Grace Francis, 86

VISTA - Grace Doran Francis, 86, died of intestinal complications Friday, Jan. 5, 2007.

Born Jan. 25, 1920, in Pinehurst, Wash., she lived in Vista for 19 years. She was an internationally renowned hair designer, skin care specialist and educator.

Mrs. Francis is survived by her husband of 51 years, Marc Buddy Francis of Vista; sons and daughter-in-law Bill and Wimberly Doran of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Marc J. Francis of Vista; daughters Candice Francis of Dolores, Colo., and Joan Phillips of Arroyo Grande; sister and brother-in-law Maxine and Robert Elk of Rancho Bernardo; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Religious Science Church in Vista.

Dianna Myers, 63

RANCHO BERNARDO - Dianna Kay Myers, 63, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, in San Diego.

Born April 21, 1943, in Terra Haute, Ind., she lived in Rancho Bernardo for 43 years. She was a social worker. She enjoyed writing and riding horses.

Mrs. Myers is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jim Myers of Rancho Bernardo; daughter Kathy Myers and companion Lisa Quinto of El Cajon; daughters and son-in-law Kristy Myers of San Diego and Karen and Russ Jorgenson of Chula Vista; son and daughter-in-law Jim III and Jen Myers of Connecticut; and six grandchildren.

Private services are planned.

The family suggests donations to the Susan B. Komen Foundation, P.O. Box , Dallas, TX 75265-0309.

California Funeral Alternatives in Escondido is handling arrangements.

Gwendolyn Wickham, 82

POWAY - Gwendolyn Faye Wickham, 82, died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007.

Born Jan. 1, 1925, in Nebraska, she lived in Poway for 30 years. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Stoneridge Country Club. She enjoyed playing golf.

Mrs. Wickham is survived by her husband of 54 years, William Wickham of Poway; son James B. Wickham of Sedona, Ariz.; daughter Laura Lorene of Poway; brother Eugene Brown of Los Angeles; sister Shirley Litchfield of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.

No services are planned.

The family suggests donations to Elizabeth Hospice, 150 W. Crest St., Escondido, CA 92025.

Poway-Bernardo Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Harry Waldorf, 83

ENCINITAS - Harry "Gene" Eugene Waldorf, 83, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007.

He was born Feb. 24, 1923, in Mitchellville, Iowa. He was a college physics professor at a public college. He served in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Waldorf is survived by his wife, Dorothy Waldorf of Encinitas; daughters Lorrie Waldorf Cowell of Windsor, Kathy Moretti of Bakersfield and Nancy Cope of Redding; and son Walt Waldorf of Corvallis, Ore.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, in Encinitas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, CA 92024.

El Camino Memorial, Encinitas Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Hank Litten, 86

DESERT HOT SPRINGS - Hank Henry Litten, 86, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006.

Born March 2, 1920, in Whittier, he had been a longtime resident of Carlsbad. He was an educator, golf coach, project manager of golf-oriented communities, sports writer, press agent, public relations director for the TRW space program, and general manager of Leisure World in Laguna Hills in Orange County. He served in the U.S. Army as a captain during World War II.

Mr. Litten was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Greta Litten, in 1951. He is survived by his companion of 13 years, Ruth Davis of Desert Hot Springs.

(hold for Thursday, 1/25 Edward Jones, 94

CARLSBAD - Edward H. Jones, 94, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, at his home.

Born Oct. 6, 1912, in New York City, he lived in Carlsbad for 29 years. He served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant during World War II. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Carlsbad, the Elks Lodge, the Eagles, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He was an oil painter. He enjoyed driving his dune buggy, hunting and fishing.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by Willhelmina "Billie" Jones and brohters and sisters.

He is survived by his companion of 34 years, Margaret Follis of Carlsbad; and half-sister Ollie Dady of Carney, Neb.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 3821 Adams St. in Carlsbad. Inurnment will follow at 2 p.m. at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

Oceanside Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Robert Acosta, 47

ESCONDIDO - Robert Martinez Acosta, 47, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007.

