Jan. 9, 1946 - June 20, 2015

A dedicated coach, an avid golfer, the family jokester, an all-around handyman, a best friend, a loving grandpa, a beloved "husband" and a devoted father. Thank you for being a part of our lives; you will forever live in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on June 26. Visitation from 2 p.m. to 7p.m.; service from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Crippen Mortuary Chapel, 2900 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta.

Memorial tribute found at CrippenMortuary.com.

Jan. 13, 1929 – June 28, 2015

Marilyn Stevens was born Jan. 13, 1929 in Los Angeles, and she passed away June 28 in Burbank. Marilyn enjoyed spending her time with her family and friends; she will be missed greatly.

A funeral Mass will be held today, Thursday, July 2, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Tujunga.

April 14, 1926 – May 16, 2015

Carl Gieseke was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on April 14, 1926 and entered into rest on May 16 in Fresno with family and friends by his side. After a stint in the United States Navy, Carl attended Springfield College studying youth work with the YMCA. His first job was with the Peoria YMCA then on to YMCA Camp Duncan with the YMCA of Chicago and finally to the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA in La Cañada.

Carl will be remembered for his work with people in the YMCA through Y Camping, Innovative Youth Programs and building a YMCA that has touched thousands of lives over the years. He mentored many young staff and volunteers into becoming some of the finest YMCA directors in the movement who went on to mentor many more – he touched thousands of lives through his YMCA work.

After leaving the YMCA, Carl worked with the ALS Society, California Literacy, and the United Way of Antelope Valley – continuing his life of service.

Carl spent the last years of his life in Fresno near longtime friends Terry and Kathy Horak. He loved to get outdoors and sit in the sun, remember great times and experiences with the YMCA, and dream of fishing once again in the California High Sierra.

Carl is survived by his son Peter (Watsonville, California), his sister June Fleck (Ann Arbor, Michigan), niece Sandy Wilkerson (Bert) also of Ann Arbor and many friends. Carl was preceded in death by his first wife Edith Gieseke and his second wife Margie Gieseke.

Aug. 25, 1936 – June 15, 2015

Paul Tony Baca passed away Monday, June 15 in La Crescenta at the age of 78. He was born Aug. 25,1936 in Brighton, Colorado. He was a resident of Southern California for the past 50 years.

Paul was an employee at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for 30 years where he worked on numerous high profile projects. Some of his favorite projects were the Hubble Space Telescope, the Mars rovers, Galileo, Astros Target Tracker for the space shuttle and NASA/Scatterometer.

He had many hobbies and interests but loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Margaret; five children (JoDee Fisher, Wendy Crist, Paula Nishitani, Tina Lovato and Paul Baca II); 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.crippenmortuary.com.

Jan. 5, 1934 – June 22, 2015

With a song in his heart and love of God, family and friends in his soul, Donald Hugh Friesen took his final train to join Carolyn Ruth Friesen, his wife of 54 years, on June 22.

Don was born on Jan. 5, 1934 in Washington, Iowa, the fourth child of Peter and Myrtle Friesen. Raised Mennonite, Don and his big brother Herb and three sisters, Rosa, Katy, and Betty, learned to praise God in song, and to love and honor family.

The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where Don spent his childhood, helping his family employed as a young paperboy and making his family proud as a marbles champion. The family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where Don enjoyed his teen years playing basketball on the city team, driving his car on the railroad tracks, and being mischievous beaming his lights on couples on lovers’ lane!

After high school Don decided to join the Marines and moved to Camp Pendleton, California. Joining the Marines not only allowed Don to serve his country, but also gave him many lifelong buddies and the opportunity for a blind date with a beautiful blonde nurse named Carol. Don and Carol fell in love. Don converted to Catholicism and married Carol and soon they had five daughters: Rose, Paula, Eileen, Carol and Jo.

Don was a loving father who enjoyed coming home to hugs and kisses from his daughters and taught them how to play basketball and to waterski, and waited up for them when they went out on dates.

