Featured Obituaries – Chico Enterprise-Record

Joan Stewart

gqlshare — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

JOAN STEWART Joan Stewart 89, was born Joan Fleta Higgins July 6th 1934 in Wasco CA. After graduating High School she married the love of her life Dwain Stewart in 1952 who proceeded her in death on March 9th the same day as her passing, ten years prior. Joan would say her greatest achievement is her family. She is survived by her sons Timothy (Luanne) Stewart, Gregory (Suzie) Stewart and daughter Jill (Kirk) Richardson. Joan has five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her gentle soul will live in our hearts forever.

Larry Kingdom Claiborne

gqlshare — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

LARRY K. CLAIBORNE A celebration of life for Larry will be held on Friday, April 5th, 2024 at 11am at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, 566 East Lassen Avenue, in Chico.

Erna Amelia Ozment

gqlshare — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

ERNA AMELIA OZMENT GARTON Erna Amelia Ozment Garton, “Grandma GG”, 101, passed away Mar. 5, 2024, surrounded by the flowers she loved and first signs of Spring at her home in Orland, CA. She was born August 3, 1922, the 11th of 17 children of Hassie Genevia Parker Ozment and James Arthur Ozment in Sumterville, AL. She attended primary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Sumterville and high school in Livingston, AL before enrolling at Auburn University for 2 years at the start of World War II. She left college in 1943 to volunteer for the Marine Corps, was trained at Cook’s and Baker’s School after basic training at Hunter College in New York and served at Marine Corps Airbases in New River and Cherry Point, NC rising to Sergeant in charge of feeding 2200 women and officers. There she met Edward Garton, a Marine Corps pilot, on a blind date. Ed courted her while ferrying planes up and down the Atlantic Coast until his squadron of B-25 bombers was assigned to battle Japanese in the Islands scattered across the South Pacific. At the end of WWII Ed returned to the US Continent and Erna was discharged from the Marines while Ed was placed on inactive reserve for 10 years. Ed and Erna were married in Atlanta, Georgia on November 25, 1945. They moved to Chico, CA where both enrolled at Chico State College and Ed started working part-time to supplement their income from VA while pursuing degrees in home economics and accounting. After one year, Erna dropped out of college in 1947 at the birth of their son, Edward Ozment and started working part-time at a local flower shop, Dunwoodies on the Esplanade. Erna learned to make professional bouquets and was enthralled with the fun of gardening and flower arranging. Upon Ed’s graduation in Accounting they moved to Orland where Ed started an accounting practice that grew through the years and eventually expanded to include real estate brokerage and a variety of newly created businesses, including some Ed helped start, like Pak-Away bumpers and spare gas tanks. Their daughter Gail Elizabeth was born in 1950. In Orland Erna joined the American Baptist church where she regularly provided flower bouquets for services, weddings and events as well as leading the youth group and taking them to church summer camp at Camp Tehama along Mill Creek near Mineral, CA. Erna started a Cub Scout den and Brownie den for her children and their friends to join. Once Erna’s children left home for college, she took a 2 1/2 year course to become a national flower judge and started judging at county fairs throughout the northern half of the state, including the California State Fair held in Sacramento. To attain and maintain her rank as a Nationally Certified Flower Judge Erna had to win a minimum number of 1st place and Best of Show ribbons at yearly flower show competitions in Northern California, a status she maintained for more than 4 decades. Her accomplishments were recognized with various awards including the 1996 Helen S. Hill Award for Flower Arranger of the Year by the National Council of State Garden Clubs, the highest award presented nationally by the organization at their national meeting in Dallas, Texas. She was designated a “Living Treasure” by the Butte District of Garden Clubs of America, she was recognized with a “True American Hero” award by the Glenn County Fair Board in 2000 and Citizen of the Year by the Orland Historical Society. She received numerous awards of merit from the City of Orland and California State Flower Clubs. Erna was predeceased by her husband, Ed Garton in 2007 but is survived by her 2 children, Edward O. (Virginia) Garton of Moscow, Idaho and Gail (John) Ficher of Chico, 4 grandchildren Jodi (Adam) McClory and Tim (Tracy) Garton of Moscow, ID, John Ficher of Myrtle Point, OR and Hassie Ficher of San Marcos, CA and 7 great grandchildren. Sweet-Olson Mortuary of Orland is handling arrangements. A memorial service is planned for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orland Free Library, 333 Mill St, Orland, Ca 95963.

