Sunday Obituaries

11/6/05

ADAMS, Ruth Cady

Ruth Cady Adams, a 32 year resident of Santa Barbara, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2005, at the age of 98. She was born July 13, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, to Gilbert Haven Cady and Marian Denmark Cady. She was the great-great-niece of noted suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Ruth taught physical education and lived in Chile, Bolivia, and Peru for 25 years. In Chile, she met and married her husband, George Adams, who was a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. They returned to Illinois in 1956, where Ruth earned her M.A. and taught high school Spanish until 1972. After her husband's death in 1973, she moved to Santa Barbara with her sister, Mary, and devoted her life to community service.

Ruth was an active member of the League of Women Voters and the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. She was a founding member of the Santa Barbara Hunger Coalition, the FoodBank of Santa Barbara County, Transition House, Rental Mediation Task Force, Direct Relief International, Children's Home Society, and the city/county Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness. In 1993, she was named Senior Citizen of the Year, and in 2001, she was named Unitarian Universalist of the Decade. She was prolific in her service, touching the lives of so many people with her kindness and willingness to help. She will be dearly missed by her friends, family, and community.

Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers, Allan and Gilbert Cady, and by her sister, Mary Cady Johnson. She is survived by her nephews, Cady and Derek Johnson, her great-nephew Jack Johnson, and her great-niece Rose Johnson. Services will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, November 12, in the Main Lounge at Vista del Monte. At 11:00 am, a second service will prepare to depart by boat from the Santa Barbara Sailing Center to scatter Ruth's ashes at sea, near those of her sister. Ken Collier, Parish Minister of the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, will conduct both services. All who loved or admired Ruth are welcome to attend and invited to speak.

DAVISON, Lavetta

Long time Santa Barbara citizen, Lavetta Davison, died on Sunday morning, October 30, 2005 at the age of 93. She had been a resident of The Samarkand since April 2000.

Born in Dalton, Ohio, July 11, 1912, to Edwin and Lydia Moser, she moved with her family to California as a child, and graduated from Canoga Park High School, and University of California in Los Angeles. She married Ben Davison August 12, 1941 while living in Van Nuys, California.

Both Lavetta and her husband, Ben, were educators, serving as teachers and principals in the Los Angeles School system. Lavetta was principal of the Atwater Avenue School, and of the Griffin Avenue School for over 25 years, during which time Ben was principal of Castelar School. They both retired in 1967 and moved to Santa Barbara. Ben preceded Lavetta in death in October, 1989.

Lavetta was an active member of the Bethany Congregational Church throughout her years in Santa Barbara, serving as librarian and in various other volunteer roles. She loved the old hymns of the church, especially some contained in an old family Mennonite hymn book.

She often joined Ben on the tennis courts in their younger days, and they shared interests in classical music and the visual arts. They toured most of Europe together during their sabbatical year in 1950.

Lavetta is survived by a sister, Eleanor Yaggy, in Vida, Oregon; a brother, Edwin Moser, in Prescott Valley, Arizona; and nieces, Mary Ann Smith and Jeri Crapo, in Fresno, California, Melanie Panzo, in Prescott Valley, and Nina Boe, in Newberg, Oregon; and a nephew, Steven Moser, in Prescott Valley; and by grand nephews and nieces in whom she took active interest. A younger sister, Odula DeChant, died in 1995.

A service of remembrance was held in the chapel at The Samarkand on Wednesday, November 3. She will be interred beside her husband in Block E Central of the Santa Barbara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Santa Barbara Rescue Mission or to Bethany Congregational Church.

EPPER, Heidi Jean

Born in Burbank, California, July 31, 1968, died at the age of 37 after a long illness. At a very young age, she moved to and grew up in Santa Barbara. She was a graduate of Santa Barbara High School. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of California at Los Angeles, focusing on her passion for acting, the arts, and culture. After college, she resided in Los Angeles until her passing.

Heidi was known for her gentle touch, pure heart and compassion for others. She loved children and worked with them in various capacities throughout her life. She loved to travel and had a great interest in other cultures, especially as they related to children. Her beloved cats, many of whom she had rescued, always surrounded her. Heidi was very thoughtful and sincere, yet she had a fun loving, goofy side that was very entertaining.

She is survived by her mother, Peggy Tingle-Campbell and stepfather Bruce H. Campbell, of Carpinteria; father Gary Epper; grandmother Gladys Tingle; sisters, Lisa, Danielle, Madison and Nicole; and her brother Gary.

