Archived Obituaries

Jesse Martinez Cota passed away at the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital on Friday Nov. 14th at the age of 61 years. Jesse was graduate of San Benito High School, class of 1966; was very active in the high school band. As a insurance agent in San Benito County Jesse wrote for many insurance companies. He was active with LuLac and the Make A Wish Foundation; had his own band - the Zigg Zagg Band which played thoroughout central California, and he could be often found at church on Sundays playing his saxaphone for services. Jesse organized a benefit dance at the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building---coordinating the music, food, and all other arrangements for the victims of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake which raised funds for those who needed help. He loved family gatherings, cooking, and being a coach of the Marvelous Mets Little League Baseball Team. Jesse was Korean War Veteran having served with the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife Lynda Cota of Hollister; his children Robert and William Huertas of Hollister; grandchildren Robin, Anthony, Mikey, Savanna, and Christian Huertas; sisters Angie Painter of Hollister, Josie Ruiz of Colorado, Hope Ramos of Washington, Mary Reyes of Sacramento; brothers John Cota and Ralph Cota of Salinas, and Richard Cota of Gilroy; many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by a sister, Annette Scarlett.

Michael "Mike" D. Bautista passed away at Hazel Hawkins Hospital Saturday Nov. 15th at the age of 63 years. A native of Gilroy, CA and a graduate of Gilroy High School, Mike moved to San Benito County in the 1960's. He was a Vietnam Veteran, a member of the Old Mission San Juan Bautista Parish; and a former member of the Top Hatters.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, survived by her children Rosie Beltran, Sally Navarro, Barbara DelVillar and Gilbert Navarro, 18 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Viewing Fri. from 10:00 A.M., funeral 1:00 P.M. both at Habing Family, Gilroy.

Florence was born June 29, 1917 in Kansas. She traveled to Morgan Hill, California with her two young children Jerry and Judy to make their home. She met and married Fred Price and they had a daughter, Linda.

View Tues. 5:00-8:00 P.M. Funeral Wed. 10:00 A.M. Both at Habings.

Nino Imbronone passed away at his residence in Turlock, CA on Sunday Nov. 16th with his family at his side. Services are pending and will published in Fridays newspaper and on www.grunnagle.com when finalized.

Passed away in Rocklin, CA. Age, 88. Private services.

EVELYN F. PORCELLA, 93, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2008 at St. Louise Hospital, Gilroy. Wife of the late George P. Porcella. Mother of Carol E. Porcella of La Quinta, CA, Robert P. Porcella, Richard C. Porcella, David W. Porcella of Gilroy and Barbara P. Marcosa of Aliso Viejo, CA. Grandmother of Peter Porcella (Tara) & Lori Falconer(Josh) of Bakersfield; Esther A. Campos (Michael) & Ricky Porcella of San Francisco, Christopher Dean of Gilroy, Lorri Lopez (Michael) of San Clemente, James P. Marcosa (Nancy) of Tustin, CA. Great-grandmother of Kayla, MaKenna, Bryson, Aiden, Bryce, Reese, Tatum and Joshua. Sister of Alda Gloss of Escondido, CA. and the late Adolph & George Pedroni. She is also survived by many nieces & nephews and was a native of Patterson, CA. She moved to Gilroy when she married her husband in the 1930's. After raising her 5 children she worked as a clerk for the Gilroy Municipal Court. Member of St. Mary's Church.

Jose C. Gutierrez (Polkas) 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Manuel and Agapita Marroquin Gutierrez. He migrated to the USA in 1947 heading north following crop seasons. He settled in Hollister in June of 1960 where he became an employee of Almaden. He worked many years and had lots of wonderful memories after retiring from Almaden in 1975. He played harmonica and the accordion and enjoyed listening to music, liked dancing, telling stories, laughter and writing poetry in Spanish. He especially loved being surrounded by his family and friends. He will be remembered by the love, respect and compassion he had for life, work and people. He was a dedicated and amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His positive thinking and strong will to live is what we will treasure forever.

Robert Flores, 78 of Raytown, MO passed away Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Park Place Care Center in Raytown, MO. Robert retired from the United States Air Force in 1972 after 23 years of service. He worked for Menorah Medical Center in shipping and receiving until health issues demanded his retirement in 1995. Survivors include his wife Hilda Flores of Raytown, MO, children: Robert N. Flores of Berryville, AR, Rebecca Hiestand of Raytown, MO, Brett Flores Warrensburg, MO, Richard Flores of Berryville, AR and Misti Crosley of Harrison, AR. Surviving siblings include: Francis E. Flores of Hollister, CA,Gene Flores of Fresno, CA and Olivet Martin of Hollister, CA. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Mary Flores, brother Thomas Melvin Flores and sister Bridget Angie Valenzuela. At his request there will be no funeral or memorial services but friends and family are encouraged to celebrate Robert's life and remember the good times. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com. Arrangements were handled by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Chapel of Kansas City, MO.