Obituaries - 4/29/2007

By: North County Times and The Californian - | Saturday, April 28, 2007 9:47 PM PDT ∞

Maria Strong, 84

OCEANSIDE -- Maria Lizarraga Strong, 84, died Saturday, April 21, 2007 in Oceanside.

Born Feb. 25, 1923, in Calexico, Calif., she lived in Oceanside for 30 years. She retired form the Oceanside Unified School District in June of 1994. She attended San Luis Rey Mission and enjoyed bingo, gardening and visiting family and friends.

Mrs. Strong was preceded in death by husband, Robert Strong, in 1994 and her son Frederick Medley in 1995. She is survived by her son Steven Medley of Oceanside; daughter and son-in-law Lynda and Edward Strickland of Castle Rock, Colo.; brother and sister-in-law Richard Lizarraga of Mexicali, Mexico; sister Luisa Contreras of Calexico; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of the North Coast, 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Accu-Care Cremation Center is handling arrangements.

Edgard Franco-Ferreira, 42

SAN MARCOS -- Edgard Charles Franco-Ferreira, 42, died Monday, April 16, 2007, in La Jolla.

Born July 27, 1964, in Oakridge, Tenn., he lived in San Marcos 28 years. He was employed as a construction superintendent at White Construction Company for 20 years. He coached and sponsored San Marcos A.Y.S.O., San Marcos youth baseball and basketball. He enjoyed surfing and was an avid golfer.

Mr. Franco-Ferreira is survived by his wife of 12 years, Olivia Franco-Ferreira, of San Marcos; mother Lindsay Franco-Ferreira and father Edgard A. Franco-Ferreira. both of Knoxville, Tenn.; and son Sean Tyler Franco Ferreira of San Marcos.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, at The Barn at Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Drive in San Marcos. A private cremation is planned.

Allen Bros. Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Bessie White, 96

RAMONA -- Bessie May White, 96, died of natural causes, Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at home.

Born July 26, 1910, in Missouri, she lived in Ramona for 23 years. She was employed as a lemon grader. She enjoyed attending the Ramona Senior Center.

Mrs. White is survived by sons and daughters-in-law William Arthur and Jeannie White of Fountain Valley, Donald and Natalie White of San Luis Obispo, and Eugene White of Riverside; daughter Pauline Freeman of Ramona; sister Nellie Lucas of Poway; eleven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral is scheduled at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at 1st Congregational Church in Ramona. Interment is planned at 1 p.m. May 2, at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Riverside.

The family suggests memorials in Bessie's name to 1st Congregational Church, 404 Eighth Street, Ramona, CA 92065.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart are handling arrangements

Joseph Ellis, 70

OCEANSIDE -- Joseph Patrick Ellis, 70, died Friday, March 2, 2007.

Born Feb. 22, 1937, in Meriden, Conn., he lived in Oceanside for 46 years. He retired as a master gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a graduate of San Diego State University, and had earned a master's degree at National University. He was a past city of Oceanside mayoral candidate.

Mr. Ellis is survived by two sons; four daughters; three brothers; two sisters; and 12 grandchildren.

Marjorie Corley, 85

CARLSBAD -- Marjorie A. Corley, 85, died Wednesday, April 25, 2007.

Born April 1, 1922, in Phoenix, Ariz., she lived in Carlsbad for 41 years.

Mrs. Corley was preceded in death by daughter Cheryl Lee Corley in 2000, mother Anna Burris Coy in 1983, and father Alfred Henry Coy in 1969.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, John Corley; daughter and son-in-law Laura L. and Terry Ermer of Mellow Valley, Ala.; sister Maxine K. Hutchens of Aztec, N.M.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 1. A funeral is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, both at Eternal Hills Mortuary , 1999 El Camino Real in Oceanside. Entombment is Thursday at Glen Abbey in Chula Vista.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Nevelle Devereaux, 79

SAN DIEGO -- Nevelle Charles Devereaux, 79, died Wednesday, April 25, 2007,

Born Feb. 23, 1928, in San Bernardino, he lived in San Diego for 32 years. He retired as a school principal at La Mesa Middle School in 1994. He earned a bachelor's degree from UCLA and a doctorate in education from Western Colorado University. He was employed as a California Highway Patrol Officer for 10 years. He was an avid tennis player and old car enthusiast.

Mr. Devereaux is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Devereaux, of San Diego; daughter and son-in-law Sherri and Willem VanOpijnen of Redding; son Michael Devereaux of San Diego; brother and sister-in-law Albert and Margaret Devereaux of Yorba Linda; and three grandchildren.

Private family services are planned at a later date.

The family suggests donations to Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, Attn: Rebecca Johnson or Dolores, 123 S.E. Third Ave., P.M.O. 110, Miami, FL 33131-2003.

California Funeral Alternatives is handling arrangements.

Robert Stone, 81

SAN DIEGO -- Robert H. Stone, 81, died of colon cancer Tuesday, April 24, 2007.

Born in Corning, he lived in San Diego. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from La Jolla High School, lettering In track.

Mr. Stone was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Beth-Argyll, in 1993.

He is survived by daughters Sally Roden of Mohave Valley, Ariz., and Ellen Amburgey of San Marcos; son Edward Stone of Waldorf, M.D.; sisters Mildred Cushing of Texas and Lorena Ohles of Ore.; brothers Lee Lowery of California and Dick Lowery.

