Saturday, July 30, 2022

Marlene Paula Lyneis Bost, BHS 1953

Marlene Paula Lyneis Bost, BHS 1955

1936 - 2022

Marlene Paula Bost, 1936-2022, Valencia, CA

We are heartbroken to announce the death of our mother, Marlene Paula Bost. She passed away peacefully at the age of 86. She was born January 29, 1936, to William and Elsa Lyneis in Saint Peter, Minnesota.

In 1942, Marlene's father, William "Bill" Lyneis, moved the family to Burbank, California where he worked for the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Marlene attended George Washington Elementary, John Muir Junior High School, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1953. In February of 1953, Marlene was introduced to Jack Bost by a mutual friend. They married in October of 1953. Jack and Marlene's marriage of 64 years was filled with true love and endless devotion. The two of them had the blessing of growing older together. They had two sons, Robert and William Bost.

Marlene resided in the Santa Clarita Valley for 60 years. She worked in the field of education for the majority of her adult life. Most recently, as the purchasing agent for the William S. Hart UHSD. Marlene retired in 1997. She enjoyed traveling, cruising, church, cooking, wine tasting, and watching the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mostly, her and Jack enjoyed spending time together and with family and friends.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Robert (Cynde) Bost and William (Kathy) Bost; brother Carlyle (Susan) Lyneis; sister Yvonne (Lonnie) Foy; grandchildren, Barbara (Nick) Tracy, Laura (Travis) Spann, Kenneth (Briana) Bost, Robyn Palazzolo, Ryan (Caitie) Bost, Heather (Collin) Davis, Paige Laurent, Courtney (Bladimir) De Leon, and Chase Laurent; great-grandchildren, Taylor Tracy, Kyle Tracy, Landon Strick, Bear Spann, Rayden Spann, Claire Davis, and Benjamin Davis. Marlene's love extended to her nieces and nephews and their children, as well as to her many friends.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Jack who passed away in 2018, her father, mother, brothers Donald Lyneis, Joseph Lyneis, Edward Lyneis, Richard Lyneis,


and her sister Carol Olmstead.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on August 6, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church in Valencia. Marlene will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her. Her smile would light up every room.

Published by The Santa Clarita Valley Signal from Jul. 29 to Aug. 27, 2022.

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Justy Anthony Ferraro, III, BHS 1958

Justy Anthony Ferraro, III,  BHS 1958

Justy A. Ferraro

April 28, 1936

August 1, 2021

Justy Ferraro III beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away Sunday, August 1, 2021 in Colorado Springs. Justy was born in Rochester, New York on April 28th 1936. He moved to Colorado in 2007.

Justy enjoyed fishing, computers and playing with his great-granddaughter Brynlee. After his retirement from the trucking industry, he had the pleasure of working in the funeral industry with a wonderful group of people.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 11th from 4-8pm, at Swan-Law at 501 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday August 12th at 11am, also at Swan-Law. A reception will follow at the James house.

Published by The Gazette from Aug. 6 to Aug. 8, 2021. 

Note: His daughter posted on Facebook and said he graduated in 1958, but I could not find no memtion of him in any yearbook. No Soph, Jr or Sr photo.

Monday, July 18, 2022

Mary Jane Ritz Lee, BHS 1964

Mary Jane Ritz Lee, BHS 1964

It is with a heavey heart I just found out about a week ago an old friend and a fellow genealogy buddy passed away a few years ago. Mary Jane Ritz Lee aka Janie Lee passed away on October 25, 2019. As far as I know she was still living in Burbank. Janie was born on April 19, 1946 in Burbank, California, the daughter of Francis Lester Ritz and Ruth Barry Ritz. 

She graduated from Burbank High School in the Class of 1964. Janie married Keith H. Lee on October 8, 1966 in Los Angeles. To this union they had three sons, Dean, Darryl and Douglas. Later they divorced and Janie was living in a city owned rundown apartment building that was later condemed by the city. Janie ended up moving into the Hud Apartment building across the street from the Burbank High library, where her sister was living. 

Sometime in 2007 Janie Lee's mother passed away and her brother was giving her trouble and I helped find her a lawyer. 

