Lori Newberry, 49

TEMECULA -- Lori Irene Grant Newberry, 49, died of cancer Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006.

Born July 7, 1957, in Galesburg, Ill., she lived in Temecula for two years.

Mrs. Newberry is survived by her husband of 29 years, Dallas Newberry of Temecula; mother, Joan Grant of London, Ky.; father, Phillip Dean Grant of Cullman, Ala.; son, Dallas A. Newberry II of Fallbrook; daughter, Cassandra Irene Newberry of Fallbrook; brothers and sisters-in-law Richard D. and Beth Grant of Colombia, Ky., and Phillip Dean Jr. and Marta Grant of London, Ky.; sister, Tammy Grant of Lexington, Tenn.; and three grandchildren.

Private services are planned.

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

Dallas Newberry is handling arrangements.

Robert Holmes, 78

SAN DIEGO - Robert Hillary Holmes, 78, died Monday, Sept. 25, 2006.

Born Dec. 7, 1927, in South Mills, N.C., he lived in San Diego for 18 years. He was a controller for a hotel. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of the Oaks North Golf Club. He enjoyed golf and watching football and golf.

Mr. Holmes is survived by his wife of 46 years, Esther Holmes of San Diego; daughter and son-in-law Leslie and Mark Sullivan of Austin, Texas; sisters and brother-in-law Maude and Reginald Tucker Jr. of Raleigh, N.C., and Bette Holmes of North Carolina; and one granddaughter.

Private family services are planned.

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

California Funeral Alternatives in Escondido is handling arrangements.

Isabel DeLa Garza, 57

VISTA - Isabel DeLa Garza, 57, died of a cerebral aneurysm hemorrhage Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego.

Born Jan. 20, 1949, in Oceanside, she lived in Vista for 28 years.

She was an order entry specialist for Taylor Made Adidos Golf Co.

Mrs. DeLa Garza was preceded in death by her father, Juan Apodaca, in 1995.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Herman DeLa Garza of Vista; mother Lucia Apodaca; son and daughter-in-law Herman Jr. and Lucy DeLa Garza of Vista; daughters and sons-in-law Yvette and Charlie Loredo and Renee and Jimmy Rodriguez, all of Oceanside; brother Ricky Apodaca of Oceanside; sister Virginia Apodaca of San Marcos; five grandchildren; and one stepgrandson.

Viewing with the rosary recited is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church with the Rev. Ray officiating.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Robert Fontenot, 63

OCEANSIDE - Robert L. "Frenchie" Fontenot, 63, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006.

Born Nov. 23, 1942, in Mamou, La., he lived in Oceanside for 30 years. He retired after 20 years as a gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He did three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a religious patron of Mission San Luis Rey. He enjoyed bowling, guns, cooking and antique collecting.

Mr. Fontenot is survived by his companion of four years, Bobbie "Berta" Bailey of Vista; sons and daughters-in-law Robert Jr. and Donna Fontenot of Round Rock, Texas, and David Fontenot of Oceanside; daughter Cheryl Cameron of Murrieta; brothers and sisters-in-law James and Cora Fontenot of Mamou, La., and Joe and Eunice Fontenot of Gretna, La.; sisters and brother-in-law Dorothy and Roger LeJeune of Lake Charles, La., and Leola "LaLa" Bertrand of Mamou; and six grandchildren.

Private services are planned.

Loris Hoyt, 71

VISTA - Loris "Honey" Hoyt, 71, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006, at Tri-City Medical Center.

Born Aug. 12, 1935, in Nebraska, she lived in Vista for 12 years. She lived in San Diego County for 30 years. She was a volunteer for the Oceanside Christmas Bureau. She was a member of the Oceanside Noon Optimist Club. She enjoyed floral design and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Hoyt was preceded in death by her father, O.H. Gibson; mother and stepfather Lily Dale Bryan and Richard Hoyt.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Debbie Hoyt of Minnesota; daughters and sons-in-law Sheri and Joe Berardino of San Diego and Carrie and Richard Miranda of Escondido; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Private services are planned.

Kenneth Kefauver, 80

MODESTO - Kenneth Edwin Kefauver, 80, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006.

