from CalState LA, John taught art for 34 years and coached golf for 17 years at Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta CA.

He was an accomplished life-long golfer, an avid world-wide fisherman, a hiker and explorer, a prolific reader and a passionate political advocate. When he retired in 2007, he and his wife moved to Ohio where they owned a retail shop selling art supplies and vintage goods. They hosted over 100 art workshops featuring international instructors.  John became enthused with mixed media and found art, selling and exhibiting several of his pieces.

John is survived by his wife, Ginny Gfeller Smallenburg (BHS '63) his son John Paul Smallenburg (Jessica) of South Pasadena, CA, his daughter Kate Smallenburg Burch (Margee), and a large and devoted Bonus (step) family of children and grandchildren. John, a gentle, kind and loving man will be missed greatly by his family and friends.