Remembering Hanford neighbors: Recent obituaries
Read through obituaries from The Sentinel
Gary Leroy Souza
June 28, 1961 – October 30, 2019
Gary Leroy Souza was born on June 28, 1961 to Leroy and Valera Souza in Hanford, CA and he passed away on October 30, 2019. He is now at peace.
Gary grew up in Lemoore, CA where he attended school and worked on the family's Christmas tree farm. He was involved in FFA and showed animals at the county fair. After moving to Hanford, Gary worked alongside his father for years at Souza's Enterprises in Hanford making many friends in the agricultural community along the way. Gary was a hardworking man and had a passion for agriculture.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Leroy Souza.
He is survived by his mother Valera Souza, children, son Cody Souza, son Jared Souza (wife Taetum), daughter Mikayla Souza, three grandchildren, Camden and Cori Stratton and one on the way. His sisters Tanya Barros (husband Stan) of Kingsburg, Debbie Orsaba (husband John) of Hanford, also many friends in sobriety who helped him throughout the years.
A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held on Wednesday, November 13th at 11:00 a.m. at People's Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA.
Family and Friends are invited to view Gary's legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel and send condolences to the family.
Services by People's Funeral Chapel 584-5591.
Donald (Don) Allen Ayers
September 20, 1955 – October 27, 2019
Donald (Don) Allen Ayers passed away suddenly in Hanford on October 27th, 2019 at the age of 64.
Born to Glenn and Marian Ayers on September 20th, 1955, Don was a third generation Hanford native following his paternal grandparents who settled in Hanford in the 1930's from Bedford County, Tennessee. Don was the middle child of three siblings, with an older brother David and a younger sister Diane.
Growing up in Hanford, Don was very active in the community. He participated in scouting, both the Cub and Boy Scouts and was active in Boy Scout Troop 400 with his father Glenn as the Scout Master, and participated on the AAU swim team. Once in high school, Don was active in many areas, especially in sports. He continued his aquatic activities as a member of both the swim and water polo teams for all four years at Hanford High. He graduated in 1973. He briefly attended the College of Sequoias in Visalia to pursue his Associates of Arts Degree. After a couple of semesters at C.O.S. Don decided that higher education was not for him. He left C.O.S. and started working full time.
Don went to work for McClard Masonry Construction and became a skilled craftsman in mason and stone construction. He went on to become a crew and project lead working in Hanford and the surrounding area. Much of the stone and mason work around Hanford was built by Don and his crew. In 1986 Don met the love of his life, Jo Ann Moore and they married on New Year's Eve, 1991. With his marriage to Jo Ann, Don became a loving and supportive father and grandfather to his new family. He took great pride in his home and spent many hours making his house a welcoming home for his friends and family. It became the social hub for many family gatherings and celebrations over the years. All were welcome at Don and Jo Ann's.
After a 20 year stint at McClard, Don left the construction world and went to work for Valero Oil with the responsibility for maintenance and operations of most of the retail outlets up and down the state. He retired from Valero in 2016. After his retirement, Don continued to be active in the community such as the Elks Lodge as well his circle of friends and family.
Don is survived by his wife Jo Ann Ayers of Hanford and his children Patricia Stockton of Hanford and Earl Moore of Visalia, his grandchildren, Brandon Moore, Cody Zeafla, Saige Stockton and Jeremy Pomeroy, his brother David Ayers of Hanford and his sister Diane Ayers of Sacramento. He also leaves behind his son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 15th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at People's Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty St., Hanford. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the Hanford Pentecostal Church of God; 323 E. Eleventh St., Hanford. A reception will be held following the service to share memories of Don's life.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that remembrances be sent in Don's name to the American Liver Foundation.
Family and Friends are invited to view Don's legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.
Services by People's Funeral Chapel 584-5591.
Ervin Joseph Gruntorad
June 21, 1930-October 30, 2019
Ervin Joseph Gruntorad passed away peacefully on October 30, 2019 after an extended illness. He was born in Elm Creek, Nebraska on June 21, 1930 to Henry Joseph Gruntorad and Susie Kathryn (Thinnes) Gruntorad and was the second of 9 children born to this hard-working family of sharecroppers.
Ervin lived most of his early life in and around the Dawson County, Nebraska area; Elm Creek, Overton, and Lexington. Much to his father's dismay, Ervin quit school in 9th grade because there were many mouths to feed.