Born Nov. 23, 1925, in Frederick, Md., he lived in Modesto for two years. He was a resident of Oceanside for many years. He was a director of the Oceanside Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Mr. Kefauver was preceded in death by Steven Kefauver and Jimmy Kefauver.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Kefauver of Modesto; sons Robert Kefauver of Indianapolis and Robb Erickson of Houston; daughters Nancianne Kefauver of Salt Lake City and Lisa Winter of Modesto; and six grandchildren.

Private services and cremation are planned.

Max Gray, 83

OCEANSIDE - Max Elwood Gray, 83, died of chronic pulmonary disease Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at his home.

Born May 2, 1923, in Kansas, he lived in Oceanside for 75 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He retired after 25 years from civil service as a horticulturist. He enjoyed fishing.

Mr. Gray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Isabel Gray of Oceanside; son Tom Gray; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Oceanside Mortuary.

Oceanside Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Dorothy Dominguez, 68

VISTA - Dorothy "Dottie" Lee Dominguez, 68, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006.

Born May 22, 1938, in San Francisco, she lived in Vista for five years. She lived in Carlsbad for 35 years previously.

Mrs. Dominguez is survived by her husband, Steve Dominguez of 36 years; mother Betty Freza of Canoga Park; son and daughter-in-law John Albert and Julie Demmer of Ramona; daughter Stephanie Pena of Vista; brother Raymond Freza of Canoga Park; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Holiday Park in Carlsbad with the Rev. J. Campa officiating.

A potluck will follow a celebration of her life.

Accu-Care Cremations in Carlsbad is handling arrangements.

Guerrero Cruz, 71

CARLSBAD - Guerrero "Jerry" Cruz, 71, died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006.

Born March 1, 1935, in Colorado City, Texas, he lived in Carlsbad for 50 years. He was a retired automotive mechanic. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church.

Mr. Cruz is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eleanor L. Cruz of Carlsbad; son and daughter-in-law Jerry Jr. and Emily Cruz of Oceanside; daughters and son-in-law Monica Cruz of Carlsbad and Rosa Linda and James Watkins of Oceanside; sisters and brother-in-law Isabel and John Cantabrana of Vista, Juana Bonilla of Coalinga, Felicita Sierra of Oceanside and Valentina Yanez of Barstow; and brothers and sisters-in-law Jose Cruz of Vista, Steve and Mary Alvarez of Hillsburg and Amador and Betty Alvarez of Oceanside.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Karina Medina, 24

ESCONDIDO - Karina Vargas Medina, 24, died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006, at her home.

Born Oct. 18, 1981, in Oceanside she lived in Escondido all her life. She was a cashier at Target for four years. She was artistic and loved playing video games.

Ms. Medina is survived by her parents, Dolores and Felipe Medina of Escondido; brothers Felipe Medina Jr., Cesar Medina and Victor Medina, all of Escondido; sister Blanca Medina of Escondido; and grandmother Enedina Perez of Mexico.

A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today, Sept. 29, at Resurrection Catholic Church. A private cremation is planned.

McLeod Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Henry Smiley, 96

CARLSBAD - Henry Putnam Smiley, 96, died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, at his home.

Born in Haverhill, Mass., he lived in Cardiff-by-the-Sea since 1958. He was a Ford mechanic for Peterson and Encinitas Ford. He rebuilt several small aircraft.

Mr. Smiley was preceded in death by his wife, Serena; and daughter Sandra.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Robin Smiley; daughters and sons-in-law Ardith and Tom Kemp, Priscilla and Pete Hone, Faye Brewster and Julie and Dave Romaine; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Pacific View Baptist Church in Encinitas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Pacific View Baptist Church.

Mardelle Arrant, 92

ENCINITAS - Mardelle Bernice Arrant, 92, died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006.

Born June 11, 1914, in Cook County, Ill., she lived in Encinitas for 48 years. She was a teacher for 39 years.

Mrs. Arrant was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara Fuller, in 2001.