She leaves us touched by her love and beauty. A memorial will be held in her honor. Donations in her memory may be made to Friends of Cats, 15587 Old Hwy. 80, El Cajon, California 92021.

LAZELL, Noel Evans (50)

Evans Lazell of Santa Barbara passed away suddenly on 19 October 2005. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his heart of Gold. He could always be depended upon to help others in their times of need.

Evans was Chef at Frimples Restaurant at 1734 State Street for many years after which he worked for the same employers at Rayne Water Conditioning in Goleta. After his father, Jon Lazell, suffered a stroke Evans devoted himself completely to his father's care. Evans, semi-retired due to diabetes, moved to Northern California in June. He spent his last times making beautiful oak drums, refurbishing his trailer home and tending his garden.

Evans is survived by his mother Ruth Franklin, stepfather Brent Franklin, two brothers J. Duane Lazell (nephew Eli) and James Lazell, sister Lise Lazell (nephews Cyrus and Alex), half-sister Sharon Lazell (nephew Devon) and half-brother David Lazell. A memorial gathering of his friends and family will be held on 12 November 2005 at the home of his parents in Montecito.

MACALUSO, Charles J.

Commander Charles J. Macaluso Sr. of Winthrop Harbor, IL, formerly of Santa Barbara. Beloved husband of the late Betty; father of Elizabeth Lama, Charles Jr., Barbara (Paul) Haroian; brother of Lenore Vleck; grandfather of six; great-grandfather of four. Visitation Sunday, 10-30-05, Kristan Funeral Home, Mundelein, IL. Funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, Mundelein, IL. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Notre Dame Athletic Dept., Notre Dame, IN 46556; 847-566-8020.

MARS, Larrice H.

Larrice H. Mars (Big Mama) at age 89 left us to embark on her home coming passage Sunday evening October 30th, 2005. Big Mama as she was passionately known and called by many was born in Shreveport LA. March 14, 1916 to John Holmes and Maude Jones. She was the youngest of eight children. Big Mama spent a number of years of her youth growing up in Shreveport then married to a Clarence Henderson in 1935 and had her first and only child Lenore Henderson Willingham who was her heart. She shortly thereafter relocated to Santa Barbara California with several of her siblings; John Tyler Holmes Jr., Altomae Darton, Claudia Holmes Jackson-Williams and Ethel Lee Augustine Jackson. She was remarried to Tyrea Otis Mars and became proud and long time resident. They became members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where they were in strong attendance till failing health issues and the passing of her husband in 1981. Big Mama's life revolved around family, friends, gardening, cooking, caring for her home and most importantly the undying love for her daughter Lenore and being a strong presence in the rearing of her two grandchildren Roosevelt Willingham (Danny) and Craig Christopher Commodore. Big Mama is survived by her grandchildren; Roosevelt Willingham (Danny) and his brother Craig Christopher Commodore; grandchildren Taharqa Nofertumkira Willingham, Kamilah Alika Willingham, Dimitri Akili Commadore. Her wit, humor and wisdom will always be treasured. Memorial services will be held at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 912 E. Cota Street, on November 11th, 2005 at 11:00 a.m.

MOELLER, Lenora M.

A memorial service for Lenora M. Moeller will be held on Saturday, November 19 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 3721 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara at 11:00 a.m. Mrs. Moeller, 94, died September 7, 2005 in Pleasanton, California. Born to Lulu (nee Herrlich) and Frank Rafferty on May 12, 1911, she was raised and schooled in early years in New Palestine, Indiana.

Mrs. Moeller graduated from Madame Blaker's School for Girls in Indianapolis and received her degree in Education from Butler University. She also studied piano, organ and violin at the Indianapolis Metropolitan School of Music. She was married to Walter H. Moeller, a Lutheran minister and later an elected member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. Mrs. Moeller taught music, art and math in elementary schools in Indiana, Ohio, Maryland and California. She served as church organist and directed adult and children's choirs at the many churches where her husband was the pastor.