Another friend Chris was in town one day and Janie and Chris and I got together for lunch at Burger King. That was the last time I talked and saw her. We had each others email and were friends on Facebook but Janie was not computer savey and did not use either much. 

Janie was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California. Her Find A Grave Memorial  Janie will be missed by her family and fellow classmates and friends. I will remember her bubbaly face and smile. Rest In Peace.

Janie Lee on the left and Chris on the right.



Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Devon Ramon Shimek, BHS 1953

Devon Ramon Shimek, BHS 1953

Devon Ramin Shimek age 86, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2022, with family near and the SF Giants game playing in the background.

He was born June 15, 1935 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Raymond and Alvalda Shimek. In 1949, at the age of 14 they moved to Burbank, California.

He served in the USAF, stationed in Berlin for 4 years. He received his BA degree and subsequent MBA from Notre Dame. For 35 years, he dedicated his professional life to Lockheed Martin; after which time he retired and moved to Newport, Oregon.

He was the San Francisco Giants #1 fan; never missing a game and always on top of all the stats and standings. He loved Neil Diamond music. He had an artistic talent creating various oil paintings and deco pieces. He had a private plane pilots license and enjoyed many journeys in the sky. He was loving, caring, and compassionate to all who knew him while always speaking in a direct manner. His great wit and humor made him unforgettable to anyone he met.

Devon is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughter, Peggy and son-in-law Stan Wickliffe, his brother Dennis Shimek and sister-in-law Cherie, brother-in-law, Charles Rittgers, grandson, Matthew Hone and granddaughter-in law Natalie; grandson, Skylar Shimek, and great grandchildren, Taylor and Haley Hone;

And predeceased by his first wife, Charlene Shimek, son, Christopher Shimek, daughter, Valerie Roberts; parents Raymond and Alvalda Shimek.

He left this world completely content, happy with his life and many accomplishments. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial bench will be placed in the local Newport Park area in the Shimek Family name.

‘May this bench give rest to the body, bring peace to the mind and leave peace within hearts!

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Eva Lynn Specht, BHS 1958

 Eva Lynn Specht, BHS 1958

Eva Lynn Specht, age 68, of Manhatten, Kansas, died Apr 22, 2009, at Select Specialty Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. She was born September 21, 1940, in Chatsworth, Iowa, the daughter of B. William and Mabel (Webb) Specht. Eva had been a Manhattan resident area since 1963. Eva graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California, and then later attended Manhattan Area Vo-Tech.

She worked as a cook for the Manhattan schools prior to becoming an Administrative Assistant at Kansas State University, retiring in 2006 after 28 years of service.

Eva was a member of First Lutheran Church, Martha Circle, WELCA, Harmony Rebekkah Lodge #689, LEA,LAPM, Eagles Auxiliary #2468, and RSVP. She taught Special Populations Sunday School at First Lutheran and helped with the Keynotes Newsletter.

Survivors include two sons; John R. Willms, Jr. and James R. Willms, both of Manhattan; and her extended family, Marti and Catie Gilbert of Dodge City, Kansas. She was preceded in death by one son, William F. Willms in 1978, and her parents.

Cremation is planned with a Celebration Of Life Service to be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 1st, at the First Lutheran Church with Reverend Dr. Keith Wiens officiating. 

The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is helping with the arrangements.



Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Dixie Lee Richards Naylor, BHS 1956

Dixie Lee Richards Naylor, BHS 1956

Ms. Dixie Lee Naylor, 84 of Goodyear, Arizona died May 10, 2022 in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born February 7, 1938 to Arthur Richards and Lorraine Richards in Muscatine, Iowa. 

She is survived by her husband, John Naylor; daughter, Jennifer Sharron; son, Jeff Naylor; and sister Cheryl Richards. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Lorraine Richards and her sister, Dianne McCafferty.

Although Dixie Lee Naylor passed away on May 10th, her soul will continue living on through her adoring family and friends. Born on February 7, 1938 to Arthur and Lorraine Richards (both deceased), she was the oldest of three girls: Dianne (deceased) (Doug) and Cheryl (Virginia).