Don also enjoyed dates with Carol often commenting how proud he was to have her on his arm. Most of their "dates" included their daughters, enjoying Sunday morning at the donut shop, dinners out at their favorite Mexican restaurant, and Sunday night popcorn and rootbeer floats watching Disney and "Bonanza." Don and Carol enjoyed their life together in Montrose.

Don started working as a appliance repairman soon after leaving the Marines and eventually became the owner of Foster Appliances Maytag Service. Don was not the typical "lonely Maytag man" but had a thriving business that kept him busy and connected in the community. Don had the gift of good story telling and remembering everyone whom he met, and he was known for his generosity and kindness.

Don displayed his capacity for love through his character and his interests. He was an active member of Holy Redeemer parish, serving as a Eucharistic minister for many years. Don’s love of singing never ceased and he joined a barbershop chorus. His barbershop quartet took time frequently to sing to hospital patients, nursing home residents, waitresses having birthdays, family members … anyone who needed some cheering.

A great interest in trains led Don to HO model railroading and taking his family on road trips that typically involved a train ride or two. Somehow Don’s train fascination became strong enough to manifest in his genes with his grandson Dustin and his great grandson Lucas both sharing the fascination.

Don’s greatest love was for God and the goodness of God that he saw in everyone. He befriended everyone and was always ready to help when help was needed whether you were his family, friend or just someone he met at the rest stop and you needed money for gas. His generosity and kindness knew no limits. Donald’s legacy continues in the love and memories of his many friends and family.

Don is survived by his three sisters, Rosa Kempton, Katy Wallace, and Betty Magyar; by his daughters and son-in-laws, Rose and Bill Faler, Paula and Jim Gallagher, Eileen and David Mosher, Carol Grant, and Jo and Herb Wedekind; by his grandchildren Donald and wife Theresa Gallagher, Jason Gallagher, Sara Gallagher, Dustin Mosher, Jeremy Mosher, Ashley Wedekind and Herb Wedekind; by his great-grandchildren, Lucas Gallagher and Muriel Gallagher; and by his doggy Cash.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to one of Don’s favorite charities, the Red Cross www.redcross.org, Barbershop Singing www.harmonyfoundation.org, California State Railroad Museum www.csrmf.org .

A Memorial Mass for Don Friesen will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave., Montrose.

July 14, 1925 – April 1, 2015

Louise Marie Forbes, our beloved mother, passed away on April 1 at the age of 89. She was a well-known artist in the community, whose best-known works were wildlife painted on wood using the grain to capture their natural surroundings.

Louise was born on July 14, 1925 in Dorchester, Nebraska and grew up in the small town of Niobrara. After graduating from Nebraska University in Lincoln, she worked at Union Pacific Railroad where she met John Forbes.  They were married in Omaha in 1949 and moved to La Crescenta in 1957 where they raised three children, Doug, Meganne and Leslie.

Louise taught at McGroarty Arts Center and participated in art shows in the Los Angeles area and in Tehachapi. Throughout her career she received many awards and donated her talents and paintings to various charities.

After John retired from Union Pacific Railroad, they opened Forbes Art & Frames in Montrose where her artwork was displayed and John did framing.  He passed away in 2004. Louise continued to run the gallery and paint until seven months prior to her passing.

Louise is survived by her children and their families: Doug Forbes and wife Claudia; Meganne Forbes and husband Steve Richards; Meganne’s son Devon Forbes and wife Shaye Collester Forbes; Leslie Forbes Riskin and husband Ron.

There will be an open house memorial for Louise on Saturday, July 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Forbes Art & Frames, 2302 Florencita Dr. in Montrose.

Donations can be made in her honor to Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada, CA 91011 (www.descansogardens.org/store/donate).

1938-1999

You left us many memories. Your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Love, Your Family

Sept. 27, 1933 – Aug. 4, 2015

On Tuesday, Aug. 4 Betty Martinez, mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend to many, entered the gates of heaven. Betty was 81 years old, and many family members gathered to celebrate her life just days before her death. She was preceded in death by her husband Dan.

