1928 – 2015
Born in Montrose in 1928, Richard George Hingston passed away Jan. 17 in La Crescenta. He loved Crescenta Valley and never moved from it.
"Where else can you live in the mountains and be 30 minutes from the beach and desert?" he’d ask.
During WWII he was a student at Glendale High but after classes he worked at Lockheed on the final assembly line. Throughout his life, Dick held an affinity for airplanes and enjoyed a wonderful collection of vintage planes and cars.
Dick was the owner of Auto Electric Supply in Glendale for over 40 years. He built Offenhausers in his youth and could rebuild a carburetor blind folded. Dick was also an avid Indie and NASCAR fan. He knew the drivers, their standings, their stats and the tracks.
Dick became a real estate broker in his 50s, an entrepreneur in his 60s and was always honest and kind to everyone he knew. However, the pinnacle of his life was asking Jesus into his heart at the age of 85.
Although we will miss his wisdom, his smile and his humor, for we who believe that Jesus is the Son of God – we will see him again…
Preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 52 years Joyce, Dick is survived by his three children: Trudie Rupp (Dan), Rick Hingston (Alice), and Bob Hingston (Diane); seven grandchildren: Derek Rupp (Tonya), Dylan Rupp (Amy), Kellie Murphy, Kristen Galven (Alfredo), Tim Hingston (Jenna), Jesse and Amber and 15 great-grandchildren: Ashlie, Christopher, Katelyn, Alexandria, Dustin, Autumn, Mason, Ryan, Blaine, Khloe, Freddie, Adrian, Anthony, Jackson and Juliet.
Arrangements made by www.CrippenMortuary.com
Nov. 2, 1941-March 22, 2015
JoAnn Barbara Houston nee Ferona died March 22 at the age of 73.
JoAnn was born Nov. 2, 1941 to Arthur and Albina Ferona in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The family moved to Glendale in 1951 where JoAnn attended Holy Family grade school, Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Glendale High School. She called Glendale her home for many years.
She and husband Richard Felkel spent several years living in La Crescenta before moving to Mammoth Lakes where she enjoyed water sports with the family. She entertained at local establishments in La Crescenta and in Mammoth Lakes. She enjoyed raising her three sons, writing songs and poems, playing her guitar and singing. She spent many hours riding her horse through the local trails and eventually boarded horses at her ranch in Bishop.
Having a penchant for animals, she took in many stray cats and dogs. She always had room for one more. She was a kind and generous woman with a great sense of humor who enjoyed visiting with her family.
As her health began to decline, she returned to La Crescenta and worked in the medical office management field. In later years, she still liked to entertain and was soon leading karaoke groups.
She is survived by three sons: Steven and Robert Felkel of Bishop, and David Felkel of La Crescenta. Her grandchildren include Mitchell Felkel and Megan (Czeschin), Dillon and Brody Felkel as well as Bailee and Tyler Holt. Her great-grandchildren are Wyatt and Whitney Czeschin. She is also survived by her sister Arlene Massimino of Glendale.
A private ceremony is planned and will be held in Bishop.
Nov. 5, 1932 – April 14, 2015
Stephen John Pehar was born in the home of his parents high on Alpine Street, overlooking downtown Los Angeles (right below the famous Chavez Ravene). Steve’s father, Stojan, arrived in the United States in 1910 at the age of 18. His mother, Anna (Anka Burica), followed in 1922 (at the age of 18). As the story goes, two brothers (one being Stojan) went to a Croatian (church) event where they spotted two sisters (one being Anna). Stojan said to his brother, “You take that one, and I’ll take the other (Anna).” The rest is history…
Due to Steve’s Croatian heritage, along with that of his beloved wife Frances, he was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU Lodge 677) and St. Anthony Croatian Catholic parish in Los Angeles. St. Anthony played an important part in Steve’s life. Stojan was a Long Beach iron works foreman and was involved in construction of the original recreation hall built in 1934. Steve was christened, confirmed and married at St. Anthony. Over the years, he also served many masses for the church. In fact, most of the immediate Pehar family (living in the Los Angeles area) have been baptized, married or honored upon death at St. Anthony.
Steve graduated from Cathedral High School, class of 1950, where he earned three-year varsity letters for baseball and basketball. He went on to play baseball and pitch for legendary baseball coach Rod Dedeaux at the University of Southern California (USC) – Steve was definitely one of Rod’s “Tigers” as they remained close until Rod’s death in 2006.