Memorial services will be at a later date. Interment will take place at Corning.

Margaret Higley, 95

CARLSBAD -- Margaret Katherine "Peggy" (Stokes) Higley died Sunday, April 15, 2007, at Las Villas de Carlsbad Health Center.

Born July 8, 1911, in Ramona, she lived in Carlsbad. She was a resident of San Luis Rey in Oceanside for over 84 years.. She graduated from Oceanside-Carlsbad Union High School. She was a co-owner of Higley's Mayflower Van and Storage Company. She was a member of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and Vista Chamber of Commerce. She was a charter member of Oceanside Emblem Club No. 177, an auxiliary member of Oceanside Elks Lodge and many other organizations.

Mrs. Higley was preceded in death by her husband Joe M. Higley and son Raymond E. Higley.

She is survived by her son Harold Melvin "Sam" Higley and his friend Barbara Rossall of Carlsbad; daughter Margaret Diane Duran of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Private family graveside services were held and officiated by the Rev. Keith Knoche. Burial was April 20 at Ramona Cemetery District's "Nuevo Memory Gardens" pioneer section.

The family suggests donations to the San Luis Rey Mission restoration fund; Oceanside Historical Society, Hospice by the Sea in Solana Beach or charity of choice.

Oceanside Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Mary Carlevaro, 89

VISTA -- Mary Agnes Carlevaro, 89, died Thursday, April 26, 2007.

Born May 23, 1917, in Hartford, Conn., she lived in Vista for 32 years. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Vista.

Mrs. Carlevaro is survived by her husband of 58 years, John L. Carlevaro, of Vista; and son John L. Carlevaro Jr. of Vista.

A viewing is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 30. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. at Allen Brothers Mortuary, Vista chapel. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Vista with the Rev. Peter-Vu Lam officiating. Burial will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.

Allen Bros. Mortuary, Vista Chapel is handling arrangements.

Delene Stromberg, 97

CARLSBAD -- Delene Shutte Stromberg, 97, a Carlsbad native who moved to Oceanside in 2002, died early Friday morning of natural causes at Tri-City Medical Center.

Stromberg was preceded in death by her husband William Stromberg and is survived by her son, William R. Stromberg, daughter-in-law Elaine; two grandsons, William T. Stromberg and Robert Stromberg, both of Los Angeles; five great grandchildren.

There will be a private service for family members only.

Donald Rhoades, 88

ESCONDIDO -- Donald Rhoades, 88, of Escondido died Friday, April 27, 2007, at Cypress Court.

He was born Aug. 28, 1918, in Iowa and served 30 years in the U.S. Navy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Rhoades; sister Florence Rhoades; and brothers Harold and Bob Rhoades.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Dan and Becky Rhoades of Texas, and Steve and Gloria Rhoades of Arizona; grandchildren Veronica, Stephanie, Candace, Brian and Anthony; and great-grandchildren Angelo and April.

A funeral will be held at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary in Glendale, Ariz. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Arizona.

McLeod Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Nell L. Jordan, 90

VALLEY CENTER -- Nell L. Jordan, 90, of Valley Center, died Thursday, April 19, 2007, at her home in Valley Center.

Born Feb. 24, 1917, in Pocatello, Idaho, Mrs. Jordan lived in Valley Center for 19 years. She worked as a school secretary for 30 years in the San Marcos Unified School District before she retired in 1988.

She enjoyed working in her garden, traveling, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her son, Michael Pennington Sr. of Valley Center; daughters and son-in-law Teresa and Gordon Hanke of El Mirage, Ariz., and Patricia Donoho of Valley Center; grandchildren Misty and Rebecca; and four great-grandchildren.

Her ashes will be scattered. The family suggests donations to the Elizabeth Hospice Foundation. North Coast Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements.

Douglas Lloyd Ensminger, 83

Douglas Lloyd Ensminger, 83, died Sunday, April 22, 2007, at Villa del Sol in Escondido.

Born Dec. 1, 1923, in Harrisburg, Pa., he lived in Escondido for 53 years. He was a graduate of John Harris High School in Harrisburg and Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa.

Mr. Ensminger joined the U.S. Army as a private in 1943 and was a member of Gen. Patton's rear headquarters staff during the build-up to D-Day. He also served in the Army during the Korean conflict and was discharged at the rank of second lieutenant.

He worked at the Bank of America and at Rube Nelson's Market. He was a staunch Republican.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Mary Theresa Barron Ensminger, in 2003; his brother Philip Ensminger in 1997; mother, Martha Jane, Osten Ensminger in 1926; and father, John Tyler Ensminger Jr. in 1955.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Mark Ensminger and Marsha Westerhold of La Mirada, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law Grace and Fred Massoudian of Spring, Texas; brother and sister-in-law John Tyler IV and Hilda Ensminger of Camp Hill, Pa.; brother-in-law Alfred Barolet of California, Md.; sister and brother-in-law Ruby and John Barron of Antigonish, Nova Scotia; sisters-in-law Evelyn Ensminger of Mesa, Ariz., and Rosemary Barron of St. John's, Newfoundland; and grandchildren Andrew and Carrie Kondor of Portland, Ore.

Private cremation is planned. His ashes will be scattered at sea.