Betty was born in Benjamin, Texas. She had three sisters and six brothers. In 1960, she and Dan moved to Glendale and soon relocated to La Crescenta. In 1971, they moved into the home where they lived for 45 years.

Betty was a devoted parishioner of St. James the Less Catholic Church, and was a member of the Divine Mercy as well as the Altar Society. She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, chapter Laureate Kappa Kappa.

For many years Betty worked at Verdugo Hills Hospital and at La Cañada Paint and Wallpaper. In recent years, she was a caregiver to many ailing individuals in the area. She made many friends in this pursuit, for she was a caring and wonderful person.

She is survived by her four children: Brenda Taylor (Alan), Larry Martinez, Sam Martinez (Lynn) and Teresa Bilbo (Steve). She was most proud of her nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, where pictures of all of them adorned her home. She was a friend to many whom she welcomed into her home with open arms.

Betty always had a smile on her face and was always willing to strike up a conversation with anybody she might encounter.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 4625 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta, on Thursday, Aug. 13. Rosary at 10 a.m. and funeral Mass at 11 a.m.

Sept. 25, 1928 – Aug. 21, 2015

Andrew Roger Adams was born in Glendive, Montana to Helen Wodke Adams on Sept. 25, 1928. Andrew was delivered just two minutes after his twin brother Robin. He was the youngest of eight siblings of which there were six boys and a set of twin girls. Andrew never knew his father Andrew Robert William Hendry Adams who died after trying to stop a thief from escaping a crime scene just months before Andrew was born.

In 1942, the Adams family grew weary of the long cold winters in Montana and moved to Southern California and settled in Burbank. Raised by his mother Helen and older siblings, Andrew graduated from Burbank High School in 1948. He was inducted into the Air Force in March 1949 and was stationed in the Bahamas during the Korean War. He was a specialist in radar.

Andrew married Corinne Jacobucci on May 7, 1955 and they had five children – Cindy, Mike, Vicki, Guy and Robert Adams. They settled in La Crescenta and raised their family there. Andy was self-employed most of his adult life and was a great provider for his family. After living through the Great Depression he always made sure his children had enough to eat and sent all five kids to college.

Andy loved to go fishing, water skiing, snow skiing, and camping in his motor home. After retiring early in 1981, he kept active in the Elks Club, Gallivanters Motor Home Club and most of all enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Corinne Adams, five children, 11 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two brothers and one sister.

Andy spent the weekend with all his children by his side and passed away peacefully Monday morning, Aug. 24 with his wife of 60 years at his bedside.

July 22, 1929 – Aug. 29, 2015

Carolyn R. Lang was born on July 22, 1929 in Portland, Maine and passed away on Aug. 29, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in May 2014.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters Patricia Torres (Lou), and Janet Freund (Udo), and grandchildren Jamison Blitstein, Lisa Freund, and Eric Freund (Reanna).

Carolyn will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Mom and Dad are together again after 64 years of marriage.

Please visit a Memorial Tribute for Carolyn at CrippenMortuary.com.

April 26, 1953 – Sept. 7, 2015

Carolyn Sue Smith, age 62, passed away peacefully on Labor Day, Sept. 7 at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Carolyn was born April 26, 1953 in Glendale, the daughter of Paul Daniel Smith and Lillie Mae "Sis" Lawrence-Smith.

Carolyn lived her younger years in Sun Valley before moving to Tujunga with husband William C Jones. Carolyn was a funny, witty and caring soul who enjoyed and shared her life with friends, family and most people she met. Carolyn was one of those rare individuals who never met a stranger.

She enjoyed traveling and visiting her family in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas and made many a trip to the Midwest over the years.

