Remembering Our Alumni

 Carol West

Carol West passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on Thursday, May, 16, 2019. Born in 1935 in Los Angeles, CA, Carol was the beloved only child of Cecil and Goldie Norton. She received her Bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University the spring of 1957. It was at Pepperdine that she met and married the love of her life, Howard West. They welcomed the first of their 4 children one month prior to her graduation. They welcomed 2 more children in the following 4 years. In 1961 Howard accepted a position at Cal Poly, SLO - a position he served in for 35 years. Soon after their move to San Luis Obispo, they welcomed their 4th child. Mom spent much of their early married year's homemaking and raising 4 children overseeing all our activities in school at Sinsheimer Elementary PTA San Luis Jr and Senior High, cub/boy scouts, Camp Fire Girls, church choir, music lessons, sports, and Dad's Kiwanis activities. Mom also served the school district as pianist for many years and returned to University to receive a teaching credential from Cal Poly. All the while taking time to play bridge with her girlfriends, participate in book clubs and local bowling league. Mom also enjoyed her long time sisterhood in PEO, and was a member until her passing. While mom loved her family to the very end her 2nd deep love was of music and the performing arts. She was a pianist, cellist and vocalist from her earliest days growing up in Los Angeles. Performing with various vocal groups and participating in symphony guilds in her youth. After the move to San Luis Obispo, mom and dad became members of the First Presbyterian Church where mom participated and lead several of the music ministry programs. She had participated as a Chancel Choir member for over 50 years. Mom sang in Bel Canto singers and soon joined San Vocal Arts Ensemble where she sang and served for 30 years. SLOVAE was her 'second' family, making music together and sharing the gift of song around the world. Mom was passionate about all performing arts. She and dad were some of the first patrons of the magnificent Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly. Mom served 20 years as a house manager at the PAC excitedly opening the facility to many patrons young and old. Mom's energies did not stop within our community. She loved to travel and was a lifelong learner, participating in Elder Hostel programs around the world. And if given the opportunity took friends and family members with her. A famous line in our homes was, "where in the world is grandma? (literally)" She was kayaking with the orcas in the pacific northwest, in a tundra buggy seeking and learning about polar bears, horseback riding across the continental divide, skiing in many different states and countries, singing thru cathedrals in Europe. A life well lived and well loved. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard, parents Cecil and Goldie. She is survived by her children Sheryl Busby (Rob), Greg West (Carol), Don West (Rhonda), Missy Grant (David). And her joys of 8 grandchildren (Nate) (Stephanie), Jenna (Ryan), Kevin (Kayla), Ryan, Joey (Tess), Emma, Jacob, Elena and 8 great-grandchildren (Willow, Jax, Aria, Lexi, Ryker, Harper, Beckett, Baya). All of whom she has given the gift of music, adventure and life. Please join us in a service of celebration Saturday June 22, 11am First Presbyterian Church SLO. Memorial gifts may be made to: 1. The Foundation for the Performing Arts (Cal Poly), specifically to the PAC Outreach's School Matinee Series. 2. Central Coast Youth Chorus (formerly Central Coast Children's Choir) 3. San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble.

[Published in San Luis Obispo County Tribune from May 30 to June 14, 2019]

J. William Hutchison

J William Hutchison J William (Bill) Hutchison passed away December 9, 2018 at the age of 89. Bill was a resident of San Luis County for 77 years. He was born November 6, 1929 in Santa Maria CA to John and Ethel Hutchison. The family moved to San Luis Obispo in 1941. Bill attended Emerson Elementary, San Luis Jr. and San Luis Sr. High Schools, graduating in 1948. Bill served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Bill worked at the CA Men's Colony for 30 years. While there he worked as a Correctional Officer and a Firefighter, retiring as Battalion Chief. He supervised crews in several major fires in southern California. Bill volunteered in many community activities. He was a Charter Member of Edna Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. He worked with Camp Fire both on the Board of Directors and at Camp Natoma and served Boy Scouts as Cub Master and Den Leader. He spent over 30 years working both at the local and state level with the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, a Masonic youth organization. Bill was a member of the United Methodist Church for 61 years serving in many capacities. Bill was an active member and officer in King David's Masonic Lodge the Shriner's and Corona Chapter, Order of Eastern Star as well as several other Masonic organizations. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Carol Hutchison; his son John Hutchison (Arroyo Grande), daughters, Meg Evans (Paso Robles) (Michael Torgerson) and Pat Trunzo (Portland, OR) (Tony); grandsons William and Anthony Trunzo; and sister Beverly Thompson (Santa Margarita); and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held Friday, December 21, 2018, at 10:30am at the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St. After a light lunch social a Military Burial service will follow at 2:00pm at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park. Bill has requested that those who wish to make a memorial donation consider (shrinershospitalsforchildren.org) or Shriners for Children, Al Malaikaha Temple, 665 W. Jefferson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007) or the United Methodist Church of San Luis Obispo Building Fund.