Frieda Theresa Barghini Lowe

gqlshare — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

FRIEDA THERESA BARGHINI LOWE Dec. 2, 1934- March 20, 2024 We honor and remember the well lived life of Frieda Theresa Barghini Lowe. Frieda was born on Dec. 2, 1934 in San Jose, CA to loving Italian immigrant parents, Theresa LaGrutta and Giuseppe Barghini. Frieda met Robert Lowe, the love of her life, at only 15 years old. They married in 1952, when Frieda was 17 years old and graduated from San Jose High School. Bob and Frieda shared a wonderful life together and were married for 59 years until Bob passed in 2011. Frieda became a loving and wonderful mother to daughters, Sherry and Pam, at a young age. She raised them with strong bonds to family, home and friends. Frieda warmly welcomed all to her home with open arms and served delicious food and drinks. Her ability to entertain and make gourmet food was legendary. She always generously shared her recipes with all who were interested. Her kind nature and graciousness endeared her to everyone she met. Frieda loved to garden and could grow anything from flowers, to trees, to vegetables. She even expertly sculpted a large shrub into a huge rabbit in her backyard in Paradise, CA. Frieda worked for Bank of America in Los Gatos, CA for many years before moving to Paradise in 1990 to be closer to her daughters who lived in Paradise. Frieda continued her banking career and worked for Bank of America in Paradise until she retired in 2000. Frieda was a skilled seamstress and after retirement took up quilting. She excelled at quilting and joined the Paradise Quilting Guild and made many good friends as well as numerous beautiful quilts. In 2000, her daughter, Pam and husband Bill, bought Joy Lyn’s Candies and recruited the hard working Frieda to work at the shop. Frieda worked tirelessly helping out at the shop with candy making and gift wrapping until Bob became ill with Alzheimer’s in 2009. True to Frieda’s devoted and selfless nature, she took care of Bob until he passed in 2011. Several years later, at a bereavement group, Frieda met her good companion and friend, Ken Miller. Ken, heroically saved Frieda and drove her out of the Paradise Camp Fire on Nov. 8, 2018. Sadly, Frieda’s beautiful home in Paradise was lost in the devastating fire along with all her possessions, photos, quilts and heirlooms. Frieda later moved to a lovely home in Chico with her daughter, Sherry, who cared for her until Frieda recently moved to memory care at Amber Grove. Frieda’s family loved her dearly and will never forget all the valuable life lessons she taught them and will carry all those positive lessons to the next generation and the next generationand so on. Frieda was an extraordinary person and will always be a part of her family’s spirit because of the caring and generous person she was and taught her family to be as well. Frieda is survived by her loving daughters, Sherry Lowe, and Pam Hartley, her devoted son-in-law Bill Hartley, her grandchildren, Glenn, Gina and Scott, as well as great grandchildren, Haley, Will, Juliette, Hazel and Peyton, in addition to numerous devoted nieces and nephews. Interment will be private. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association or to Enloe Hospice in Chico, CA.

