Archived Obituaries

Rae Leas passed away Wed. April 16, 2008 in Grove, OK where she and her husband, Todd had purchased a lakeshore home on Grand Lake of the Cherokees. Rae was born in Ada, Oklahoma to Ray and Kathleen (Lowry) Nelms. Rae moved with her family to South Gate, CA where she graduated in 1958 from South Gate High School. On October 3, 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, Todd F. Leas, and moved to Thousand Oaks, CA to start a family. In 1975, the Leas family moved to Gilroy where Rae worked for 25 years as an Administrative Assistant, retiring in 2001. In addition to a very fulfilling career, Rae had very fond memories of coworkers; and many lasting friendships.

Susan Castillo passed away in Gilroy at the age of 50. Arrangements are pending at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. For full obituary and condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com

Jimena Hernandez Diosdado, infant daughter of Miguel Hernandez and Maria Diosdado of Hollister. Entered into rest in San Jose. Private cremation with private family inurnment. For condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com

Robert, born in Dubuque, IA passed away in Gilroy, CA. He is survived by Joanne Bentley of Gilroy, children Kyle and his wife Wendy of Oceanside, CA, and Shannon of San Jose, CA; grandchildren, Evan, Owen and Aiden Schetgen; brother of Beverly and Frank Reinert of Dubuque, IA, Ronald and Rose Schetgen of Sunnyvale, CA and Joleen and Frank Sumner of Realto, CA. Preceded in death by his parents Peter and Olive Schetgen.

Passed away in San Jose at the age of 53. Services are pending at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. For a full obituary and condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com

Michael Anthony Hernandez passed away April 26, 2008 in Gustine, CA at the age of 27. Funeral services have been held and burial took place at Mount Hope Memorial Park, Morgan Hill.

Husband of the late Tommy Lou Cowell Wood (the love of his life), father of Theodore Edward Wood (Linda) of Gilroy, CA, Thomas Paul Wood (Zennie) of Salinas, CA and the late Janet Janice Wood Garland and her surviving husband, Gene.Grandfather of Ted, Tim, Leeanna, Bonnie, George, Carrie, Michelle, Dusti and Derrick. He was a great-grandfather of 18, and was raised in Kansas City, Kansas. Paul was a Navy Veteran of World War II and moved to Salinas in the mid 50's. He worked as a salesman for Dolly Madison Cakes, owned and operated the Flamingo Bar in Salinas, he was a truck driver for Sam Andrews Produce in Holtville and later in his retired life, he delivered the Salinas Californian Newspaper. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War and an avid bowler. Paul was also a past member of the Alisal Lions Club, Salinas. Private family service has already been held. Donations to the American Lung Association preferred.

Charlie passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at the age of 60 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife Sandy, daughter and son-in-law Wendy and Dave Lowi and their 2 children Carly and Laine, his 2 brothers Bill McDow and Devlin Jones and their families, and a large company of extended family and friends.

Entered into rest in Los Banos. Visitation: Sunday, May 4th 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. Rosary: 7:00 PM Sunday at St. Benedict's Church. Mass: Monday, May 5th at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict's Church. Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

The Lord called Manuel back to his home on April 23, 2008. Manuel was born on May 14, 1922 in El Monte California, and moved to Gilroy in 1937. He married his late wife Helen Perez in 1942 and was happily married for almost 50 years. Manuel served in the U.S. Army and fought in the South Pacific. After his military service Manuel worked as a welder for BG. Manuel then began working as a truck driver for Moretti and Georgia Pacific. He retired in 1984. Manuel's greatest passion was caring and maintaining his vehicles. He took great pride in his cars!