Obituaries

Margaret Adams
January 12, 2006

    Long-time former Idyllwild resident Margaret Adams, 84, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 of hip fracture complications.
    She was born Feb. 2, 1921 in Pasadena.
    Mrs. Adams was a life-long animal lover who was a member of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
    Memorial services are pending.
    She is survived by five sons, David Hettema of Austin, Texas, Randy Hettema of Castaic, Bruce Hettema of Rohnert Park, Mark Adams of Idyllwild and Ron Adams of Cathedral City; two daughters, Diana Adams-Desrosiers of Idyllwild and Loralyn Gatlin of Hesperia; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Scott, Jenny, David, Jaime, Robert and Alison; and one great-grandchild, Carryn.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Adams, who died Dec. 27, 2003.
    In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends, P.O. Box 1965, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Scott Allen
February 12, 2006

    Scott Stephen Allen, 49, of Idyllwild, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006 at Eisenhower Medical Center of a blood clot.
    He was born Dec. 16, 1956 in Riverside to Donald E. and Lillian Nacco Allen.
    Mr. Allen was a construction supervisor for 16 years. He also was a member of the National Rifle Association and Safari International. He was involved as a “dance dad” in the Hemet High School Dance Team. He was a director of the Mountain Coalition and a coach of the Ajax Rock Co. softball team.
    Services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at Idyllwild Bible Church. The Rev. Tim Westcott will officiate. Inurnment will be private. Fitzhenry Funeral Home/Palm Desert Chapel is handling arrangements.
    Mr. Allen is survived by his wife, Patricia Allen; a son, Cody Titone of La Quinta; two daughters, Mallori and Chelsea Allen of Idyllwild; and his mother, Lillian Allen of Hemet.
    Donations may be made to the Scott Allen Memorial Fund, payable to Patricia Allen.

John "Jack" Brosky
May 2006

    Sheriff’s deputies discovered long-time Pine Cove resident John (Jack) Brosky’s body last Saturday, after neighbors noticed a strange odor coming from the house. Neighbor Annamarie Padula said deputies believed Brosky probably died the week before, owing to the condition of the body at the time of discovery.
    Investigating Deputy Alfonso Tovar said there was no indication of foul play. The Riverside County Coroner’s office has not released a cause of death.
    Brosky, approximately 58, lived alone and was known, according to Padula, as “a bit eccentric … he was a nice, decent person who always treated Louie [Padula’s husband] and I respectfully,” said Padula. “We used to bring him dinners because there were times when he just wasn’t thinking clearly. … He may have been bipolar, but when he was on his meds, he was fine,” Padula remembered.
    The Padulas have had a cabin in Pine Cove since 1985 and Brosky was a Pine Cove fixture when they arrived. “Everyone knew Jack,” said Padula.
    Brosky experienced a bit of both fame and notoriety beginning in 1995. Notoriety came in 1995 when in the early morning hours of April 20, he fired about 20 rounds from a large-caliber weapon into Idyllwild’s Bank of America front window and automatic teller machine (ATM). The bank (now Guaranty Bank) was unoccupied at the time.
    The vandalism was not discovered until the next morning when bank employees came to work. There were no signs of forced entry, the bank alarm was not activated, and nothing was taken from the bank.
    Brosky was subsequently arrested on July 6 and charged with felony counts of vandalism with enhanced circumstances of using a firearm in the commission of vandalism. Upon his arrest, according to Padula, Brosky, who she said “thought in a survivalist mode,” showed arresting officers a variety of locations throughout the Hill where he had stashed a large cache of weapons.
    He served more than a year in county jail awaiting a jury trial, a scenario of delay occasioned by sick judges, absent defense attorneys, and many requests by the defense for continuance. The deputy public defender unsuccessfully attempted to use Brosky’s mental capacity as a basis for defense. After serving 573 days, Brosky was released.
    Brosky’s share of fame came in 2002 when a screenplay he wrote, “Bathsheba,” won a number of awards including a first place in the Hollywood Screenplay Awards, a competition designed “to bridge the gap between Hollywood and emerging screenwriters from the global creative community.”
    Based on an actual historical incident, “Bathsheba” told the story of Bathsheba Ruggles Spooner, the daughter of Brigadier Gen. Timothy Ruggles, soon to become one of the most detested loyalists in revolutionary New England. Her father left her behind in an unhappy marriage when he was forced to flee with the British Army that evacuated Boston in 1776. Bathsheba, who had come to detest her husband and had an alliance with a 16-year-old Continental Army soldier, first asked her young paramour to dispatch her husband. When he botched the mission, she persuaded two household servants and two escaped British prisoners of war to finish the job.
    The quartet successfully relieved Bathsheba of her husband, whom she called “Old Bogus,” but all conspirators, including Bathsheba were convicted on capital charges and hanged in 1778, despite the new widow’s pleas that her execution be stayed pending the delivery of her unborn child, conceived with her 16-year-old lover.
    Bathsheba’s unhappy life, and death as the first female executed within the new United States, served Jack Brosky well as the basis for his successful screenplay.
    Padula said Brosky will be missed.

James Randall Burke
March 5, 2006

    James Randall “Stoney” Burke, 61, of Idyllwild, died Sunday, March 5, 2006 at home.
    He was born Jan. 29, 1945 in Memphis, Tenn., and moved to Idyllwild 35 years ago after serving in both the U.S. Navy and the National Guard.
    After moving to Idyllwild, he worked as an equipment operator for Riverside County.
    He had a lifelong passion for photography and both domestic and wild animals.
    Memorial services were held at the American Legion Post 800 in Idyllwild on March 15.
    Mr. Burke is survived by his brother, Gene Burke of Dunnellon, Fla.; his sister, Sonia Duran of Long Beach; and four nieces and four nephews.
    The family requests that donations in memory of Mr. Burke be made to the Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 or online at https://secure.hsus.org/01/kindredspirits?source=gabahw.

Louise Campbell
May 5, 2006
    Louise Georgena Cole Campbell, 90, of Santa Barbara, died Friday, May 5, 2006 at home.
    Ms. Campbell was born Jan. 4, 1916 in Los Angeles to Arthur and Frances Cole. She grew up with her brother Victor in Long Beach. The family vacationed frequently at their family cabin on River Drive in Idyllwild that they purchased in 1923. The cabin is still in the family.
    She received her degree in elementary teaching with an emphasis on music from UCLA and taught for three years in Seal Beach.
    In June 1939, she married Hugh A. Campbell. Son Bruce was born in 1941 and daughter Carly in 1943. Her husband taught high school music and then served in the U.S. Army Air Force.
    In 1947, the family moved to Santa Barbara where Mr. Campbell became a distributor for the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle. Ms. Campbell lived at the Micheltorena home there until her death.
    In the 1950s, the couple divorced. She taught school for three years and then was an officer at the Santa Barbara County Probation Department for the next 20 years. She worked with dependent children and teen-age wards of juvenile court.
    By 1962 with her children in college, Ms. Campbell traveled every weekend to the Long Beach home of her aging, widowed mother. After her mother’s death, she continued the weekend travels to care for her elder Uncle Elmer in Long Beach until his passing.
    In 1977, Ms. Campbell retired and began traveling. She enjoyed many long visits with her daughters’ family in Phoenix; her son, who served in the U.S. Navy and then became a banker in San Jose; and her brothers’ family in St. Helena.
    In 1986, her son moved into her Santa Barbara home when she was age 70. While he worked in school transportation, she joined the Grandmother’s Club and enjoyed many hobbies. She hand-sewed more than 100 quilts for family and friends, and corresponded prolifically by letter with a great many people.
    Her memory is cherished by many and she was a person who always gave of herself. She loved life and did her best to spread that love to everyone.
    Burial was in Inglewood Cemetery next to her parents. McDermott-Crockett Mortuary handled arrangements.
    Ms. Campbell is survived by her son, Bruce; her daughter, Carly (Ray) Volk; two granddaughters, Glenda and Carolyn; a grandson, Mark Volk; in-laws Dewey and Michelle; and five great-grandchildren, London, Nathaniel, Elyse, Ashley and Kyle.

