Obituaries - 2/21/2007

By: North County Times - | Tuesday, February 20, 2007 9:13 PM PST ∞

Abshier, Cindy
Anderson, Loett
Berry, Diane
Best, Robert
Buresh, Marcella
Ciani, Anthony
Drollingere, Virginia
Egan, Joe
Golubski, Eugene
Granados, Delia
Marshman, Patricia
Martin, Milton
Meyers, Mildred
Rench, Sharon
Savage, FredThurman-Truax, Olivia
Thurman-Truax, Sophia
Tylman, Frank
Quint, James
VanWyk, John
Villarreal, Ramon


Milton Martin, 94

FALLBROOK ó Milton Martin, 94, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, at his home.

Born May 15, 1912, in Sonora, Texas, he lived in Fallbrook for 63 years. He retired in 1974 from Clarks Inc. in Vista.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Martin. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Cathy Martin of Rowland Heights; grandchildren John and Jean; and one great-grandchild.

Private services are planned.

The family suggests donations to Fallbrook Hospice, 624 E. Elder St., Fallbrook, CA 92028.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Cindy Abshier, 47

VISTA ó Cindy Carol Abshier, 47, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007.

Born Sept. 19, 1959, in Inglewood, she lived in Vista for four years. She was a registered nurse.

Mrs. Abshier was preceded in death by her father, Edward Rollman. She is survived by her husband, David Abshier; mother Mary Rollman of Vista; brother Craig Rollman of Las Vegas; and sister Connie Stevens.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, 1999 El Camino Real in Oceanside. Private interment is planned.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Marcia Savage, 86

SAMMAMISH, Wash. ó Marcia J. Savage, 86, died of natural causes Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, in Bellevue, Wash.

Born Jan. 15, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio, she lived in Sammamish for nine years. She retired in 1997 as an accountant. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Escondido, the United Methodist Women, PEO Sisterhood and the American Society of Women Accountants.

Mrs. Savage was preceded in death by her husband, Henry H. Savage. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Ann Savage of Escondido and Rosemary and Clayton Stika of Sammamish; sister-in-law Betty Wilt of Escondido; sister Janet Jones of Youngstown; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at First United Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia St. in Escondido with the Rev. Faith Conklin officiating.

The family suggests donations to the First United Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025, or the PEO Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312.

Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido is handling arrangements.

Mildred Meyers, 87

LEWISTON, Idaho ó Mildred I. Meyers, 87, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007.

Born April 21, 1919, in Hope, N.M., she lived in Lewiston for 17 years. She was a dental assistant in Oceanside for several years. She was a creative seamstress and enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Mrs. Meyers was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Meyers, in 1997. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and David Wells of Arroyo Grande; son and daughter-in-law Allen and McKenna Waycott of Banning; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Eternal Hills Mortuary, 1999 El Camino Real in Oceanside. Interment at Eternal Hills Memorial Park is planned.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Sophia Thurman-Truax,

Olivia Thurman-Truax

LA MESA ó Twins Sophia Ann Thurman-Truax and Olivia Ann Thurman-Truax, were born Monday, Feb. 12, 2007. Sophia died the same day and Olivia died on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa.

Sophia and Olivia are survived by their mother, Amber Lee Thurman of La Mesa; father David Alan Truax of Escondido; sister Madison Truax of Escondido; maternal grandparents Jerelyn and Don Lowe of Bella Vista, Ark., and Barry and Suzanne Thurman of Coronado; and paternal grandparents David and Irene Truax of San Marcos.

Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 21, at Allen Bros. Mortuary, San Marcos Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at San Marcos Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Bowman officiating.

Allen Bros. Mortuary, San Marcos Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Anthony Ciani, 81

OCEANSIDE ó Anthony Ciani, 81, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007.

Born Jan. 21, 1926, in Beverly, Mass., he lived in Oceanside for four years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was an organizer for Little League baseball.

Mr. Ciani was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Ciani, in 1982, Norman Ciani in 1999, Louie Ciani in 1987, Raymond Ciani in 1993 and Philip Ciani in 1997; and wife of 53 years, Rose Ciani in 2002. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Eva Ciani of Massachusetts; son Joseph Ciani of Arizona; sisters Theresa Wyckoff of Oceanside and Kathryn Soya of Florida; brother Arthur Ciani of Massachusetts; and two grandchildren.

No services are planned.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Joe Egan, 70

VISTA ññ Joe Robert Egan, 70, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside.

