June 26, 1933 – Oct. 22, 2014

James Perkins (Jim) Smiley died of natural causes on Oct. 22 in his La Crescenta home at the age of 81.

He was born on June 26, 1933 in Alba, Texas to Herschel and Ruth Smiley, both who preceded him in death.

Jim moved to California in his early teen years and graduated form John Burroughs High School in Burbank in 1951. After serving two years in the United States Air Force, Jim returned to California to marry former Burroughs classmate Geraldine Ann Bergin on Oct. 2, 1954. Together they formed a family with the birth of their daughter Susan Marie and son James William.

The family moved to La Crescenta in 1968, establishing roots in a community they would call home for the rest of Jim’s life. He started work as a sheet metal worker and air conditioner installer before moving into sales and management, eventually buying his own heating and air conditioning business in the mid-1970s. A small business owner for the rest of his working career, Jim retired in 1998. Along the way, he was an active member in the Optimist Club and chamber of commerce.

Chief among Jim’s passions were his grandkids. For 25 years, if there was an athletic event that a grandchild played in, Jim was there to cheer and offer his unconditional love and support. It gave him great joy to see them compete. Jim liked to interact with the other players and parents who always included him and treated him with respect.

Another lifelong passion was teaching each of his seven grandchildren to fish. Whether at a stream or lake or on a deep-sea boat, Jim was all smiles when his line was in the water. In August, Jim ventured out for one last deep-sea fishing trip, landing a 21-pound yellowfin tuna that gave Jim all he could handle in what would be his final epic catch – the big one that didn’t get away.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Gerry Smiley, daughter Susan and her husband Joe Schramm and their children Margaret and her husband Jordan Duba, Hank and his fiancé David Dawson, Parker and his wife Elyse, Duncan, and Grant; son Jim and his wife Mashitah and their children Jimmy and Will.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2657 Honolulu Ave., Montrose.

June 26, 1933 – Oct. 22, 2014
James Perkins (Jim) Smiley died of natural causes on October 22 in his La Crescenta home at the age of 81.

He was born on June 26, 1933 in Alba, Texas to Herschel and Ruth Smiley, who both preceded him in death.

Jim moved to California in his early teen years and graduated form John Burroughs High School in Burbank, Ca., in 1951. After serving two years in the United States Air Force, Jim returned to California to marry former Burroughs classmate, Geraldine Ann Bergin, on October 2, 1954.

Together they formed a family with the birth of their daughter Susan Marie, and son James William. The family moved to La Crescenta in 1968, establishing roots in a community they would call home for the rest of Jim’s life. He started work as a sheet metal worker and air conditioner installer before moving into sales and management, eventually buying his own heating and air conditioning business in the mid-1970s. A small business owner for the rest of his working career, Jim retired in 1998. Along the way, he was an active member in the Optimist Club and Chamber of Commerce.

Chief among Jim’s passions was his grandkids. For 25 years, if there was an athletic event that a grandchild played in, Jim was there to cheer and offer his unconditional love and support. It gave him great joy to see them compete. Jim liked to interact with the other players and parents who always included him and treated him with respect. Another lifelong passion was teaching each of his seven grandchildren to fish. Whether at a stream or lake, or on a deep-sea boat, Jim was all smiles when his line was in the water. This August Jim ventured out for one last deep sea fishing trip, landing a 21-pound Yellowfin Tuna that gave Jim all he could handle in what would be his final epic catch – the big one that didn’t get away.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gerry Smiley, daughter Susan and her husband Joe Schramm and their children Margaret and her husband Jordan Duba, Hank and his fiancé David Dawson, Parker and his wife Elyse, Duncan, and Grant; son Jim and his wife Mashitah and their children Jimmy and Will.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2657 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, Ca., 91020.

March 18, 1921 – Oct. 30, 2014

Norma Hall Bowman, 93, of La Crescenta passed away on Thursday, Oct. 30 in Glendale.