She is survived by her husband William C Jones of Tujunga, half-brother Ron Myers (son of Paul Daniel Smith) of Mojave, California, sisters-in-law Judith A Benson (Bill) of Partridge, Kansas, Barbara L Jones-Schuster (Horst) of Mammoth Lakes, California, Uncle Bill Kornele of Clayton, New Mexico who was like a father to her, as well as a long list of cousins in and around New Mexico who were all very special to her, and numerous other loving family members.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her father Paul and her mother Lillie Mae "Sis."

Local visitation was held at Crippen Mortuary on Friday, Sept. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. after which she was sent to Kansas for her final place of rest.

Visitation in Hutchinson was held Sept. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elliot Mortuary in Hutchinson, Kansas. Interment was Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at Partridge Cemetery in Partridge, Kansas.

Aug. 1, 1921 – Aug. 26, 2015 Florence Kallas was born Vaselicky Polamero, one of six children, in Bell, California to Josephine and Peter Polamero. Florence was a fraternal twin to Pauline Polamero Hagelis. Peter and his wife taught Florence and her siblings the value of family, friends and celebrating life. Growing up Florence had many cherished memories shared with her sisters and brother while living in Glendale. Family gatherings were a regular event every Sunday. During her young adult years, she attended a beauty college with her twin Pauline and worked in the Wilshire District at a hair salon. She also worked at Jergen’s Company in Burbank in the 1940s. In 1946, Florence met her sweetheart George Kallas after he moved to California from Stamford, Connecticut. In 1949, George and Florence married and during the mid-1950s, they set their roots in La Crescenta. It was here where George and Florence designed and built their home and began a family. They were blessed to have three wonderful children: Steve, Cynthia and Mark. Florence enjoyed raising her children and was joyfully involved in every aspect of their youth. She made sure to continue to stay connected with her siblings and their children and regularly organized family gatherings. Florence was at her happiest when the family was together, celebrating life and good times. Following her husband’s retirement, George and Florence had the great opportunity to travel to Greece, Italy, throughout Europe and the United States. She especially reminisced about her travels close and abroad and truly felt her life was fulfilled and complete. When the family expanded and grandchildren were introduced, Florence was beaming with delight and embraced each new child with unconditional love. Florence will always be remembered for how much she valued family and the special times shared with those she truly loved, especially her five grandchildren: Christopher, Stephanie, Dalton, Patrick and Michael. After over 64 years of marriage, George passed away in 2013 leaving Florence as the only one remaining of her five siblings. Anyone who truly knew Florence would remember her sweet and loving demeanor and her cheerful disposition. She never complained and appreciated all that life had given her. Florence’s greatest joy was time shared with family and she taught her children the value of connections and making time for one another. She was always there for friends and family and we will forever love her and hold her in our hearts.

April 4, 1936 – Oct. 3, 2015

Sherrill Lee Ross was born on April 4, 1936 in the small town of Driggs, Idaho and grew up in the farming community of Victor, eight miles down the road. He married Chloe Hillman in 1956.

After graduating from Brigham Young University, he traded the simple life for the hustle and bustle of Southern California. He began his career as a CPA and became a partner with Alexander Grant and Associates. After more than 30 years in the accounting business, he founded his own oil and gas investment company, American Energy Operations.

Lee and Chloe were world travelers. Lee loved sports and recently became an owner of the San Diego Padres. He was known for his kindness and generosity. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and soon-to-be great-grandfather.

Lee died on Oct. 3 after an eight-year battle with cancer with his wife by his side. He is survived by his wife, Chloe Ross; brother, Cleon Ross; two children, Larry (Kathy) Ross and Lynda (Joe) Grigg; and six grandchildren, Ariel (Bennett) Justice, Jeffrey Grigg, Dallas Ross, Bryan Grigg, Crysta Ross and Holly Grigg. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Lavona Ross, and his sister, Donna Logan.

Services were held on Saturday, Oct. 10 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1830 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada. A memorial gift may be made in Lee Ross’ name to Providence Saint Joseph Foundation, The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center or online at www.providencepowerofgiving.org.