After USC, Steve was drafted into the Detroit Tigers organization. Before he could accept any offers, however, he was drafted to serve his country in the U.S. Army where he also continued playing his beloved game of baseball. After 18 months of service at Fort Knox, Kentucky and in Germany, Steve was honorably discharged. At that time he decided to forgo a career in professional baseball, and began his career in the pipeline construction industry – which lasted for more than 60 years. A member of Operating Engineers Local 12, Steve was involved in many home development projects in Irvine, the Coachella Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley.
Steve also volunteered a lot of his time in his community and took a leading role as the chairman of a declining enrollment committee for the Glendale Unified School District which was instrumental in saving several schools from closure in La Crescenta. Steve also played a role in the opposition to the forced busing initiative in the 1970s.
His passing was preceded by his beloved wife of 52 years, Frances, as well as his brother John and sister Donnie. Steve is survived by daughters Laurie Pehar Borsh (Mike), Susan McGowan (Mike), and son, John (Christine); grandchildren Michael McGowan, Steven McGowan, Allyson Pehar, Andy Borsh, Brendon Pehar, and Nicholas Borsh; two sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law, a niece and nephew, godchildren, as well as many cousins in Croatia and Herzegovina.
Family was everything to Steve; there was nothing else more important. He gave his heart and soul to his family and friends throughout his blessed life.
A memorial fund has been established with the MDS Foundation in Steve’s memory. Visit: http://www.mds-foundation.org/donate/ to donate to the Stephen Pehar Memorial Fund. Please type in Stephen Pehar Memorial Fund in the “in memory of” box – if the memorial fund is not yet visible on the Designated Gift (drop-down) menu on the left side of the page. Donations may also be mailed to the Stephen Pehar MDS Memorial Fund, 4573 S. Broad Street, Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620 or call the MDS Foundation office: (800) 637-0839 (please mention Stephen Pehar MDS Memorial Fund when calling).
Feb. 22, 1909 – May 14, 2015
Mary Alice Ayling passed away on Thursday, May 14 at the age of 106.
Mary was born at home on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 1909 to Melvin and Alice Gulick. She went to Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles and graduated in 1929. After high school she took a course in millinery and received her diploma from Wiggins Trade School. Mary was then hired at Bullocks Wilshire before it opened on Sept. 26, 1929. She sewed by hand the “Bullocks Wilshire” label in all of the hats. After the opening, Mary worked in the Children’s Department fitting hats on the small heads of children. She also did some modeling for Bullocks.
Growing up in Los Angeles you walked or rode the street cars. There were boat rides in Westlake Park; a stop at C.C. Browns for a chocolate sundae or a cone. Saturday nights saw a lovely dance place with a small band. To get to the Hollywood Bowl it took several street cars and a hike up the hill to see the Easter Sunrise Service. In the summer it was a trip to the beach after church. Mary often wore her bathing suit under her church dress.
Her aunt picked up Mary and their grandmother in a car that was so small that Mary had to stick her legs outside on the running board.
Years passed and Mary found her dream job: A place in La Cañada with three initials (JPL). Mary was so proud to have worked 21 years for JPL and to be a part of the space program.
Mary loved the family gatherings celebrating birthdays and holidays. Mary loved her cute home filled with family heirlooms and working in her garden. Mary was a beautiful seamstress and made her own clothes from the age of 12.
Mary attributed her longevity to eating healthy and exercise. Mary was a walker in the hills of La Crescenta. This was a social walk, visiting with neighbors and making new friendships. Mary was known to stop at a yard sale or two. Mary was a longtime member of the Church of the Lighted Window (not the La Cañada Congregational Church). She enjoyed the Woman’s Guild, potlucks, Bible study and being with friends. Mary had a part in making a quilt for the 100-year anniversary for the church of the Lighted Window. The quilt hangs in the Fellowship Hall for all to enjoy.
Mary was an active member of the Leisure Club of La Cañada. Mary served on the board, was a greeter at the door and enjoyed the day trips. Mary is lovingly remembered by daughter Mary Alice; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Dale (Teresa) and Darryl (Sheila); seven great-grandchildren, Erik, Isabella, Jeremiah and Valentino.
Mary’s family would like to extend its gratitude to all the staff at Mountview Retirement for their loving care.
July 6, 1919 – May 12, 2015
Ruth Seidel of Salt Lake City, Utah passed away at the age of 95.
She was born to Fred Stonebraker and Grace Alberts.
Ruth is survived by three daughters: Jean, Bonnie, and Pam; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Nov. 12, 1951 – May 24, 2015
Bernardo Garcia was born on Nov. 12, 1951 to Isagani and Gloria Garcia in Makati, Philippines. He passed away on May 24 in Los Angeles.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Junior. Ben is survived by his loving wife Sophia Barrun; son Allen; five sisters Dita Garcia (Steve), Fran (Arthur), Mila Krisco, Erlinda Garcia, Sylvia Garcia; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Benjamin worked as a claim negotiator at Ed Law office in Los Angeles. He enjoyed golfing and playing bingo and poker.