Dixie married John Naylor in 1958 and they had two children: Jennifer (Gary) and Jeff (Suzanne). She had the great pleasure to enjoy four generations of family, celebrating the lives of her 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Dixie loved to travel, read and spend time with family and their amazing group of friends.

"Those we LOVE don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still Loved, still missed and very dear."

Published by Thompson Funeral Chapel from May 14 to May 15, 2022.



Thursday, June 30, 2022

Barbara Anne Reeser Sutton, BHS 1961

Barbara Anne Reeser Sutton, BHS 1961

Published in The Signal, Santa Clarita, California, August 18, 1994

Barbara A, "Bobbi" Sutton, Administrattive assistant, 51, passed away Sunday August 14, 1994 in Lancaster after a brief illness. She was a resident of Palmdale. Sutton was born June 18, 1943, in Hollywood, California. She was an administrative assistant for the FAA. 

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; her daughter, Dianna; two sons, David (and his wife, Janice) and William John (and his wife, Shawntel); her mother, Annie; three sisters, Marjorie, Sandra and Carole; her brother, John; and her grandson, Bret.

Memorial services will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday at Eternal Valley Mortuary Chapel, Newhall. Visit her Find A Grave Memorial HERE


Tuesday, June 28, 2022

David Michael LaRue, BHS 1962

David Michael LaRue, BHS 1962

Chino Valley News, March 1, 1978

CAN OF ENGINE STARTING FLUID EXPLODES IN CAR; MAN BURNED

An aerosol can of engine starting fluid on the floor of a Volkswagen Bug close to a heater vent blew up as the car traveled on Central Ave. about 6:15 p.m. Monday, resulting in severe burns to the driver, David M. LaRue, 33, of Norco.

The blast blew out the rear window of the car, more than 100 feet south of where the Volkswahen struck the rear of another car, and set the inside of the car on fire. The collision jammed the right door shut trapping Mr. LaRue inside. Fireman had to use the Hurst "Jaws" tool to open the door and remove Mr. LaRue, whose clothes were on fire.

He was taken to the San Bernardino County Medical Center burn ward with third degree burns over 27 to 30% of his body. The police said Mr. LaRue was blinded and suffered lung damage from inhaling flames. He was listed in extremely critical condition. In addition to his face, Mr. LaRue had burns on his hands, arms and thighs.

Chuck Smith, who operates a service station across the street, at Central and Philadelphia, said he heard an explosion and saw the Volkswagon traveling north with someone inside waving his hands as if to put out the flames.

The Volkswagen stopped near the intersection of Central and Philadelphia where it hit the rear of a car driven by Anthony G. Avitable, 18, of 12450 Marshall, who was stopped at the Philadelphia traffic light. Mr. Avitable was admitted to Chino General Hospital with neck and back pains.

The Fire Department warned motorists that cans of starter fluid should never be stored where temperatures reach 120 degrees. Starting fluid is extremely volatile. Cans stored in car trunk, glove compartment, or on the back window ledge are subjected to extreme heat and can explode.

Note: David Michael LaRue passed away on March 10, 1978, 10 days after the explosion. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. Visit his Find A Grave Memorial.









 

Saturday, June 25, 2022

John Curtis Irwin Rocke, BHS 1967

John Curtis Irwin Rocke, BHS 1967

John Rocke, a resident of Santa Clarita, California, passed away suddenly at home on June 15, 2022, at the age of 72.

John was born July 10, 1949, to his parents Dr. Robert Rocke and Dinah Rocke in Hollywood California. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Burns, his brother, Adam Rocke, and his sister-in-law, Connie Rocke and their family, and his son, Patrick Chapman, his daughter-in-law, Christine Chapman, and his three grandchildren: Rebecca, Dylan, and Sophie, and his beloved French bulldogs, Lulu and Gigi. He is pre-deceased by his parents and sister, Louise.

John graduated from Burbank High School, and attended UCLA for his under graduate work and graduate degree in Political Science. He then attended UC Davis School of Law and UCLA School of Law, where he earned his J.D. John also attended officer's training school while in the Air Force National Guard, where he was a member of the 146th Air Wing in Van Nuys for over 13 years.