Norma Smith Hall was born in Mound City, Missouri on March 18, 1921 to parents Clarence Thomas Hall and Helen Smith Hall. Her two older brothers, Clarence Thomas Hall, Jr. and John Charles Hall, enjoyed the arrival of their little sister. The Hall family lived on a 360-acre farm outside Mound City, where they raised alfalfa, hogs and chickens. Norma was included in the daily activities of her older brothers. All three would ride together on one horse. She once nearly fell off a pony when her brothers forgot to cinch the saddle. She held on; her brothers laughed, her dad did not.

Her favorite animals from the farm days were Mike, a Boston bulldog; Jimmy, a runt piglet she befriended; and Midget, her pony.

In 1933, due to the dustbowl and the Depression, the family moved to South Pasadena, California. Norma attended South Pasadena High School and played alto saxophone in the marching band. She marched in the Rose Parade in 1938 and 1939.   She graduated in June 1939 then took courses at Pasadena Business College in accounting. Before completing the accounting program, she got a job as cashier at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in the Bank of America building at Broadway and Brand in Glendale. Throughout her life, she worked as an accountant and bookkeeper for several small businesses.

In the lobby cantina of the Bank of America building Norma met one of the bank tellers, Bill Bowman. The two quickly decided they were meant for each other.  Norma married William Ross Bowman on Aug. 30, 1941 in Glendale. They had two boys, Ross William Bowman and Chris Alexander Bowman. Norma and her family moved to Rockland Place in La Cañada in 1952. In 1963, needing more space, the family moved to Cross Street in La Crescenta. Norma and Bill resided there for 50 years.

Norma was active in the PTA and Cub Scouts when her boys were young. Throughout her life, Norma especially enjoyed gardening. She shared the orange and plum harvests with neighbors and friends. After her retirement, Norma, her husband, and her brother John Hall joined Foot-Loose, a walking group that explored various parts of Los Angeles.

She enjoyed travelling, celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with Bill on a cross-country train trip that circled through the northern and southern states. She loved to keep close with family and friends.

In her later years, Norma embraced social networking, keeping in touch with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren through email and Facebook. She and Bill celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2011.

Norma moved to Twelve Oaks Lodge in Montrose in 2012. When Twelve Oaks closed, she moved to Solheim Lutheran Home in Eagle Rock in 2013. Norma made many friends in both retirement communities.

Norma is survived by her two sons and her extended family – daughters-in-law  Helena Bowman and Catalina McIsaac Bowman; four grandchildren – Olwen Skogerson with husband Paul, Cristal Burford with husband Tyrus, Vivianne Bowman and Conor Bowman; and five great-grandchildren – Caen Skogerson, Alexandria Johnson with father Tracy, Anais Skogerson and Naia Skogerson and Harlan Burford.     A memorial service is pending.

Norma was a gregarious country girl at heart. She loved people and animals, with a special place in her heart for dogs. She enjoyed a healthy and happy life of 93 years.

Nov. 19, 2014

Virginia Friedricks, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 19 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginny, as most people called her, was born in Denver, Colorado, but was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Though many of her family members were hit hard by the Great Depression, Gin had a happy childhood and remembered a constant card game going on in her living room; she was invited to join the game when she was 6 years old and from then on enjoyed a lifelong love of cards.

Ginny attended Indiana University, where she received a BS in social service.  It was there she met her future husband, Burton Friedricks.

Burt and Gin married in 1950, and lived in New York City before the two traveled around the country during Burt’s service in the Army. After he was discharged, the couple moved to Glendale where they resided since 1954.

Besides cards, especially bridge and pinochle, Gin loved reading, crossword puzzles, and generously donating her time to the Glendale Symphony, National Charity League, and P.E.O. But her greatest joys were her family and many friends, who all adored her quick wit, infectious laugh and kind heart.

She is survived by her husband Burt, son Bill (Jackie), daughter Kate and grandchildren Sarah and Emily.