Born Jan. 28, 1937, in Oklahoma City, he lived in Vista for 13 years. He worked at the Vista School District for 17 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force.

Mr. Egan was preceded in death by his son, John Scott Egan, in 1999. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ellen Egan of Vista; son William Egan of Vista; daughter-in-law Shelley Egan of Big Bear Lake; brothers Larry Egan and Bill Egan; sisters Maryann Pearson and Theresa Whitney, both of Oklahoma; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Private burial at sea is planned.

American Cremation Service in Carlsbad is handling arrangements.

Diane Berry, 67

FALLBROOK ó Diane W. Berry, 67, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

Born June 24, 1939, in Auburn, N.Y., she lived in Fallbrook for 35 years. She was a special education liaison for Fallbrook High School for 30 years. She was a member of the San Diego Zoological Society and the USS John A. Bole Association. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and reading.

Mrs. Berry is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ron Berry of Fallbrook; daughters and son-in-law Jodie Orr of Idyllwild and Jill and Steve Winters of Carlsbad; brothers and sisters-in-law Dude and Penny Berry of Portola and Kirk and Elsie Wolford of Clipper Mills; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at United Methodist Church of Fallbrook. A private cremation is planned with inurnment at Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery.

The family suggests donations to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244, or the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Research, 2655 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Patricia Marshman, 67

SAN MARCOS ó Patricia Elsie Marshman, 67, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, at her home.

Born Nov. 14, 1939, in Peabody, Mass., she lived in Rancho Vallicetos Mobile Estates in San Marcos for three years. She lived in Escondido for 16 years previously. She was a hospital and nursing home nurse for 43 years.

Mrs. Marshman is survived by her husband of 44 years, Robert C. Marshman of San Marcos; sons Charles Marshman of Pellham, N.H., and Jeffrey Marshman of Dayton, Ohio; daughter Diana Tymchyn of Altamont, N.Y.; sisters Kathleen OíDonnell of Altamont, N.Y., and Francis Cox of Lawrence, Mass.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held in Massachusetts. Private interment is planned.

Allen Bros. Mortuary, San Marcos Chapel, handled arrangements.

Delia Granados, 90

ESCONDIDO ññ Delia Jasso Granados, 90, died Monday, Feb. 19, 2007.

Born June 16, 1916, in Metcalf, Ariz., she lived in Escondido for 14 years. She was a nurses aide for the Presbyterian Retirement Home in Monrovia for 20 years, retiring in 1983.

Mrs. Granados is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Albert and Terry Gomez of Adelanto; brothers Telesforo A. Jasso Jr. of Escondido and Joshua T. Jasso of Monterey Park; and two grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Jim Raugh officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Escondido.

Alhiser-Comer Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Sharon Rench, 63

ESCONDIDO ññ Sharon Lynn Rench, 63, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, at her home.

Born Oct. 9, 1943, in San Diego, she lived in Escondido all her life.

Miss Rench is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Lynette and David Fraser of Escondido; and half-sister Rosalee Fortune of St. Petersburg, Fla.

A private cremation is planned.

El Camino Memorial, Sorrento Valley Chapel, in San Diego is handling arrangements.

Eugene Golubski, 71

SAN DIEGO ó Eugene Golubski, 71, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, in Poway.

Born April 11, 1935, in Chicago, he lived in San Diego for 53 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Mr. Golubski is survived by his wife of 16 years, Elizabeth Golubski of San Diego; sons Michael Golubski of San Diego, Mark Golubski of Colorado Springs and Jeffrey Hancock serving in the Air Force in Korea; daughter Laurinda Barnes of Poway; brother Jerry Golubski of Lemont, Ill.; sisters Terry Spejcher of Des Plaines, Ill., and Sr. Sylvia of Chicago; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary in Poway. A private cremation is planned.

Poway-Bernardo Mortuary is handling arrangements.

James Quint, 59

CARLSBAD ó James Edward Quint, 59, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007.

He was born April 22, 1947, in California. He was a quality assurance manager in the biotech pharmaceutical industry.

Mr. Quint is survived by his wife, Susan Quint of Carlsbad; daughter and son-in-law Amy and Justin Liniak of Leucadia; son Benjamin Quint of Carlsbad; father Edward Quint of Whittier; sister and brother-in-law Charlotte and Steve Goldsmith of Chico; brother Rick Quint of Leucadia; and one grandchild.