During John's legal career he worked with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office as a prosecutor, the District Attorney's Office of Los Angeles County, the Public Defender's Office with Los Angeles County and the City of Burbank's Attorney's Office. John also taught Administration of Justice classes at Mission Community College in the San Fernando Valley for many years and up to the time of his passing.

John was a lifetime student, a prolific reader and writer. John was known for his generosity, truly cared about people and made many friends over his lifetime.

Services will be held on July 8, 2022, at 10:00 am at Mount Sinai Memorial Park at 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, California, 90068, where condolences can be made. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or services.

Published by The Santa Clarita Valley Signal from Jun. 25 to Jul. 23, 2022.



Sunday, June 19, 2022

Phillip Young, BHS 1966

Phillip Young, BHS 1966

Phil passed away on April13, 2016 after losing his battle with cancer,  per his mother.

CELEBRATING PHIL YOUNG

Celebrating Phil’s Youth

-Faithful member of First Christian Church of Burbank and Youth leader

-Active member of the Boy Scouts of America

-Burbank High School football team and yearbook photographer

Celebrating Phil’s Love of his Country

-Served in the US Navy, 2 years active duty

-Always removed his hat and placed his hand over his heart for the National Anthem

Celebrating Phil’s Education

-Applied to and his photography portfolio accepted by the prestigious Art Center College of Design, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. Phil always said this was one of his most prized accomplishments. And he was forever grateful to his Pop, Jim Young for “tearing up” the loan that he owed his parents for his education.

Celebrating Phil’s Career

-Phil Young Photography

-Photographer General Dynamics

-Photographer Rockwell International/Boeing Corporation

-Homeowners Association Property Management

-Director of Marketing, Property Management

Celebrating Phil’s Many Talents

-Photographer, artist, stain glass designs, landscaping, architectural design

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Cars

-Model B Ford, Terry’s 67 Camaro, Plymouth Belvedere, Fiat Spider, 944 Porsche, BMW 328I, BMW 540I and his baby, the Beast….2010 Dodge Challenger SRT

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Books

-Phil was an avid reader and enjoyed sitting in his favorite chair with his feet up reading the newest books. Phil has quite a collection.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Music

-Phil loved his I-Pod and his playlist is huge. All the background music you are listening to tonight is from his I-Pod.

-Think about 4:00pm on Friday afternoons at Villageway and Total Property Management with the music blaring from Phil’s office.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Our Home

-Phil loved our little starter home in Irvine back in 1977. He loved designing our re-model in 2001 giving us a beautiful new family room and home office. And his crowning glory was his design of our 2013-2014 second story adition with a new Master suite and home office.

-Phil’s landscape skills are quite visible in the front, side and backyards of our home.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Family

-Phil’s mother Marcia, sister Diane, his niece Debbie, his Uncle Bud are all here tonight. Phil’s Pop, Jim Young is here with us in spirit.

-Phil’s mother-in-law Betty, his Aunt Ruthie, his nephew and niece Tim and Sandy, his 2 great nephews Justin and Jeremy and his nephew Chris are here tonight. Phil’s father-in-law Bob and his brother-in law Rob are both here with us in spirit.

-Phil’s love and pride for his daughter Emily were endless. And when Dan came into Emily’s life, he was so happy for the two of them. If you remember Phil’s toast to Dan at their wedding, that said it all.

-Papa’s love for his 2 grandsons Jack Robert James Cromer and Tyler Lee Cromer was the most wonderful feeling he had every experienced. He was so proud to be a grandpa.

-Phil’s love for Terry was 46 years of a wonderful life together. Best friends, partners in all decisions, raising Emily, working in the yard together and relaxing in the yard, working together to make both of our careers successful, camping and RV trips in the good old days, Angels baseball, date nights, enjoying being grandparents, and lots of golf and wonderful relaxing trips together.

Phil’s Love of Golf

-Phil loved the game of Golf. He started out 18 years ago having never swung a club, And he had been shooting in the mid to low 80’s here at Oak Creek. He loved playing in tournaments, we loved our golf trips and playing together, he loved playing weekly here with his great friends and that is why we are all here tonight at this beautiful place, Celebrating Phil Young at Oak Creek.

Thank you to all of you that are here sharing this celebration tonight.

With Love,

Emily and Terry