Ginny was cremated, but an informal memorial luncheon will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Glen Terra for their compassion and exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people make a donation in Gin’s honor to their favorite charity.

Directors Crippen Mortuary

July 26, 1953 – Oct. 10, 2014

Glen Allen Reed died at the age of 61 while hospitalized in Los Angeles. He leaves two daughters, Alexandra Graddy-Reed and Acacia Graddy-Gamel; mother Carmela Reed of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, sister Janice Reed Rotella of Plymouth, Massachusetts; as well as four nephews, two nieces, two great-nephews and one great niece. He also leaves dear friends Michael Brandman, Joanna Miles, Miles Brandman, HT and Catherine Graddy, and Elizabeth Graddy and Karl Doerstling of Los Angeles as well as many un-named friends throughout his life and career. He was pre-deceased by his brother Franklin C. Reed II and father Franklin Reed, formerly of Coventry.

Glen grew up in Coventry, Rhode Island, graduating from Coventry High School. He attended Rhode Island Junior College and Memphis State University. He received his B.F.A. from Memphis State University in 1976.

Glen had a successful career as a lighting and technical design director of many live shows with United Artists. He worked on shows with public television in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before moving to California. He was a successful producer of television and movies with his company G.A. Productions in Los Angeles.

Glen died after multiple illnesses, a long decline and finally cardiac arrest.

There will be a graveside committal and memorial service on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at Woodland Cemetery in Coventry, Rhode Island. Family and friends are invited to this committal and memorial service to celebrate Glen’s life with shared memories. Arrangements are being handled by Iannotti’s Funeral Home in Coventry, Rhode Island. The family is requesting no flowers but welcomes memorial donations in Glen’s name to the following charities: L.A. homeless services – the Los Angeles Mission, 303 E. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013/P.O. Box 60127, Los Angeles, CA 90060-0127 and/or National Alliance on Mental Illness through its website, online donations at http://www.nami.org.

Condolences for the family can be sent to his sister Mrs. Jan Rotella (P.O. Box 1933, Manomet, MA 02345).

Please visit a memorial tribute for Glen on CrippenMortuary.com

Nov. 18, 1949 – Nov. 28, 2014

Ronald George Rittenhouse, 65, beloved son, brother, father, uncle, fiancé and friend, passed away at home surrounded by family on Nov. 28 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ron was born on Nov. 18, 1949 in Glendale to George and Joan Rittenhouse. As a young, adventurous, and energetic child, Ron took part in many activities throughout the growing La Crescenta community. He developed a love of baseball, and became an exceptional pitcher for the Crescenta Sports Association Mustangs.

Ron was an enthusiastic Boy Scout, which sparked an interest in survival skills and his love for camping. As a young adult, Ron enjoyed being a camp counselor for Camp Fox on Catalina Island.

Ron graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1968 and continued his education at Glendale Community College, studying criminology. In 1970, Ron joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1974.

Ron will be remembered for his outstanding sense of humor, engaging story-telling and his love for his children, his family, the beach, fishing and camping.

Ron is survived by his daughter Tawnya Rittenhouse; fiancé Imelda Cruz; father George Rittenhouse; mother Joan Rittenhouse; brothers Jim and Timmy Rittenhouse; three nieces, Ashley Rittenhouse, Alexis Myers and Addison Rittenhouse; and his fiancé’s sister and nephew Christine Ascencio and Albert.

His son Thomas and brother John preceded Ronald in death.

Dec. 12, 2014

Korean War veteran William Charles Crow died peacefully on Dec. 12 at NU Vista Care Facility. He was 83 years old.

Bill was manager of Post 377 of the American Legion in Tujunga for over 30 years. Prior to that, he worked at various establishments in the Sunland Tujunga area. Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea.

Bill was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of the late William and Lucille (Michel) Crow. He moved to Tujunga in the 1950s after his service in the Marine Corps.

