Vivian ‘Honey’ Bird

Nov. 18, 1915 — Oct. 27, 2012

Former longtime Sonora resident Vivian “Honey” Bird died Oct. 27 at Acacia Park Nursing and Rehab in Modesto. She was 96.

She was born in Superior, Neb., on Nov. 18, 1915,  the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Blazer and Maude Oletha (Humphrey) Blazer.

She lived in Tuolumne County for 52 years. She was a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and worked as an X-ray technician, receptionist and assistant for a Sonora dental office. She lived in Modesto for the past five years.

Mrs. Bird was preceded in death by her husband, Hal Bird, in 2000.

She is survived by three children and spouses, Kenneth and Glenda Bird, of Arizona, Dennis Bird of Palo Alto, and Robin Arechiga Johnson and Bob Johnson, of Jamestown; grandchildren and spouses, Dana and Lisa Mayo, of Sonora, Darren and Colleen Mayo, of El Dorado Hills, David and Julia Mayo, of Los Angeles, Kendyl and Mike Rutledge, of Texas, Andy Bird, of Arizona, Aislinn Bird, of Los Altos Hills, Erin Bird, of Los Altos Hills, and Brennan Bird, of Los Altos Hills; and five great-grandchildren.

Private family services are planned. Heuton Memorial Chapel handled initial arrangements.

Andrew Carrier

Nov. 1, 1989 - Oct. 27, 2012

Andrew Carrier, of Jamestown, died Oct. 27 after being struck by a vehicle at Highway 108 and Main Street in Jamestown. He was 22.

He worked as a dishwasher at Perko’s, and his hobbies were video gaming, fishing, swimming and being with family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Carrier, of Sonora; his father, Hector Trevino, of Groveland; brothers, Bradley J. Trevino, Jeremy Glen Phillip Moore Trevino and Harley J. Trevino, all of Groveland; sisters, Patricia L. Trevino and Briana C. Trevino, both of Groveland; grandparents, Ellen Carrier and Robert Huish and Renee Evonne Vest, all of Sonora, and a great-grandfather, Joseph Esperza, of Sonora.

A private family service was planned. Heuton Memorial Chapel handled initial arrangements.

Ronald “Captain Ron”       Lee DeVries

Jan. 27, 1934 — Sept. 12, 2012

Ronald “Captain Ron” Lee DeVries, of  Sonora, died Sept. 12 at Eden Hospital in Castro Valley. He was 78.

He was born and raised in Wisconsin, the son of Sara Ann and Richard DeVries.

He served in the U.S. Navy from December 1952 until Oct. 20, 1954, working as an aircraft mechanic on carrier ships. He graduated from Alameda High School in 1951, and  later attended a technical college in Alameda.

Mr. DeVries eventually became a corporate engineer, and moved to Tuolumne County in 1999.

His family said local projects he undertook included helping restore the Twain Harte Golf Course to be fully functional and restoring good drinking water to residents of Curtis Creek Ranch subdivision.

His hobbies included helping charities, church activities, golf, fly fishing and traveling.

Mr. DeVries is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Sonora; children, Mike DeVries, of Danville, and Laurie McDaniel, of Downer’s Grove, Ill.; 15 stepchildren, 34 step-grandchildren five step-great-grandchildren; and a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Larry Pederson, of South Buffalo Bill, Nebraska.

A color guard service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at Carters Cemetery in Tuolumne. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Tommy L. Gatewood

April 21, 1929 — Oct. 26, 2012

Former Sonora resident Tommy L. Gatewood died Oct. 26 at his home in Grants Pass, Ore. He was 83.

He was born in April 21, 1929 in Slaton, Texas, the son of Garlon H. Gatewood and Ada L. Gatewood.

After graduating from Turlock High School in 1948, he spent a short time in college. In 1951, he entered the Naval flight training program in Pensacola, Fla., and earned his wings on Oct. 31, 1952. He married Rosemary Tyer in January 1953 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

His first tours of duty were in the Pacific Theater toward the end of the Korean conflict, flying the AD Skyraider off the USS Yorktown and Essex.

