July 13, 1957 – Jan. 17, 2014

Commander Norbut lost a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer on Jan. 17. He was born in Los Angeles to Donald and Esther Norbut. His younger years were spent in Huntington Park, Calif.

When he was 15, the family moved to La Crescenta where he graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1975. While working at Safeway, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management at California Polytechnic, Pomona. In November 1985, he received his commission in the United States Navy through Officers Candidate School in Newport, R.I. He earned a master of business administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. He earned a second master’s degree at Naval War College, Newport, R.I.

His initial sea assignment was aboard the USS Cochrane, home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. There he served as the disbursing and sales officer, and successfully rebuilt the failed S3 Division. He saw duty on the submarine USS Georgia; the cruiser USS Bunker Hill. He also served shore duty at Navy Fuel Detachment, Tsurumi, Japan; Naval Base San Diego, Calif.; Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia; action officer for the NAVSEA Submarine Directorate in Crystal City, Va.; Military Traffic Management Command, Falls Church, Va.; and Executive Office, Supply Management department head, and Fleet Logistics support department head at the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Puget Sound, Wash. where he retired.

A highlight of his career was serving with Gen. Tommy Franks during Operation Enduring Freedom at U.S. Central Command’s forward headquarter in Qatar and at USCENTCOM In Tampa, Fla. He served 24 years in the Navy retiring in May 2009.

Since retiring, Jerry had been working for the Navy as a federal employee at Naval Surface Warfare in Panama City Beach, Fla.

In 1990, he married Doreen Tomsick, his high school classmate. Jerry enjoyed woodworking, the outdoors and doing things to help or surprise others. He enjoyed his friends and loved his family. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his thoughtfulness and his pride and love for his wife and sons.

Very much loved, Jerry is survived by his wife of 24 years; his sons Kyle, 16, and Sean, 13; his parents Donald and Esther; and his sister and her husband, Nancy and Jeff Hole.

Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Covenant Hospice.

Nov. 12, 1931 – Jan. 24, 2014

La Familia Oseguera de La Cañada regrets to announce the passing of Maria E. Frias. Maria was born in Montrose  on Nov. 12, 1931 and passed away Jan. 24 in El Sereno, Calif.

Maria was the fifth of 10 children born to the La Cañada pioneering family of Jesus and Braulia Oseguera. Three sisters and two brothers preceded her in death.

Maria went through the local school system in La Cañada and Pasadena. She worked at JPL from 1957 to 1974 as the head administrative assistant for 10 scientists.

Maria was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister and aunt. She was an accomplished baker whose specialty was pastries. Maria always had a never-ending big smile that always brightened up our lives. She was always willing to help when needed. She loved to dance and was a sought after glamorous model in the early 1950s. For many years she could be seen driving up and down Foothill Boulevard in her white two-door Rambler.

Maria was an extraordinary person who tackled adversity and life’s challenges courageously without giving up. She was well known and loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Maria is survived by her loving daughter Gloria Maria Frias; sisters Amparo Balbuena of La Cañada and Rosa Lopez of Montebello; brothers David Oseguera of Encinitas and Benjamin of La Cañada; and half-brother Salvador Oseguera of Calexico. She is survived locally by many nieces and nephews.

Services shall be conducted today, Thursday, Jan. 30 at Guerra-Gutierrez Mortuary in Los Angeles at 11 a.m.

July 23, 1923 – Jan. 24, 2014

Helen Lorraine Baker, now Helen Dunkle Samuelson, was born on July 23, 1923 on the family farm in northern Iowa near Rockford. She was the second of two daughters born to Clyde and Ruth Baker. Her older sister Margaret was born two years earlier.

After graduating from high school, she attended Hamilton Business College in nearby Mason City to become a bookkeeper and upon completion found a job at Pacific General Electric. In 1945, she moved to Glendale.

In 1947 she married John George Dunkle, then a Los Angeles County sheriff, and they settled in Glendale. In 1955, their first child Eileen was born followed by a second daughter, Ann, two years later. Throughout these years she worked as a bookkeeper at a number of places, including TOTCO and Shearson.

The marriage ended in 1973, but in 1980 she married Earl W. Samuelson of Van Nuys and they spent the past 34 years together. In 2010, she was diagnosed with Mantle cell lymphoma. After battling cancer for more than three years, she passed away on Friday, Jan. 24.