Ervin was drafted in 1951 during the Korean War. Like many veterans of his generation, he rarely spoke of his time in the service. We were blessed, however, when we learned of the Veterans History Project, in which veterans are interviewed and their story lives on as part of the Library of Congress. One story he told during the interview was about how he “chose” his branch of service. There were 4 other local boys drafted at the same time; they thought they could all stay together if they chose the same branch. One thought the Marine Corps was the pick. Unfortunately, for Ervin, he was the only one of the group who was sent overseas. As he always recounted, it was the “longest 11 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days he ever had”.
Ervin returned to Lexington where he continued to farm with his dad and brothers.
It was in Lexington, driving past a one-room schoolhouse each day, where he spied a lovely schoolteacher named Lois Baker. They married on January 4, 1958 and immediately set off on their trek for a life that didn't involve farming or brutally cold winters. They ended up in San Diego and made their home there for almost 20 years. While in San Diego, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Susan. Ervin worked in the dairy industry, first with Foremost Foods, and then with both Arden Farms and Carnation.
In 1976, the dairy industry moved out of San Diego and the family moved to Lemoore, a small farming town in the Central Valley. It was here that Lois, Ervin, and Susan settled into a lovely home and made lifelong friends through their work in the community and church. After retiring from the dairy industry in Lemoore, Ervin could not sit still at home and took a job as foreman for the local cemetery.
Ervin was very active in the Kings County Marine Corps Detachment League, where he, along with Corky McFarlane and Bill Hatfield, played an integral part in the annual Avenue of the Flags Memorial Day Service at Grangeville Cemetery. He took great pride in this event every year.
Another highlight of his life was having the opportunity to build several Habitat for Humanity houses alongside his hero, former President Jimmy Carter, on the annual Habitat for Humanity Work Project in LaGrange, Georgia in 2003.
Ervin was a self-less and devoted husband to Lois, especially after she underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. After retiring, they enjoyed countless trips to San Diego to visit Susan, along with travels to Arizona and Nebraska to visit family. Two of their favorite places to visit were Yosemite National Park and the central coast of California.
In 2013, his beloved Lois passed away. They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Ervin continued to spend time in Lemoore working to make sure he had the best-looking yard in the neighborhood, taking care of his prized 1954 Chevy Bel Air, and working with his best friend, John Gordon. It was in 2015 when Ervin moved to San Diego to be closer to Susan and her husband Jeff.
During his last few years in San Diego, Ervin enjoyed spending time with his cherished (and VERY spoiled) dog, Bella, along with outings to the zoo, the Midway Museum, and of course, to see the giant horse at the Del Mar Fair each year. As Ervin's health declined, he moved to Belmont Village, an assisted living facility, and was blessed with some wonderful caregivers that provided companionship to him.
Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, stillborn babies James Stanley and Merry Ann, and his siblings: Agnes, Donald, Robert, Joseph and Hank. Ervin is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Susan and Jeff Balch, dog Bella, grand dog Torrey, sister Kathryn (Don) Lessig, sisters-in-law Luanne Williams, Karen Gruntorad, and Janice Bollish, numerous nieces and nephews, and his best friend, John Gordon.
We would like to thank the wonderful private caregivers that provided companionship to Ervin: Natalie Poland, Rita Hughes, Rita Avalos, Angel Carrasco, and Sergio Espinosa. We would also like to thank Dr. Andrew King, the wonderful staff of Belmont Village/Cardiff, Encinitas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Seasons Hospice for their care of Ervin.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 22nd at the Little Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, Bonita, CA. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity/Jimmy Carter Work Project, or the Veterans History Project. Please feel free to share any remembrances or pictures at www.glenabbeysandiego.com.
Gary Leroy Souza
June 28, 1961 – October 30, 2019
Gary Leroy Souza was born on June 28, 1961 to Leroy and Valera Souza in Hanford, CA and he passed away on October 30, 2019. He is now at peace.
Gary grew up in Lemoore, CA where he attended school and worked on the family's Christmas tree farm. He was involved in FFA and showed animals at the county fair. After moving to Hanford, Gary worked alongside his father for years at Souza's Enterprises in Hanford making many friends in the agricultural community along the way. Gary was a hardworking man and had a passion for agriculture.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Leroy Souza.
He is survived by his mother Valera Souza, children, son Cody Souza, son Jared Souza (wife Taetum), daughter Mikayla Souza, three grandchildren, Camden Souza and Corie Bryant and Stratton Souza. His sisters Tanya Barros (husband Stan) of Kingsburg, Debbie Orsaba (husband John) of Hanford, also many friends in sobriety who helped him throughout the years.
A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held on Wednesday, November 13th at 11:00 a.m. at People's Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA.
Family and Friends are invited to view Gary's legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel and send condolences to the family.
Services by People's Funeral Chapel 584-5591.