He was the brother of the late Lucille Crow Williams, Mary Frances (Francie) Crow McHendry and Carolyn Crow McTernan. He is survived by several dozen Williams, McHendry and McTernan nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. In particular, he was assisted in his later years by Rita Williams of Bullhead City, Arizona and Gina Poulos of Zephyr Cove, Nevada.

Visitation will be held at Crippen Mortuary Chapel at 2900 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose today, Dec. 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with rosary starting at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 10321 Tujunga Canyon Blvd. in Tujunga on Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. Graveside to follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

May 28, 1933 – Dec. 10, 2014

Gwen Williams went to be with the Lord on Dec. 10.  She was born in Glendale and spent her married life in La Crescenta.

Gwen met her future husband Harry at the Verdugo Hills swimming pool in Glendale when they were 12 years old. They dated through junior high and high school in Eagle Rock. They had a 70-year friendship and a 60-year marriage … an exceptional love story.

Gwen’s greatest pleasure was following and participating with her children and grandchildren’s adventures in life. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.

Gwen is survived by her husband Harry, her son Duane (Gina), her daughter LouAnn (Matt) and grandchildren Rachel, Aaron, Kelly (Eric), Sheena and Sammie. She will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 31, 2015 at 1 p.m. at The First Baptist Church of La Crescenta, 4441 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta, in the downstairs Fellowship Hall. Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society in her honor.

May 24, 1938 – Dec. 22, 2014

Myrna Joan (Bourne) Laue was born on May 24, 1938 in Missoula, Montana to Robert Bourne of Hamilton, Montana and Theda Burton of Helena, Montana.  She was raised in the small town of Hamilton along with two brothers, Bill and Don, and one sister, Sue. Myrna talked often of growing up in Montana or, as she referred to it, the "Big Sky Country." She loved the mountains and outdoors and held a deep appreciation for all kinds of animals.

Myrna married a young man of Italian-German descent named Joseph Dominic Laue. Myrna and Joe were granted legal guardianship of Richard and David Laue in 1960. In 1961, with a baby on the way, they purchased their first home in La Crescenta. La Crescenta was a small town nestled up against the majestic San Gabriel Mountains and reminded Myrna of her beloved Montana outdoors. Myrna gave birth to Jeffery Laue on March 7, 1961 and James Laue on Oct. 5, 1966.

Myrna entered eternal peace on Dec. 22, 2014 at Verdugo Vista Nursing Home in Montrose at the grand age of 76 years, 6 months and 29 days.

Myrna was a beautiful and loving wife. She was a wonderful parent and grandparent, loved by all who were blessed to have known her. She was a cherished friend to many people and was always there to listen and provide comfort in times of need.

Myrna is survived by her husband Joseph; her four sons Ric, Dave, Jeff and Jim; her seven grandchildren Ashley, James, Juliana, Rachel, Melisa, Dalton and Brandon; and her three great-grandchildren Jackson, Oliver and Harper.

A celebration of life service for Myrna was held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Jan. 5, 1924 - Dec. 25, 2014

On Christmas Day, Erika Beer passed away from complications of a stroke.  True to her beliefs of not wanting to live if incapacitated, she chose hospice care, only lasting a week.

Born in Halle, Germany on Jan. 5, 1924 she almost made it to 91. Even at 90 she had a memory that was sharper than most people’s, able to recount in vivid detail the stories that made up her and our lives. Going through WWII as a teenager in Germany she had many fascinating tales to tell – drafted as a nurse’s assistant, digging people out of bombed buildings and as a refugee heading west just ahead of the Russians. She met and fell in love with an Austrian-American GI Peter Beer during the occupation, coming to this country as a war bride.

The next 15 years were rough as they did their best to establish themselves financially. Peter eventually became a CPA while Erika worked in a bank. Only when they were financially stable did they start their family – first a son, Frank, and then daughter Karen. Erika was the perfect mom, loved by not only her own kids, but all their friends as well. Always adventurous, she joined the Sierra Club and took up backpacking, almost killing her kids by making every rookie mistake possible on their first trip.

