Archived Obituaries

Military Burial was held at San Joaquin National Cemetery, Gustine, CA.

Samuel D. "Sam" Villarreal passed away in Hollister at the age of 74. He was born in LaHabra, CA and came to Hollister over 60 years ago. He married his wife, Eliodora in 1970 in Hollister. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and liked spending time with his family, boxing and baseball, especially the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Thelma Dekum passed away at the age of 89 at Hospice in Monterey on Monday. She attended Salinas High School and Salinas Junior College (now Hartnell). After college she was an executive secretary at McCarthy's Insurance Co. in Salinas and after her marriage to Robert Dekum, she worked for the Monterey County Public Works Department until her retirement. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Catholic Daughters of America and Beta Sigma Phi.

MARIA E. TOVAR 72, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at St. Louise Hospital, Gilroy. Loving wife of 47 years to Wilfredo C. Tovar of San Juan Bautista, CA. Dear mother of Richard Tovar Sr. of Gilroy. Maria was grandmother of Leanna Lee of Delaware and Richard Tovar Jr. of Clovis, CA. and great-grandmother of Kalem Lee of Delaware. She is also survived by many brothers, sisters and cousins. She was a native of Gilbert, AZ. Vigil Tuesday, September 30, 2008 – 7:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. Graveside Services Wednesday, October 1, 2008 – 11:00 A.M. at San Juan District Cemetery.

Jesse Vasquez, 50, Passed away in Tracy on September 27, 2008. Vigil Services will be Wednesday, October 1, 2008 7:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, October 2, 2008 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Church.

Marilyn Roascio, age 72 years, passed away at Gilroy Health Care last Thursday. Marilyn has been a resident of San Benito County for the past 65 years. She was a graduate of San Benito High School, a member of Old Mission San Juan Bautista and owned and operated Mom and Pops Saloon in San Juan Bautista for nearly 40 years. Marilyn was very community spirited and always willing to help those in need by holding benefits at her "Tavern". She loved her family, especially her grand and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed being with her many friends. Marilyn is survived by her children, Ryan Roascio (Holly) and Rhonda Roascio of Hollister, and Ronald Cullumber (Jackie) of Missouri; her grandsons, Vince, Brandon, Greg, Evan, Jason, Christopher and Daniel, her great grandchildren, Wyatt and Madylin. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers and one sister.

Bill Ramsaur, 54, graduate of Live Oak High School. Join a celebration of his life on October 18, 2008 at an 11:00 A.M. potluck gathering at Uvas Canyon Park. For further information contact Ben Frechette at 408-847-1487.

FUNERAL SERVICE TIME CORRECTION: Funeral services will be at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home on Thursday afternoon, October 2nd, at 1:00 P.M. not 2:00 P.M. as previously stated. Visitation will be from Noon until 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday.

Betty M. Cimarolli passed away suddenly from congestive heart failure at Hazel Hawkins Hospital on the evening of September 21, 2008 at the age of 58. Betty was an active participant with the Hillside Christian Fellowship Prison Ministry and made many scheduled visits to the San Benito County Jail to meet with the women there. Services were held at the Hillside Christian Fellowship Church on Saturday, Sept. 27th.

Mike passed away Tuesday, Septebmer 23, 2008 in San Ramon, CA. He was the loving son of Marla Cook Anderson (Brad) of Prunedale, CA. Grandson of Mary C. Cook (Ed) of Gilroy and the late Dean Cook. Nephew of Julie Mangono (Jerry) of Gilroy and Dean Cameron Cook of Oregon. Also survived by many loving relatives and friends.