Patricia Ann Hearne

gqlshare — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

PATRICIA ANN HEARNE Patricia Ann Hearne, known fondly as Pat, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 16, at her home in Chico, California, surrounded by family. She was 88 years old. Born on September 28, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, Pat was the beloved daughter of Gerald and Anne Keefer. When she was still a young child, the family settled in California. Much of her childhood was spent in Santa Cruz and King City. It was during these formative years that Pat cultivated her passion for horses, eagerly participating in parades and rodeos. Pat graduated from King City High School and briefly pursued studies at Fresno State. At both, she was a trailblazer by being a woman taking agricultural classes. It was not long before she met the love of her life, Larry. Their love was deep and true. Pat was a remarkable mother to her seven children, infusing their lives with boundless love, a multitude of interests, and valuable life lessons. She took her children camping and backpacking many times. Her children have fond memories of the beach, exploring tide pools as she pointed out different species. She passed on her self-sufficient and independent streak to all her children be it through baking bread, making homemade mayonnaise, sewing cloth dolls, weaving so many things, planting many gardens, preserving food, plucking chickens, or milking goats. She taught all her children to be independent and to solve their own problems. Her adventurous spirit has guided and will continue to guide them through life’s highs and lows. While her children were still young, Pat returned to school at West Valley College and obtained her BS in Biology from Santa Clara University. After graduation, she remained at the university working as a laboratory instructor in biology. Throughout her life, Pat’s broad interests and abilities allowed her to navigate various career paths including lab technician for Paul Masson Winery, Monterey Vineyards, and Scheid Vineyards, bank teller at Wells Fargo, and bookkeeper at Hesselbein’s Jewelers. Pat loved to spend time with her husband and with the entire family, but she enjoyed solitary activities as well. Throughout life she was an avid reader and developed her diverse talents, becoming extremely skilled in sewing, gardening, weaving, knitting, and more. Upon retiring, Pat lived in Northern California, Oregon, and Pacific Grove. Despite a seemingly endless stream of visiting children, grandchildren, and friends, she developed her textile and culinary skills to the highest levels. She won the baking sweepstakes at the Salinas Valley Fair, became a Master Food Preserver and a Master Gardener, enjoyed teaching classes through Oregon State University Extension, and participated in weaving and quilting guilds. Pat is survived by her children and their significant others, Maureen and Brian Beresini of Moss Beach, Laureen Lane and Jesus Chavez of Chico, Timothy and Elizabeth Hearne of Dublin, Patrick (Quinn) Hearne and Leonel Ballate of San Francisco, Phillip and Patti Hearne of Whiting, Indiana, and Kevin and Lauren Hearne of Chatham, New Jersey, her brother and his wife, Tim and Celia Keefer, her eleven grandchildren, and her five great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen, and her husband, Laurence. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful caregivers, Lupita Mojica and Juana Vazquez Paniagua, as well as to the compassionate teams at Sunrise of Burlingame, Butte Home Health, and Enloe Hospice. A rosary will be said in honor of Pat at Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home on March 25, and a mass will be held at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church on March 26. A celebration of her life will follow at the family home in Chico. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Jean Brower

gqlshare — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

JEAN BROWER Jean Brower, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on March 5, 2024, in Oroville, CA. She was born on April 30, 1931, in Rogers, AR. Jean, began her working career in Oroville with Pacific Bell before moving to the Bay Area to work for the Equitable Life Insurance Company in Oakland, CA. She eventually returned to Oroville and joined the Oroville Police Department. Alongside her husband Ralph, she founded and operated Brower & Body Shop and 25 Hour Tow Service for 20 years before retiring to enjoy a life filled with well-deserved travel adventures. She attended Oroville Union High School and was an active member of the Evangelical Free Church in Oroville. Jean found joy in RV travel and wintering in Yuma, AZ, pursuing these hobbies for many years. Jean is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Ralph; son Kirk of Sparks, NV; granddaughters Stephanie Pyeatt of Oroville and Michelle Sebastain of Careywood, ID; grandson Jason of Hardy, VA; 9 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Floyd Kirk, daughter Jeannine Marie Brower, mother Alice Kirk, and brothers Clyde Kirk, Don Kirk, and Floyd Kirk. A Celebration of Life for Jean Brower will be held at the Evangelical Free Church in Oroville on April 19 at 11:00 AM.