Published in San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Dec. 19, 2018

Andy Starkie

Volunteer Extraordinaire

Andrew Linden Starkie, age 65, passed away at Serenity House in Santa Barbara on August 12, 2018. The cause was complications from ablation/convergence surgery to treat atrial fibrillation. Born October 18, 1952 in San Luis Obispo, to Alf Lewis Starkie and Alice Louise Van Valer Starkie, Andy attended San Luis Obispo High School and graduated from Cuesta College. On January 21, 1984, he married Patricia Jane Maguire at San Luis Bay Inn in Avila Beach. They met in 1974 and were together for 44 years. Andy lived all of his younger years in San Luis Obispo and moved to Arroyo Grande after marriage where he raised his family. He worked at Sierra Vista Hospital, San Luis Obispo County Schools, many years for Toyota of Santa Maria, Toyota of San Luis Obispo, Mid-State Bank, and for the past 25 years has managed family owned rentals. Andy and Pat moved to Morro Bay in 2009. Andy loved Camp Natoma, a local non-profit youth summer camp, and spent many volunteer hours leading the maintenance team caring for the facilities and improving the program. He always said it s for the kids and wanted all kids to have a meaningful experience in nature. He will be especially missed for all he has done to maintain this unique back to nature summer camp. He will be especially missed for his immense knowledge bank on the unique camp facilities and his kind, loving way of leading teams of volunteers. Andy volunteered many hours to the South County Aquatics when raising his kids who were on the swim team. Those who knew Andy know how generous he was with his time and knowledge.Andy and his family spent many hours enjoying Nacimiento Lake water skiing and wakeboarding. Vacationingon the Big Island of Hawaii was a big part of his life for the past 15 years.Survivors include his wife, Patricia Jane Maguire Starkie; daughter Emily Jane Starkie Zbin, son-in-law RobertJoseph Zbin, grandson Lyle Valer Zbin, grandson Otto Andrew Zbin, and another grandchild due in February 2019;son Ian Andrew Starkie, daughter-in-law Taylor Bodine Starkie, and grandson Daxter Andrew Starkie. Andy is alsosurvived by his brother Lewis Alf Starkie; sister Norma Louise Starkie Ault. He is also survived by many cousins,nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Alf Lewis Starkie and his mother Alice Louise Starkie.Memorial contributions can be sent to the non-profit organization that was so close to Andy's heart: Friends of Camp Natoma, P. O. Box 3012, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 or online at www.campnatoma.org/friends.

Gloria Ann (Negranti) Watson

Camp Fire Leader

Quite unexpectedly and without pain and suffering, Gloria went to her Lord in Heaven on Monday, December 18, 2017. She was born as the third of four children to Marian and Mario Negranti on April 24, 1941. Gloria was born in San Luis Obispo, raised in Cayucos, and was a life-long resident of this area. She attended Cayucos Grammar School and then graduated from Coast Union High School in Cambria in 1959. She attended Cuesta College, and was employed as a stenographer at Atascadero State Hospital for slightly over one year. She and her husband of 58 years were married in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cayucos on September 19, 1959. They made their first home in Templeton, California. They moved to their present home in Atascadero in 1962. She was a stay-at-home mother for their children's early years. She was employed by the Templeton Unified School District for over 25 years in various positions. She was the Administrative Assistant at Templeton High School for the majority of her time there. She was also an Avon representative for over forty years. Gloria was active in many and various volunteer organizations. She was especially passionate for her activities as a 4-H sheep project leader. She served in that capacity for over forty years. Gloria was a committee leader with the People's Kitchen Paso Robles for many years, coordinating her team of other volunteers and providing meals for homeless people one day a month. She was frequently complimented by those recipients for her tasty, delicious and well-prepared meals which were funded entirely by their committee. She was an avid volunteer in many areas and could never do enough for others. She will be missed dearly by all that knew her. She was involved in many volunteer organizations, including but not limited to, the local Red Hats social group, Native Daughters of the Golden West, S.L.O. County Cow Belles, the Tuesday Housewives' Bowling League, a Camp Fire and Cub Scout leader, a member of three local Bunco groups and advocate for the Alzheimer's Association. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Paso Robles. She has served there for many years as a volunteer in their office and classrooms and as an Eucharistic Minister and a Sacristan. Gloria is survived by her husband of 58 years, Allen Eugene "Gene" Watson of Atascadero; her son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Olivia Watson of Atascadero; her daughter, Joyce Watson of Paso Robles; her daughter and son-in-law, JuLee and Raymond Rocha of Atascadero; granddaughters: Melissa Watson and Becky Watson of Atascadero, and Heidi Weir of Paso Robles; grandsons: Nicholas Weir and Scott Yanaga of Paso Robles; and her brother, Robert Negranti of Morro Bay; plus numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters: Lola Washburn and lona Mitchell; and her sister-in- law, Vinetta Negranti. Her love of family and friends was unsurpassed. She was happiest when she was with her entire family. All who knew her enjoyed her excellent abilities in the kitchen and agreed that she was a renown cook and baker. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed many of her children's and grand- children's clothes when they were young. She enjoyed traveling with family and close friends and was always looking forward to her next cruise and bus trip. There will be a Rosary in her remembrance at 10:30 am, Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Paso Robles. A Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at St. Rose. lnterment at the Cayucos- Morro Bay District Cemetery will occur shortly thereafter. Arrangements are under the direction of The Chapel of Roses Mortuary in Atascadero. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the local Alzheimer's Association, 4-H, St. Rose or the charity of your choice.