Paul Mark Richards
March 12,1952-October 10, 2019
Paul Mark Richards, 67, passed away the morning of October 10, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ due to injuries and complications from a hiking accident. Paul was born March 12,1952 in Corona, CA and spent much of his childhood and formative years in Lompoc, CA. Paul joined the Navy and retired after 22 years with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Most recently, Paul was a resident of Prescott, AZ.
Paul was preceded in death by his father Francis, wife Barbara and stepdaughter Tambra Lynn. Paul is survived by his daughter Christie, stepsons Robert, Dennis and Scott, grandchildren Kayla and Steven and great grandchild Cameron Paul. Paul is also survived by his mother Velda and siblings Kathleen, Charles, Rick, Timothy, Michael and Jeffry.
A service will be held at Lemoore Cemetery on November 12. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team (YCSRT).
Early P. Ray
April 15, 1933 – November 3, 2019
Early P. Ray passed away in Hanford, CA on November 3rd, 2019. Early was born in Paragould, Arkansas on April 15th, 1933. The Ray family moved to Hanford, California when Early was 8 years old and he graduated from Hanford High school in 1951. In 1953, Early joined the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of First Sergeant in a very short time working as a Cryptographic Specialist in Europe during the Korean war. Upon being discharged in 1958, Early returned to Hanford where he met and married Shirley Ray and where they raised two children Rebecca (Becky) and Steven. Early went to work for Kings County rising to become the Purchasing Manager for the County of Kings and retiring after 37 years. Early couldn't stop working completely and went to work for Enterprise Rental Car and worked another 19 years before finally enjoying being retired. Early picked up playing the Banjo and singing which helped keep him busy in his later years. He was a member of both Glad Tidings and Calvary Christian Center churches. He spent countless hours volunteering his time and skills at both.
Early was preceded in Death by his loving wife Shirley Ray, parents E P and Georgie Ann Ray, his sister Lucille Parks, and brother Earl Ray. Early is survived by his sister Ann Hodges, his loving friend and companion Betty Easterwood, daughter Becky Thompson, son in-law Peter, son Steven Ray, daughter in-law Cara and grandchildren Trent (BryAnn), Tristan, Forrest, Aaron (Breann), Lacey (Joseph), Logann, and Lauryn along with great grandchildren Casen, Grey, Braxton, Beckett and Kori.
A Memorial service will be held on Friday November 8th at 10:30 a.m. at the South Valley Community Church in Lemoore, followed by a lunch reception. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst McNamara Funeral Home, Hanford.
Luciana Rodriquez Perez
January 7, 1931 - October 22, 2019
Luciana Perez, 88, Selma, passed away on Tuesday the 22nd. A visitation is on Monday, November 4, 2019 from 5-7 at Farewell-Page Funeral Chapel, 2014 Arrants St in Selma. A wake will be the same evening at 6pm. Her funeral service will be at the chapel the next day at noon with burial at Floral Memorial Park.
SADA MAXINE (MICKI) ECHOLS
August 2, 1925-Ocotber 20, 2019
Sada Maxine Echols (Micki) was born August 2, 1925 in Wilcox, Arizona to parents Boyd and Effie Hart. Micki entered Heaven after a long illness and Christ filled life at the age 94 on October 20,2019 in Hanford, California.
In addition to her parents, Micki was predeceased by her husband Gerald Echols and siblings and their spouses: sister Ruth Andrews (General Carl), brothers Delton (Flo), Vernon (Mildred) and Duane (Donna). A brother and his spouse surviving her are: David Hart (Lola) of Watsonville. CA. Children surviving her are: Rick Echols of Honolulu, Hawaii, Terri Galvin (Rick) of Visalia, CA and Scott Echols (Karen) of Santa Maria, CA. Also surviving her are granddaughters Lori Galvin of Visalia CA and Christen Waller ( Richard ) of Lincoln City OR,grandsons Ryan Echols ( Madison) of Waco, TX and Landon Echols of New York City.
Also surviving her are 2 great grandsons, 1 great granddaughter, 12 nieces, 7 nephews and numerous great nephews and great nieces. Micki lived in Arizona for many years and graduated from high school in Wilcox, AZ where she excelled in drama and sports, including a championship in singles tennis.
After turning down a drama scholarship she decided to attend a junior college in Wilcox where her studies included secretarial training which she used productively in subsequent years. Micki later married the love of her life, Gerald Echols in Wilcox. After living in Watsonville and Tucson, AZ for a time, the couple settled in Hanford where Gerald began a career with Caminol Oil (Beacon) as treasurer, while Micki raised 3 children and used her license as an interior decorator.
