Claire Dean Greer
Claire was born in Lava Hot Springs, ID. As a youngster he moved to Gilroy with his grandparents. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served in WWII as a Steward's Mate Second Class. During that time he became a boxing champ. Claire later came to Paicines in 1966. He retired from Greer Landscaping in 1995. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to dance. He enjoyed many activities as a member of Thousand Trails. His favorite pastime was being with his family. Claire was preceded in death by his infant son Kenneth. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Isabel (Betty) Greer, their 5 children and spouses; Stephen and Louise Greer of Hollister, Tom and Janice Tomasello of Hollister, Michael and Janis Greer of Seligman MO, Robert and Vivian Greer of San Juan Baustista, and John and Patty Marfia of Hollister. He is also survived by his siblings Shirley Barker, Monte and Dennis Ezell all of Paso Robles, and numerous relatives and friends. Claire's legacy continues as a proud "Gramps" to 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for willingly sharing his secret cookie stash with them. Claire lost his battle with a lengthy illness Friday morning with his family by his side. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 18, 2009, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Helen Archibald Johnson
Helen Elizabeth Archibald Johnson, 93, the youngest daughter of Curtis and Viola Prescott Archibald, was a third generation Californian born in San Juan Bautista on the Prescott Ranch. At an early age, her family moved to Martinez, CA, where she attended school before graduating from Alhambra High School in Martinez in 1933. Helen graduated from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in San Francisco in 1939, and worked 2 ½ years in the obstetrics dept. of Alta Bates Hospital, in Berkeley, CA. She also served with the U.S. Navy Nurse Corp., enlisting in 1941 and serving during World War II, before returning to San Benito County. Her military service included Pearl Harbor, Hawaii shortly after the bombing.
Nathan Roy Shurtliff
Died unexpectedly at his home early Wednesday morning. A quiet young man, Nathan influenced many people for good in his short life. Despite the trials of life, he always felt positive about the future. He was a true Disney fan and just like the characters that he loved, he was happy with life. Nathan is survived by his parents, Roy and Cassie, his sister, Elizabeth, his grandmother, Ramona Shurtliff, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be Monday, July 13, 2009, from 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Johnson Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill. His funeral will be at The LDS chapel, 1790 E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, with burial right after at the Los Gatos Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made, in Nathan's name, to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Thomas Dean Ward
Thomas was a long-time resident of San Martin, CA. He was born in Brawley, CA on January 14, 1938. In 1955, he lied about his age to join the U.S. Navy. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Irene Brown.
Keith C. Badham
Club affiliations include Military. Keith Badham passed away at the age of 83 at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Payson, UT to Paul and Pauline (Johnson) Badham, and was a graduate of Payson High School. After his service in the Army Air Corps, Keith attended the University of Utah, earning a degree in Science and Biology.
Frank Vigna
Frank Vigna was born on July 26, 1915 to Antonio and Raffaela Vigna in Agosto, Aprigliano, Italy. At 15, Frank immigrated to the United States where, after a brief stay in New Jersey, he arrived via train in Gilroy. He regarded his journey to America during the Depression as his greatest challenge. Frank met his beloved wife, Ida Vigna (formerly Ida Filice, deceased in 1985), in Hollister and they married in 1934 at Saint Mary's Church in Gilroy. Together they raised three children, Anthony, Deanna and Marilyn.
Alene E. Franusich
Passed away at home in Kelseyville, CA at the age of 83.
Michael J. Rovella
Michael J. Rovella passed away on Monday July 6th, 2009, at the age of 83. He was a life long resident of Hollister.
Betty Elaine Curtis
Betty Elaine Curtis was born Sept. 26, 1935 in Santa Cruz, CA. She peacefully went to be with Jesus on July 7, 2009 at home in San Juan Bautista from complications related to cancer. She was 74. Betty is survived by her children: Steve Bradford (wife, Terri Lynn) of Prunedale, Donna Bradford Garcia (Husband, Jose) of San Juan Bautista, and Jerry Bradford (wife, Sheryl) of Monterey. Her daughter, Terri Bradford Creaghe preceded her in death in 2004. She leaves five grandchildren: Matthew Smith (wife, Rosie), Garett Smith, Steve Bradford, Jr., Travis Bradford and Joey Bradford and three step-grandchildren: Esteban Garcia, Elena Ayala, and Daniela Nyberg. She also leaves nine great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Sadey, Austyn, Cheyenne, Aiden, Mica, Charlie, Sophia and David. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, especially Robert Cullifer, William Cullifer, Sheri Jameson, Michael Walker (all of Sacramento) and their families.
Tranquiliana Miranda
Tranquiliana Miranda, 89, of Greenfield, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2009 at the Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, CA.