Born Aug. 16, 1959, in Oxnard, he lived in Escondido for 41 years. He attended Escondido High School.

Mr. Acosta was preceded in death by his mother, Concepcion Acosta, in 1985; and father Estanislao Acosta in 2006. He is survived by his son, Robert Acosta Jr. of San Marcos; daughters Cynthia, Corina, Angie Acosta of Guadalupe, Ariz., and Connie Acosta of Oriville; sisters and brother-in-law Grace and Dan Beeman of Oceanside and Maria Hurtado of Escondido; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at The Rivers, 1930 Sunset Drive in Vista.

North County Cremation Service in San Marcos is handling arrangements.

Stanley Janiuk, 92

ESCONDIDO - Stanley J. Janiuk, 92, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007.

Born May 15, 1914, in Whitemouth, Manitoba, Canada, he lived in Escondido for 31 years. He was a general contractor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 50 years in Palm Springs and a Grand Knight of the Palm Springs Council.

Mr. Janiuk is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anne Janiuk; daughter Shirley Kern of Los Angeles; son and daughter-in-law Donald and Vivian Janiuk of Poway; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Escondido.

McLeod Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Millicent Provost, 94

SAN DIEGO - Millicent "Mitzi" Frances Provost, 94, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007.

Born Sept. 3, 1912, in Minnesota, she lived in San Diego for 40 years. She retired in 1980 after 36 years as an agent cashier for the Veterans Administration Hospital. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the San Rafael Parish and a Grand Regent of Catholic Daughters. She enjoyed bowling, knitting, crocheting and going to casinos.

Ms. Provost is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Beverly Rambo of San Diego, and Lou and Greg Woodburycatcott of San Jose; sister Peggy Grant of Chatsworth; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at San Rafael Catholic Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive in San Diego. Inurnment at San Fernando Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave. in Mission Hills is planned.

Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido is handling arrangements.

Patrick Brewer, 82

OCEANSIDE - Patrick Richard Brewer, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007.

Born June 6, 1924, in Los Angeles, he lived in Oceanside for 10 years. He retired as a captain from the U.S. Marine Corps. His service included the Guadalcanal Campaign, in the assault and seizure of Guadalcanal and Tulagi; New Britain Campaign at Cape Gloucester and Talasea Operation; Okinawa Campaign, assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto; the North China Campaign, occupation of North China; the Korean War Operations; and the Vietnam Operations.

Mr. Brewer was preceded in death by his son, Michael Brewer. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Tomiko Brewer; daughters and son-in-law Debbie Brewer of Tucson, Ariz., and Olivia Downey and Cecella and Edward Chavez, all of Orange; son and daughter-in-law Richard and Jennifer Ramirez of Atlanta; brothers Jerry Brewer of Richardson, Texas, and Leonard Vaughn of Shady Cove, Ore.; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at Eternal Hills Mortuary, 1999 El Camino Real in Oceanside. Interment at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego is planned.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Zoltan Petro, 78

ESCONDIDO - Zoltan Petro, 78, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007.

Born Aug. 11, 1928, in Lorinci, Hungary, he lived in Escondido for one year. He lived in San Diego for 20 years previously. He retired in 1993 as a biomedical researcher at Harvard Medical School and UCSD Medical School. He was a member of St. Timothy's Catholic Church. He enjoyed beekeeping, gardening and world travel.

Mr. Petro was preceded in death by his son, Zoltan Petro Jr., in 1978. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sarolta Petro of Escondido; daughters and sons-in-law Eniko and Tom Voss and Melinda and Tim Gates; and five grandchildren.

A Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 2860 Canyon Road in Escondido. A private cremation is planned.

The family suggests donations to San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103-1407.

California Funeral Alternatives is handling arrangements.

Robert Burke, 92

CARLSBAD - Robert Orville Burke, 92, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2007, at his home.