Stella Ann Jenkins

Obituary

Stella Ann Jenkins Stella Ann Jenkins peacefully left us on January 8, 2018, at age 92. She will always be in our hearts. Stella so enjoyed the last Birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings of her family. Stella's legacy was her grace, wit and example of selfless care for family, neighbors and community. Stella was born in Pine, Arizona, to Helen and Robert Stewart on September 3, 1925, at her Father's U.S. Forest Ranger station. Her early remembrances were of ranger stations in Pine, Payson and Springerville, Arizona. They had two horses, chickens, a milk cow and goats. Stella went to High School in Phoenix, and graduated from University of Arizona, Tucson, in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics (Textiles and Clothing). Stella moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she got a security clearance to work at Sandia Air Force Base (where atomic bombs were stored, martialed and deployed). An accomplished skier, Stella joined a local ski club. She was on a club ski bus going to Santa Fe in early 1950. A handsome fellow, who thought her the prettiest girl on the bus, asked if he could sit next to her. When he found out her name, he responded that her name in Latin and Spanish was the same as his first name: "Starr." She didn't believe him at first, but the bus broke down so many times on the short trip to Santa Fe that it took 5 hours. They got to know each other and fell madly in love. Starr had to get a security clearance before Stella could date him. Starr proposed in June, and when they went to get their marriage license, two other couples from the ski bus were getting licenses. Stella and Starr were married August 14, 1950, at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, with a reception at her Dad's ranger station in Tijeras Canyon. They left in Starr's yellow Chevy convertible, honeymooning in Flagstaff, San Diego, Catalina, and Yosemite, returning to Albuquerque to a rented house and their two jobs. Stella moved with Starr to Stanford, California, while he got his Master's degree, where their first child, Stewart, was born in 1952. They moved back to Albuquerque, and soon Janet and Scott were born (1955 and 1957). Stewart, Janet, Scott and Starr were the center of Stella's life and she filled them with love. She treasured many trips around the West to Coeur d'Alene, Yellow Stone, Yosemite, Long Beach, Shell Beach and the Grand Canyon. In her 60s and 70s Stella went river rafting, toured Canada, Alaska, the United States and Europe. She moved with Starr to San Luis Obispo when he got a job teaching English at Cal Poly in 1961. Stella's parents had retired to Shell Beach. She was thrilled when Starr was offered the job in SLO. Summers, Starr would get ranger jobs in Yosemite where he and Stella had a "Tent-Cabin" with a wood stove, and the kids slept outside under the magnificent summer stars. Stella taught the children many things during those summers (like, making blackberry jam). She was strong and courageous. Her petite frame did not stop her from grabbing spoon and skillet to bang together while running pell-mell at a full-grown bear threatening Stella's child. She watched the first men step on the moon on a TV balanced on a chair in a stand of Doug Fir, the only place a television signal could be found. She was a cub scout den mother, a campfire leader and a member of the Cal Poly Women's Club. She was a devoted member of PEO. Stella loved serving others as Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo. Stella was chairman of the Art Center docents for 2 years. She was on the Friends of the Library board. Stella volunteered at the County Clerk's office when needed at election time. Stella was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, George; and her niece, LaRue. She is survived by the love of her life, Starr Jenkins; and her children: Steward D. Jenkins (Diane Jenkins), Janet L. Jenkins (Bill Levitt) and Scott H. Jenkins; her granddaughters: Sara M. Jenkins, Corinna M. Engel and Alisha D. Engel; her niece, Susan Stewart; and nephew George Stewart. Stella's family is grateful for the tender and devoted care provided her at home by Edie Gaddis and Maria Pimentel. Special thanks to Wilshire Hospice. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. 