Peter and Erika separated when their kids hit college. Erika then moved to Oregon. She surprised everyone by going back to school, studying Russian and Middle Eastern history. She was a huge favorite of her professors. Her little corner house’s garden was so overflowing with flowers that she became known as "the Flower Lady of Corvallis." She later lost that house to the IRS.  They emptied her bank account and took her house and car as payment for back taxes that Peter, now suffering from Alzheimer’s, didn’t realize he owed.

Erika then left her beloved Oregon and moved to her son’s house in Big Bear to take care of Peter during the end stages of Alzheimer’s. Still vigorous at 75, Erika broke her ankle doing weed abatement on the 1½-acre property. Her ankle was poorly set and medically mismanaged, causing her to need to use a walker for the rest of her life.

She then moved to La Crescenta to live with her daughter’s family, enjoying living in the same area as her four beloved grandsons. She slowed down a little, but was still making her delicious chicken noodle soup, goulash and cucumber salad.

In her honor, a casual memorial open house will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11. Come by to visit anytime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Tyler home.  Erika’s favorite charity was the Defenders of Wildlife.

Dec. 20, 1941 – Feb. 4, 2015

David O. "Chip" Borresen was born on Dec. 20, 1941 and passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 4. He was preceded in death by his parents Iver and Florence Borresen, his sister and brother-in-law Susan and Jack Murray, and his brother-in-law David Nehlsen. He is survived by his sister Mary Nehlsen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Chip was employed as a service writer at Two Brothers Automotive. He had extensive knowledge of the automobile repair business. He will be deeply missed by all the people who relied on his expertise as well as his friends and remaining family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aftercare Cremation and Burial Services in Van Nuys. His final resting place will be Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Jan. 5, 1935 – Feb. 3, 2015

Joseph John Riley, 80, of Glendale passed away on Feb. 3 in West Covina after an extended illness.

Joe was born in Pennsylvania. In 1963, he moved himself and his family to La Crescenta. He retired from Jet Propulsion Laboratories in 1997 where he was employed for 34 years.

Joe enjoyed baseball, horseback riding and traveling with his wife in their RV.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jo Anne; two daughters, Joyce Eisenga (Gary) and Michele Riley; son, Sean Riley (Candice); seven grandchildren; brother James Riley of Altoona, Pennsylvania; sister Maureen Schoch of Ladson, South Carolina; sister-in-law Carol Riley of Altoona, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 11:30 a.m. His remains will be interred in Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caring Voice Coalition, 8249 Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.

Arrangements made by Crippen Mortuary www.crippenmortuary.com.

Aug. 24, 1928 – Nov. 2, 2014

Rita, beloved mother and dear friend to all who knew her, was born at Queen of the Angels Hospital in Los Angeles to Clara G. McKinnon and Lawrence A. McKinnon in the summer of 1928. She received her Catholic elementary education in Beverly Hills and attended high school at Saint Monica’s High School in Santa Monica. She was married in 1949 to Bruce W. Nigg at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills.

After being widowed in 1970, Rita worked for Tax Corporation of America in Montrose and later at Glendale College. She is survived by her three children, Kathleen, Darise and Eric, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in summer 2015 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. Those interested in attending should contact daughter Kathleen at "Rita Claire Nigg Memorial" on Facebook.

Dec.17, 1931 – Feb. 18, 2015

Ruth Weathermon Bassett was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Dale Clark Bassett. She is survived by their children Twila Bassett,

Carol Lee (Dinnis) and Chad Bassett (Erika); grandchildren Savonne, Kristen and Kyle; great grandchildren Dominique and Ash.

Memorial to be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Kingdom Hall of

Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4450 Briggs Ave. in Montrose.

Directors Crippen Mortuary www.crippenmortuary.com