Redman “Dan” Daniel
April 2, 2006
    Redman Darwell “Dan” Daniel, 71, of Hemet, went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by the love and presence of family on Sunday, April 2, 2006.
    He was born Sept. 12, 1934 in Oklahoma.
    Mr. Daniel spent 20 years in the Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer. He then received an associate’s degree in optics at Crafton Hills College and worked as an optician for six years.
    He worked in sales for several years, then was self-employed and completed his working life as a letter carrier in Hemet, retiring in 2000.
    Mr. Daniel was centennial president of the Rotary Club of Hemet. He attended Bible Fellowship Church and Hemet Church of the Nazarene.
    Although the Celebration of Life Service was held April 8, the family continues to celebrate Mr. Daniel’s life daily. The family thanks everyone for their prayers during his six-year battle with cancer. “May the Lord Jesus bless you,” Jackie Daniel and family wish to convey.
    Along with his wife, Jacquelyn, he is survived by four sons, Paul (Jennifer) Daniel of Hemet, Andy Daniel of Florida, John (Terry) Daniel of Santee and Jeff (Vicki) Daniel of Crestline; a daughter, Susan (Rob) Gray of Idyllwild; two stepsons, Dan (Kamma) Covington of Texas and Paul (Bethany) Covington of West Hollywood; a brother, Don (Pat) Daniel of San Jacinto; and 20 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, six nieces and six nephews.
    He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be made to the City of Hope Cancer Research Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010.

Mary Lou DeJarnette
March 27, 2006
    Mary Lou DeJarnette, 76, of Idyllwild, died Monday, March 27, 2006 in Anaheim.
    She was born Sept. 10, 1929 in Calhoun, Mo. She had lived in Riverside County where she was a homemaker for the past 30 years.
    She loved cooking and belonged to a forum on the Internet about cooking. She was very involved in her church, Shiloh Christian Ministries.
    A memorial service was scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, April 3 at Shiloh Christian Ministries. McWane Family Funeral Home in Hemet is handling arrangements.
    She is survived by a son, Dennis (Elena) DeJarnette of Hollister, Mo.; six grandchildren, Daniel, Drew, Alexander, Nathan, D’mitry and Anastacia; and one great-grandson, Isaiah. She is preceded in death by a brother, Forrest Alexander, and a sister, Lois Houts.
    Donations in her name may be made to Shiloh Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 1675, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Joni Faulkner
March 14, 2006

    Joni Wallin Keele Faulkner, 60, of Pine Cove, died Tuesday, March 14, 2006.
    She was born to Robert and Alti Ruth Wallin in San Diego on Nov. 14, 1945.
    Mrs. Faulkner had lived in Solano Beach and had worked in outside sales for Dixieline Lumber, Western Lumber, Wenco Windows and Sure Craft Supplies in San Diego County.
    She married Tim E. Faulkner on April 29, 1981 at Edelweiss Lodge in Pine Cove. In 1995, the couple moved to Pine Cove to manage the same lodge for her stepfather and mother, Donald and Alta Ruth Wallin Huntley, who bought it in 1983.
    The Faulkners renewed their vows at the lodge in 2002.
    Along with her husband, Mrs. Faulkner is survived by a son, Robert P. Keele of Oceanside; and a stepson, Andrew E. Faulkner of Seattle.

    Monte Chet Filbin, 70, passed away at his home in Hemet Monday, Aug. 28, 2006. He was born Feb. 17, 1936 in Huntington Park.
    Mr. Filbin resided in Riverside County for the past 58 years. He graduated from Hemet High School in 1953.
    He was a Riverside City firefighter for 28 years from 1962 to 1988 and a member of the California State Firefighters Association. He was a battalion chief at the time of his retirement.
    Memorial services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 at Miller-Jones Mortuary in Hemet.
    Mr. Filbin is survived by his wife, Gail of Hemet; three sons, Kraeg and Michael Filbin of Riverside, and James Stanton of Riverside; three daughters, Robyn Filbin of Riverside, and Sandee and Janette Stanton of Hemet; and nine grandchildren.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to Arrowhead Burn Unit, 400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton, CA 92324.

    Nita Finney, former executive secretary during the early days of ISOMATA (now Idyllwild Arts), died Jan. 30 of a chronic heart condition, according to her son, Brian Finney. Finney was 95 and living in Gig Harbor, Wash., when she died.
    Mrs. Finney worked with Max Krone, ISOMATA founder, until he retired in 1967. When she retired shortly later, she was well known for her parties in Idyllwild.
    “She gave beautiful parties and served wonderful food. She cared so much about good food and music, she should have been a woman of means at a salon,” said her good friend, Mickey Regal.
    Mrs. Finney was a member of the early ISOMATA establishment. Besides the Krones and Regals, she socialized with Bella Lewitzky, the modern dancer, Susan Peterson, renown ceramist, and Dorothy Lewis, sculptor.
    Mrs. Finney, coming from England, was introduced to Krone in San Francisco after learning the job in the U.S. which she had been promised was not available. Krone said he might have something that would interest her, her son said.
    “She had always been in art and music. That was the perfect job,” Brian said.
“A lot of people thought she devoted her life to the school.”
    After retiring from ISOMATA, Mrs. Finney moved first to San Diego before going to Gig Harbor.
    “When she went there, she first rented and then lived in the same house the rest of her life,” Brian said. “Despite losing the vast majority of her eyesight, she lived on her own for the rest of her life. She had a will power.”
    Independence and love for ISOMATA students will be Mrs. Finney’s gift.
    Bruce McMenamin knew her when he was a student at ISOMATA.
    “I needed and applied for a scholarship to go to school,” he said. “I thought I had gotten it, too, until years later I learned that Nita had paid for it. She is one of the people who influenced my life while growing up.”

“Sonny” Hagen
November 12, 2006

    Erwin “Sonny” Martin Hagen, 79, of Carmichael, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006 of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, humanitarian, conservationist, artist and writer, and he inspired many people, young and old, throughout his life.
    Mr. Hagen was born May 12, 1927 in Evanston, Ill., to Erwin Martin and Esther Marie Swanson Hagen. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting in 1945 at age 17.
    He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Mexico in 1952 and a master’s degree in education administration from San Diego State University in 1960.
    He was a distinguished educator, teacher and principal in Northern and Southern California for 42 years. He was a master teacher/mentor for National University, a consultant/coordinator with the State Department of Education’s head Start/Follow Through programs in disadvantaged areas, and recipient of a California Lifetime Teaching Credential for primary grades through college and university.
    Mr. Hagen served as principel of Idyllwild Elementary School from 1968 to 1970.
    He belonged to Delta Sigma Phi, the Elks Club of Carmichael and the Alzheimer’s Aid Society of Northern California. He was chair and lay leader of Portola Community Methodist Church from 1964 to 1967. He also was active in professional administration and teachers’ associations, serving in several capacities.
    In 1982, President Ronald Reagan, Mrs. Randolph Hearst and the Hearst Foundation presented an award of recognition for coordinating California’s State Senate program for youth to Mr. Hagen.
    A celebration of life was held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Atria-El Camino Gardens, Club Room, 2440 Garfield Ave., Carmichael/Sacramento.
    He is survived by his best friend and wife of 56 years Constance Bechtel Hagen of Sacramento; daughter Susan-Marie Hagen and husband Jim Biller of Pacifica; sons Charles Hagen of Orangevale/Sacramento, and Eric Hagen and wife Jodie of McCall, Idaho; grandchildren Carrie Viarnes of Inglewood, James Eowan and wife Kim Harrison of Glendale, Greg Eowan of Huntington Beach, Dondra and Briana Biller of San Diego, Crystal, Curtis and Chad Hagen and wife Carol of Orangevale/Sacramento, and Hunter Hagen of McCall, Idaho; and many cousins in Illinois and California.
    Brother James Charles Hagen and his parents preceded him in death.
    In lieu of flowers, the Hagen family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Feather River Land Trust, Attn: Paul Hardy, Executive Director, P.O. Box 1826, Quincy, CA 95971. All gifts will fund the Erwin Hagen Nature Area located in the mountains he loved so much and close to the elementary school where he taught in Portola. A memorial picnic and nature area dedication will be held in Portola in summer 2007 with family, friends, students, the community and the Feather River Land Trust. For details, call (530) 283-5758.