Published in San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Jan. 13, 2018

Lavonne Sanchez

Camp Fire Girl

Lavonne Irene Sanchez, age 66, passed away on March 7, 2017, at her home in Carpinteria, after a long battle with cancer. She was born December 3, 1950, in San Luis Obispo, Calif. She was the second born daughter of Leo and Irene Rogers. Lavonne graduated from San Luis Obispo Senior High in 1969 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in political science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1977. She worked for the Equal Opportunity Commission in San Luis Obispo from 1978-1991, where she received the "Employee of the Year" award in 1983. She also worked at with the state disability office in Santa Barbara for more than 20 years and retired in June of 2014 to pursue her many other interests. Lavonne had a love for theatre and the arts and spent many years as the house manager for the Arlington theatre and the Garvin Performing Arts Center at Santa Barbara City College. She and the love of her life, Ted Cheeseman, shared a passion for old trains and they travelled together across the United States and internationally to ride as many old steam trains as possible. She also worked as a docent on the Coast Starlight train that travelled between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Lavonne's greatest joy in life was to spend time with her four grandchildren. She enjoyed attending birthday parties and reading to her 5 year old grandson Dallas. She also travelled internationally to visit her grandchildren Josiah, Malia, and Kalea who currently live in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Her many visits to see them included trips to Cameroon, Tanzania, South Africa, and most of Europe. Lavonne is survived by her two sisters, Linda (Larry) Brown of Clayton, Calif. and Nadine of Gig Harbor, Washington; her two sons, Michael (Brie) of Rhonert Park, Calif. and Frank (Heidi) of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She was preceeded in death by her brother, Alan Rogers of Albuqueque, New Mexico. Lavonne's parents served on the Camp Fire Board and were Club zleaders. Lavonne's dad worked on the original water lines at Camp Natoma.

C.W. Hodges

Camp Volunteer

"Skip" Hodges, 65, born in Santa Monica departed on August 12, 2017. He lived in San Luis Obispo since the early 1970s, and graduated from Cal Poly. Skip was the owner of several businesses, the most notable being Security Blanket. Skip served as a camp volunteer in the early 90,s. His wife Anne, was a Camp Fire leader. Skip also made all of Camp Fire's keys for many years. Skip is survived by his wife, Anne Hodges; and his children: Jennifer and Stephan. 

Marcella Zundel

Camp Fire Leader
On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, one of the most truly gentle souls of this world was called to God. Marcie Zundel, 80, passed away in San Luis Obispo surrounded by her adoring family in her last hours. Marcie was born on July 31, 1936, on a farm near Venturia, North Dakota, to John and Magdalena (Schumacher) Engelhart. She was a true farm girl and at a young age she did everything from driving a tractor, plowing fields, planting and harvesting, and milking cows. One of five children, she loved spending time on the farm with her siblings and parents. She would tell stories of getting up at 4:00 am to milk the dairy cattle before heading off to school. She attended and graduated from Zeeland High School in Zeeland, N.D., and continued her education at Ellendale's College in North Dakota, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1958. Her first teaching job was in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Zeeland. Marcie married Calvin "Cal" Zundel on November 8, 1958, in Zeeland. When Cal graduated as a civil engineer from UND, he received an offer from the California Division of Highways (Caltrans). Marcie enthusiastically said "yes!" to the move. They moved to San Luis Obispo in 1961 with 2 children in tow, Kyle and Gregory, and as Cal liked to say "with only a Buick and $50 in their pocket." Over the next 3 years they had three more children: Victor, Thomas, and Diane. Marcie worked as a substitute teacher in the local schools in San Luis Obispo, sometimes even teaching her own children, and then in the early 1970's she decided to make a big career change and she obtained her real estate license. She worked in real estate for the next 40 years, starting with Polin-Truchan & Cooper Realty and then eventually becoming an owner/broker with Coldwell Banker. Marcie was one of the most well-liked and trusted agents in this area. It seems that everyone she came across either knew her or knew someone who knew or bought a house from her! Marcie never met a person she didn't like; she loved her job, being around people and helping people fulfill their dreams of owning a home. Marcie also treasured the many friendships from families in the Felton/Ferrini area of San Luis Obispo where her family lived during the 1960s and 70s. Marcie often fondly remembered the gatherings, baseball games, babysitting exchanges, and support that the local families gave one another. She remained close friends with these families until her passing. She and Cal also had many life-long friendships with his fellow Caltrans employees and their families as well. Her children attended school at the Nativity Parish and she cherished her participation and attendance at the church. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and a Camp Fire Girls leader, both activities she enjoyed immensely. Marcie was a great Camp Fire leader in the 70,s and 80,s. She treasured the time spent with her family and friends; she loved the lunches she shared with her "Grandmother's group" and the monthly Bunco games with friends. Marcie enjoyed traveling to Switzerland to visit her oldest son and his family as well as numerous vacations around the U.S. with her family. She and Cal had a timeshare in Escondido, Calif. and the family made yearly trips for Thanksgiving there where many special memories were made. She adored her eight grandchildren and being that she was an avid reader and a teacher at heart, she loved to buy them books and read with them. She loved to talk with her family on a daily basis to check in and share what happened during the day. Those who knew her always remarked how she was such a loving, happy, unselfish person who always thought of others before herself. Marcie, everyone would say, "does not have a mean bone in her body." Words were never truer. Blessed to have shared in Marcie's life are her husband of 58 years, Calvin; five children: Kyle (Claire), Greg (Lesa), Vic (Lalla), Tom (Rosa) and Diane; eight grandchildren: Amanda, Alexander, Angelica, Allegra, Austin, Jazlyn, Rocco, and Talia. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Magdalena, her sisters Marie and Dolores, and her brother John. 