In 1955, he reported to Millington, Tenn., as an instructor in advanced all-weather training for three years, followed by two years in Norfolk, Va., as an administrative officer in Fleet Airborne Training Unit. In 1959, he transitioned to the A-4 in Virginia Beach. Tours to the Mediterranean aboard the USS Intrepid and newly commissioned USS Enterprise followed.

In 1965, he was sent to the United States Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, where he received a degree in international relations. In 1967, he returned to flying as executive officer of VA-66 Broncos making his first tour to Vietnam flying the A-4. He assumed his role as commander and made another tour to Vietnam where he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star Air Medal, air medals for 200 successful missions, and a Navy commendation medal. He retired in July 1971 after a final tour aboard the USS Von Homme Richard.

As a civilian, he began a second career as a State Farm Insurance agent in Sonora, which he did for 26 years before retiring from that in 1994.

He and his wife moved to Gardnerville, Nev., in 1995, where he pursued his hobby of glider flying. After 16 years there, they moved to Grants Pass, Ore., to be closer to family.

Much of his time was spent in the eastern Sierra Nevada, fishing, camping and exploring the backcountry. He was a firearms enthusiast, particularly enjoying black powder rifles, and had a long association with the Sonora Smokepolers. At age 50, he decided to learn to play the bagpipes. He also built remote-control airplanes.

Mr. Gatewood is survived by his wife, Rosemary Gatewood, of Grants Pass, Ore; daughters and their spouses, MaryAnn and Dan Loughran, of Williams, Ore.;  and Amy and Keith Smothers, of Elk Grove; a sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Stan Cunningham, of Modesto; seven grandchildren, Bo and Jason Barefield, of Louisiana; Kylie and Rachel Loughran, of Oregon; and Lindsey, Teryn and Stewart Smothers, of Elk Grove; and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at Sonora Opera Hall, 250 S. Washington St., Sonora. Hull and Hull Mortuary in Grants Pass handled initial arrangements.

Kenneth Dale Smith

Aug. 8, 1929 — Nov. 4, 2012

Lifelong Jamestown resident Kenneth Dale Smith died Nov. 4 at Avalon Care Center in Sonora. He was 83.

He was born Aug. 8, 1929 in Broken Bow, Okla., the son of Eugene and Bessie Smith.

Mr. Smith worked in the trucking business for 68 years and was married for 63 years to the same spouse. They had 11 children, 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was a member of the Sonora Seventh-day Adventist Church for 45 years and served in the U.S. Air Force for two years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth Smith and John Paul Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Jean Smith, of Jamestown; nine children, Kathy Bacon, of Sonora, Robert Smith, of Arkansas, Sue Franks, of Angels Camp,  Wade Smith, of Valley Springs, Donald Smith, of Jamestown, Jack Smith, of Sonora, Rita Bigbee, of Missouri, Rebecca Kohl, of Mariposa, and Laura Smith, of Don Pedro; 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 17,  the Sonora Seventh-day Adventist Church with dinner following. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Eugenia Phyllis ‘Genie’ Collins 

Jan. 25, 1926 — Oct. 27, 2012

Twain Harte resident Eugenia Phyllis “Genie” Collins died Oct. 27 at the Oakhurst Wellness Center in Oakhurst.

Mrs. Collins was born in Lodi and married Hoyt Collins in the late 1940s. 

She was a homemaker for 65 years.

They retired to Twain Harte for 47 years, where she and her husband built a log cabin.

She enjoyed the outdoors.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Calvin Bender.

She is survived by her son, Jerry Collins, and his wife, Jackie, of Oakhurst; her grandchildren, Christopher Collins, of Springfield, Ore., Stacy Frost, of Fresno, Cory Collins, of Oakhurst, and Curt Collins of Las Vegas, Nevada; her siblings, Frieda Lansdowne, of Oakdale, Sylvia Bender, of Sacramento, and Julie Bender-Goldsmith, and her husband, Eugene, of Oregon; six great-grandchildren; and one niece.

A memorial service will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at her home in Twain Harte. For more information, contact the family.

Palm Memorial Sierra Chapel in Oakhurst is handling arrangements. 