William B. Haine
June 19, 2006

    William B. “Bill” Haine, 87, died Monday, June 19, 2006 in San Dimas.
    Mr. Haine was born Dec. 5, 1918 in Mineral Point, Wisc. He served aboard the USS Mount Vernon, a troop transport, and later aboard the USS Neches, a tanker.
    During the war, he met, fell in love with and married Esther Jane Melville. They were happily married for 44 years until her death in 1990.
    After the war, he returned to school, graduating from the University of Southern California in 1947, and later worked in the insurance industry for more than 35 years.
    Mr. Haine was an Idyllwild resident from 1965 to 1977. He owned the Idyllwild Insurance Agency and was active in many local clubs and organizations, including the 39ers, Queen of Angels Catholic Church, American Legion Post 800 and Idyllwild Rotary Club, serving a year as club president.
    He and his late wife both served terms on the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors.
    Mr. Haine was known for his wit and good humor. He enjoyed telling stories, especially about his experiences during the war.
    Funeral mass was celebrated at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Alta Loma on June 23.
    Mr. Haine is survived by his present wife, Emily “Sunny” Haine of Santa Clarita; two sons, Steve Haine of San Diego and Bob Haine of Alta Loma and Idyllwild; and two grandchildren, Susan Haine and Michael Haine.

John Hanson
June 19, 2006

    John “Johnny” Rodger Hanson, 78, of Hemet, passed away quietly Monday, June 19, 2006 in Hemet after a brief illness.
    Mr. Hanson was born Aug. 30, 1927 in Chicago but lived the majority of his life in Southern California. He was a decorated veteran serving in the U.S. Army in 1946.
    He owned Antiques & Collectibles (now Idyllwild Appliance) on Highway 243, leaving Idyllwild to live in Hemet in 2001.
    His greatest loves were his pet poodles, Peaches and Mugsy, who preceded him in death.
    His dear friend Pam Sharp, formerly of Idyllwild, will spread his ashes near the Pet Cemetery in Desert Hot Springs.
    Mr. Hanson is survived by a cousin, Don Hanson of Park Ridge, Ill. His brother, George Hanson of Ft. Wayne, Ind., preceded him in death in 2004.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions to any animal rescue organization in his name would be appreciated.

    Robert Geldard Hayton, 86, of Idyllwild, died at home Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006 of natural causes.
    He was born April 27, 1920 in Waltham, Mass.
    Mr. Hayton was a retired personnel officer with the Orange County health department. He also was a retired aviator major with the U.S. Marine Corps.
    He was a member of the Mile High 12 Club, the Free and Accepted Masons, the Shriners, the Wally Byam Caravan Club (Airstream RV Association) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services.
    Services are planned for Jan. 27 at the Masonic Lodge, 131 E. Main Street, San Jacinto. Burial will be at the Hurd Ancestrial Farm in Lempster, N.H. The time of the service was not given.
    He is survived by two sons, David R. Hayton of Long Beach and Thomas Hayton of Idyllwild; a daughter, Carolyn Passage of Pine Cove; two brothers, William Hayton of Natic, Mass., and James T. Hayton of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; two grandchildren, Hallie Hayton and Heidi Hayton; and one great-grandchild, Meera.
    He is preceded in death by his wife, Eunice E. Hayton.

Robin Hoffman
March 16, 2006

    Robin C. Hoffman, 65, of Hemet, died Thursday, March 16, 2006 at home. He was born in San Jacinto to the late Robert and Gwendolyn Hoffman. He lived in the valley all his life and also had lived in Idyllwild.
    Mr. Hoffman graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1958. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Piedmont.
    A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25 at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet. Interment will be private at Riverside National Cemetery.
    Mr. Hoffman is survived by his wife of 11 years, Sherry Hoffman; a son, Shawn Hoffman of Banning; a daughter, Nicole Picchiottino of Hemet; a stepdaughter, Virginia Johnson; three brothers, Jerry Hoffman (formerly of Idyllwild) and Richard Hoffman, both of Montana, and Norman Hoffman of Hemet; two sisters, Joyce Reisland of Montana and Marvel Brock of Fullerton; and two grandchildren, Keleigh Shai Picchiottino and Kenny Johnson, both of Hemet.

Patricia Hopkins
April 23, 2006

    Patricia Ann Hopkins, 58, beloved Idyllwild resident of 21 years, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2006 in Seal Beach. Ms. Hopkins had been diagnosed with Stage IV brain cancer in June 2003.
    She battled this horrible disease and beat the odds, exceeding all of the doctors’ longevity expectations.
    She was born April 28, 1947.
    She was a devoted elementary school teacher for 33 years and loved her job. Most of her teaching career was spent at Hoffer School in Banning.
    She was deeply involved in whatever her two children, Chelsea and Cody, had going on. Be it a school play or a sports team, she was always there.
    Ms. Hopkins was a true friend and extremely loving and supportive to all close to her. She loved the mountains, especially Idyllwild, and always found a way to have a good time and a good laugh. Whether it was off-roading in her Jeep or enjoying $1 taco night, she was ready with a smile.
    Ms. Hopkins was a member of the Girl Scouts and active at Skyland Ranch Girl Scout Camp for many years.
    A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at Skyland Ranch Girl Scout Camp, 19750 Highway 243, halfway between Banning and Idyllwild. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration of Pat Hopkin’s life.
    She is survived by a loving Idyllwild community, her friends, her children, Chelsea Hopkins and Cody Hopkins, and her cat, Santa Claws, who never left her side.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Pat Hopkin’s memory to Hoffer School, 1115 E. Hoffer St., Banning, CA 92220.

Barbara Maris Jones
December 8, 2006

    Barbara Maris Jones, 89, of Los Osos, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006.
    She was born Jan. 1, 1917 in Newcastle, Wyo., to Ralph W. and Mary E. McBroom Maris. She spent her childhood in Long Beach and graduated with honors from the University of Redlands in 1938 where she met her husband of 57 years, John B. Jones.
    The couple raised their family in La Cañada and then moved to Fullerton where they lived for 25 years. John died in 1997 and Barbara moved to Los Osos in 2000.
    John’s grandfather built a cabin in Idyllwild in 1925 that the couple had been coming to since 1938.
    Always a star student, Barbara did graduate work at USC, taught French and Spanish — in which she was fluent — and was a counselor at San Fernando and Sylmar high schools. She was a frequent world traveler, active in choral groups and an excellent pianist.
    An avid reader and bridge player, Barbara remained intellectually active and traveled well into her late 80s. She had a wonderful life, well lived.
    Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2006 at San Jacinto Valley Cemetery in Hemet.
    Barbara is survived by her son Mark M. Jones and wife Mary Kay of Tucson; her daughter, Connie Pillsbury and husband Norman of Atascadero; grandchildren Justin Jones of Lincoln, Neb., Forrest Jones and wife Kathrina of Visalia, Morgan Jones of Honolulu and Heather Jones of Cary, N.C.; and her sister, Emily M. Gibson of The Village at Sydney Creek, San Luis Obispo.
    The Barbara M. Jones Music Scholarship for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo has been established in her honor. Remembrances in Barbara’s name may be made to Cal Poly State University and mailed to University Advancement/Scholarship/Barbara M. Jones, Heron Hall, Room 111, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0444.