Avis Snyder

Camp Fire Leader

Avis Marie Snyder, 90, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family on May 5, 2017, in San Luis Obispo, Calif. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon LaRoy Snyder; and her son, David Lee Snyder. Avis is survived by her sister, Jean Kern; her children, Michael Snyder, Gina Taylor, and Steve Snyder; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Avis was born and raised in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Singing was her passion from an early age. She was a soprano soloist and performed with a trio that entertained soldiers at Camp McCoy. She also played the glockenspiel! Avis moved to San Luis Obispo in 1961. She was a loving and devoted mom and an active volunteer for Camp Fire Girls and the PTA. When her children were grown, Avis earned her AA Degree in Accounting at Cuesta College and worked for the next twenty-five years as a full-charge bookkeeper and office manager. Avis was a member of the Pacific Horizon Chorus of Sweet Adelines International for almost forty years. She sang tenor, served in leadership roles locally and regionally, and was the treasurer for her chorus for many years, up until her passing at age 90. Avis loved to perform, and she could light up a room with her smile. A Celebration of her Life will be held today, May 9, 2017, at 1:00 pm, at the Los Osos Valley Memorial Park, 2260 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Sweet Adelines Young Women in Harmony Fund. Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

Alberta Brown-Silva

Camp Fire Leader

Alberta Brown-Silva, 72, of Nipomo passed away November 18, 2016. She is survived by Jerome, her husband of 55 years; three children: Debra Dey, Laura Berry (Randy) and Jerome Brown-Silva Jr. (Michelle); brother David Vieira (Janice); four granddaughters: Frances, Emmy, Amber and Kyla; and great-granddaughter, Aryah.

Betty Stockton

Camp Fire Leader

Elizabeth Tomasini Stockton passed October 21, 2016. Betty was born to Alex and Josephine Tomasini in San Luis Obispo. As a child she loved riding her horse "Birdie" on her family's Cayucos ranch and spending summers at Camp Natoma. Betty earned a B.A. and teaching credential at UCLA and taught elementary school for San Luis Coastal. She married Lawrence James Stockton in 1955. Jim and Betty had three children: Wendy, James and Melissa. Betty temporarily "retired" from teaching to raise her three kids and volunteer as a Camp Fire leader and headband-beading specialist at Camp Tacanneko. Betty later served 30 years as a charter docent for the Jack House and Gardens. Lately she enjoyed paying for kids to go to Camp Natoma. Please join us in Betty's honor from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, November 27, 2016, at the Jack House, 536 Marsh St., SLO. Free tours of the house, refreshments and a memory book will be available. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Camp Natoma, P.O. Box 3012, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93403.

Dear Friends,

We are writing to tell you that our mother, Elizabeth Stockton, died Friday, October 21st, 2016.  She had not been feeling well for the past three weeks and was no longer enjoying her favorite past times nor even her favorite strawberry ice cream. 

Mom was deeply involved with and faithfully volunteered for over 30 years at the Historic Jack House in San Luis Obispo.  We invite you to honor her memory by visiting the Jack House on November 27, 2016 from 1 to 4 p.m.  An afternoon of free tours will be dedicated to honor her service.

Mom also gave countless hours to youth through the Camp Fire program.  She particularly loved sending kids to Camp Natoma.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Camp Natoma (P.O. Box 3012, San Luis Obispo, CA  93403) in her memory. 