Born May 17, 1914, in Milford, Utah, he lived in Carlsbad for six years. He was a mechanical engineer for 40 years, for the Johnson Service Co. and the University of New Mexico. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of Palomar Church of Christ, the AARP and the New Mexico Pipe Trade Local No. 412.

Mr. Burke is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert N. and Kathleen Burke of Carlsbad; grandchildren Ryan Burke and Drue Burke; and four great-grandchildren.

Private family services and inurnment will take place at a later date.

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

Lorraine Hess, 90

OCEANSIDE - Lorraine E. Hess, 90, died of natural causes Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at her home.

Born July 2, 1916, in Chicago, she lived in Oceanside for 15 years. She was a volunteer and supporter with Greyhound Connection. She enjoyed her family, animals, wild birds, reading, crossword puzzles, and good debate.

Mrs. Hess is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Patricia Hess of Bow, Wash.; daughter Melinda Hess of Oceanside; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

No services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to Greyhound Connection, P.O. Box 277, Carlsbad, CA 92108, or pacific Northwest Trail Association Endowment Fund, 24854 Charles Jones Memorial Circle, Suite 4, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284.

Rayol Jackson, 64

SUN CITY - Rayol A. Jackson, 64, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, at Menifee Valley Medical Center.

Born Sept. 11, 1942, in Chicago, he lived in Sun City for three years. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed watching the cooking channel.

Mr. Jackson is survived by his wife of 12 years, Sharon Jackson of Sun City; sons and daughter-in-law Michael Jackson of Indiana, and Vincent and Maggie Tyson of Riverside; daughters and son-in-law Cheryl Thorton of Indiana, and V'Londa and Warren Taylor of Wildomar; brother, Ronald Jackson of Chicago; sisters and brother-in-law Joyce Hill, Judy and Greg Taylor and Diane Garrett, all of Chicago; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory in Sun City. Private interment at Riverside National Cemetery is planned.

Miller-Jones is handling arrangements.

Jesus Prado, 62

LAKE ELSINORE - Jesus Castillo Prado, 62, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, at his home.

He was born Oct. 5, 1944, in Mexico. He was an auto mechanic for 49 years.

Mr. Prado is survived by his mother, Grace Prado of San Juan Capistrano; sons Frank Prado of Murrieta, and Jessie Prado and Steven Prado, both of Lake Elsinore; daughter, Margaret La Fontaine of Lake Elsinore; brothers John Prado, Walter Prado and Frank Prado, all of San Juan Capistrano; sister, Frances Perry of Clairemont; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Options Funeral & Cremation Service. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Calvary Chapel in Lake Elsinore. Interment will follow at Elsinore Valley Cemetery District.

Murrieta Valley Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorials

Doris Ellen Robinette

Doris Ellen Robinette was born on January 26, 1917, in northern Minnesota. She passed away peacefully on January 4, 2007, in Escondido with her children beside her.

Doris graduated from high school at age 16 and married Les Robinette at age 21. They had three children and lived in Minneapolis until 1968, when they relocated to Tacoma, Washington. After Les' death in 2000, Doris moved to Escondido.

Doris loved the Southern California weather and was especially fond of the picturesque hills around Escondido and trips to the beach to watch the ocean waves. She enjoyed living independently, still driving herself around town and even purchasing a new PT Cruiser in October 2006. Her favorite activities were reading, gardening, taking classes through Oasis, surfing the Internet and playing games on her computer. She loved learning new things and was especially interested in the sciences of meteorology and geology.

Doris was devoted to her family and was always up for a game of Cribbage, Parcheesi, or Gin Rummy. Her most memorable quality will always be her consistently cheerful and positive outlook on life. She was a true believer in counting blessings and looking on the bright side of every situation. This is her legacy to her family.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Les Robinette. She is survived by her son, Neil Robinette and daughter-in-law Ginger of Minneapolis; daughter Jane Griffith and son-in-law Jim of Tacoma, daughter Renee Broadwell and son-in-law Grant of Escondido; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial will take place later in the year.