She is survived by her husband, Edmond "Gene" Arrant of Encinitas; brother and sister-in-law Arthur and Myron Gnadt of Vista; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Encinitas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of the North Coast, 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite N, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Mary Lou Fox, 83

VALLEY CENTER - Mary Lou Fox, 83, died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, in Escondido.

Born Aug. 29, 1923, in Michigan, she lived in Valley Center for eight years and in San Diego County for 30 years. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Valley Center.

Mrs. Fox was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Fox, in 1990; and grandson Howard Fox III.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Howard Jr. and Laurie Fox of Elgin, Ill., Peter and Debbie Fox of Wheaton, Ill., Gil and Joyce Fox of Pittsburg and Michael and Jackie Fox of Valley Center; daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Art Skibley of St. Charles, Ill.; and 15 grandchildren.

Services have been held.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the LightBridge Hospice, 5280 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92121.

American Cremation Service in Carlsbad handled arrangements.

Memorials

Samuel Bata Santillan

PINE VALLEY - Samuel Bata Santillan, 74, died of cancer Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006.

Born March 16, 1932, in Brawley, he lived in Pine Valley for two years.

As the youngest of six children, Sam#'s oldest siblings went to work to assist the family, allowing him to remain in school. As the only child in his family fortunate enough to graduate from high school, he felt it was his obligation to make the most of himself as a reward for his family sacrifices. After graduating from Brawley Union High School, he attended Imperial Valley College for two years, where he studied business administration. He then returned to school taking advantage of the G.I. bill, enrolling at San Diego State University. During the next two years he fell in love with the San Diego community, and decided to make it his home once he completed his studies. He graduated in 1958 with a BA degree in accounting.

His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. Mr. Santillan was stationed at Fort Ord, along the central coast of California. The Army took advantage of his education in business and assigned him as a bookkeeper. He was honorably discharged after two years of service as a corporal.

During his time in San Diego, he and his family resided in Mission Village for 10 years, and then University City. In 1987 he decided to retire to his hometown of Brawley and planned to tour the world. After trips to Mexico and Spain, he found he was still too energetic to just vacation.

His short-lived retirement ended within a year and he jumped into the field of community involvement. He became involved in the political world in the Imperial Valley serving as the campaign manager for several friends and relatives who successfully ran for positions such as county supervisor, county administrator, mayor, city council, city manager, school board, and board of director for the Pioneer Hospital District just to name a few of the offices won. He then ran to run for office himself and won election as the city treasurer of Brawley in 1992. He was elected for that office for four terms, until his failing health caused him to give up that position.

Mr. Santillan also volunteered for numerous community organizations. While in San Diego he served in the National Management Association, the Mental Health Association and the Society of Government Accountants. In the Imperial Valley he served as the treasure for the Hidalgo Society in Brawley.

He also served in the Area Agency on Ageing, the Imperial County Central Democratic Committee, the Boys & Girls Club of Brawley, the Imperial County Historical Society - Mexican Gallery, the Casa De Amistad, and MAPA. He helped organize fundraisers for several charitable organizations and served as the treasurer for many of them including, the Clinicas De Salud sports festival, and the Frankie Chavez Memorial Scholarship Fund. In 2004, he was presented with a California State Senate Proclamation, honoring him for all of his outstanding work in the community.

In his off time, Sam was involved in all types of sports, including tennis, racquetball, softball, bowling, skiing, and golf to name a few. In fact, Sam was an outstanding athlete in his youth, lettering in football and track in high school. He held the Brawley Union High School record for the half-mile run for 18 years with a time of 2:00.2.

He continued to compete in track in junior college and was one of the top half milers in Southern California. In point of fact, he held the school record in that event at Imperial Valley College for over 30 years, with a time of 1:55. He also spent six years coaching youth softball teams in University City in the 1970s.

While working at the City of San Diego, he helped organize the city employees softball league, which is still in existence today. Once he returned to Brawley he volunteered to coach the high school varsity tennis team. He was a member of the Del Rio County Club men#'s club. Sam also was the family organizer, hosting the yearly family reunions that would be attended by hundreds of relatives, and setting up fundraisers for any family member in need.