Most sincerely,

Wendy, James, and Melissa Stockton

"Meme" Butler

Camp Fire Leader

Miriam Carol McFadden Butler was known to the world for most of her 98 years as "Meme," a name she adopted in her early years as a Camp Fire Girl. She was born to Stan and Carol McFadden in 1918 in Santa Maria, into one of the first pioneer families to settle there. In 1922, they moved to San Luis Obispo, where Meme spent the rest of her life. The McFadden family spent a lot of time camping, picnicking, and at relatives' cattle ranches. Meme always loved being outdoors. As an adult she became a great gardener. She kept her neighbors and friends supplied with home grown vegetables and the best raspberries ever, for many decades. As a young woman in San Luis Obispo, she was very active in school activities, Camp Fire and Rainbow Girls. She was valedictorian of the San Luis High School Class of 1936, and was a member of the first graduating class of what was then SLO Junior College in 1938. She planned to go to UC Berkeley after that, but Morse R. Butler ("Mo" to all) had moved to San Luis Obispo, been introduced to her by family friend school Superintendent Charles E. Teach, and Mo's proposal of marriage changed her mind. They married Christmas Eve of 1938, in SLO First Presbyterian Church. Meme and Mo had two daughters, Beverly and Kathryn "Kay." Meme was active in community organizations while they were growing up, but most of the Butler parents' activities were centered around the two girls and their friends. Meme led one Camp Fire Group from second grade into high school and was a counselor at Camp Natoma every summer. She taught Sunday school and was leader for the youth groups of the Presbyterian Church. The Butler house was a second home for the girls' friends. The front door was always open and there were always homemade cookies in the old gold cookie can. They disappeared quickly and were replaced equally quickly. Meme's activities in the church and community continued after the girls had grown and left home, as did her interest in all of their friends and hers. She enjoyed her life and its many activities. And those who were a part of it enjoyed her. Daughter, Kay Gabbert, and then Mo, preceded Meme in passing. She leaves behind daughter Beverly James, Kay's daughters Sharon Barnes (Tod) and Lynn Fedoryk (Mike) who were like daughters to her, grandchildren, Katherine James and Walter James (Pauline), and two great grandsons, Kevin August and Austin James. Services will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, November 20, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church (on the corner of Marsh and Morro Streets). In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in her name.

Sandra Cabassi

Camp Fire Leader

Sandra Jane Cabassi, 76, was a lifetime resident of Arroyo Grande, Calif. She was born in San Francisco to her parents Vard and Gladys Loomis. "Sandi" as she was known to friends and family died peacefully on August 8th, 2016, at French Hospital with her beloved family at her side. She was a graduate of Arroyo Grande High School and attended UC Berkeley for one year until she returned home to marry Charles Cabassi. Over the years, she became a mother and grandmother, but continued her educational goals to study Ornamental Horticulture and art at Cal Poly State University. She eventually achieved a Master's degree in English there, and taught classes at both Cuesta and Hancock Colleges. Her hobbies included, drawing and painting, singing in the church choir, piano playing, flower arranging, antique, miniatures and doll collecting, reading, poetry and short story writing. She was a Camp Fire Girls leader and softball coach as well as a passionate member of the South County Historical Society and speaker for local Japanese history. She is preceded in death by her parents and her son Joseph Cabassi. Her family includes brother Terry Loomis and nephew Roy Loomis, son Michael Cabassi, and daughters Carol Swenson and Shelly Doran, as well as sons-in-law Curt Doran and Brian Swenson and daughter-in-law Anadina Cabassi-Vallejos. Her grandchildren include: Darrell Jack and Jessica Friday, and Charlie and James Doran. Her great-grandchildren include, Alyssa, Vincent and baby Michael. A graveside ceremony will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, August 18th at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery with a celebration of life to follow at Portuguese Hall 707 Huasna Road, Arroyo Grande, Ca. In lieu of flowers, Sandi wished that donations would be made to the South County Historical Society and the Cuesta College Scholarship Foundation.

Ruth Pennington

Ruth Pennington passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 8, 2016 at the age of 99, just one month shy of her 100th birthday. Ruth was born in Calgary Canada and moved to San Luis Obispo with her parents and 5 siblings when she was 8 years old. She graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and then attended Beauty College in San Francisco, and later returned to San Luis Obispo. At the age of 22 she married Oliver "Penny" Pennington. Together they opened a grocery store "The New Park Grocery" across the street from Mitchell Park which they operated for over 28 years. Both Ruth and Penny were avid golfers and were founding members of the San Luis Obispo Country Club till their early 80's. They both loved to travel and did many trips with their friends, taking their golf clubs in tow on as many trips as they could. They also loved to dance and spent many Saturday nights at the Monday Club dancing with all their friends. She was involved in Junior Matrons, Campfire Girls, Monday Club, Elks Club and other organizations. She was preceded by death by her husband and daughter, Carol Triplett. She is survived by daughters Sharon Varner (Mike) and Cindy Iroff (David). She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Jeff, Ron and Kristin Varner, Larry Triplett, Jason and Justin Iroff and 8 great grandchildren. 