A memorial service is scheduled for noon Friday, Feb. 23, at El Camino Memorial, Encinitas Chapel, 340 Melrose Ave. in Encinitas.

Private family inurnment is planned.

The family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, 2655 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108.

El Camino Memorial, Encinitas Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Fred Savage III, 83

VISTA ó Fred A. Savage III, 83, died of cardiovascular disease Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, at his home.

Born May 23, 1923, in Des Moines, Iowa, he lived in Vista for 30 years. He retired in 1975 from the Los Angeles Sheriffís Department. He was a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Mr. Savage was preceded in death by his grandson, James Hargrave, in 2001.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita C. Savage of Vista; sons Brian Savage of Gold Beach, Ore., and Philip Smith of San Pedro; daughters and sons-in-law Patricia and Eric Wilhite of Long Beach, Margaret Royce of Carson City, Nev., and Gloria and Bob Hargrave of Lomita; sisters and brother-in-law Doris Holgate of Mesa, Ariz., and Sue and Paul Vidrine of Albuquerque, N.M.; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Mass was celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with the Rev. David Serrano officiating.

The family suggests donations to San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

Virginia Drollinger, 92

SAN MARCOS ññ Virginia Ann Drollinger, 92, died of leukemia Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at her home.

Born Dec. 31, 1914, in Red Oak, Iowa, she lived in San Marcos for 34 years. She was a longtime member of Meadowlark Community Church. She enjoyed china painting and creating and selling crafts for her church.

Her passion was her God and her church.

Mrs. Drollinger was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Jacob Drollinger, in 1998; son Frederick Drollinger in 1999; and daughter Sue Zann Blancheri in 2000.

She is survived by her granddaughter and her husband, Deborah and David Steinmetz; grandson and his wife, Scott and Jennifer Scanlon; and two great-grandsons.

Private interment is planned.

The family suggests donations to Lightbridge Hospice, 5280 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92121.

Greenwood Mortuary in San Diego is handling arrangements.

Loett Anderson, 72

VISTA ññ Loett Anderson, 72, died of cancer Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at her home.

Born Nov. 25, 1934, in Bovill, Idaho, she lived in Vista for 36 years.

Mrs. Anderson is survived by her husband of 52 years, Don Anderson of Vista; daughters Stephanie McGowen of Temecula and Kelly Anderson of Vista; and grandchildren Casey and Kyle.

Private services are planned.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Robert Best, 80

POWAY ó Robert Orville Best, 80, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007.

Born Feb. 8, 1927, in Michigan, he lived in Poway for 36 years. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a fire chief at the Bostonia Fire Department from 1965 to 1971.

Mr. Best is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy Best of Poway; sons Pat Best of Lemon Grove, Michael Best of San Marcos and Richard Best of Point Loma; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Private services at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery are planned.

Poway-Bernardo Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Ramon Villarreal, 85

FALLBROOK ññ Ramon Villarreal, 85, died of natural causes Monday, Feb. 19, 2007.

Born July 2, 1921, in Litchfield, Ariz., he lived in Fallbrook for 33 years.

Mr. Villarreal is survived by his wife of 38 years, Francisca Villarreal of Fallbrook; son and daughter-in-law Mauricio Villarreal and Leticia Cortez of Fallbrook; daughters and sons-in-law Lupe Villarreal and Ray Thomas of Hemet, Susana Villarreal and Rodolfo Ramirez of Fallbrook, and Adriana and Manuel Fuentes and Fabiola Villarreal and Adam Ivins, all of Mesa, Ariz.; and 14 grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 21, at Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside.

Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary is handling arrangements.

John VanWyk, 88

FAIRFAX, Va. ññ John C. VanWyk, 88, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007.

He was born Aug. 18, 1918. He was a retired dairyman.

Mr. VanWyk was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jane Alida VanWyk, in 2006; mother Gijsbertha A. Schippers Van Wyk; and father Dominicus Van Wijk. He is survived by his son, Henry Van Wyk of Valley Center; daughter Bea McPherson of Fairfax; brother Hendrickus Van Wijk of Coenersloot, Netherlands; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston, Va. A private cremation is planned. A memorial Mass will be held in California at a later date.

The family suggests donations to a charity of choice.

Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon, Va., is handling arrangements.

Marcella Buresh, 73

BONSALL ó Marcella Elaine Buresh, 73, died of cancer Friday, Feb. 16, 2007.

Born April 8, 1933, in Flint, Mich., she lived in Bonsall for seven years.