She is survived by her husband Earl; sister Margaret Hoffman; two children, Eileen Kingsley and Ann Partida; and seven grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crippen Mortuary, 2900 Honolulu Ave. in La Crescenta. A memorial service will be held the next day, Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. at Montrose Church, 2409 Florencita Dr., Montrose.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com

Feb. 20, 1943 – Jan. 26, 2014

Roger was born Feb. 20, 1943 in Akron, Ohio to Ruth and Ira Radcliffe. He was their first born and only son. He was a toddler when his family relocated to California. He grew up in North Hollywood and graduated from Francis Polytechnic High School before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from California State University, Northridge. He worked in the banking industry for many years, first for Wells Fargo in San Francisco then for First Bank System in Minneapolis, Minn. He became vice president and division manager of the Marketing and Planning Division in both institutions.

In addition, he was an investment executive, operating as a stockbroker with Baraban Securities and First InterCapital Securities in the San Fernando Valley. He passed the certified public accountant exam while serving as an independent consultant for small businesses and individuals in the San Fernando Valley, emphasizing accounting, taxes, marketing finance and computer operations.

At age 55 he went back to Cal State Northridge to fulfill the educational requirements for a teaching credential and became a math teacher at Francis Polytechnic High School and Sun Valley High School. He retired in 2011.

While working for Wells Fargo, Roger introduced the single-line concept, convinced his superiors of the advantages of then virtually unknown ATM machines and developed the tag line, We Deliver, Always Have to accompany the stage coach as the Wells Fargo icon.

He married Marian Orem in 2001 and moved to La Crescenta. He and Marian became acquainted as members of The Users Group Network, a computer and technology club in which they both served as officers. He was always ready to help others solve a computer problem. Roger loved to travel, so he and Marian took many memorable trips during which he introduced Marian to activities new to her. He was loved by her family and enjoyed being the stepfather to her children and became a grandpa as well.

He is survived by his wife Marian; stepchildren Christopher (Susan), Brian and Diane; grandchildren Michael (Samantha), Paul (Morgan), Crystal, Melinda; great grandchildren Payton, Lyric, Caleb, Jenna, Cadence and one more boy coming soon; also two sisters, Irene (Dave) and Kay (Bob).

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. at Crippen Mortuary, 2900 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta.

Memorial Tribute on CrippenMortuary.com

July 6, 1954 – Jan. 27, 2014

Maureen Alyson Lovretovich passed away on Jan. 27 in the comfort of her home in Oxnard.

Born July 6, 1954 in San Francisco to Betty-Jean Goodale and the late John Prosser, Maureen was raised in La Cañada Flintridge by her mother and that is where she stayed throughout her entire childhood and young adult life.

After Maureen graduated from La Cañada High School in 1972, she went on to attend the University of California Los Angeles where she obtained her B.A. degree in communication studies. After graduation, she obtained a job as an entertainment publicist at J. Bernstein and Associates where she worked for two years.

Although she had a natural ability to be successful in any work environment, she found her most rewarding career was through the arts, and that was where her passion truly thrived.

On Aug. 21, 1976 Maureen married Joseph Lovretovich at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Los Angeles. In 1978, they moved to Thousand Oaks, eventually settling down in Santa Rosa Valley in 1988 where they raised their four children. During their time in Santa Rosa Valley, Joseph and Maureen were active members of Padre Sara Parish and the Santa Rosa community. The marriage ended in 1998.

After spending a few years living in Ventura, Maureen found her permanent residence, a lovely home a block from the beach in the city of Oxnard in the small surfing community of Silver Strand. She had lovely neighbors whom she adored and who adored her right back, and she shared her home with not only a roommate but also a very dear friend Thomas Drumwright.

She is survived by her mother, Betty-Jean Prosser; four children: Mark Daniel, Paul Matthew, Brynne Alyson and Kara Jeanne; uncles Daniel, Brian, Lonald and Neil Goodale and their families; and two brothers Ty and Todd Prosser.

For those who knew Maureen, they knew she was a free spirit, full of energy and life. She never ceased to exude creativity, from painting to poetry, which you could see on every inch of her home inside and out. She always held onto her faith and did whatever she could to extend a hand to those in need. She spent most of her time planting flowers on her patio, working on art projects in her studio, and walking her dog Bobby on the beach. Her warm and friendly smile could light up a room, was extremely contagious and that memory of her will stay with us always.

To view a memorial tribute, please visit www.CrippenMortuary.com.