Debbie Doubledee

Camp Fire Leader

Debbie Doubledee Deborah Sue "Debbie" Doubledee, 63, was born in 1953 to parents Alan and Bettie Henry, in Santa Monica, Calif. All three passed away tragically in a car accident on Monday, August 15, 2016, on Highway 178 in Lake Isabella, Calif. Debbie grew up in Hawthorne, Calif., where she was active in the YMCA Indian Princess Program, dance classes, and the Hawthorne Swim Club. She graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1971. Debbie married in 1974 and moved to Morro Bay. Her greatest joy was her daughter, Rebecca. She was active in every aspect of Rebecca's life. She led Rebecca's Camp Fire Troop, was active in PTA, and went out at night to the ponds to help Rebecca study frogs. Quite a feat for a single mom! Debbie graduated from the nursing program at Cuesta College and went on to earn her BSN. This led to a 29-year career as a nurse at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo. She began her career as a nursing assistant then went on to work as a nurse in the medical-surgical department, the pain clinic, and finally the day stay surgery department. She provided excellent patient care. Her mentorship, friendship, and commitment to helping others earned her the hospital's Nurse of the Year Award in 2012. She was a devoted nurse who taught CPR to staff at Sierra Vista Hospital on her days off and spent summers as a nurse at Camp Natoma, in Paso Robles, the Camp Fire camp her daughter attended. Debbie was an active member of the Delta Theta Chi Sorority for 36 years. Most recently, she was vice president of the local California Epsilon Chapter, president of the Alcyone Province, and was on the Educational Board at the national level. She used her talents as a seamstress and a cook to raise money for charity. She was famous for her beautiful aprons and scrumptious peanut brittle. Debbie had a great love for all things in nature. She loved camping along the Kern River, snorkeling in Hawaii, taking road trips to national parks, feeding the birds, and tending to her beautiful garden. She has loved many dogs and cats over the years, but her most recent loves were her dogs Daisy and Fiona. She was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, aunt and great-aunt. Debbie leaves behind her daughter Rebecca (Ravi); brothers, Steven Henry (Tom), Brian Henry (Juanita), and David Henry; nephews, Sean (Sarah), Eruch, and Stevie; and great-nephew and niece Brian and Keira. She also leaves behind an abundance of friends and sorority sisters. Her creativity and leadership will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sept. 17, 2016, at 3:00pm at Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship, 1475 Quintana Rd., in Morro Bay, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Debbie's memory to: Delta Theta Chi, Alcyone Province Scholarship, C/O Kathleen Hull, 4039 Calgary Ave., San Diego, Calif., 92122.

Onorina "Rena" Perry

Camp Fire Leader

January 24, 1928-October 15, 2016

Onorina Rollini Perry passed away suddenly but peacefully on October 15. Rena was born January 24, 1928 in Santa Maria to John and Caterina Rollini. She grew up on her parent's dairy farm and attended Santa Maria High School, class of 1946. She married a Santa Maria native, Samuel (Sam) Perry, an officer in the Army Air Corps, during World War II. They had one child, Virginia. Rena and Sam built their own home on Miller Street, where she was still living happily until her death.

Rena was much beloved and remembered as a Camp Fire Girls leader and a member of the Miller Street Mother's Club. She was as an inspiring home maker and a dedicated fruit and vegetable gardener. She knit and sewed many items for her family, most notably her granddaughter Lindy's wedding dress. Rena was a patient teacher, and especially enjoyed teaching her granddaughters and great-grandsons how to make her blackberry pie. Pies made from her backyard fruit were favorites of everyone who knew her.

Rena and Sam founded Perry's Electric Motors and Control in 1967. She was active in the business until it was sold after Sam's passing in 1989. She and her daughter founded the Natural History Museum, Santa Maria, in 1996 and she volunteered there as secretary/treasurer and as a docent until the week of her passing. Also in retirement Rena enjoyed traveling through the United States with her women friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Perry Souza; her grand daughters, Angela Hoxsey, Paula Stein and Lindy Boisvert; grandsons -in-law David Hoxsey and Joel Boisvert; and great grandsons Ellis Boisvert, Samuel Boisvert and Matthew Stein.

