Obituaries

Jul 11, 2014

Javier Padilla Velasco peacefully passed away on Friday, July 11, 2014. He was 56. He was born in Jalisco, Mexico on September 16, 1957 to Tiburcio and Aurora Padilla. Javier loved gardening and farm animals. He also enjoyed taking care of his birds and in his free time he loved to go fishing. Javier was a hard worker and...

Jul 10, 2014

Janice Smith, a long-time resident of Watsonville, peacefully passed away, on July 10, 2014. She was 76.

She was born in Los Angeles, California on November 4, 1937 to Doyle and Elma "Bonnie" Stapp. Janice was a stay at home mother; she loved her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed doing crafts and making jewelry. Janice also loved...

Jul 8, 2014

On July 8, 2014, Bettye Sue Radonich peacefully passed away at the age of 71. She was born in Arkansas on February 1, 1943 to John and Noma DeRossett. Bettye was the consummate nurturer to her family, friends, coworkers, and to all who had the good fortune of knowing her. She gave generously of her time, her love, and...

Jul 7, 2014

Bonita Switzer of Watsonville passed away peacefully at Montecito Manor on July 7, 2014. She was 96. Bonita enjoyed working in her yard and watching the SF Giants on television. Her family meant the world to her and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Switzer; her...

Jul 5, 2014

Martina De La Torre-Laurel peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2014 surrounded by her family. She was 26. Martina has moved on too young and too early. She was so brave throughout her medical condition and now has peacefully gone to be with her heavenly Father. Martina loved listening to music and spending time with her mother and...

Jul 4, 2014

Magdalena Diaz passed away on Friday, July 4, 2014 surrounded by her family at Dominican Hospital. She was 61. She was born in La Soledad Durango, Mexico on July 22, 1953. Magdalena loved and had a passion for music. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano, which was her favorite instrument. Her life was devoted to her family and...

Jul 4, 2014

Helen Jensen, a long-time resident of Watsonville, peacefully passed away on July 4, 2014 surrounded by her family at the age of 85. She was born in Corralitos, California on July 26, 1928 to William and Ida Schalow.

Helen's life was committed to her family and their happiness. She always appreciated and loved family gatherings and spending...

Jun 29, 2014

Antonia Castro Avila passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 29, 2014. She was born in Modesto, California on March 3, 1923.

She was the daughter of Joseph Pablo Castro and Felipa Gomez Castro. She lived in the Banta, California area and went to Banta Elementary School until the 4th grade. At the age of 12,...

Jun 16, 2014

Horacio Aguirre passed away on June 19th, 2014 at the age of 69. He was a resident of Aromas, CA for the past 40 years. He retired from C&V farms, where he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for 35 years. He had a passion for raising farm animals, including chickens, roosters, and goats. He loved horseback riding, and...

Jun 16, 2014

Ray Kusumoto passed away on Monday June 16, 2014 at the age of 83. He was a lifelong resident of Watsonville.

During World War II, Ray and his family were relocated to the internment camp at Poston. After the war Ray returned to Watsonville and attended high school where he was widely regarded as a great athlete....

Jun 9, 2014

Jose Alejandro (Alex) Silva went home to heaven on June 9, 2014. He was born on September 7, 1994. He was 19 years old. Alex was a lifelong resident of Watsonville and a 2013 graduate of Pajaro Valley High School.

Alex always had a smile on his face and a willingness to help others. You could undoubtedly...

May 28, 2014

Passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's on May 28th. She was comforted by her family at a care facility.

Alice married Ernest Wong on August 15, 1948 in San Francisco. They had three wonderful boys, Michael (Kathy), Steven (Debbie) and Kelly. She also leaves behind six grandchildren Devin, Megan,...

May 17, 2014

Margaret Challoner Rider, born in Shanghai, China, passed away in Watsonville at the age of 93 on Saturday May 17, 2014. Trained as a nurse Margaret was a homemaker during her married life. While her children were growing up she was involved with PTA. Later she was active with the Pink Ladies at Watsonville Community Hospital. Her husband Clinton...

May 13, 2014

Alfonso La Grange Jr., a long-time resident of Watsonville, passed away on May 13, 2014 at the age of 79.

Alfonso was born on February 28, 1935 in Eagle Pass, Texas to his parents Alfonso and Ninfa La Grange.

He came to California when he was 17 and lived with his Uncle Griff and Aunt...

May 10, 2014

Jaime Kiroga Orozco, a long-time resident of Watsonville, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the age of 52. Jaime was born on April 20, 1962 in Jalisco Mexico to Alberto and Concepcion Kiroga Orozco. He loved to play the guitar, make up songs, volunteer for his community and help his friends. Jaime was a great person that will...

May 7, 2014

Eugene "Gene" Garcia, a long-time resident of Watsonville, peacefully passed away on May 7, 2014 at the age of 88. Eugene was born on July 31, 1925 in Watsonville, California to Anthony and Constance Garcia. For 67 years, Mr. Garcia worked in Farm Equipment Repair and for most of those years he owned his own company. Eugene enjoyed attending...

May 7, 2014

After a short illness, Mildred Imogene Stone joined her Husband, daughter and granddaughter on May 7 2014.She was 81.

Mildred loved fishing, camping, reading, square dancing and enjoyed family time.

She is survived by her children Barbara and Dallas Matta, Richard and Deanna Stone, Gail and Randy Reaves and Michael and Cynthia Stone, 13 Grandchildren...

May 6, 2014

Robert K. Yamamoto, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on May 6, 2014. Bob was born and raised in Watsonville and was blessed to have lived 90 years.

During World War II, Bob was interned in Poston Camp II with his family and then served in the U.S. Army with the Military Intelligence Service...

May 2, 2014

Bonnie Rice, 68, a long time resident of Watsonville, went to heaven Friday, May 2, 2014. She was born June 23, 1945 and grew up in Oakland. Bonnie was a devoted elementary school teacher and taught for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Bonnie was a beloved member in Twin Lakes Church and was very active in...

Apr 29, 2014

Clarence Earl Totten, of Watsonville, CA passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and children on April 29, 2014. He was born in Aromas, CA to Earl and Sadie Totten on August 24, 1916. He lived in Aromas until 1955, when he moved to Watsonville for the remainder of his life. Clarence attended grammar school in...