Mrs. Buresh is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles R. Buresh of Bonsall; sons and daughter-in-law Richard N. and Kathy Buresh of Littleton, Colo., and Charles E. Buresh of Kahuku, Hawaii; and sisters and brothers-in-law Marlene and Praim Singh of Lake Forest, Loretta Dixon of Lancaster, Rosetta and Jerry Haag of Las Vegas and Dolores Alverson of Rockland.

Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary, 333 N. Vine St. in Fallbrook.

Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real in Oceanside.

The family suggests donations to St. Jude Childrenís Research Hospital-Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (800) 822-6344, donors@stjude.org.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Frank Tylman, 81

SAN DIEGO ó Frank Joseph Tylman, 81, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

Born May 29, 1925, in Pennsylvania, he lived in San Diego for 38 years. He was a commander in the U.S. Navy. He received a bachelorís degree from Stevens Institute of Technology and a MBA from Stanford University. He enjoyed gardening and investments.

Mr. Tylman is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anna Tylman of Rancho Bernardo; sons Frank Tylman of St. Petersburg, Fla., Michael Tylman of Carlsbad and Mark Tylman of Laguna Niguel; daughter Janice Echols of Encinitas; brother Daniel Tylman of San Rafael; sister Geraldine Reeves of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; and 10 grandchildren.

A Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at St. Michaelís Catholic Church in Poway.

Private inurnment at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is planned.

Poway-Bernardo Mortuary is handling arrangements.

memorial

Jodine Elizabeth Serrin

November 21, 1967 ó February 14, 2007

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name ó In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same ó It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone ó For part of us went with you, the day God called you home ó You left us beautiful memories, we didnít plan to be apart ó And though we cannot see you, you will always be in our heart. ó Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same ó But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Jodine, known as Jodi to family and friends, was an innocent victim of a senseless murder/homicide. The tragic and unforgettable circumstances of her death should not overshadow what a beautiful person she was. Her gentle heart and loving ways touched those who knew her.

Jodi was born in Glendale, California. She grew up in Walton Hills, Ohio, and graduated in 1986 from Bedford High School. She loved making flower arrangements and after the family moved to Carlsbad, California, earned a certificate in floral design. Jodi loved animals, especially Sam, her gentle white horse, and her beloved cat, Angel.

She enjoyed horseback riding, ice-skating, biking, crafts, and kayaking and found peace and comfort in taking long walks along the beach.

Jodi loved helping others, especially homebound senior citizens. She enjoyed volunteering at her church and the Humane Society. She was grateful for the support from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). She was an enthusiastic Walk-A-Thon fundraiser for various groups each year. She treasured the time she spent with her friends at Mariposa and the Copper Hill/Friends Group.

Jodi is survived by her parents, Arthur and Lois Serrin of Carlsbad; her siblings Michael Serrin and wife Lydia, Nancy Chrisopulos and husband Thomas, Barbara Petsche and husband Jeff, Carole Cercek and husband Tom, and Chuck Serrin; her nieces and nephews; Tammy Serrin and son, Lunden, Sally Serrin, Valerie and Joey Serrin, Bryan, Jordan, and Gregory Petsche, and Amy and Jonah Cercek.

Our memories of Jodi we will cherish with love and without end.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial Mass at St. Patrickís Church (3821 Adams Street, Carlsbad, CA. 92008) on Thursday, February 22, at 11 a.m. to remember and celebrate Jodiís life.

A graveside service at San Luis Rey Mission Cemetery will be for the immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that all donations in memory of Jodine Serrin be given to: North Coastal San Diego County (NAMI), National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, P.O. Box 2235, Carlsbad, CA 92018, (888) 999-NAMI, www.naminorthcoastal.org.

Interment will be handled by Oceanside Mortuary.

correction

Albert Freiburger, 85

CARLSBAD ó Dr. Albert J. Freiburger, 85, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007.

Born Nov. 26, 1921, in Kansas City, Mo., he lived in Carlsbad for 56 years. He practiced medicine in Carlsbad for 35 years.

Dr. Freiburger is survived by his wife, Jean Freiburger; son Dana; daughters Karen Tabor and Lori Freiburger; stepdaughters Debbie Calder and Lyndi Calder Sliwa; sons-in-law Ward Tabor and Bobby Sliwa; sisters Barbara Becker of Wichita, Kan., and Betty Conn of Aurora, Mo.; and two grandchildren.

