All Obituaries

Alvin L. Saenz was born on May 26, 1958 to Paul S. and Sarah C. Saenz in Hanford Ca.  Alvin was a longtime worker for Lakeland Aviation Duster he had just retired in April of 2023. Alvin often talked of the great friends and family he made working as a Crew Chief for Lakeland. Alvin is survived by the love of his life Virginia Romero of Corcoran and 9 children.  Paul R Saenz and Alvin Saenz Jr of Sacramento Ca, Ana Alicia Saenz, Joanna Saenz, Roseann Saenz, Leann Saenz, Enrique...

Cleofe ‘Fhe’ Po, beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was 72 years old. Born on 26th May in the Philippines, Cleofe lived a life guided by love, faith, hope and compassion. She may be known for her big personality, straightforward way of speaking and her love of life, food and travel but she will be remembered for her selflessness, generosity and unwavering love for others -- from the taxi driver who kept...

Mary Iracema Pires (Rocha), 81, of Gustine passed away peacefully in Rocklin, CA on April 7th, 2024.  Mary was born on May 24th, 1942, to Joao and Maria Rosa Rocha, in Terceira, Azores. Mary immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 14 and they settled in Northern California. She graduated from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, in 1960.  In 1963, she met her one and only love John Pires, at the Portuguese Festa in Gustine. The two were married in April...

Maria Cecilia Nunes was born Maria Cecelia Furtado in Sao Miguel, Azores on June 29, 1929, a longtime resident of Laton who in the past 20 years made her home in Hanford, passed away on April 7th, 2024, at the age of 94.  She was the daughter of Maria Ana and Manuel Furtado. Her parents were both from Sao Miguel, Azores and she was the second oldest of eight children. She was proud of her Portuguese heritage, and her beautiful island where she was born, but she was just as proud of...

On April 5, 2024, Margaret Medrano passed away peacefully at the age of 100 years old. Born in Imperial, California, her and her family later moved to the San Joaquin Valley. It was there in a peach orchard that she met the love of her life, Robert Medrano. During WWII, she and her husband moved to live in Tacoma, Washington. She was one of the original “Rosie the Riveter” women who contributed to the war effort building airplanes for Boeing Aircraft. After raising her family,...

Alice Villegas, aged 86, of Hanford, Ca, passed away on April 4,2024 in Hanford. Alice was a very kind, loving, and generous person. Always willing to help out her family and friends. She cherished moments spent with her loved ones. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In her career, Alice dedicated 10yrs to working in a packing house as a sorter. Her hard work and commitment were evident in all she did. Alice’s hobby was doing yard work, finding joy and peace in tending to...

On Easter Eve, March 30, 2024, Jean Bell peacefully went home to be with her Lord following a long and rewarding life. Born (Sarah) Jean Tucker in Oxnard, CA, on August 14, 1923, to Tilden B. and Susie V. Tucker, Jean was the youngest of five children. After graduation from Oxnard High School, she attended secretarial school. Married in 1942 to Grady L. Bell, Jean visited her Army Air Corps husband across the United States whenever possible. In April 1943, their first daughter, Donna Jean,...

Maria Jose Silva a longtime resident of Hanford passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Maria was born on March 30, 1946, in Sao Miguel, Azores to Jaime and Carmon Lima.  She was married to Antonio Silva for 57 years before his passing in January. Maria worked as a housekeeper for many years while raising her family. Maria is survived by her 5 children; Teresa Simas & husband, Richard of Hanford, Mary Jo Burkett & husband Dwain of Hanford, Tony...

Eloise Amado Duran-Gaitan passed peacefully after a short illness on March 22, 2024, in Visalia, California at the age of 90.  Eloise was a deeply loved mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.   Eloise is survived by her sister Mamie Santillan of El Monte, Joe Duran of West Covina, and Elenor Brindel of Arcadia, California. She is also survived by her daughter, Angela Leyva of Porterville,  her son Richard Gaitan of...

Dorothy Mae (Slocum) Whitlock was born on December 25, 1937, to Floyd and Maie Slocum. Dottie grew up and attended school in the Armona area, where she participated in the   4-H program while living at the Slocum Ranch. After graduating high school, she settled in the Visalia area where she was well-known for owning and operating her beauty shop. She also enjoyed bowling and time with family. It was in Visalia that she met Jack Boudakian. A love affair resulted, and they would not...