Otis B. Joyner

Sgt. Maj. Otis B. Joyner, USMC, Ret., died on January 13, 2007, in Vista, of congestive heart failure. He was 91.

Known affectionately as "O.B." by his friends, Joyner was born on August 16, 1915, in Ashland, La., and was raised in nearby Coushatta. His parents were farmers who struggled throughout the Depression to hold on to their home and property.

Joyner enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1939 in New Orleans. After recruit training in San Diego, he served with the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Maryland, followed by service as a drill instructor at MCRD, San Diego until March 1943, when he joined the 10th Marines in Wellington, New Zealand. He and his troops participated in the Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa campaigns in the Pacific Theater. At war's end, he served with the occupation forces in Japan. When he returned to the U.S., he was attached to the Army Quartermaster Depot, Fort Worth, Texas, from 1947-1949 for the return and reburial of WWII dead.

Joyner did recruiting duty in Louisville, Ky., and then joined the 1st Marine Division in 1954 in Korea, where he was assigned to the military advisory group for the 1st Brigade, Korean Marine Corps. He was assigned to the Division's Headquarters Battalion as sergeant major in 1955. In his career, Joyner served at the Fallbrook Naval Ammunition Depot Marine Detachment; at MCAS El Toro; with the 1st Marine Air Wing in Japan; as Sgt. Maj. of MCB Camp Pendleton; and in Oahu, Hawaii as Fleet Marine Force Pacific command Sgt. Maj. under Lt. Gen. Victor H. Krulak.

Joyner retired from the Marine Corps in 1966 after over 27 years of service. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service until 1974. He resided in Vista for over 50 years, where he and his wife raised two children. During retirement, he was an avid gardener and fisherman, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his son, Russell Bryan, in 1978, and his wife, June Rose, in 1998. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debra and William McCain, of Vista.

Mary Constance (Stapleton) Dolkas

1946 - 2007

Born in San Antonio, Texas, December 6, 1946, she filled her short 60 years with enough laughter, adventure and love to fill several lives. In 1976 she became the city of Carlsbad's first female patrol officer, an experience which remained the focus of her character. She earned her law degree late in life, showing us that we should never stop learning something new. For much of her life she was an avid runner, snow skier, water skier and cowgirl. Among her many gifts to family and friends included her incredible love of music and the ocean.

Mary was a devoted daughter preceded in her journey to heaven by Dr. and Mrs. Constantine Dolkas. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and wife. Second oldest of 12 children, Mary is survived by her brothers, Tom, Steve, Paul and John; and sisters Laney, Theresa, Cecelia, Lisa, Angela, Georgiana and Bernadette; her sons and daughters-in-law Matthew and Mary, Judd and Judy and Chase and Kristen; her grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, Norah, Benjamin, Lucas, Helen, Devin and Taylor; many cousins and extended family, and by her loving husband and best friend, Douglas Layland.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, at St. Pat's Catholic Church in Carlsbad.

Robert Thomas McDonald

Robert Thomas McDonald, 80, died Monday, January 15, 2007, in Temecula. He was an enrolled agent and tax specialist. Mr. McDonald was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945, and served as a high priest in the Rancho California Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia McDonald; daughter, Kathleen McDonald and her husband, William Collier; son, Mark McDonald; and grandchildren Hollie McDonald, Brandon Collier, Katelyn Collier and Brittany Collier.

A funeral service was held January 19, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Temecula. A memorial service with full military honors - 21-gun salute, taps, flag folding and presentation - was held later that afternoon at Riverside National Cemetery, where burial followed.

Donald L. Hansen, 76

The family of Donald L. Hansen, a resident of Murrieta, are sad to announce his passing on January 14, 2007. Don is survived by his daughters, Debi, Donna and Denise; his son, David; his stepdaughter, Melissa; and his stepsons, Greg and Scott. He is also survived by his brothers, Phil, Wayne and Joe; as well as many other family members and close friends.

