John (Moe) Molina III
Died at the age of 54. He was born in Fresno, CA and raised in San Jose and Hollister. He passed away in Moreno Valley, CA. He loved fishing and the outdoors. He is survived by his mother Evelyn Velasco of Hollister, brother Frank Molina "Angie" of Hollister, sisters Irene Medrano of Gilroy, Monica Velasco of Hollister, Veronica Velasco of Iowa, children John Molina IV of Colorado, Miguel Molina of Moreno Valley, AnnMarie Molina of Madera, Joann Molina of Fresno. He is also survived by five grandsons. He is preceded in death by grandmother Carmen Soriano, grandfather Miguel Flores and father John Molina II. Private Services are pending.
George Preston Thomas, Sr.
Aged 94, of Morgan Hill, fifth generation California cattle rancher, passed away quietly at home with his family. George was born in Madrone, CA to Preston and Lucy Thomas. He attended Burnett School, and graduated from Live Oak High School in 1933, where he was Student Body President and played on the varsity basketball team. After graduation, he received a basketball scholarship to University of Pacific which he declined, to stay at home and take care of the family ranch during World War II. Over the years, George's life continued to be dedicated to preserving and improving the Thomas Family Oak Flat Cattle Ranch , near Pine Ridge in Morgan Hill, which has been in the family since 1877. In 1943, George married Kathleen (Phyllis) Hendry, who arrived in town after graduating from UC at Berkeley who George remembered arriving in a shiny red convertible for her first teaching assignment at Live Oak High School. George is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis of 65 years and his children Patricia Reinhart (Mark) of Chico, George Preston Thomas, Jr., (Shelle') of Morgan Hill and Catherine Goodere (Greg) of Morgan Hill and eight grandchildren, Heather Bender, Megan Purdy, Alison McCoey, Marta Kingsbury, Preston Thomas, Lara Thomas, Braden Goodere and Sarah Goodere and eight great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth N. (Betty) Dike
Entered into rest in Hollister at the age of 79. She is the wife of Norman Dike of Hollister. Private cremation with interment at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. For full obituary and condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com
Viola F. Fellows
Passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord at home surrounded by her husband of 56 years and two daughters on March 31, 2008. She was born to Charles and Louisa Patterson in Lockwood, CA on December 21, 1922.
Epifania Morales Hernandez
Entered into rest at her Hollister home at the age of 73. Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. Cremation to be followed by private family inurnment. For full obituary and condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com
Andrew (Andy) Ortiz
Passed away March 31, 2008 in San Jose, CA. He was 66 years old. He is survived by his daughters Roxane (Jon) Ribera of Hollister and Tracy (Sal) Venezia of Littleton, CO. Grandfather of Steven Ortiz Salas of Hollister, Hunter, Tyler and Chase Venezia all of Littleton, CO. Great-grandfather of Avery Rocha of Hollister. Brother of Corina Meraz of El Paso, TX., Maria Elena (Juan) Ramirez of Gilroy and Arturo (Olivia) Ortiz of Hanford. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews. he is preceded in death by his wife Frances Ortiz. Mr. Ortiz retired from Gaylord Container which is now Temple-inland in 2002 and has been Gilroy resident for over 40 years.
Dave Bosworth
Longtime Gilroy resident Dave Bosworth passed away. He leaves behind his brother Ron West and life partner Eva Salas. A gathering will take place 1:00 P.M. Sunday April 13, 2008 at 855 Chesapeake Pl., Gilroy.
Amado Q. Amorao
Aged 66, was called home Thursday, March 27, 2008 with his family by his side at Los Robles Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, CA. Born April 14, 1941 in Baguio City, Philippines, Amado was preceded in death by his mother Eufrosina Mallare and sister Jean Baliton. He is survived by: his daughter Elizabeth Barnes and husband Stephen, his son Neil Amorao and wife Lisa and son Andrew Amorao as well as his brothers William and John Mallare.
Freddie Lee Stites
Aged 86, loving father and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday March 26, 2008 in Morgan Hill, California. He is survived by his sister Dorothy McFarland and Brother Robert Stites of Tulsa Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by 6 siblings. He is survived by his children, daughters Mary & husband Bernard Hawkins, Carol & husband Jeff Bradley, Linda Stites & John Tomasello, Anita Stephens, Denise Hall & Dennis Hancock, Sons Roger Stites, Gary Stites, Fred Stites Jr., Johnny Stites, Chris Schmidt. 26 grandchildren, 38 great- grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Juanita, second wife Ronnie, sons George Duggan and Donald Stites. He was born January 7, 1922 in Muskogee Oklahoma, grew up in Tulsa, and lived most of his adult life in Morgan Hill, Ca. Fred was a roofer and worked all over Santa Clara County.
David Mendez Sr.
Passed away at his home in Los Banos on Thursday, March 27, 2008 after a short illness. Husband of Lucy Mendez of Los Banos and son of the late Paul Mendez Sr. and Sofia Corral. Father of David Mendez Jr., Michael Mendez and Paul Mendez all of Los Banos. Brother of Betty Mendez Cortez (Leo) of Los Banos and the late Paul Mendez Jr. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was a native of Gilroy. and he graduated from Gilroy High School in 1972 and was a Navy Veteran from 1974 – 1978. He attended Gavilan College for 2 years. David enjoyed playing sports and he was very active in youth sports. He will always will remembered for his awesome smile. To see David smiling and dancing, go to youtube.com and enter David Mendez Gilroy.
