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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