Helen Jones
December 3, 2006

    Helen H. Jones, 89, of Jacksonville, Ore., died at home Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006, surrounded by her daughters and her beloved caregiver Norma.
    She was born Jan. 20, 1917 in Birmingham, Ala. She was raised and educated in Indiana until her family moved to Beverly Hills and then later to Whittier.
    As a young girl, she traveled most of the world with her parents. She attended Whittier College where she met her future husband, Ben Jones.
    They had four daughters. She worked along with Ben in all his business pursuits. He taught school, owned a dairy and chicken ranch and raised turkeys.
    They moved to Idyllwild in 1960 where Ben was a successful contractor and built many beautiful homes. Helen was an important part of Ben’s business and his success.
    The couple moved to Jacksonville, Ore., and the Little Applegate River in 1985 where Ben built the home they lived in for the rest of their lives. Ben passed away in Oregon in 1995.
    Helen loved to play bridge. Her children remember her reading Encyclopedia Britannica for recreation and said you would want her on your team in a “Trivial Pursuit” game. Helen loved limericks and taught them to her girls who taught them to their children. She always had a dog and a beautiful garden.
    Her ashes will be strewn in Idyllwild and near the Little Applegate River.
    Helen is survived by her daughters, Barbara Roth of Rio Rico, Ariz., Sara Clayton of Idyllwild, Susan Upson of Valley Center and Margaret Barreoro of Ashland, Ore.; her nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. 

Rebecca Peck Jones
October 22, 2006

  Artist and teacher Rebecca Peck Jones died in her sleep Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006 at her Riverside home. Rebecca was best known for her clay art and pottery, which she described as “a form of spiritual beauty that is concrete. You can drink out of it, eat out of it or hang it in your garden.”
    She also had a passion for teaching and was co-founder of Riverside County’s high school art contest. She began art lessons at 12 in New Milford, Conn., with noted landscape and graphic artist Edith Newton. By her 20s, she had graduated with a master’s degree in fine arts from the prestigious Chouinard Art Institute, now California Institute of the Arts (Cal-Arts).
    She continued to study art at numerous universities and to attend workshops with such notables as California watercolorist Rex Brandt and ceramic artist Marguerite Wildenhain, who was associated with the avant-garde Bauhaus School in Germany.
    In the 1950s, Rebecca was a staunch supporter and participant at the Dog Pound, a 4-acre site at the old Riverside animal shelter on 14th Street, that artists leased from the city for $1 a year. (In 1967, the Riverside Art Museum replaced it.)
    The Dog Pound had space for the type of free-wheeling sharing of creativity, knowledge, and arts and crafts equipment that Rebecca admired about Bauhaus. Rebecca taught art through many venues, beginning with the Telfair Art Academy that she helped to establish in Savannah, Ga., now Telfair Museum of Art.
    In Riverside, she taught ceramics and sculpture at California Baptist University and in her private studio. She treasured the time she worked as assistant to Ray Miller, art director for the Riverside Unified School District and the Riverside Art Museum.
    Earlier in her career, she edited the company magazine for Hunter Douglas Corp. and worked as an artist and writer for Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Los Angeles.
    Rebecca sought to learn, work and understand “the spiritual side of life and mud” and to translate these ideas into clay. Some of her most compelling works were of the women, children and animals she sketched in Cairo, Egypt, and Amatenango del Valle, a tile and adobe village in Chiapas, Mexico.
    “I’ve always loved the human form, gesture drawings,” she explained of her work. “I base everything on spiritual development. I think the bottom line is your own spiritual evolution and how you relate to something that centers your life and is meaningful.”
    Rebecca was a lifelong Christian Scientist and was influenced by the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, Albert Einstein, Henry David Thoreau and Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky.
    Rebecca made most life decisions for art’s sake. For instance in 2001, she left her beloved “Gopher Grove,” the 1-acre parcel in the green belt of Riverside she had shared with her late husband, Sims Jones. She moved to Idyllwild, a village with many artists and galleries, where she could spend more time throwing pots and creating clay sculpture and less time tending to yard and housework.
    Rebecca moved back to Riverside during “a bad patch,” as she good-humoredly called hard times. This was a temporary stop on her way to live in a Laguna Hills community with many artists, for, as she said, “Art comes from within, but the environment has a lot to do with it.” She was not taking her kiln — throwing pots had become too arduous — and had returned to drawing and watercolor. Rebecca looked forward to living and working among artists: “Joy, oh bliss,” as she liked to say about the good things coming her way.
    She is survived by her husband, Don O’Neill; two stepsons, Richard S. Jones and Clayton S. Jones; two nieces, Cynthia Hodge Johnson and Linda Peck Smith; and two nephews, Robert L. Peck II and Andrew K. Peck. According to Rebecca’s wishes, the Neptune Society is handling cremation with her ashes to be dispersed.
    Because art develops, and it is timeless and ageless, a Web page has been created to honor the art and life of Rebecca Peck Jones at http://urs2.net/rsj/memorial/. Friends and admirers are invited to e-mail their reminiscences to memorial@jaeger.ws. 

Keith James Kent
August 8, 2006

   Keith James Kent, 43, a longtime Idyllwild resident, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2005 at Idyllwild Arts where he been employed as maintenance supervisor for nine years.
    He was born in Beaufort, S.C., on Dec. 14, 1962 while his father was stationed as a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor at the USMC Recruit Depot at Parris Island.
    He attended El Modena High School in Orange until 1982.
    He served from 1982 to 1986 in the Marine Corps, where he became a combat engineer. While in the USMC, he attained the rank of lance corporal. He was stationed both in the United States and overseas in Okinawa during his service.
    Mr. Kent moved to Idyllwild in 1986 and worked for several employers before joining the staff at Idyllwild Arts.
    He was involved in community athletic activities, including softball and basketball. He also was becoming involved in amateur radio programs on the Hill after qualifying for his technician’s class radio operator’s license in March 2006.
    Mr. Kent was actively involved in the American Legion Post 800 as color sergeant in the Honor Guard. He was elected post commander in May 2006.
    Upon becoming commander, he expressed a desire to involve the post in veteran’s affairs, especially in the American Legion Post 800’s Veterans Rehabilitation Program. He also embarked on a program to involve the post more fully in community projects.
    Graveside services were held at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18 at Riverside National Cemetery. A memorial service was held the same day at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 800.
    Mr. Kent is survived by a son, Benjamin James Kent, 9, of Idyllwild; his partner, Pamela Lowe of Idyllwild; his parents, James Melbourne Kent, 72, and Patricia Arlene Kent, 70, of Pine Cove; and three sisters, Roxanne Marie Kent-Drury, 50, of Fort Thomas, Ky., Rhonda Lynn Kent, 48, of Brighton, Colo., and Katherine Lee Kent-Vasilis, 44, of Idyllwild. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Jay Kent, in 1992.
    Donations in Keith Kent’s name may be sent to American Legion Post 800, P.O. Box 800, Idyllwild, CA 92549, for the Veteran’s Rehabilitation Fund.