Hilda Gisler

Dec. 21, 1923 - Nov. 5, 2012

Former Sonora resident Hilda Gisler died Monday in Stockton. She was 88.

She was born in Newman and worked as a school bus driver for 20 years in Sonora.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Donald and Ronald Gisler; her brother, Vernon Alessi; and former husband, Otto Gisler.

She is survived by her brother, Raymond Alessi; her children, Judith Hartley, Jack Gisler, Janet Crook and Joan Gisler; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ReHorse Rescue Ranch, P.O. Box 494, Jamestown, CA 95327.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Heritage Chapel at Lakewood Funeral Home, in Hughson.

Lakewood Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Erma Paradisa Guissi

Oct. 18, 1909 — Nov, 7, 2012

Sonora resident Erma Paradisa Guissi died Wednesday at Skyline Place in Sonora. She was 103.

Mrs. Guissi was born in Hermansville, Mich.

She was 6 when she moved to Tuolumne County, and lived here for the past 97 years. 

Her mother died when she was very young, and she quit school at 15 to help take care of her family.

In 1928, Erma married Guido Guissi, also spelled Giussi. They had four children. In 1935, they bought a house on Tuolumne Street, where she lived until settling in Skyline Place.

A single mother, she raised four children while working. Her jobs over the years included cleaning the county courthouse, library, Veterans Memorial Hall and old county jail. She worked for Mallards Grocery Store, the Pacific Telephone Co. and the Uptown Dime Store. She also cooked for a men’s retirement home. She retired at 63.

Her lemon meringue pie was a hit among family and friends, her family said.

She enjoyed cooking, knitting, crocheting and taking care of children. 

On Oct. 18, she celebrated her 103rd birthday with more than 100 friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by sons, Peter Guissi in 1986 and Leroy Guissi in 1995; and 10 siblings.

She is survived by her children, Lorraine Poag, of Sonora, and Arthur Guissi, of Yakima, Wash.; her sister, Virginia Reinking, of Sacramento; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donations in her memory can be made to Save Our St. Anne’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1755 Columbia, CA 95310 or a charity of choice. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home, 225 E. Rose St., Sonora.

Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

Georgia Gay Kohler

April 10, 1937 — Oct. 22, 2012

Former Sonora resident Georgia Gay Kohler died of lung cancer Oct. 22 at her home in Hollister. She was 75. 

Mrs. Kohler was born in Alaska and grew up in Washington. She moved to California in the 1950s. She lived in Santa Cruz for a number of years and purchased a second home in Sonora 25 years ago. 

She moved to Hollister in 1995, and split her time between her home there and Sonora.

She worked as an antique vendor for many years.

Mrs. Kohler is survived by her children, Kenneth Kohler, of Scotts Valley, Katherine Shamy, of Hollister, and Kyle Kohler, of Santa Cruz; and five grandchildren. 

Donations in her name can be made to Heartland Hospice, 2005 De La Cruz Blvd., Suite 271, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Private family services have been held. 

Black-Cooper-Sander Funeral Home in Hollister handled arrangements. 

Juaniva Lorene (Chatfield) Ramirez 

Dec. 3, 1932 — Oct. 31, 2012

Copperopolis resident Juaniva Lorene (Chatfield) Ramirez died Oct. 31 at her home. She was 79.

Mrs. Ramirez was born Crowell, Texas. She married Daniel A. Ramirez on June 9, 1956, and they settled in Copperopolis 34 years ago.

Mrs. Ramirez was preceded in death by her brother, Fremont Chatfield. 

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Daniel A. Ramirez, of Copperopolis; her children, Lisa Ramirez Jacobson and  Daniel A. Ramirez Jr., her brother, Milton Chatfield and his wife, Myrna; her sister-in-law, Joy Chatfield; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. today at the Copperopolis Cemetery. A memorial service was planned for 11 a.m. at Crossroads Church, Copperopolis. For directions, call 785-2563.

Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Notices

ALDER — Wayne Alder, 57, of Big Oak Flat, died Wednesday at his home. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

BURGESS — Lewis Burgess, 90, of Sonora, died Wednesday at his home. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

John Keith ‘Jack’ Bonander

Aug. 4, 1931 — Oct. 25, 2012        

Former Groveland resident John Keith “Jack” Bonander died Oct. 25 at his home in Fresno. He was 81.