Leroy Bishop

gqlshare — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

LEROY BISHOP, SMSGT USAF RETIRED April 2, 1936-February 20, 2024 Born to Roy Bishop and Essie (Herod) Bishop in Grapeland, Texas on April 2, 1936. Died on February 20, 2024 in Oroville, CA due to complications of diabetes. Leroy grew up on a farm raising peanuts, cotton and watermelons. In addition to helping his father in the fields, Leroy also had regular farm chores such as milking cows, tending pigs and chickens. He attended local elementary schools and graduated from nearby Palestine, Texas High School in 1955. While in school, he participated in various clubs and sports, especially football, which he loved. After graduation Leroy worked in the West Texas oil fields prior to enlisting in the Air Force in 1956. Extremely proud of his military career, he served 16 years at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento as a radar technician on board the AC121 aircraft (commonly known as “The Connie”. During which time that he spent several tours in Vietnam and Thailand. In 1972, Leroy was transferred to Sheppard Air Force Leroy Base in Wichita Falls, Texas as a training instructor. After two years, he then was transferred to Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico for a brief time. This was followed by assignment for him and his family to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan from which he retired after almost 22 years in the Air Force. After retirement, Leroy moved to Houston, Texas to be near his sisters, In 1980, Leroy and family returned to the Sacramento area where he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and then McClellan Air Force Base as a civilian instructor. Leroy and his wife both retired in the year 2000 and moved to Oroville, California where they enjoyed the lake and quiet small town lifestyle. In Oroville, they made many new friends and attended Foothill Community Church. Leroy was preceded in death by both parents, an older sister, Bennie Mae Dean and youngest son Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Nita of 67 years and eldest son Russell of Oroville CA, daughter-in-law Kathy of Rocklin, CA, granddaughter Amber McCauley of Sutter Creek, CA grandson Lee Bishop of Rocklin, CA granddaugther Mary of Sacramento, CA, sister Linda Harrison of Palestine, TX and two great-grandchildren Leroy of Rocklin, CA and Pheoebe of Sutter Creek CA and in addition leaves many loving nieces and nephews. Leroy was na honorable American, proud veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Even though he is welcome in heaven he will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

James Walter Panek

gqlshare — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

JAMES WALTER PANEK April 12, 1936 March 4, 2024 With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Walter Panek, affectionately known as “Jim”, who left us on March 4th, 2024, due to injuries sustained in a tragic car collision. He was 87 years old. Born on April 12, 1936, Jim Panek lived a life marked by his unwavering dedication to education and the equestrian world. Jim was not just a teacher; he was a beacon of inspiration and mentorship to countless students and colleagues alike. Jim’s impact on education extended beyond the confines of the classroom. As the director of the Chico Unified School District’s work experience program, he transformed it into an exemplary opportunity for students to explore their interests and gain real-world experience. Under his leadership, the program flourished, fostering close relationships with businesses in Chico and providing students with invaluable opportunities for growth. His high expectations of his students were matched only by the support and guidance he offered. Many students found success in their chosen fields after graduation, thanks to Jim’s mentorship and the connections he helped them forge. Jim led by example, instilling in his students the values of perseverance, confidence, and passion for their chosen paths. In reflecting on his own philosophy, Jim once wrote, “It is your long-term staying power, your confidence in what you aspire to accomplish, and the love for what you are doing that will make you a success.” These words encapsulate his unwavering belief in the potential of every individual he encountered. Beyond his contributions to education, Jim was a stalwart figure in the equestrian community, renowned for his expertise as a breeder and judge of Arabian horses. As a judge, Jim was revered for his impartiality and exceptional eye for equine conformation and performance. His judging career, which spanned several decades, took him to prestigious events worldwide, including Scottsdale, US & Canadian Nationals, Brazilian Nationals, Australia, Aachen, and the Salon in Paris. Jim’s reputation as a judge was unparalleled, with exhibitors eagerly vying for the opportunity to showcase their horses under his discerning eye. Jim’s legacy as a compassionate educator, visionary leader, and esteemed horseman will continue to resonate for years to come. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched and the lessons he imparted. Jim is survived by his loving family, friends, and the countless students whose lives were forever changed by his guidance and wisdom. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of kindness, dedication, and passion will endure for generations to come. Mass will be held for Jim at: Our Divine Savior Parish, 566 East Lassen Avenue, Chico, CA 95973, April 11th at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of life for both Jim and his Life Partner John Loyless will be held at Canyon Oaks Country Club, 999 Yosemite Dr, Chico, CA 95928 also April 11th at 12:00 p.m.