Marilyn Kramer
March 11, 2006

    Marilyn Jo-an Kramer, 72, of Pine Cove, went to be with her loving father, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, March 11, 2006 in Moreno Valley.
    She was born to Wilburn and Mae Brewer on June 22, 1933 in Pasadena.
    After being an accomplished musician at a very young age, she met and married the love of her life, Richard Kramer, and they were married for 53 years. She was a homemaker.
    The Kramers moved to Pine Cove in 1981 where they were involved in many community events. Mrs. Kramer was an active ham radio operator and belonged to the Idyllwild Mile High Radio Club. She helped with the fire patrol when needed. She also was involved with the Elks Lodge, Eastern Star and Klamath River Camping Clan.
    She attended Valley Christian Church in Moreno Valley where she and her husband renewed their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary.
    Memorial services are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Valley Christian Church in Moreno Valley. Weaver Mortuary in Beaumont is handling arrangements. Inurnment will be private.
    She is survived by her husband, Richard W. Kramer of Pine Cove; two sons, Roger W. Kramer (Lori) of Moreno Valley and Mark R. Kramer (Debbie) of San Bernardino; two daughters, Cynthia D. Kramer of Martin City, Mont., and Kimberly L. Moorehead (Jeff) of Glendora; and nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many loving family members and friends.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties, 6235 River Crest Drive, Suite L, Riverside, CA 92507.

Robyn Leuschner
April 3, 2006

    Robyn Louise Leuschner, 67, of Johnson Valley, died Monday, April 3, 2006 at the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree of respiratory failure due to Parkinson’s disease.
    Mrs. Leuschner was born Feb. 12, 1939 in Los Angeles.
    She was a real estate broker before she retired. She and her husband, Paul Leuschner, were the owners of Bonanza Appliances in Idyllwild for a number of years.
    She was on the Johnson Valley Fire Department.
    A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at the Johnson Valley First Baptist Church with the Rev. James O. Berry officiating.
    Besides her husband, Mrs. Leuschner is survived by two daughters, Debra D’Alessio of Hutchinson, Kan., and Lori Curran of Little Rock, Calif.; three sons, Mark Leuschner of Romoland, Timothy Cantrell of Lakewood, Colo., and Dan Cantrell of Yucca Valley; a sister, Teresa Jackson of Houston; and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mark Loutzenhiser
October 26, 2006

    Mark Allen “Lotzie” Loutzenhiser, 43, passed away Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 in the line of duty while fighting the Esperanza Fire. Mark was born Nov. 2, 1962 in San Diego and moved to his current home of Idyllwild in 1976.
    Starting with the U.S. Forest Service at age 18, being a firefighter was Mark’s only career.
    When he wasn’t working, Mark enjoyed coordinating Town Hall Adult Volleyball, coaching the Town Hall Youth Basketball League, and being assistant coach for the Idyllwild Girls Middle School Volleyball Team. Mark also was an avid Steelers fan.
    Mark devoted his life to his five children and their sports activities. He was a beloved member and respected captain of the San Jacinto Ranger District’s fire staff.
    Mark is survived by his loving wife, Maria Isabel Loutzenhiser; a son, Jacob Russell Loutzenhiser; daughters Tesha Bree Loutzenhiser and Savanah Maria Loutzenhiser; twin sons Seth Michael and Kyle Kirby Loutzenhiser; his parents, Russell and Pauline Loutzenhiser of Bermuda Dunes; two sisters, brothers-in-law and their children, Cheryl and Howard Brown of Bermuda Dunes, and Beth and Steve Pachman of Marysville; a brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Sue Loutzenhiser of Hemet; and many other relatives and close friends.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his memory to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation Engine 57, www.wffoundation.org/support/inmemory.html.
A Firefighter’s Prayer
When I am called to duty, God, wherever the flames may rage,
Give me strength to save some life whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if according to my fate I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

Jean V. Mason
June 30, 2006

    Jean V. Mason, 91, of Hemet, died Friday, June 30, 2006 at Rockford Place in Hemet.
    She was born Nov. 20, 1914 in Tekamah, Neb. She was an elementary school teacher for 35 years and lived in Hemet for 35 years. She also had lived in Idyllwild for many years.
    She loved nature, the mountains and animals. She was an enthusiastic storyteller.
    She enjoyed music, and times with family and friends. She lived a long and productive life, with great adventures and memories.
    No services are planned at this time. Inurnment will be private at Woodlawn Cemetary in Santa Monica. Hemet Valley Mortuary is handling arrangements.
    She is survived by her sisters, Verna T. Anderson of Tekamah, Neb., and Ruth Kennedy of Edinburgh, Va.; her nieces, Paula Dickerson of Fredericksburg, Va., and Carol Jean (Warren) Daasch of Omaha, Neb.; a nephew, Terry C. (Susan) Anderson of Oakland, Neb.; and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Ellene Mertens
November 23, 2006

    Ellene Mertens, 85, of Hemet, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2006 at Hemet Valley HealthCare Center from a combination of heart problems and Alzheimer’s disease.
    She was born Jan. 9, 1921 in Savannah, Ga., and was an executive secretary, working nearly 10 years at Paramount Studios. She had lived in Los Angeles for 29 years.
    Ms. Mertens was involved in drama and made many charitable contributions.
    The Neptune Society is handling cremation arrangements.
    She is survived by her very special friends, Sharon E. Petersen and Lisa and Sierra Gehm of Idyllwild.
    In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Annie Murray
February 11, 2006

    Annie Elizabeth Murray, 77, of Acworth, Ga., formerly of San Diego and Idyllwild, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006 at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Ga.
    Mrs. Murray had lived in San Diego since 1964 before moving to Acworth, Ga. a few months ago.
    Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 17 at the Reece Memorial Chapel at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, Ga. The Rev. Fred Barrows will officiate.
    The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
    She is survived by her husband, Frank Murray; a son, Wayne Murray of Acworth, Ga.; three daughters, Shirleen Ann Murray and Andrea Hamfeldt, both of San Diego, and Wendy Cronkrite of Potrero; and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

    Robert A. Palmer, 88, of Hemet, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006 at home.
    He was born Dec. 12, 1917 in Pasadena.
    Mr. Palmer served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and the Korean War.
    He was a teacher and administrator at Hemet High School from 1953 to 1983. Mr. Palmer lived in Idyllwild from 1976 to 1988. He co-owned Knotty Pine Cabins with his wife, Yvonne “Bonnie” Palmer, until his death.
    Mr. Palmer was a dual member of the Hemet Masonic Lodge #615 and the San Jacinto Masonic Lodge #338. He belonged to the El Bekal Shrine, the Royal Order of Scotland, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the California Research Lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star Tahquitz-Victoria Chapter, the Grand Lodge Committee for Public Schools, the California Retired Teachers Association and the High 12 clubs of Hemet and Idyllwild.
    Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Church of Religious Science, 40450 Stetson Avenue, Hemet. The reverends Florence and Ernest Phillips and the Rev. Carrie Masters will conduct the service. Inurnment is private at Riverside National Cemetery.
    Along with his wife of 29 years, Mr. Palmer is survived by a son, Ed Reed of Idyllwild; a daughter, Callie Main of Cayucos; and three grandchildren.

Ruth Peters
December 6, 2006
    Ruth Margaret Peters, 91, of Long Beach, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006, in Las Cruces, N.M., of congestive heart failure.
    She was born Aug. 7, 1915, in Salina, Kan., to Earl and Laura Hudkins.
    Mrs. Peters earned a master’s degree in education from California State University, Long Beach. She was an elementary school reading specialist in Long Beach, and owned and operated Idyllwild Realty. She also was summer principal at Lowell Elementary School in Long Beach.
    Her volunteer positions included den mother, PTA president, HAM radio and Morse code tester. She belonged to the Rhombus Club; PTA; Park Estates Homeowners Association; Long Beach HAM Radio Club AARLB; California Real Estate Association; the Bayshore Congregational Church; and the Los Altos Church of Christ in Long Beach.
    Mrs. Peters was a resident in Salina, Kan., from 1915 to 1929; in Long Beach from 1929 to 1965, and from 1985 to July 2006; in Idyllwild from 1965 to 1985; and in Las Cruces, N.M., from July 2006 until her death.
    Mrs. Peters and her husband, Phil, had a wonderful married life for 67 years. They lived in Idyllwild for 20 years, were active in the community, and sold real estate at Idyllwild Realty.
    In Long Beach, they were active in HAM radio, operated radios at the Queen Mary, and took 45 cruises around the world.
    A life celebration party was held Jan. 6, 2007 at her Long Beach home with family and friends attending.
    She was buried in Salina, Kan.
    Survivors include two sons, Robert Peters of Las Cruces, N.M., and Roger Peters of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; and grandchildren Jeffrey Peters of Long Beach, Karen Peters of Long Beach, and Robert Heathcote of San Jose.
 She is predeceased by her husband, Phillip Lyle Peters, and a brother, Robert Getty Hudkins, of Alameda.