Mr. Bonanader was born and raised in Kingsburg, Fresno County. 

He graduated from Kingsburg High School, where he enjoyed success in athletics and academics. 

He joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and served as a “seabee” in the construction branch. 

After his service, he worked as a carpenter, builder and master craftsmen for 50 years. He built custom homes in the Fresno and Groveland areas until retirement.

He built more than 100 homes in Pine Mountain Lake. 

Mr. Bonander moved to Groveland in 1969 and lived for 20 years before returning to Fresno.  

He enjoyed gardening and crossword puzzles. 

Mr. Bonander was preceded in death by his first wife, Bette Bryant, in 2009; his third wife, Jackie La Centra, in 2010; and his son, James Bonander, in 2012. 

He is survived by his daughters, Rene Sebold, of Groveland, Debra Atnip, of Stockton, and Jana Gannon, of Spokane, Wash.; his sisters, Wanda Patterson, of Groveland, Joyce Ahlstrom, North Carolina, and Ramona Bennett, of Aptos; his second wife of 27 years, Lynn Bonander, of Groveland; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the New Covenant Community Church, 174 Nees Ave., Fresno. 

Farewell Funeral Service in Fresno is handling arrangements. 

Lloyd J. Darby

March 28, 1923 — Nov. 2, 2012

Murphys resident Lloyd J. Darby died Thursday at Avalon Care Center of Sonora. He was 89.

Mr. Darby was born in Minden, Nev. His grandparents owned the Red Apple Ranch in Murphys and his family moved there in 1930. 

He attended the one-room schoolhouse in Avery was taught by Hazel Fischer through eighth grade. 

He graduated from Bret Harte High School in 1941.  

Mr. Darby attended Modesto Junior College and majored in aeronautics.  

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and served as a gunnery sergeant on a B-24 Liberator plane. 

After his service, he worked for Blagen Lumber Co. in White Pines. 

He and his brother also worked as tile contractors while owning and operating the Red Apple Ranch. 

Mr. Darby was a member of the Masons for 56 years.  

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking friends and family on “mystery rides” to unknown locations.  

He and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and Canada in their RV. 

Mr. Darby is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ruth Calhoun Darby, of Murphys; stepchildren and their spouses, Ralph Calhoun, of Meadow Vista, Joanne and Ric Ryan, of Murphys, Randy and Linda Calhoun, of Roseville; his niece, Jeanette Sturm and her husband, David, of Orange; nephew, Kenneth Darby Jr. and his wife, Teri, of Roseville; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, P.O. Box 3619, Arnold, CA 95223, or the Historical Society Red Barn Museum, P.O. Box 721, San Andreas, CA 95249.

A private graveside service will be held. 

A celebration of life will be held on from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Murphys Hotel, 457 Main St.

Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.

Melvin N. Harris

March 30, 1932 — Nov. 1, 2012

Valley Springs resident Melvin N. Harris died Thursday at his home. He was 80.

Mr. Harris was born in Aberdeen, Wash., and raised in Oregon by his grandparents.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1954 during the Korean War. He saw action at Wonsan Harbor and received the Good Conduct Medal and two stars for his service. 

He met his wife while stationed at an air base in Memphis. 

After his service, they settled in the Bay Area.

They bought a home in Valley Springs and vacationed there for five years before retiring to the area more than 25 years ago. 

He  worked in the grocery store business for more than 25 years before retiring from Safeway as a manager in 1939.

He enjoyed giving his time to the community and was a member of the American Legion Honor Guard of Valley Springs, the architecture committee of the La Contenta Homeowners Association. He was also involved with Santa’s Express. 

Mr. Harris is survived by his wife of 61 years, Celia Harris, of Valley Springs; his children, Dara Kulberg, of Valley Springs, and Wayne Harris, of Oakdale; his grandchildren, Katie Lyman, of Burson, Joey Lyman and his wife, Natalie, of Valley Springs, and Michael Harris, of Oakdale.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jenny Lind Veteran’s Memorial District Building Fund, 189 Pine St., Valley Springs, CA 95252.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Hall in Valley Springs. 

Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Notices

DALRYMPLE — Visitation will be held for Beulah Lorene Dalrymple, 92, of Groveland, from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home, 225 E. Rose St., Sonora. A memorial service will be held at noon, Thursday at Our lady of Mount Carmel, Highway 120, Big Oak Flat. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

DAVIS — Lillian Davis, 93, of Sonora, died Monday at Avalon Care Center of Sonora. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

SCHOONOVER — Albert J. “Red” Schoonover, 84, of Tuolumne, died Tuesday at Veterans Hospital in Fresno. 

Brenda Lee Sanchez

Sept. 3, 1955 — Oct. 22, 2012

Angels Camp resident Brenda Lee Sanchez died Oct. 22 at her home. She was 57.

Mrs. Sanchez was born in Castro Valley. She moved to Calaveras County from the Bay Area more than 10 years ago.

She enjoyed music, dancing, cooking, and making beaded jewelry. She also enjoyed nature.

Mrs. Sanchez was preceded in death by her father, Billy Miles, in 1996; and her daughter, Kimberly Pierce, in 1996. 

She is survived by her mother and mother’s partner, Beverly Gutierrez and Marvin La Frinere, of La Verne; her sisters, Jennifer Castro, of Pittsburg, Lisa Ann Pulido, of Modesto, and Theresa Francis, of Bakersfield.

Services will be held at a later date.

Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Notices

DALRYMPLE — Beulah Lorene Dalrymple, 92, of Groveland, died Saturday at a care center in Modesto. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

PAYNE — A memorial service for Denver Payne, 70, of Twain Harte and Castro Valley, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Christian Fellowship in Castro Valley. 

ONEAL — Marylou Oneal, 89, of Sonora, died Sunday after a car accident in Orange County. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

SMITH — Kenneth Dale Smith, 83, of Jamestown, died Sunday at Avalon Care Center of Sonora. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Jimmie Donald Pickett

Feb. 27, 1934 — Oct. 30, 2012

Murphys-area resident Jimmie Donald Pickett died of cancer Tuesday at Mark Twain Convalescent Hospital in San Andreas. He was 78.

Mr. Pickett was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Monte and Ruby Pickett.

He married Sandy McCright and moved to California in 1964.

He worked for American Airlines for 45 years as a passenger service manager before retiring and moving to the Forest Meadows area in 1996.

Mr. Pickett was a member of the Moose Lodge, Sons in Retirement and the Forest Meadows Men’s Golf Club.

He enjoyed playing golf, especially with his wife Sandy. 

Mr. Pickett is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandy Pickett, of Murphys; his children and their spouses, Jimmie and Mary Pickett, of El Dorado Hills; Kim and Dan Thompson, of Mountain View, and Nancy Pickett and Dan Tedrick, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and his grandchildren, Andrew Thompson, Ashley Luciani, Bronwen Tedrick, Ellen Cawthorn, Jim Catanich, and Cherie Clark.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1604 Ford Ave., Suite 8, Modesto, CA 95350.

An online memorial can be viewed at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jimpickett.

A memorial service was held Saturday. Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.

Rob Van Wormer

Oct. 4, 1965 — Oct. 27, 2012

Jamestown resident Rob Van Wormer died Oct. 27 at a Santa Cruz restaurant. He was 47. 

Mr. Van Wormer was born in Norfolk, Va. 

He was a 24-year veteran of Cal Fire and most recently the chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau in Santa Clara.

Mr. Van Wormer is survived by his wife, Jennifer Van Wormer, of Jamestown; his son, Austin and Dalton Van Wormer, of Jamestown; his parents, Ken and Sharon Van Wormer, of Alpine; his brother, Kirk Van Wormer, of Petaluma; and his sister, Debbie Van Wormer, of Alpine.

A memorial service was held Saturday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

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Donations in his honor can be made to the California Fire Explorer Association, care of the Rob Van Wormer Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2160, Simi Valley, CA 93062.

Oak Hills Mortuary in San Jose handled the arrangements. 

