Obituaries

Edward W. Rife, 79, died Aug. 20, 2009, at his home in Morgan Hill. Born May 20, 1930, in Cairo, Ill., to William E. and Mary E. Rife, he served as a pilot in the 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He was a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He worked in aerospace engineering at Lockheed at Vandenberg AFB in the 1960s, United Technologies in South San Jose in the late 1970s and again at Lockheed Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale in the 1980s before retiring in 1992 to ride his bicycle across the United States with his wife Joanne, to whom he was married for 55 years.

Jeanne was born to John and Helen Gomes on January 23, 1956. She lived her life with love in her heart and a smile on her face.

Ethelmae was born in Sacramento, CA. to Garrett and Maybelle Pylman. Her early years were spent on the Courtland ranch with her brothers, James and Robert, and sister Emeline. The family enjoyed their summers in Capitola, escaping from the heat of Sacramento. While in high school, she met the love of her life and her husband of sixty-six years, Ernie Smith. They were married on Valentine's Day, which was her birthday, and continued to farm in the Sacramento area.

Doug was born in Hollister, March 29, 1927 to Leslie and Carrie Skow, who preceded him in death. Doug passed away Wednesday morning at Mabie Southside Skilled Nursing Facility at the age of 82. He was the husband of Patricia whom he married in October, 1949. Doug and his father built the newlyweds their first home on the family ranch on Bird Creek Road (now Cienega), into which they moved after their marriage. As their family grew, so did their home, with the construction of many additions. Doug spent most of his life working as a carpenter and farming the family ranch. He graduated from the Old Union School, Hollister High and Hollister Junior College. He loved baseball and played many years on softball teams for Paine's Club and The American Legion. He managed Little League teams throughout the years his three sons played. He was active in 4-H clubs while his family was involved. During the 1968-1969 school year he worked as a teacher's aide in the Ag Department and SBHS. Doug was awarded the Farmer of the Year award by the FFA group in 1969. Doug and Pat enjoyed traveling in their R.V., traveling to such places as Mexico, Las Vegas and Calgary BC to the Calgary Stampede. They especially enjoyed traveling with friends in the Hollister RV groups to various places in California. Their favorite place was Pismo Beach. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. Doug and Pat held season tickets for many years, allowing them to see the Super Bowl at Stanford. He was a member of the Hollister Elks for 52 years, Hollister Exchange Club for 25 years and Hollister Boosters.