Micki and Gerald were married 55 years at the time of Gerald's passing in October 2002. Micki was known for her artistic talents. In addition to her interior decorating she demonstrated her gifts by oil painting and teaching a number of craft classes out of her home for many years. She was a very passionate follower of Christ and was involved in the local Christian community, participating in and hosting numerous bible study groups and demonstrating her gift of hospitality through dinners, potlucks and other fellowships until health issues interfered in recent years. Micki was a remarkable woman who will be missed by her family and a multitude of friends.
Her life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Calvary Chapel 1900 N Douty St in Hanford on November 11, @ 11AM. Any gifts or remembrances should be directed to Calvary Chapel.
Sharon Anne Boyd
February 11, 1947- October 13, 2019
Sharon Boyd, 72, passed away at home on Sunday, October 13, 2019 after decades of suffering with Multiple Sclerosis.
Sharon was born in New Westminster, B.C., Canada on February 11, 1947 to an Irish father and Canadian mother. They never had much money, but her fondest memories were the free ones--romping in the wilderness of British Columbia.
In 1967, Sharon visited Hawaii where she met the American soldier who would later become her husband.
Ever the adventurer, in 1970 Sharon embarked on a backpacking trip across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. On that journey, she found that the people who were the kindest to her were often the poorest. When she didn't have a bite of food to eat, the destitute in Syria took her in and fed her. In Turkey she was treated like family by virtual strangers. This lesson in humanity stuck with her for her entire life.
After returning to Canada, she married her first husband, Ron Harris. In 1973 she gave birth to their son, Matthew. She spent the next 16 years running their family pool business.
In 1989, circumstances changed, Sharon decided to pursue a life with the American she'd met in Hawaii years ago. She moved to California and was married to Kenneth Boyd in August of 1989. At the age of 44, she gave birth to their daughter, Jordan.
In the late 1990s, Sharon began a career in Special Education. She spent a few meaningful years working at JFK Junior High School in Hanford, CA before her health forced her to retire early. She spent the remainder of her life a stay at home mom, bringing laughter to anyone who crossed her path.
Sharon was never one to let her health stop her from doing what she wanted. In her mid-50s she snuck out to go skydiving without letting her family know. Even in her final weeks, she had her daughter “kidnap” her to the mountains, her happy place.
Sharon wanted everyone to know that whether she knew you for an hour or a lifetime, she was thankful you were a part of her life.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, William Hall, and Olive Virginia Lee.
She is survived by her three brothers, William (Valerie), Kenneth (Ria), and Thomas (Marilyn), her husband Kenneth Boyd, son Matthew Harris, daughter Jordan Boyd, and grandson Robert Harris. She is also survived by her stepchildren who she loved as her own: Nancy and Kenneth Jr., and their combined 7 children and 2 grandchildren.
Ali Reza Orandi
February 22, 1951-October 17, 2019
Ali Reza Orandi was born February 22, 1951 in Rafsanjan, Iran. Ali died in his Visalia, California home of 40 years, surrounded by his family, on October 17, 2019.
At the age of 15, Ali was sent from Iran to live with an older brother in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1972. Ali and his brothers then ventured westward pursuing their dream of pistachio farming, emulating family generations from Iran.
Ali eventually became independent in farming, founding Orandi Farms Management (OFM) in 1985. OFM remains the only San Joaquin Valley company offering counsel over the entire spectrum of pistachio growth: orchard development and management; custom roasting, packaging, and marketing. Ali honed his craft for more than three decades held in awe and delight not only by his clients, but the academic community of tree nut production. His incomparable work ethic was self-evident. Integrity and meticulous aptly described Ali and remained clearly recognized by all associated with him. Moreover, Ali generously shared the knowledge he acquired from his small office kitchen (“Ali's Soup Kitchen”), which was always open to anyone offering experience about farming, life, and the blurred lines between.
Ali's recreational passion, however, was to the game of soccer, which he helped develop at the youth level in Visalia and Tulare County. Ali coached his children, supported and mentored scores of local youth. Ali's “Visalia Suns Soccer Club” were twice crowned State Cup Champions (‘94 and '97) of the California Youth Soccer Association, during a decade as a regional power.
Family was Ali's mainspring. He was devoted and committed to his family for whom he provided unlimited opportunity, love and support. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Fali Moin Orandi, sons Cyrus Orandi, Amir Orandi (Deena Tajfirouz and grandson Donesh) and daughter Nusheen Orandi.
A public service honoring Ali's remarkable life will be held on Monday, November 4, 2019 at Neighborhood Church, 5505 W. Riggin Ave.,Visalia, CA 93291 at 9:00 AM, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Ali's honor can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