Notices

GREEN — Myrtie Green, age unknown, of Sonora, died Thursday at Oak Terrace Memory Care in Soulsbyville. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Benjamin Maurice ‘Ben’ McThorn

June 6, 1931 — Oct. 4, 2012

Sonora resident Benjamin Maurice “Ben” McThorn died Oct. 4 at Avalon Care Center of Sonora. He was 81. 

Mr. McThorn was born in Oakland, one of six children to Benjamin and Mary McThorn.

He served as a Marine corporal during the Korean War.

He married Sharon Wood in 1957, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in April.

Mr. McThorn was an officer with the California Highway Patrol for nearly 30 years, mostly in Tuolumne County. He was transferred from the Bay Area patrol to Sonora in 1967.

He was involved with youth sports in the county and coached Colt League baseball. He was an officer with the boosters club and coordinated charity softball games between Tuolumne County law enforcement and the cast and crew of “The Little House on the Prairie” during the late 1970s to raise money for the Special Olympics. The games included Michael Landon, Victor French and Melissa Gilbert.

He retired in 1986 and took up photography. He enjoyed taking wildlife photos. 

Mr. McThorn is survived by his wife, Sharon McThorn, of Sonora; his sons and their spouses, Dave and Elizabeth McThorn, of Turlock, and Brian and Lynee McThorn, of Valley Springs; and his grandsons, Matthew McThorn, of Turlock, and Connor McThorn, of Valley Springs.

No services are planned.

Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

Taylor Dustin 

April 26, 1998 — Oct. 23, 2012

Angels Camp resident Taylor Dustin died Oct. 23 of exposure after he went missing during a hunting excursion in the Hermit Valley area of Alpine County. He was 14.

Taylor was born in Modesto, and lived there most of his life. His family moved to Angels Camp a month ago. 

He attended Mark Twain Elementary School for two weeks prior to his death.

Taylor enjoyed baseball, reading and was an advocate for recycling. 

He is survived by his parents, Stephanie and Nathan Norris, of Angels Camp, and Danny Dustin, of Idaho; his siblings, Reagan and Bailie Norris, of Angels Camp; his grandparents, Dolly and Wayne Shover, of West Sacramento, Dan Smith, of New York, Jim and Jackie Cole, of Hughson, and Brent Dustin, of Idaho; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Bret Harte High School performance theater, 323 S. Main St., Angels Camp. A celebration of life potluck will follow the service.

Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Amy (Bower) Wayne 

July 6, 1985 — Oct. 26, 2012

Sonora resident Amy (Bower) Wayne died Friday after being struck by a vehicle at Jamestown and Mount Brow roads in Sonora. She was 27.

Mrs. Wayne, a lifelong Tuolumne County resident, was born in Sonora to Philip Bower and Stacy Weaver.

She graduated from Sonora High School in 2003.

She married her high school boyfriend, Travis Wayne, in 2005.

She worked as a self-employed house cleaner for the past five years. 

Mrs. Wayne was a member of Creekside Community Church. 

She enjoyed running, biking, singing, dancing, wake boarding and dressing up for formal occasions. She was also a fan of San Francisco Giants baseball.

Mrs. Wayne is survived by her husband of seven years, Travis Wayne, of Sonora; her daughter, Adalee Wayne, of Sonora; her mother and stepfather, Stacy and Randy Weaver, of Port Angeles; her father and stepmother, Philip and Emily Bower, of Aurora, Colo.; and her brothers, Matthew Bower and his wife, Chelsea, of Sonora, Andrew, Ryan and Nathan Bower, all of Rocklin, Jason Weaver and his wife, Stephanie, of Merced, Brandon Weaver, of Rohnert Park; and her sister, Jennifer Walker and her husband, Bradley, of Soulsbyville. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today at Calvary Chapel, 19889 Soulsbyville Road, Soulsbyville.

Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Notices

ANDERSON — Raymond Anderson, 84, of Sonora, died Tuesday at Sonora Regional Medical Center. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Marian Elizabeth Clarey

March 30, 1923 — Oct. 21, 2012

Marian Elizabeth Clarey died Oct. 21 at her home in Hathaway Pines. She was 89.