Don retired from Interstate Electronics, where he was employed as director of support services and as an engineering branch manager from 1958 to 1993.

Don was born in New Mexico, raised on a farm in Texas, and lived the majority of his adult life in Southern California, where he graduated from college with a B.A. in history.

Don enjoyed the opera and traveling the world with his late wife, Joan C. Hansen. He also enjoyed photography, great foods and fine wine with family and friends.

May the journey of his passing be as peaceful and as happy as his life and may he find comfort with Joan.

Services to be held graveside at noon on Jan. 27, 2007, at Memory Garden Memorial Park located at 455 W. Central Ave., Brea, CA 92821. (714) 529-3961.

A celebration of his life to be held on Jan. 28, 2007, at 1 p.m. at his home. Please contact family for further information, (951) 600-0660.

Robert Thomas McDonald

Robert Thomas McDonald, 80, died Monday, January 15, 2007, in Temecula. He was an enrolled agent and tax specialist. Mr. McDonald was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945, and served as a high priest in the Rancho California Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia McDonald; daughter, Kathleen McDonald and her husband, William Collier; son, Mark McDonald; and grandchildren Hollie McDonald, Brandon Collier, Katelyn Collier and Brittany Collier.

A funeral service was held January 19, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Temecula. A memorial service with full military honors - 21-gun salute, taps, flag folding and presentation - was held later that afternoon at Riverside National Cemetery, where burial followed.

Donald L. Hansen, 76

The family of Donald L. Hansen, a resident of Murrieta, are sad to announce his passing on January 14, 2007. Don is survived by his daughters, Debi, Donna and Denise; his son, David; his stepdaughter, Melissa; and his stepsons, Greg and Scott. He is also survived by his brothers, Phil, Wayne and Joe; as well as many other family members and close friends.

Don retired from Interstate Electronics, where he was employed as director of support services and as an engineering branch manager from 1958 to 1993.

Don was born in New Mexico, raised on a farm in Texas, and lived the majority of his adult life in Southern California, where he graduated from college with a B.A. in history.

Don enjoyed the opera and traveling the world with his late wife, Joan C. Hansen. He also enjoyed photography, great foods and fine wine with family and friends.

May the journey of his passing be as peaceful and as happy as his life and may he find comfort with Joan.

Services to be held graveside at noon on Jan. 27, 2007, at Memory Garden Memorial Park located at 455 W. Central Ave., Brea, CA 92821. (714) 529-3961.

A celebration of his life to be held on Jan. 28, 2007, at 1 p.m. at his home. Please contact family for further information, (951) 600-0660.

In Memoriam

Christopher Dewey

Aug. 2, 1972 - Jan. 24, 2000

Seven years have passed since you left us. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. Part of us went with you the day God called you home. A million times we've thought of you.

A million times we've cried. If loving could have saved you, you would have never died. Forgive us Lord, we will always weep for the son and brother we loved but could not keep.

Your Family

Correction:

Howard Putnam Jr., 76

OCEANSIDE - Howard E. Putnam Jr., 76, died of cancer Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007, at Life Care Center of Escondido.

Born Feb. 12, 1930, in Washington, D.C., he lived in Oceanside for 36 years. He retired in 1971 as a master sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a veteran of Korea and the Vietnam War. He attended Mission San Luis Rey and St. Patrick's Church. He enjoyed politics.

Mr. Putnam was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine "Ginger" Putnam, in 2005. He is survived by his sons, Lewis David Putnam and Peter Patrick Putnam, both of San Jacinto, Paul Joseph Putnam of Spring Valley, Howard C. Putnam of Oceanside, Marcus Putnam of Virginia Beach, Va., and Tony Putnam of Rogers, Ark.; daughter Holly Putnam Burch of Escondido; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Interment was at Riverside National Cemetery.

Oceanside Mortuary handled arrangements.