June 13, 1928 – Feb. 3, 2014

Joseph A. Crawford, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Arnold, Calif., on Feb. 3 following an extended illness. Joe is survived by his wife of 24 years, Marcy Crawford. Joe was a longtime resident of La Cañada Flintridge.

Joe was born in Delavan, Ill. on June 13, 1928 to Marie, a homemaker, and Lawrence, a high school teacher. He graduated from Libertyville High School in Illinois and attended the University of Illinois before heading west in 1949. On the trip to California he met his future wife, Marian, on the train. He settled in the San Francisco Bay area working for an uncle and attending UC Berkeley before entering the commercial insurance business. He and Marian wed in 1949, settled in San Carlos and had two sons, Joseph and Timothy. The family moved to La Cañada Flintridge in 1968.

In addition to his career, for many years Joe was a volunteer diving coach when his athletic sons took up the sport. He was active in the Paradise Valley Homeowners’ Association and was an avid golfer and bowler in neighborhood leagues, and a member of the Glendale Elks Lodge later in life.  He and Marian liked to entertain and many happy parties were held at their Ocean View Boulevard home. In 1987 Marian passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Joe was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister Linda Dorr.

Joe was fortunate to find a second chance at love when he married long time friend Marcy Gallagher on Sept. 23, 1989 in Glendale. He retired as a vice president from Oland International, a commercial insurance brokerage, in 1995 after 45 years in the insurance business.

In the early 1990s, Joe and Marcy built a second home in Arnold, a small community on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. After splitting their time for many years between their Tujunga condo and their mountain retreat, they retired there full time in 2007. In Arnold, Joe was active in the Moose Lodge, the SIRS (Sons in Retirement) and volunteered for many years as a docent at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Joe is survived by his wife Marcy, his sons Joe and Tim (Rosel), his granddaughters Alex and Max Crawford, all of La Crescenta, and his sister Martha Owens (Ron) of Arkansas. Joe is also survived by his stepchildren Carol Kramer (Bob), Jim Gallagher (Paula), and Dan Gallagher (Dawn),  and his step-grandchildren Donny (Theresa), Jason, Sara, Tanya and Tanner Gallagher, Christopher Kramer, and step-great grandchildren Lucas and Muri Gallagher, as well as extended family and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held
in Arnold.

Feb. 4, 2014

La Crescenta native son Robert (Bob) Lee Chase passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at his home in Folsom, Calif. He had turned 65 last December.

Throughout his life, Bob pursued many outdoor activities including mountain climbing, backpacking and jogging. He was active in the La Crescenta Presbyterian youth programs and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

He first moved from the Crescenta Valley after graduating from CVHS with his class of 1967 and enrolling at Humboldt State University in Northern California. After transferring to Cal State Northridge, he graduated with a degree in radio & television production. Years later he discovered a passion for the travel industry. It was this career path that in the late 1990s brought him back to Southern California to run the family travel agency in Glendale, Chase Travel Service.

When the economy forced the closure of Chase Travel, Bob moved back to the Sacramento area to work for a large national travel agency. Here he became well known for his unique talent with computer programming and software development as it relates to the travel industry.

While Bob and his wife of 32 years, Jeri, had no children, he is survived by his mother, Mary Chase (La Crescenta); brother Steve (St. Helens, Ore.); brother Jim and sister Donna Armstrong-Ruf (both La Crescenta); and many nieces and nephews.

At Bob’s request, there will be no memorial service. His ashes will be scattered in his beloved Sierra Nevada mountains after the spring snowmelt.

1925 – 2014

Josephine Gebbia was born Oct.  8, 1925 in Rochester, N.Y. to Carmelo and Jennie Cannavo, immigrants from Sicily, Italy. She came to Los Angeles at the age of 12 and attended Franklin High School. In 1952, she came to La Cañada to work as a hairdresser at the House of Charles and later opened and operated The Futurama Beauty Salon in La Cañada for several years. She later moved her business to Montrose where she opened and operated JoLian’s for Beauty.

When she retired she moved to the Palm Desert area for several years and recently returned to La Crescenta to be near family. She is preceeded in death by her husband Anthony.

She is survived by her daughter Mary; husband Gerald Cooke; grandson Mike Bess and wife Leslie; great grandchildren Mikey, Sienna, Chasen and Angel; grandson Phil Bess and great-granddaughter Brittney Bess.

Visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crippen Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.

