Archived Obituaries

Passed away in Santa Cruz. Arrangements pending.

Born in Coyote, Viona attended local schools,and earned certification as a dietician at San Jose State College.She married Jim Walters in 1940, living in San Jose,Merced,Gilroy, and Hollister,until they bought a small ranch in Lincoln CA. in the '70s,when they both retired. She was preceded in death by husband Jim in 1995,is survived by daughter,Melinda Hinde of Soquel, son Jim Walters of Boulder Creek,nieces Joan LaBrucherie,and Roxanne Bracco, both of Morgan hill, and niece Sandra Trinta of Patterson. There will be a private cremation and no service,per Viona's request.

Resident of Gilroy

Santa Clara county resident, Emily Bettencourt passed away on September 18, 2010 from a brief battle with leukemia surrounded by her family and friend. She was a member of St. Mary's Church, Gilroy and I.F.D.E.S. Hall of Gilroy. She loved playing games with her grandchildren and was loved by all. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Joseph Bettencourt, her parents Antonio and Frances Amaro, her brothers and sister Tony Amaro, John Amaro, Frank Amaro, Jose Amaro and Mary Cisneros. Mother of Larry Bettencourt and his wife, Bonnie of Hanford, CA and John Bettencourt and his wife, Salderrrena of Chowchilla, CA. Grandmother of Christina Kaupp and her husband, Garlin of Soledad, CA, Scott Bettencourt and his wife, Brandy of Omaha, NE, Bryon Bettencourt and his wife, Tracy of San Bernardino, CA, John Bettencourt II and his wife, Jennifer of Chowchilla, Larry Bettencourt Jr. and his wife, Bacilia of Gonzales, CA, Erik Bettencourt of Gilroy, Chalena Bettencourt of Lathrop, CA and Rebecca Rose Bettencourt of Soledad. Great-grandmother of 13. The family would like to send a special "Thank You" to Mrs. Adelfa Hunley and Dr. Leung and staff.

Alex J. Castro Jr. passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 15th in Santa Clara County at the age of 36 years. Alex was a native of San Jose and a former resident of San Benito County. He is the great-grandson of Rosie Gutierrez; he is the grandson of Natalie Velazquez; the son of Alexander and Rita Castro; the step-son of Rose Castro; the brother of Isaac, David, Lori, and Joelda; and the uncle of Alyssa, Danielle, and Isela. A Rosary will be offered on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church 1200 Fairview Rd., Hollister; followed by a Mass of The Resurrection on Thursday, September 23rd beginning at 10:00 a.m. to which friends are invited. Inurnment will follow at St. Benedict's Columbarium. Visit: www.grunnagle.com for condolences.Alex J. Castro Jr. passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 15th in Santa Clara County at the age of 36 years. Alex was a native of San Jose and a former resident of San Benito County. He is the grandson of Natalie Velazquez; the son of Alexander, Rose, and Rita Castro; the brother of Isaac, David, Lori, and Joelda; and the uncle of Alyssa, Danielle, and Isela. A Rosary will be offered on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church 1200 Fairview Rd., Hollister; followed by a Mass of The Resurrection on Thursday, September 23rd beginning at 10:00 a.m. to which friends are invited. Inurnment will follow at St. Benedict's Columbarium. Visit: www.grunnagle.com for condolences.

Peggy Ayers Steele passed away peacefully with her children and family by her side on September 16. She is survived by her brother and sister Kenneth (Wanda) Ayers of Fresno, CA and Barbara (Ron) Wallace of Oregon as well as her children Robert (Kathy) Cummings of Greenville, MS, Carole (Dario) Casarino of Hollister, Linda (Sal) Agredano of Hollister, David (Darlene) Cummings of Cottonwood, CA, Lida Dupree of Hollister, Andy (Kim) Cummings of Prunedale, Ca, and Tom (Suzie) Cummings of Redding, CA. She is also survived by 15 grand children and 5 great grand children. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Glenford and Lydia Ayers and her sister Imogene Glau.

Carol Jean Vence, 64, of Goodyear died September 6, 2010, in Surprise, AZ. She was born June 4, 1946, in Belleville, IL. She moved to Arizona in 2006. She was a homemaker and attended Vision Baptist Church.

Anne Gluhaich Ivancovich, born February 20, 1917, passed peacefully from this world surrounded by family on September 15, 2010, in Saratoga, CA. Loving daughter of Mary C. and John P. Gluhaich. Adored wife of Triffle P. Ivancovich of Cupertino for 68 years. Mother of John (Jan) Ivancovich of Hollister, CA, Betty (John) Colwell of Los Gatos, CA, William Ivancovich of Kenwood, CA, Mara (Thomas) Hutton, of Chappaqua, NY, and Christine (Alfredo) Jefferson of Hartsdale, NY. Grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 14 (and another expected).

Tammi Donovan of Hollister, CA went home to be with her Lord and Savior after a battle with cancer, at the age of 45.

Matthew Anton Stankovich was taken from us unexpectedly this past Sunday, September 12, 2010.