Sally Baldwin

Camp Fire Leader

Sally Baldwin Sally (b. Sadie) Louise Baldwin, 90, of Arroyo Grande, died on July 5, 2015, after a brief illness. She was born in May 1925 near Burden, Kansas, to William Alfonzo "Lon" and Bertha May (Miller) Elrod, and raised on the family farm in New Salem, Kansas, and, for a short time as a young child, in the vicinity of her mother's childhood home in Cabool, Missouri. She recalled both the hardships and pleasures of farm life during the Depression in the beautiful Flint Hills of Eastern Kansas, where her father grew wheat and the family raised chickens, pigs, sheep, milk cows, and horses, and maintained a huge garden at a time when money was scarce and everything needed was either produced on the farm or obtained by the barter system. She had hardworking, loving parents who she remembered dearly. Sally left the family farm to attend high school in Winfield, Kansas, where she lived with her sister Clara and graduated early, in 1942, by taking courses at Southwestern College. She married Robert Leon "Bob" Baldwin in 1944 and they moved to California in 1946. She worked as a bookkeeper at Sears & Roebuck in San Luis Obispo for several years; until shortly before the birth of her first child, Suzanne, in 1954, when she devoted herself to caring for her family, which grew to include Bruce in 1957 and Randall "Randy" in 1959, in Arroyo Grande. Her children remember her as an ideal mother, who always put their interests ahead of her own and gave love unconditionally. She also was devoted to her grandchildren and highly supportive of their activities. After her children were raised, Sally returned to bookkeeping at the family business, Valley Auto Service, where she also was office manager. She retired from those duties only last year, at 89. In earlier years, she taught Sunday school at the United Methodist Church in Arroyo Grande and was especially active for eight years as a Camp Fire Girls leader. Sally loved the outdoors and she and Bob instilled that love in their children with outings and camping trips throughout the West, sometimes with others, especially Gordon and Manetta Bennett and family, with whom they also enjoyed hot-air ballooning, narrow-gauge railroading, and whitewater rafting. Sally and Bob enjoyed travelling internationally, to Canada, Mexico, and countries in Europe and Asia. At home, Sally was an avid gardener, with a particular fondness for roses, and a bird watcher, who enjoyed feeding large flocks of wild mallards and band-tailed pigeons as well as songbirds for many years. In later life, she pursued a longstanding interest in writing poetry, which always accompanied the family's holiday cards and was repeatedly selected for publication in The Tribune. Sally was a voracious reader of non-fiction, consuming dozens of books in a short time. She retained her mental acuity and generous, warm personality until the end. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and all of her siblings, including her sister Clara, brothers Otis and Rex, half-sisters Faye, Alberta, Fern, and Madelyn, and Chester, a half-brother who died a year after birth. Survivors include daughter, Suzanne Leslie (Tim) of Menlo Park; son, Bruce of Berkeley; son, Randy (Tina) of Arroyo Grande; grandchildren: Taylor and Brett Warren, and Reece and Tess Baldwin, and several nieces and nephews, all of whom she cared for deeply, and her canine companion, Leroy. A Memorial and reception will be held on Sunday, August 9, at 11:00am at the Central Coast Masonic Lodge, 112 Poole St., Arroyo Grande. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions are encouraged to give to The National Audubon Society, P.O Box 422249, Palm Coast, Fla., 32142-2249.

Our Friend Cynthia LeRoy

Camp Fire Leader

This weekend Camp Fire received the heavyhearted news of the loss of Cynthia LeRoy, a Camp Fire Guardian extraordinaire! Cynthia and her daughter Sharon have hosted Camp Cielo for over 45 years to the joy of hundreds of Camp Fire children and their families as well as welcoming children and teens into their home as Camp Fire Club leaders. Cynthia will be greatly missed by all.

Our heart felt sympathy goes out to Sharon and her family.

Cynthia C. LeRoy (February 18, 1936 – July 04, 2015 ) Cynthia LeRoy of Lompoc passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2015, at her residence in Lompoc. Cynthia was born in Los Angeles, California, on February 18, 1936, to John and Florence Colby. Cynthia spent her time as a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Girls Friendly Society, the Doll Club, and the Lompoc Art Gallery. She was a den mother and a Camp Fire leader, participating as a board member in many positions. She was involved in the Children’s Auxiliary of Children’s Home Society and was the grandma host to over 40 exchange students around the world. She was a volunteer extraordinaire as a docent at La Purisima Mission in the Pottery Room and Relay for Life, and actively participated at Curves. Cynthia loved painting, sewing, and knitting, and she enjoyed playing Bunco as well. Cynthia is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John & Janet Colby of Camarillo, CA; daughter Sharon LeRoy of Lompoc; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Kathy LeRoy, grandchildren Megan, Stefan, and Benjamin LeRoy, all of Santa Rosa, CA; son and grandson, Andy and Gavin LeRoy of Fremont, CA; granddaughter, April Tapia, and great grandchildren, Marissa, Isaac, Adrian, and Isabella Tapia; grandson and great grandson, Thomas and Evan LeRoy. She was preceded in death by her son Tomas LeRoy in 2008. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2015, at 11 am, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Memory Garden. A reception will be held in Fitch Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s, Camp Fire or La Purisima Mission in Cynthia’s name.

Martha Schwartz

Camp Fire Leader

Martha Schwartz, 78, of San Luis Obispo died Monday, August 16, 2004 in a local hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Reis Family Mortuary and Crematory of San Luis Obispo.