Ruth Peters
December 6, 2006
     Ruth Margaret Peters, 91, of Long Beach and Idyllwild died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006. She was born Aug. 7, 1915 in Salina, Kan., to Earl and Laura Hudkins. She was an elementary school teacher for Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). She taught almost all the grades and later earned her administrative credential which enabled her to become one of the first female principals of that district. She was one of the first reading specialists for LBUSD when that program began.
    Her interest outside of education focused on Amateur Radio. She belonged to the Amateur Radio Association of Long Beach, and held several positions on the board of directors including historian (a job she took seriously) during the last 10 years of her life. Her amateur extra classification was earned during the days when receiving code at 20 words per minute was the requirement for an extra class license.
    She and her husband Phil loved living in Idyllwild. They were both involved in real estate and worked in Fern Valley to begin with and later bought and ran Idyllwild Realty. During their years in Idyllwild they were both active in the Board of Realtors and the Rotary Club. She was very proud of opening an art gallery for local artists trying to get started in Idyllwild. She opened Striving Artists on the present site of the Strawberry Creek Inn in one of the small cabins. She and her brother Robert Hudkins, of Alameda, were both interested in art in a variety of forms.
    Survivors include two sons, Roger Peters of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Robert Peters of Las Cruces, N.M. Her grandchildren were Jeffrey and Karen Peters of Long Beach. She is predeceased by her husband, Phillip Lyle Peters, and a brother Robert Getty Hudkins, of Alameda.
    Ruth Margaret requested that her ashes be added to those of her mother Laura Mercy Hudkins at a spot close to Lunch Rock at the base of Tahquitz Rock.

Kathy Price
March 7, 2006
    Katherine “Kathy” Bradley Price, 62, of Idyllwild, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage of a brain tumor.
    She was born Nov. 27, 1943 in Orange, Calif., and was a homemaker.
    Mrs. Price was a member of the Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church and Alcoholics Anonymous. She often said her 14 years living clean and sober in her Idyllwild paradise with her loving husband, Steve, were the best years of her life.
    The Prices were weekend Idyllwild residents since 1969, and full-time Pine Cove residents since 1992. She will be dearly missed by family, friends and the countless birds and squirrels she fed.
    No services are planned. She is inurned at Santa Ana Cemetery in Orange County.
    Mrs. Price was predeceased by her husband, Steve Price, on Aug. 3, 2004. She is survived by her son, Erik Price, and son-in-law, Steve McPherson, both of Orange.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Betty Ford Center Foundation, P.O. Box 1560, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270-3297 (www.bettyfordcenter.org).

Dr. David Reid
December 5, 2006
    David H. Reid, M.D., 90, was not just a friend, but a best friend to many people who shared in his life. Dr. Reid passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006 in Idyllwild.
    He was born July 14, 1916 in East Chicago, Ind.
    Loyal to his country, a Navy veteran of World War II, he landed among the first wave of Army engineers on Utah Beach as a physician. Dr. Reid was proud to be an American and believed very strongly in all things American.
    A graduate of Melrose High School, Vermont Academy, Dartmouth College and Tufts Medical School, Dr. Reid practiced family medicine in Weston, Mass., from 1948 to 1979 and then in Idyllwild until 1996.
    Dr. Reid was a compassionate, knowledgeable, caring, involved member of the medical communities in Weston, Mass., and Idyllwild. His relationships went far beyond just a doctor-patient contract. He touched the lives of so many people in Weston, Idyllwild and Fitzwilliam, N.H.
    He was a loving, caring, thoughtful, devoted father to David, Elizabeth, Robert and William, and his extended family Margery, Lauren, Susan and Luke. There are very few people in the world as genuine as Dr. Reid was.
    An ideal husband, he was a very loving, devoted, thoughtful companion to Janice G. Reid for 33 years and then Jean L. Miller Reid for almost 29 years.
    He traveled each year to his beloved family tree farm in Fitzwilliam and since his retirement, resided there during the summer and fall months.
    Dr. Reid celebrated his 90th birthday this summer with family and friends who honored him by sharing memories and stories of how their dad and friend touched their lives. In his children’s words:
    “Dad is a man who is: a healer to countless patients, a dear friend to many people (of all generations), a respected colleague to all whom he worked with, and a much-loved husband and father to his family.
    “Some traits that we truly admire and strive to emulate: compassion, kindness, knowledge, true happiness, patience and the ability to remain calm during the worst of times.
    “We have all looked to David for stability, especially over the past years. Never once did he not have an answer, and hearing his answer always brought peace of mind. It is odd how the quietest of men are the most influential and respected. Probably the rarest of ‘true’ traits, unconditional love for his family. These are the traits we hope to pass on to our children. We are better people for having had you in our lives and because of you, our children will be better people.
    “Ninety is only a number. Far more important is the quality of those 90 years, and when we witness firsthand the intensely personal regard others feel toward dad, we swell with pride.”
    Dr. Reid lived a very full and rich life. His family asks that you help celebrate his life by taking a moment to remember this gentle man and how much he enriched the lives of those he encountered.
    In lieu of services, the family requests that you honor Dr. Reid by holding him in your hearts, memories and prayers.
    Dr. Reid loved Idyllwild. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation in his memory to the Idyllwild Community Fund, 3880 Lemon St., Suite 300, Riverside, CA 92501; Idyllwild Arts Foundation, P.O. Box  38, Idyllwild, CA 92549; or the Fitzwilliam Community Church, 85 NH Route 119W, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447.
    The Reid family appreciates the compassion, love and support from the community and extends heartfelt thanks for helping them through this difficult time.

Sidney Riches
May 15, 2006
    Retired Lt. Col. Sidney A. Riches, 91-1/2, of Mountain Center, died Monday, May 15, 2006 of natural causes at Hemet Valley Medical Center.
    Mr. Riches was born Dec. 13, 1914 in Superior, Wis. He served in the U.S. Army from 1940 until his retirement in 1968. He also owned a laundry business and was a member of the American Legion Post 800 in Idyllwild.
    Services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31 at the Riverside National Cemetery. The Rev. Jerry Reynolds of St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church in Idyllwild will officiate.
    Mr. Riches is survived by two sons, Sid (Mary) Riches of Mountain Center and George (Becky) Riches of Beaumont; a sister, Helen Nelson of Riverside; and one grandchild and a great-granddaughter.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Fort McArthur Military Museum, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731.

Raymond Schliesmann
May 22, 2006
    Raymond Schliesmann, 71, of Monrovia and Pine Cove, died Monday, May 22, 2006 in Los Angeles of a stroke.
    Mr. Schliesmann was born Jan. 9, 1935 in Racine, Wisc.
    He was a retired JPL engineer and a member of the St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church.
    As a part-time Pine Cove resident, he was able to realize his long-time dream of building a home in Idyllwild before he died.
    Funeral services were held May 26 at Church of the Transfiguration in Arcadia. The Rev. Canon Eugene Wallace officiated. Inurnment was private.
    Mr. Schliesmann is survived by his wife, Joyce Schliesmann; three daughters, Faith Schliesmann of Long Beach, Krista McAllister of Monrovia and Kelly Malky of Surprise, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.