Marilyn Marie Wellsfry

gqlshare — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

MARILYN MARIE WELLSFRY Marilyn Marie Wellsfry (Waters) went home to be with the Lord after a long illness on March 1, 2024. Marilyn touched many lives with her sweet, selfless disposition and her devotion to Jesus Christ and her family and friends. Born in Oakland, CA on July 25, 1939 to her parents Frank and Helen Waters, Marilyn was the oldest of three children. The family moved to Chico CA in 1947 where Marilyn experienced a happy childhood on the family’s almond ranch and graduated from Chico High School in 1957. Sadly, Maryilyn’s father, Frank Waters, died unexpectedly in 1954. He mother remarried Vince Raycraft who helped raise her and her siblings and was a beloved grandfather. Marilyn was very artistic and loved to draw, sew, crochet, tole paint and was a popular baby-sitter. Marilyn was introduced to her future husband Ralph Wellsfry by her sister Sylvia and enjoyed attending church services together at Grace Baptist Church in Chico. The couple married in September 1958 and enjoyed a sixty-five year marriage! They had four children: Mark (Lori), Walter (Leslie), Laurel (Paul) and son Greg (predeceased) (wife Natalie). Marilyn had eleven grandchildren, four great grand-daughters, and many nieces and nephews. Marilyn is survived by her husband and her sister Sylvia and brother Brian. She dearly loved her entire family and was famous for her incredible apple pies! The family moved to San Jose in 1967 and lived in the Willow Glen Community. Marilyn and family were active members of the Willow Glen Baptist Church. After retirement Marilyn and Ralph built a beautiful custom home in Georgetown CA. They spent a number of enjoyable years there until they decided to move closer to family and relocated to Paradise CA. Marilyn and Ralph bravely survived the destructive 2018 Paradise Campfire and moved to a retirement community near daughter Laurel in Canon City CO. The family celebrated the couple’s 60th anniversary in 2019 by taking amemorable cruise to Alaska. Marilyn will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time TBA. Donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to: Sangre deCristo Community Care (Hospice) 601 Greenwood Ave Canon City CO 81212 or the National Kidney Foundation.

Tom Dauterman

gqlshare — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

TOM DAUTERMAN Tom Dauterman, 81, of Chico passed away peacefully with his wife Sue by his side, on Monday, February 26th 2024, after a three year courageous battle with cancer. Tom was born to Alice and George Dauterman on July 19, 1942 in Los Angeles. The family moved to Durham in 1948 where he attended high school and graduated with the class of 1960. After high school Tom worked as a carpenter with his father building houses and during this season he met the love of his life and forever sweetheart, Sue Mathews. Tom and Sue were married on November 30, 1963, and began their life together. They made their home together in Chico, where Tom worked for PG&E and Sue for AAA. Tom left PG&E to officially start his first business, out of their garage in Chico. After moving his work to a small building on Fifth Street, Thomas Welding was established in 1972. The business grew and expanded to its current location on West Eighth Avenue. There, Thomas Hydraulics was established in 1974, and Thomas Manufacturing followed as its own entity in 1996. Tom took on many projects for the community and spent many years mentoring, innovating and developing agriculture equipment. He was a true engineer, builder and teacher, and never hesitated to lend his time and knowledge. Tom truly loved the community of Chico. He was a long and faithful supporter of many community organizations, those closest to his heart being the Boys and Girls Club and the Salvation Army. He encouraged and supported welding and agriculture programs at local high schools, was a 35 year member of the Chico Rotary, and a member of the Chico Elks Lodge for the past 53 years. Over the years Tom enjoyed many trips with great friends, attending classic car, boat and air shows, and in recent years he looked forward to his weekly hotel coffee, lunch bunch and ‘tea at three.’ He loved spending time at Lake Almanor and hosting an annual 4th of July Celebration every year for 19 years. Every Sunday evening, you could find Tom taking his sweetheart Sue out to dinner at Basque Norte. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful memories with Tom and will miss him so dearly. Tom is preceded in death by his mother and father, his two baby children, and David Fleming, who was like a son to him. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, brothers Doug and Joel Dauterman, sister Margie Baker, along with many loved nieces, nephews, extended family, and many cherished friends. Tom will be laid to rest at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico on Monday, March 18th at 1:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Chico Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, The Boys and Girls Club, or a favorite charity of your choosing.