1925 – 2014

Mardith J. “Mardy” Wilkins passed away on Feb. 6.  She is survived by her husband Bob, daughter Lynette, sister Jean, and grandchildren Alyssa and Trent.

Mardy Naregan was born in Santa Barbara in 1940. After relocating to Glendale, she attended Glendale High School (1958), and Glendale City College.

She worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she met her future husband Robert Wilkins. They were married in 1964 and later became parents to daughter Lynette.

In 1993, Mardy was honored by NASA’s Manned Flight Awareness Program and was privileged to witness the launch of the Orbiter Discovery. While there, she attended numerous functions and a met a number of NASA astronauts.

Mardy will be remembered by her incredible courage in fighting Type 1 diabetes that struck her when she was only 8 years old. She took excellent care of the diabetes while not losing her loving charm and wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Crippen’s Mortuary on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m.

Crippen’s is located at 2900 Honolulu Ave. in La Crescenta. To view a memorial tribute, visit CrippenMortuary.com.

1940 – 2014

Mardith J. “Mardy” Wilkins passed away on Feb. 6.  She is survived by her husband Bob, daughter Lynette, sister Jean, and grandchildren Alyssa and Trent.

Mardy Naregan was born in Santa Barbara in 1940. After relocating to Glendale, she attended Glendale High School (1958), and Glendale City College.

She worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she met her future husband Robert Wilkins. They were married in 1964 and later became parents to daughter Lynette.

In 1993, Mardy was honored by NASA’s Manned Flight Awareness Program and was privileged to witness the launch of the Orbiter Discovery. While there, she attended numerous functions and a met a number of NASA astronauts.

Mardy will be remembered by her incredible courage in fighting Type 1 diabetes that struck her when she was only 8 years old. She took excellent care of the diabetes while not losing her loving charm and wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service was held at Crippen’s Mortuary on Feb. 18.

To view a memorial tribute, visit CrippenMortuary.com.

Feb. 7, 1919 – Feb. 4, 2014

Bettie Rae Betsworth, just four days shy of 95, passed away in her home on Feb. 4. Born in Los Angeles on Feb. 7, 1919, she was a long time resident of Sunland. She graduated from USC and began a long teaching career.

Bettie was a kindergarten teacher at Sunland School for the majority of her teaching career. She was a long-standing and very active member in the United Methodist Church of Tujunga.

Bettie is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, Robert and Anne Betsworth of Tehachapi and William and Angie Betsworth of Tujunga;  grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Adam and Trixy Betsworth of Riverside; and two great grandsons, Noah and Jonah Betsworth. She is also survived by her sister, Norma Hammond of Palmer, Alaska.

A memorial service was held for Bettie at the United Methodist Church, 9901 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., Tujunga 91042. Bettie requested that, in-lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the church would be appreciated.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com.

1951-2014

Mitchell Curtis Kisacky, a 45-year resident of La Cañada Flintridge, passed away at the age of 62 at home on Feb. 27. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Nancy Kisacky; their three daughters and sons-in-law: Kimberly Lee (Clayton), Kelly Blodgett (Michael) and Jamie Bates (Nathan); and six grandchildren: Parker, Katie, Ryan, Brandon, Bethany and Nathan.

Mitch was born in Van Nuys in 1951. He was an only child to Linda and George Kisacky. Mitch attended military school during his primary years and spoke with honor and pride of his achievements at that time. As a teen, he developed a love for adventure, leading him to some of his favorite activities including travel, learning to fly in a Cessna to Alaska, scuba diving, or anything that involved water. Church was an important part of his life; in his later teen years, he served a mission in Mexico to assist with the translation of the Bible into tribal tongues.

During his senior year at La Cañada High School, Mitch met and fell in love with his future bride Nancy. After four years of courtship, they were wed in 1973.     Mitch and Nancy raised their three girls in both Norco and La Cañada. Mitch always made sure that family was his first priority. Some of his favorite experiences with the girls were volunteering as coach for their softball teams and being their Girl Scout leader. Owning a computer consulting firm with Nancy allowed for this lifestyle, and his girls treasured having him so present in their lives. This also allowed Mitch the luxury of time to spend with Nancy, fortifying their marriage that their children now strive to emulate. As the grandchildren came, Mitch thoroughly enjoyed his role as grandpa, be it with Play-doh, a basketball, a softball – you name it, he was ready and willing.

Mitch had a love for life. He loved talking to just about anyone simply to hear what they had to say. He loved music, dancing and parties. He loved to entertain, to welcome people into his home, provide good food and share good conversation. He had a gift for making people feel at ease and just enjoying the moment.