Patricia Smith
December 19, 2006
    Former Idyllwild resident Mary Patricia Smith, 78, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006 in Biggs, Calif.
    Born on April 6, 1927 in Oklahoma, Pat moved to Idyllwild in 1967. While in Idyllwild, she raised her five children while working at Gray’s Photo.
    After her children grew up, she focused her attention on the many animals she loved. Because of this love of animals, she worked at The Ponderosa with her “dogs in a basket.”
    She spent the past 10 years living in Northern California with her daughter, Kellie Gross. It had always been her wish to once again live in Idyllwild and return to her cabin to enjoy the birds.
    She will be buried next to her mother in Crescent, Okla.
    She is survived by two sons, Larry Smith of Idyllwild and Richard Smith of Newalla, Okla.; three daughters, Penn Seymour of Hemet, Mary Elizabeth Stone of Irvine, and Kellie Gross of Biggs; and 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dale Spickler
June 21, 2006
    Dale Spickler, for many years not just a representation of Santa Claus, but just as in “Miracle on 34th Street,” the embodiment of the spirit, if not the actual Kris Kringle, passed away on Wednesday evening, June 21, 2006, at his home in Idyllwild. His kind eyes, gentle voice and twinkling ready smile, whether in full Claus regalia or civilian red plaid shirt and suspenders, will be missed by every child and adult whose life he graced. He was 75.
    Spickler, ill with cancer, had been preparing to leave with his wife MaryAnn to be with their son Sandy and wife Veronica in Aloha, Ore., where, according to MaryAnn “hospice care, which Dale desperately needed, would be available. … He didn’t really want to leave Idyllwild, and maybe this was his way of staying.”
    Spickler, active on many Idyllwild boards and in many organizations since moving to Idyllwild full-time in 1998, once attended a quarterly luncheon given by then Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Jim Venable. Invitees were asked at one point to stand and state what part of the district they came from and what organization or organizations they represented.
    Charlie Wix, who accompanied Dale, rose and said that he was from Idyllwild and represented County Service Area (CSA) 36 and Rotary. As Wix recalls, Dale stood, said “I’m from Idyllwild,” paused as if collecting data in his head, and continued, “And I think I’m president of everything.” Wix fondly remembered that “Dale would volunteer for everything.”
    “Dale was such an example of diplomacy and graciousness,” said Chris Singer. “I joined Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC) because Dale was at the very first skatepark meeting [to build a skatepark for Idyllwild kids] and I said to myself . . . if Dale Spickler is involved, I want to be involved. Whenever I had difficulty in knowing how to deal with certain people, Dale would always give me wise advice. He was the gentlest of souls.”
    Then there are the ROMEOS (Really Old Men Eating Out), an Idyllwild tradition and men’s breakfast club (no one younger than 55 permitted) of which Dale was a member. The club has rules, established by founder Rayburn Hazlick, 99, with which Dale had no trouble: no bad language or off-color stories that would upset any lady within earshot (although, of course, ladies were generally not permitted at the table, and would have had to rely on earshot). As member Gerald Holsclaw remembers, “Dale was a gentleman. He never let any subject over which we might disagree stand in the way of our friendship.” Member and fellow ROMEO Bob Parish chimed in, “Dale always spoke well of another, reminding us that ‘if you don’t know something good to say about someone, don’t say anything.’”
    Parish, who is the Fourth of July Parade chair for Rotary, wants readers and parade attendees to know that this year’s parade is dedicated to Dale, a 50-year Rotary member. Parish reports that “there will be a car, empty but for the driver, with flowers and a sign indicating that the parade honors Dale’s memory.”
    Parish relates that Dale was an active, proud Rotarian and played a seminal role in the admission of women to Rotary as full members — a case in which the Duarte chapter, of which Dale was then president, had its charter revoked by Rotary International because of its admission of three women in 1977 (Rotary International at that time did not allow women members).
    The Duarte chapter appealed. The case wound its way to the Supreme Court where on May 4, 1987, the Court affirmed a lower court ruling in favor of the Duarte chapter, which in the interim 10 years had been meeting as the “X Rotary Club of Duarte.” Ever after, and thanks in large part to Dale, the chapter’s banner reads “Rotary Club of Duarte - ‘the mouse that roared’ - EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE.”
     Most townsfolk interviewed for this article remember that, more than anything, Dale was about service to others. Pete Capparelli, with whom Dale served on CSA 36 and other boards, said that “Dale always made a point of shaking everyone’s hands at meetings, making them feel welcome.” When something was needed, “he stepped up to the plate and always jumped in and helped.”
    Parish relates another story about Dale attending a Knights of Columbus (KOC) meeting with incoming Idyllwild Rotary President Bill Gallagher who knew Dale from Duarte. Gallagher confirmed that Dale enjoyed the meetings hugely and wanted to join. “There’s just one problem,” Gallagher told him. “You’re not Catholic [a prerequisite for KOC membership].” Gallagher laughed, “About the only thing he didn’t join.”
    Dale had a business card with his picture as Santa. Parish remembers that often, if Dale was sitting on the bench in front of the Post Office, Claus-garbed or not, young children would line up in front of him, waiting to talk, and, of course, Dale was fully present, patient, every bit the spirit they believed him to be.
    MaryAnn, who will leave Idyllwild for Oregon after the Fourth of July Parade, recalled her husband’s many careers. He was proud of his Air Force service, in which after World War II he was stationed in West Germany, and pre-Gary Powers, Dale flew low over the then-Soviet Union taking spy photos, also serving as a Russian during that time. He subsequently studied at UCLA where, after obtaining a master’s degree, he served as dean of students. He owned restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley. But probably the career of which both the Spicklers were most proud was his calling as the sweet, lovable man in the red suit trimmed with white, a role he volunteered to play at countless hospitals, burn centers, playgrounds, parking lots, parades, festivals, schools, service clubs, “Breakfasts with Santa,” and ultimately, life with Santa.
    MaryAnn would like the community to know that the June 14 dedication to Dale — exactly a week before his death — of a sculpture bird bath and feeder by Idyllwild artist and friend Jan Jaspers-Fayer is the only public memorial service that will be given. The sculpture at the Idyllwild Nature Center honors Dale’s work with and dedication to the Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks. “We’re just thankful that Dale lasted long enough [to attend the dedication],” she said.
    MaryAnn urges friends wishing to acknowledge Dale’s many gifts to this community to donate to an Idyllwild Rotary Club scholarship fund in Dale’s name that will fund college education for Hill students. Contributions may be sent to Bill Gallagher, Rotary Club of Idyllwild, P.O. Box 152, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
    MaryAnn also urges the community to continue to support Dale’s dedication to and efforts on behalf of the Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks by sending donations to the Friends, care of P.O. Box 1522.
    Nature Center Naturalist Shelly Kibby, who just returned from New Hampshire to the news of Dale’s passing, was devastated at learning of his death. “He always called me ‘youngster.’ He was such a supporter of mine and of our work. I’m just so thrilled that we could honor him while he was still with us. He seemed so surprised and honestly humble that we would create this luncheon and memorial for him,” she said.
    In addition to his wife MaryAnn, Dale leaves behind his son Sandy and wife Veronica in Oregon, daughter Sheryl Montour and son-in-law Steve in Mission Viejo, and the community of Idyllwild.