Mrs. Clarey was born in San Francisco. She was orphaned as an infant and then adopted by Alan and Charlotte Kimball Hails, of Saticoy, in Ventura County, who were prominent farmers and ranchers. 

She was raised in Saticoy, where she met H. Donald Clarey Jr. during high school. They wed on July 14, 1943, while Mr. Clarey was serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a first lieutenant.

They started their family upon his return from service in Germany. 

They raised four children in Los Angeles, and later retired to Newbury Park. Mrs. Clarey moved to Calaveras County after her husband’s death in 1998. There, she lived with her daughter, Patricia Clarey, and son-in-law, Robert Schimke.

For the past 14, years she lived in Hathaway Pines.

She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and watching sunsets. She also enjoyed traveling, including trips and cruises. 

Mrs. Clarey was preceded in death by her husband, H. Donald Clarey Jr., in 1998; and grandson, Jeffrey Clarey-Schimke, in 1986.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Clarey, of Hathaway Pines, Nancy Wilhite, of Orange Beach, Ala., Philip Clarey, of Visalia, and Alan Clarey, of Kent, Wash.; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of Calaveras and Amador counties, 1500 S. Highway 49, Suite 205, Jackson, CA 95642.

A graveside service will be held at noon Dec. 1 at Buena Vista Cemetery in Murphys. A celebration of life will follow at the family home in Hathaway Pines.

Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Marjorie May Ward

May 20, 1929 — Oct. 30, 2012

Pine Mountain Lake resident Marjorie May Ward died Tuesday at Sonora Regional Medical Center. She was 83.

Mrs. Ward was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She attended at the University of Utah before transferring to Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.

Mrs. Ward earned a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University in New York in the 1960s.

She worked as a licensed clinical social worker for 45 years until her retirement, though she continued to work with clients until her death.

She married Rod Ward in 1970. 

They settled in Santa Clara for a number of years before moving to Pine Mountain Lake in 1983. 

She volunteered with Helpings Hands Second Hand Thrift Store, the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum library and the Groveland Democratic Party. 

She enjoyed reading and writing and contributed to the Yosemite Highway Herald for many years. 

She also enjoyed flying and earned her pilot’s license in 1990. 

Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by her husband, Rod Ward, and her children Steven Carlisle and Cynthia Foster.

She is survived by her son, Craig Carlisle; her siblings, Betsy Campbell, Paul May and Doug May; her grandchildren, Afton Holister, Robin Carlisle, and Luke Carlisle; and one great-grandchild.

Donations can be made to the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, 18990 Main St., Groveland, CA 95321. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Pine Mountain Lake Country Club, 12765 Muller Drive, Groveland. 

The Neptune Society of Central California is handling arrangements. 

Notices

PICKETT — A memorial service and potluck reception for Jim Pickett, 78, of Murphys, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Forest Meadows Hilltop Clubhouse. Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Raymond Funderburk

March 24, 1927 — Oct. 26, 2012

Sonora resident Raymond Funderburk died Friday at his home. He was 85.

Mr. Funderburk was born in Cooter, Mo., to Dallas and Viola Funderburk.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947.

After his service, Mr. Funderburk worked as a supervisor with Fairbanks Trucking Co. for Gallo Winery in Modesto for 30 years until retirement.

He settled in Sonora 20 years ago to be closer to family. 

He enjoyed camping, working in his yard and watching wrestling on television.

Mr. Funderburk was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Paul, Lawrence and Elvis Funderburk, and his sister, Florence Lavada Hughes. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Evelyn Funderburk, of Sonora; his daughter, Diana Funderburk, and her husband, Michael Eisenhut, of Twain Harte; his granddaughters, Kristina Eisenhut, of Jamestown, and Michaela Eisenhut, of Twain Harte; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. 

Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Melvin Bernard ‘Bernie’ Parriott

April 15, 1929 — Oct. 21, 2012

Jamestown resident Melvin Bernard “Bernie” Parriott died Oct. 21 at Avalon Care Center of Sonora. He was 83. 

Mr. Parriott was born in Omak, Wash. He was raised and graduated from high school in Santa Clara.