As a volunteer mentor, he helped support and change the lives of many seeking a new way of life. He was a gift to all those who knew him.

He was a devoted husband, a dedicated father and a loving grandfather. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, March 16 at 10 a.m. at Descanso Gardens, Van de Kamp Hall, La Cañada Flintridge.

1947 – 2014

James Dante Martino, a former longtime resident in the La Crescenta/Glendale region, passed away on Jan. 23 at his home in Vancouver, Wash. He was born in Modesto to Bart and Beatrice Martino in 1947. The family moved to La Crescenta where he attended schools, graduating from Clark Jr. High in 1962 and Crescenta Valley High School in 1965. Jim later attended Glendale Community College and was employed by Kevex Instruments for over 20 years.

He was a great friend and was always there when needed. He had a heart of gold that was as big as the sky.

Jim is survived by his wife, Donna Martino, who he met in a La Crescenta bowling league in 1989. They married in 1997 and moved north to Vancouver in 2002.

He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Sue Martino (Modesto), nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many friends who remember James Dante Martino as “a gift” in their lives. Fond memories and prayers shall sustain us until we all meet again.

July 28, 1931 – March 4, 2014

Johnnie Lee Roberson was born in Cement, Okla. on July 28, 1931. Johnnie served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 and in 1980 he met his wife Karen.

Johnnie and Karen settled down in the foothills with their six children close by where they lived a happy, full life. He retired as captain from the Los Angeles County Fire Department after 29 years of loyal service.

Johnnie passed away March 4 peacefully at home surrounded by his close friends and family. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

Memorial tribute on crippenmortuary.com

April 2, 1920 – March 13, 2014

Dorothy Rose Snyder, 93, was truly loved by her close family and friends. A Los Angeles native, she was a proud graduate of UCLA and began her teaching career in the early 1940s and enjoyed her profession for more than 25 years. She married her beloved Louis Snyder in 1950; their love and devotion to each other and their family lasted for 54 years until Louis’ passing in 2004.

Dorothy was a resident of the Sunland-Tujunga area since 1959 and an active member of the Tujunga Methodist Church for decades. She lived her life as a kind and gentle Christian woman.

She was a lifetime member of the Sierra Club where as a younger woman she was one of the first women to rock climb the east face of Mt. Whitney. She loved the mountains and camping, and frequently took the family on vacations in the High Sierras.

She loved music and singing around the family piano, dancing with her husband (folk dancing, square dancing and polka), and encouraged her children to become musicians. They all learned various musical instruments and performed to her delight. She was an avid reader of poetry and literature and would share her favorite stories with her beloved family.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Susan (Whipple) and son-in-law Alan; grandsons Evan and Skyler; son David and daughter-in-law Leslie; granddaughter Jill; son Doug (DC) and daughter-in-law Susanne; granddaughters Chelsea and Courtney; and daughter Elizabeth (Stark) and son-in-law Dave and granddaughter Hannah.

Mom, Grandma, you are truly loved by all; we will never forget you and all of the lessons you taught us how to live our lives as you did with grace, beauty and kindness. You will be forever in our memories. Rest in peace.

Dec. 11, 1929 – March 29, 2014

Edith M. Gelbke passed away on March 29 in the comfort of her home in La Crescenta.  She was born Dec. 11, 1929, the first of two daughters. Her sister Ruby was seven years younger; both lived with their mother and grandmother in Alabama. At 15 she met Charles and got married at 16. They moved to California in the early 1950s where they had their only son Greg in 1954.

She was a homemaker and worked part time at Sears for over 35 years. She enjoyed going to Laughlin and having Friday night dinners with her Sears group. She enjoyed a happy marriage with Charles for over 67 years.

She is survived by her husband Charles, son Greg, granddaughter Jessica and adopted grandson Lucas.

Services will be held at Crippen Mortuary, 2900 Honolulu Ave. in La Crescenta, today, Thursday, April 3. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m.

Nov. 5, 1947 – Jan. 23, 2014

On Jan. 23, James Dante Martino was taken to heaven and reunited with his mom and dad, Bea and Bart Martino.

He was a longtime resident of  La Crescenta  and Tujunga. He attended Clark Jr. High and Crescenta Valley High (where he played football ) and Glendale College. He married in 1997 to Donna, who was the love of his life. They met at a Verdugo Hills Bowling league in 1989. Jim was employed by Kevex Instruments for over 20 years before moving to Vancouver, Wash. in 2002.