His parents, Paz Timoteo and Jesus Bata Santillan, migrated to the United States from Jalisco, Mexico, in the 1910s in search for a better life for their family.

For the first years of his life, Sam and his family survived by picking crops in the farmlands of California, and moved between Brawley and the San Joaquin Valley as the picking seasons dictated. The family settled for good in Brawley in the 1940s, where his father was able to earn a living making candy and selling it in the neighborhood. Sam#'s character, compassion, work ethic, and dedication were built on the foundation of his family#'s love and giving in spite of the difficult times. From his humble upbringing of working the fields as a youth he rose to become the City Treasurer for the City of Brawley.

Mr. Santillan was preceded in death by his parents, Paz Timoteo and Jesus Bata Santillan; sisters Anita and Guadalupe; and brother Antonio.

He is survived by his wife,

Lilia, with whom he just celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 13; son and daughter-in-law Tim and Gayle Santillan of Poway; daughters and sons-in-law Gerrie and Dave Messer of Gilbert, Ariz., Pat and Tom Rice of San Diego, Liz and Ron Vogel of San Diego, and Norma and Nick Bachert of Oceanside; brothers and sister-in-law John Santillan, and Ruben and Francis Santillan, all of Brawley; grandchildren Steven, Nikki, Marcus, Dustin, Erik, Bronson, Alexandra, Victoria, Garrett, Paul and Jim; and four great-grandchildren.

The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at Frye Mortuary, 795 S. Highway 86, in Brawley.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 10th and K Streets in Brawley. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley.

Sam's greatest wish was for the young people of Brawley to have the opportunity to attend college.

As such the family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be make in his name to the Hidalgo Society Scholarship Funds, P.O. Box 1408, Brawley, CA 92227.

The family will be holding a celebration of his life at his son's home in Poway on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. All friends and family are invited. For directions e-mail tms9996@cox.net.

Gwen Neill, 87

ESCONDIDO - Gwen L. Neill, 87, died Monday, Sept. 25, 2006.

Born June 11, 1919, in Windser, Colo., she lived in Escondido for 64 years. She was a homemaker for 63 years. She was a volunteer for Palomar Medical Center, Children's Hospital in San Diego and the Center for the Arts, Escondido. She was a member of PEO for 60 years. She enjoyed shopping, gardening, genealogy and going out to lunch. Family was very important to her.

Mrs. Neill was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Neill, in 1999. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Steve W. and Carolyn Neill of Hayes, Va., and John B. and Susan Neill of Escondido; daughter and son-in-law Susan E. and George Stupar of La Crescenta; brother and sister-in-law Bud and Joan Wright of Rancho Palos Verdes; sister Peg Croxson of Costa Mesa; and grandchildren Kristy Stupar and Morgan Neill.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 S. Broadway in Escondido. Private inurnment at Oak Hill Memorial Park is planned.

The family suggests donations to Elizabeth Hospice, 150 W. Crest St., Escondido, CA 92025. Alhiser-Comer Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Florence L. Tait

Born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, Florence L. Tait, beloved wife and mother passed away at age 84 from various causes at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido.

A quiet and loving influence on her family, she is survived by her husband, Paul Tait of Vista, her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Patty Tait of San Marcos; her daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Rick Brown of Vista; her daughter, Janice Tait of South Lake Tahoe; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In Memoriams

Robert Alan Rose

Jan. 4, 1942 - Sept. 28, 1999

Bob Rose died seven years ago. We miss him, and we find strength in the memory of his smile and the legacy of his hard work, love, compassion and wit.

Life and death are

but a breath apart.

Remember to share

what's in your heart.

With those you love

and care about,

So that when you're gone

There will be no doubt.

No words left unsaid

Affirmations lauded

on every head.

They'll be strong and secure

life's beacon - well lit,

In the legacy of your

love, compassion and wit.

Erik Freeman

September 27, 1967 - September 29, 2005

Words cannot express how much I miss you. My heart is filled with many loving memories.

I see your face in your two beautiful daughters. Your smile is Ella's smile and your eyes are Grace's eyes.

You will forever be in our thoughts and memories.

I love you, Son.

Mom