Memorial tribute can be found at www.CrippenMortuary.com.
Mary Eileen Shelde, aka Mary Sunshine, 93, passed away May 28 in her beloved Glendale home of 67 years. Mary Eileen was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the age of 17, Mary Eileen McGrath met the love of her life, Andrew Shelde, and the two were married a few years later. Soon after marrying “Andy” they headed west to begin their new and exciting life in California.
Mary Eileen worked at Paramount Studios as a war bonds salesperson. She sold war bonds to Bing Crosby, Cecil B. DeMille, Stan Laurel, Douglas Fairbanks, Billy Wilder and many other celebrities. It was Bing Crosby who arranged to have the studio’s head of photography provide headshots and glamour shots of Mary Eileen. When an offer to do a screen test and reading was presented to her, Mary Eileen declined saying the only thing she was considering was raising a family. She said, “No, thank you” to Hollywood. She ended her working career working for the State of California Dept. of Employment.
Having a family indeed was her mission. Mary Eileen was always supportive of her children’s sporting activities, driving the family station wagon filled with kids and equipment thousands of miles without ever complaining.
She had many friends whose hearts she warmed. She was loved by many.
Mary Eileen had two children, Eileen Marie Connole and John Shelde. She had two grandchildren, Megan Connole and Jason Connole.
She was preceded in death by her three sisters, Theresa Brown, Patricia Barrett and Jeri Wollman, along with her loving husband of 68 years, Andy. The bells in heaven were ringing when Mary Sunshine arrived.
A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 20 at Holy Redeemer
Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in her name be made to
Vaquero Little League Baseball, 501 S. Pacific Ave., Glendale, CA or the Little League baseball organization in your area.
Jackie was born and raised in Concord, California on July 15, 1921 to Walter William Foskett and Norma Frances Finney Foskett and passed away peacefully in her home of over 50 years in La Cañada on May 16.
She was one of five children, predeceased by brother William Walter Foskett, Patricia Foskett Taylor, and Robert Allen Foskett. She is survived by her older sister Marthella Foskett Brown. Many stories have been told of the wonderful times growing up on the family ranch which she always referred to as the best times of her life.
Jackie was married to Joseph Garfield Bastow Jr. for 29 years and together had children (Susan Jay Bastow Zentner, Stephen Foskett Bastow and William Ricks Bastow). She devoted her life to raising her three children.
Jackie was a cute, fun-loving happy person who loved to talk, whether in person or on the phone. She never had call waiting … one of her favorite sayings “la de dah.” She enjoyed gardening, playing tennis, dancing around the family room to her favorite music and she loved all sports but especially loved to watch the Lakers and L.A. Kings games. She had previously been a member of the La Cañada Women’s Club.
Jackie is survived by her sister Marthella, her daughter Susan, sons Stephen and Bill along with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, Walnut Creek, California on June 20.
April 19, 1934 – June 8, 2015
Willie Lee (Woody) Wood died June 8 at his son’s home in Thousand Oaks of a heart attack. Woody was born April 19, 1934 in Hollywood West Virginia to Robert and Ethel (Nichols) Wood. The family moved to Liberty Center, Indiana in 1941. Woody graduated from the Liberty Center High School in 1952.
He served four years in the United states Marine Corp. While serving at camp Pendleton he met Sharon Miller and was married on Sept. 10, 1955.
Woody is survived by a son Greg (Soraya) Wood of Thousand Oaks; daughter Denise (Walt) Alves of Glendale; six grandsons and one granddaughter; sister Juanita (Kaye) Ivins of Bluffton, Indiana; brother Robert (Eleanor) Wood Jr. also of Bluffton; brother-in-law Robert Haver of Rockford, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews.
Woody was preceded in death by his parents, son Bradley, wife Sharon and a sister Judy (Wood) Haver.
Woody thoroughly loved his grandchildren, camping, fishing, his beach house, parties, traditions, riding his bicycle, raising tomatoes and visiting family and friends in Indiana.
Woody worked as a machinist at Lockheed Building Constellations and then went to Technicolor where he maintained motion picture processors for 37 years before retiring in 1999.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 19 at Crippen Mortuary, 2900 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta with viewing one hour prior. Graveside services at 3 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills with full United States Marine military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity; Woody loved all of them. Friends may send online condolences to the family at www.crippenmortuary.com.
Directors Crippen Mortuary