He served in the U.S. Army from July 1947 to February 1950, where he was stationed at Two Rock Ranch Station in Petaluma.

After his service, he worked as a computer manufacturing manager for IBM in San Jose for 30 years before retirement. 

He retired to Texas for a number of years before settling in Tuolumne County 10 years ago to be closer to family. 

Mr. Parriott is survived by his children, Robert Parriott, of Sonora, James Parriott, of Gilroy, Judy Miranda, of Gilroy, and Joann Peterson, of Gilroy; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

No services are planned.

Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

Notices

VAUGHN — Charles Vaughn, 72, of Sonora, died Monday at his home in Sonora. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

WAYNE — A memorial service will be held for Amy Wayne, 27, of Jamestown, at 2 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Chapel, 19889 Soulsbyville Road, Soulsbyville. 

Thomas ‘Tom’ Belemecich

Aug. 6, 1925 — Oct. 20, 2012

Former Sonora resident Thomas “Tom”   died Oct. 20 at Windsor Elk Grove Care and Rehabilitation Center in Elk Grove. He was 87.

Mr. Belemecich was born in Sonora and graduated from Sonora High School in the early 1940s.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he remained in the reserves and was called to duty during the Korean War, where he served aboard the USS Iowa.

After his military service, he worked at Pickering Lumber Co. in Standard for several years. He moved to the Stockton area to work as a bus driver for Greyhound for more than 20 years until retirement.  

He settled in the Sacramento area 15 years ago and moved to Elk Grove within the past year. 

He enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. 

Mr. Belemecich was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 30 years, Mary Belemecich; and a son, Thomas, who died at age 6.

He is survived by his companion and caregiver Jean Moore, of Elk Grove; his daughters, Laura Lee Hacker, of Sonora, and Leslie Green, of Washington; his stepdaughter, Terry Kramer, of Sacramento; his siblings and their spouses, Yolanda and Floyd “Slim” Edwards, and Charles and Jo Anne Belemecich, of Sonora; three grandchildren, Travis and Bryan Green and Kim Juclson; and two great-grandchildren. 

A veteran’s memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Sonora. 

Wallace ‘Wally’ Souza

July 1, 1929 — Oct. 18, 2012

Columbia resident Wallace “Wally” Souza died Oct. 18 at Sonora Regional Medical Center long-term care unit. He was 83.

Mr. Souza was born and raised in Oakland.  

He owned and operated his own radiator repair business for 45 years until retiring in Sonora in 1994.

Mr. Souza was a member of the East Belt-Tuolumne Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Mother Lode Shrine Club and the Aahmes Temple in Livermore. 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and horseback riding.

Mr. Souza is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Souza, of Columbia; his daughter, Kathleen Cochrane, of Columbia; his brother, William H. Souza, of Lodi; his sister, Bernice “Bernie” Ulmer, of Escondido; his grandchildren, Kimberly Garcia, of Tracy, and Kenneth Egner, of Columbia; and three great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday at Country Cowboy Church, 14888 Peaceful Valley Road, East Sonora. 

Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.

Notices 

MURRAY — A memorial service for James H. Murray, 84, of Sonora, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Sonora Elks Lodge. A reception will follow. A private burial will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

BIRD — Vivian “Honey” Bird, 96, formerly of Sonora, died Saturday at Acacia Park Nursing and Rehabilitation in Modesto. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

CARRIER — Andrew Carrier, 22, of Sonora, died Saturday after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 108 and Main Street in Jamestown. Heuton Memorial is handling arrangements. 

FUNDERBURK — Raymond Funderburk, 85, of Sonora, died Friday at his home. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. 

HAWKINS — Robert Eugene Hawkins, 70, of Groveland and Antioch, died Sunday at Sonora Regional Medical Center. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

MEYERHOFF — Richard Meyerhoff, 72, of Twain Harte, died Friday at his home. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

THAYER — George Thayer, 94, of Sonora, died Friday at Avalon Care Center of Sonora. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

WAYNE — Amy Wayne, 27, of Sonora, died Friday after being struck by a vehicle at  Jamestown and Mount Brow roads in Sonora. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.