Genevieve Sutton
October 12, 2006

    Genevieve Gryziec Sutton, 97, formerly of Idyllwild, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006, in Redlands of natural causes.
    She was born in Syracuse, N.Y., to Martin and Victoria Gryziec.
    Mrs. Sutton moved to California in the mid-1940s and operated several successful businesses before she received her vocational nursing license from Los Angeles General Hospital.
    She found her life’s work caring for the elderly after building, operating and becoming administrator of her convalescent hospital, Rimrock Village, in Barstow.
    While in Barstow, Mrs. Sutton received much recognition, including Woman of the Year in 1967.
    In Idyllwild, she was very involved in the Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
    Private burial services were held at the Martin and Victoria Gryziec cemetery plot in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Rome, N.Y.
    Mrs. Sutton is survived by her son, Martin, and his wife, Faith Powers Tuttle, and their five children; her sister, Helen O’Brien, and her two children; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She also is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins of both the Gryziec and Tuttle families.

Dorothy Townsend
February 6, 2006

        Dorothy L. Townsend, 90, of Idyllwild, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2006 at home of natural causes.
    She was born June 1, 1915 in Great Falls, Mont. Mrs. Townsend grew up in Montana and met her future husband, Bruce, while they were attending college in Colorado. He was studying to be a teacher and she was a physical education major.
    They were married soon after in 1937 and remained affectionately and happily married until his death in 2001.
    During World War II, the couple and his mother moved to Portland, Ore., where they all worked as welders building ships for the war effort. Afterward, the couple and their four children moved to Santa Monica and Mr. Townsend resumed his teaching career.
    Mrs. Townsend was a housewife and mother who was affiliated with the Baptist church.
    On his retirement, they built a home in Pine Cove and alternated living there and in Palm Desert, depending on the weather. The couple loved to travel, making lots of family camping trips and later, several trips to Europe. They usually spent the summer at the family homestead in the Rockies.
    For the last two years, Mrs. Townsend lived with her son, Eric, his wife, Cher, and their family in Idyllwild. What she loved the most was family gatherings for holidays and for her recent 90th birthday.
    Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 at Miller-Jones Mortuary in Hemet with burial at the San Jacinto Valley Cemetery the same day.
    Along with her son, Eric Townsend, Mrs. Townsend is survived by two other sons, Dennis Townsend of Santa Monica and Neil Townsend of Tucson; a daughter, Barbara, of Hollywood; and 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Frank Vrabel
January 30, 2006

    Frank Aloysius Vrabel, 71, of Idyllwild, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Jan. 30, 2006.
    He was born July 25, 1934 in Johnstown, Pa.
    Mr. Vrabel was an artist, a sculptor, a gemologist, a poet and an author.
    A Christian Mass of Burial was held Feb. 6 at St. Louise de Mirallac in Covina. Visitation was held on Feb. 3 at Custer Christiansen Mortuary.
    A future celebration of his life and the way he “lit up Idyllwild” will be announced.
    Mr. Vrabel is survived by his wife, Diane; a daughter, Joann Roset of Glendora; five sons, Mark Vrabel of Lake Arrowhead, Craig Vrabel of Littleton, Colo., Thomas Vrabel of Simi Valley, William Vrabel of Glendora and Glenn Vrabel of Glendora; four granddaughters, Nicole, Mallory, Bryce and Kaitlyn; a great-granddaughter, Paige; and two brothers, Steve Vrabel of Valencia and Joseph Vrabel of Kansas City, Kan.
    Diane thanks their mountain friends with a full heart for their kindnesses to her.

    Lina Jane “Jena” Coffing Warbuton, 88, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died on Sunday, July 9, 2006 in Solana Beach.
    She was born in Coffing Station, Calif., on Oct. 3, 1917.
    Described by her late husband, Dr. Thomas Stanley Warburton, as “the First Lady of My Life for her many good deeds well beyond the call of duty,” blessed her entire family with her love, dignity and compassion.
    While the vines ripened with grapes, her family — including her late sister Irma Courtney — searched for her special name.
    Lina Jane (Jena) graduated from Los Angeles High School and continued her education at Pomona College. While attending college, she met and married her life-long love, T. Stanley Warburton, and they married on July 10, 1937.
    The adventurous duo spent time in New Haven, Conn., while he completed his doctoral studies at Yale. New England provided for many historical and educational adventures.
    They returned to the San Francisco Bay area in 1938 so that Dr. Warburton could resume his work as an educational administrator and she could establish a warm and loving home. During World War II, Mrs. Warburton kept the home fires bright while he pursued his military obligations.
    The births of Nancy Lee and Roger Stanley ensured that she would skillfully juggle babies, rationing and the demands of a single mom until his return.
    Their move to Fullerton allowed Mrs. Warburton to become fully engaged in all aspects of community life. With the birth of Jane Lucia, the family bustled and Mrs. Warburton remained fully engaged in her church and community groups, including the local PTA, International Rotary, and Girl and Boy Scout activities. She ensured that the administrators and faculty benefited from her creatively prepared receptions and dinners.
    The lives of her children and later, her six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, were central to her life. She loved sharing lazy summer days with her “crew” while they hiked and participated in all the Idyllwild seasonal activities. Flowers, plants and the soaring trees and majestic mountains of Idyllwild always provided a serene retreat.
    Her life enriched the lives of others as she valued her friends as intrinsic members of her expanded family. Her rich legacy includes the many little stories she valued and shared with others. Everyone treasures their favorite Jena “tale.”
    Gracious throughout her life, Mrs. Warburton left a rich legacy of humor, courage and love for all who shared time with her. Her greatest joy often came from cutting out an article about an interest of yours. She reached out and showed she cared.
    A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 31 at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road in Whittier at Gate 17, Twilight Terrace.

Jesse Watkins
January 15, 2006

    Jesse Francis Watkins, 80 of Anza, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006 at home of natural causes.
    He was born July 16, 1925 in Decatur, Ill.
    Mr. Watkins served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. He was in the 467th Bomb Group, the 789th Bomb Squadron, serving 23 missions over Berlin.
    Mr. Watkins was a POW veteran, decorated with more than two dozen military awards and commemorative medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three bronze clusters, the Legion of Valor and two Purple Hearts.
    In 1946, he began his career in real estate. He obtained his broker’s real estate license, followed by insurance broker’s, general contractor’s and public accountant licenses.
    He was a member of the Elks, Kiwanis and Lions clubs, and the Anza Board of Realtors. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, flying and following baseball games.
    A memorial service was at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at Miller-Jones Mortuary, San Jacinto Chapel, 165 W. 7th Street, with the Rev. Ed Reitz officiating.
    Burial was to be private at Riverside National Cemetery.
    Mr. Watkins is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lolita Watkins, three daughters, Darlena Klarer, Linda Jones and Marlene Watkins; three sons, Brent, Lance and Scott; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and a sister, Janet Clark.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Mary Webb Watkins, and a brother, Rodger, of Arthur, Ill.

Bob West
August 8, 2006

    Bob West passed away suddenly of heart failure on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006 at his home in Long Beach. He lived 64 adventurous years.
    He was born in Long Beach on Jan. 22, 1942 and resided there until 1975.
    Mr. West first worked with parents, Wendle and Beryl, at their ABC Press print shop in Signal Hill. He later served in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964, stationed in Japan. He continued on his many travels for six years with the Merchant Marines.
    Because of his love of the outdoors, he moved to Idyllwild in 1975. It was there that he flourished in his lifelong career and passion as a carpenter and woodworker, and raised a family.
    Mr. West eventually returned to long Beach in 1999 to be close to family. He continued working as a finish carpenter and was devoted to his hobby of restoring vintage trailers.
    A memorial celebration is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 at 7021 Seawind Drive, Long Beach.
    He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; two daughters, Jenny Pack and Jesse Sommerville; a granddaughter, Abbey; an expected granddaughter, Sydney; his mother, Beryl; a sister, Barbara Tobias; and man’s best friend Forrest.
    Mr. West was a strong, vivacious and loving husband, father and pappy with an everlasting sparkle.

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