Private services are planned.

Loett Anderson, 72

VISTA ---- Loett Anderson, 72, died of cancer Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at her home.

Born Nov. 25, 1934, in Bovill, Idaho, she lived in Vista for 36 years.

Mrs. Anderson is survived by her husband of 52 years, Don Anderson of Vista; daughters Stephanie McGowen of Temecula and Kelly Anderson of Vista; and grandchildren Casey and Kyle.

Private services are planned.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Adora Athearn, 89

CANYON LAKE ---- Adora Athearn, 89, died Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, in Wildomar.

Born June 12, 1917, in Belgrade, Neb., she lived in Canyon Lake for 12 years.

Mrs. Athearn is survived by her son, Curtis Schneider of Canyon Lake; and daughter, Roxann Turner of Hemet.

Services have been held with burial at Menifee Valley Memorial Park in Sun City.

Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory in Sun City is handling arrangements.

James Smith, 64

MURRIETA ---- James K. Smith, 64, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

Born Jan. 14, 1943, in Whittier, he lived in Murrieta for four years. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969. He enjoyed woodworking, cabinetry, fishing and golfing.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jocelyne Smith of Murrieta; daughter, Rebecca Smith of San Francisco; and brothers Richard Smith of Oregon, and Jeffrey Smith of La Mesa.

Services have been held. A private cremation is planned.

Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory in Sun City is handling arrangements.

memorial Martha Jane Marana

Martha lived in the Temecula, Calif., area for 44 years and she passed away on Feb.15, 2007, at the age of 78.

Services will be held at the Mormon Church on Saturday, February 24th. The viewing will be at the church from 12:30-2:30pm. The Funeral Service will begin at 2:30 p.m. The address is 29658 N. General Kearney Road, Temecula, Calif. For Information: Miller Jones (951) 672-0777.

She was born in Danville, Illinois, where she attended her school years. She married John Marana in 1947, and they moved to California in 1954.

In 1963 the Maranas purchased a ranch East of Temecula, previously owned by Frank Morgan, who played the Lion in the Wizard of Oz, with Judy Garland. They named their ranch Shamrock Valley Ranch. Overnight the city folks woke up with 65 head of registered Angus cattle, a herd bull and four, three-year old bulls. Martha played a big part in the management of the ranch and the businesses that were related to the ranch operations. The office for these businesses were located in their home so she could be with her children twenty four-seven. In addition to managing a ranch and related businesses she still had the full time job of riding herd on her children, Jeff, 11, Jean, 9 and Janet, 3, on their 950-acre playground. During the summer there were Gymkhanas almost every month in the area and many weekends were spent watching their children participate in barrel racing and pole bending events. When John was 50 he joined them in this sport and was the oldest rider in the field. Their enjoyment of horses led to owning and racing thoroughbreds. Their horses raced almost every weekend on the west coast or in Mexico and this continued through 1968. Martha and John enjoyed the excitement of horse racing and going to the track.

In 1970 the Maranas formed Shamrock Sand and Rock Corporation and they mined sand and rock out of Temecula Creek that ran through their ranch property. In 1975, Shamrock Redi Mix Company was started and they had batch plants in Aguanga, Calif., and Old Town Temecula. Shamrock sponsored baseball teams, picnics and other social events for their employees. Martha took a keen interest in their baseball team and she attended all of their games regardless of where they played and led the rooting section. Her job as a mother to an 18 year old son, a 16 and 10 year old daughter, living on a ranch, became much more lively and demanding.

In 1976 they purchased the Homestead Restaurant in Temecula. They expanded it to include a night club that featured bands five nights a week and other forms of entertainment. They loved to dance and enjoyed the business for a full 10 years.

In 1986 they sold the Homestead Corporation and Shamrock Redi Mix and semi-retired.

They purchased a motor home and traveled throughout the United States. Martha loved nothing more than her frequent trips to the beach with her family in their motor home. Martha and John loved to bowl and belonged to the Elk's Lodge bowling league for many years. Martha finally had the time to take cruises with her family including Alaska, Mexico and the Panama Canal as well as car trips across the United States.

In 2003 they sold Shamrock Sand and Rock and were finally retired. All of the warm and personal relationships they had with their employees, over 54 years, continue through the present day.

Martha is survived by her husband of 59 years, John; their children, Jeffrey and his wife, Tamira Marana, Jean and her husband, Gary Clawson and Janet and her husband, Chris Gillies, also, her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.