He was a great friend and was always there when needed. He had a heart of gold that was as big as the sky. You’ll be missed, Jim.

Jim is survived by his wife Donna; brother Dennis; sister-in-law Sue Martino (Modesto); nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many friends who remember James Dante Martino as “a gift” in their lives.

Fond memories and prayers shall sustain us until we all meet again.

Nov. 28, 1913 – March 29, 2014

Charles E. McEvoy, 100, of O’Fallon, Ill., formerly of Sunland, born Nov. 28, 1913 in Osgoode Station, Ontario, Canada, passed away at home on March 29 surrounded by his loved ones.

Recognizing his ability to play a good game of pool, his father encouraged him as a teenager to use this skill to earn money. He quickly honed his business skills to create his own soda and newspaper delivery business, gradually increasing his truck fleet and expanding into dairy delivery. Charles lived in Detroit in his early years, before moving his young family to the sunshine of Southern California. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a gunner’s mate.

He was a resourceful and creative businessman. He was a member of the California Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and owned The Sundown bar and grill in Sunland. He moved to O’Fallon, Ill. in 2010 to be closer his family.

He  was preceded in death by his wife Sally McEvoy; parents Edward Michael and Florence, nee Blanchfield, McEvoy; his son-in-law Michael T. Wayland.

Surviving are his daughter Barbara J. Wayland of O’Fallon, Ill.; his granddaughters Keli (Jason) Lesker, of O’Fallon; Lacie Wayland of Montrose; Tiffiny (Jonathan) Beauchamp of O’Fallon; and two great-grandchildren Tristan and Lorali Lesker.

Memorials are suggested to California State Sheriff’s Association (www.calsheriffs.org) to support California Law Enforcement.

The family will have private services for Mr. McEvoy.

Arrangements entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.

Jan. 21, 1927 – April 14, 2014

Charles F. Gelbke passed away April 14 in the comfort of his home in La Crescenta. He was born Jan. 21, 1927 in Birmingham Ala. He was raised by his father Louis and mother Daisy until the age of 18 when he met Edith. They moved to California in the early 1950s where they had their only son Greg in 1954. That same year, at the age of 27, Charles was drafted into the Army where he served two years.     After getting discharged from the Army he continued his optical career working for Detrix Optical in Los Angeles. In 1962, he worked for Day Optical in Montrose, where he worked for 25 years. He started Montrose Hearing Aid Center in the late 1980s where he worked until he retired.

After retirement he spent his time volunteering at Verdugo Hills Hospital. He enjoyed a happy marriage with Edith for over 67 years.

He is survived by his son Greg and daughter in-law Sherry and granddaughter Jessica, and adopted grandson Lucas.

A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service at noon.  The funeral service will be held at The First Baptist Church – La Crescenta, 4441 La Crescenta Ave. in La Crescenta on Friday, April 18 at 1 p.m.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com.

Crippen Mortuary directors

Jan. 22, 1926 – April 25, 2014

Sophia Irene Stanners, 88, a longtime resident of Tujunga, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, April 25. At her side was her loving family. Sophie was born in Los Angeles in Jan. 22, 1926.

Sophie attended Catholic Girls High School and Glendale College. She worked as a legal secretary at the law firm of Hanna and Morton, most closely with James P. Lower LLP, for over 40 years. Before that she worked at The Tam O’ Shanter and the Chef’s Inn. She was a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes for over 55 years.

Sophie’s love of bowling kept her active. She also enjoyed her dancing club with her husband, the late Donald Stanners. They met ice skating and also enjoyed many a night at the Hollywood Palladium.

She is survived by her seven children: daughters Jeanne (Keith) Petersen, Michelle (Alan) Myers, Patricia (Geoffrey) Rue, Margarett (Steve) Boyd, sons Mark (Yvonne) Stanners , Timothy Stanners and Paul (Lisa) Stanners; 11 grandchildren Christopher, Patrick, Kurt, Colene, Stacey, Paul, Adrienne, Natalie, Juliette, Matthew and Rachel, as well as two great grandchildren Faith and Carson.

A funeral Mass will be at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 370 Campus Dr. in Arcadia on Saturday May 3 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Sophia Stanners name to either Holy Family High School, 400 E. Lomita, Glendale, CA 91205 or St. Francis High School, 200 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, CA 91011.