While her husband was in Congress, she was one of the founding members of Washington Whirl-Around, a group who organized tours of the United States Capitol and other places of interest in our nation's capitol for constituents and other tourists. Her greatest joy was to share these historical sights with school children. While living in Washington, D.C., she and her husband were entertained at the White House by five sitting Presidents. Mrs. Moeller was an active member of the Congressional Wives Club and also American Association of University Women. Mrs. Moeller actively participated in all the congregations where her husband served and since moving to Santa Barbara in 1978, she was an active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Survivors include daughter Janeen Morse and son-in-law Richard Morse of Pleasanton, California; granddaughter Lori Arguelles and grandson-in-law John Cox and great-granddaughter Cadence Cox of Silver Spring, Maryland; and, grandson David Arguelles and granddaughter-in-law Tanya Arguelles and great-grandsons Austin and Bennett Arguelles of San Jose, California. Mrs. Moeller was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Walter H. Moeller, and infant daughter, Lenore.

Mrs. Moeller was laid to rest beside her husband on September 13 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In lieu of flowers at the memorial service, donations may be made to Lutheran World Relief, The Lutheran Hour Ministries or Emanuel Lutheran Church for the enhancement of the Walter H. Moeller Carillon.

PEDERSEN, Anna Margrethe

86, of Santa Barbara passed away the morning of October 31, 2005 after a brief illness.

Anna Margrethe, known her entire life by family and friends as "Grethe," was born in Ebberup, Denmark on February 11, 1919. As a young girl, Grethe dreamed of living in California. After World War II, she persuaded her husband Willy to make the move, and in 1949 they immigrated. After stops in Iowa, Massachusetts and Indiana, they settled in Santa Barbara in 1953. Shortly afterward, they moved to their new home in Montecito.

Grethe left the working world when her children were born, but she never slowed down. She was very active in church and donated countless hours to charitable causes. She sewed baby clothes for poor children in Africa, prepared and served food for homeless families at Transition House, and was always available to help elderly and handicapped people with their shopping or other daily needs.

In her leisure time, Grethe loved to create elaborate floral needlepoint and work in her garden. She loved the outdoors and would spend hours walking in the Montecito foothills. While Santa Barbara became Grethe's home for more than fifty years, she never lost her love of travel and a summer never passed without a trip to a far-off place, in North America or abroad. The greatest joy in Grethe's life was her family, especially her four grandchildren.

Grethe lost her beloved husband Willy in 2004. They were married for 59 years. She is survived by her two sons, Lars Pedersen of Davis, California and Hans Pedersen of Santa Barbara, their wives Maria Pedersen (Lars) and Rebecca Holland (Hans), four grandchildren, Desiree, Niels, Christian and Olivia, and her sister Karen Hansen of Denmark.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 11 at 3:30 PM at Montecito Covenant Church, 671 Cold Springs Road, Montecito. The family requests that anyone wishing to honor Grethe do so by making a donation in her name to Transition House of Santa Barbara.

SILVA, William (Bill) Russell

61, passed away on Thursday morning, November 3, 2005, after a year long battle with leukemia. Bill was born on October 17, 1944 in Santa Barbara, CA to Reggie and Ida Silva. He attended Dolores Catholic School, Santa Barbara High School (where he graduated in 1962) and Santa Barbara City College. Bill had a long career with General Telephone Co. that spanned over thirty years. He retired from their management in 1994. Bill was also a member of the Santa Barbara chapter of the Elks for several years and was an active member of the S.B. board of Historical Arms Association.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Ann (Lopez) of 40 years (they married in June 1965) and their children, Carlene, Randy and Krista Silva. Bill also leaves behind six grandchildren, Kayleigh, Skyler and Savannah Murphy, Kianna and Kaiden Silva, and Meghan Manalis of Santa Barbara. In addition, he is survived by his brother, James R. Silva of Santa Barbara.

Bill enjoyed traveling around the globe with his wife Marlene and spending time with his children and grandchildren going on various outings and out to breakfast and lunch. Since he was a teenager, he was an avid car enthusiast and enjoyed building and racing "hot rods" with his son, Randy.

Bill was a loving and gentle spirit who had a wonderful sense of humor and who was generous to everyone he knew. He will be dearly missed and will be remembered by all those who he had touched.

The family of William R. Silva would like to thank Dr. Mukul Gupta and the 6th central floor nursing staff of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Hospice of Santa Barbara for all the wonderful care and support he was given during his numerous stays.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, 2435 De La Vina, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2005. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2005 at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Bill's name to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 2700 Patriot Boulevard, Suite #100, Glenview, IL 60026-8021.

WALKER, Lawrence Frederick Ronald

was born on Monday, January 16, 1939, in San Fernando, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence James Walker and Margaret Ronald Walker. He was baptized and confirmed by his godfather, the late Episcopal Bishop of California, the Rt. Rev. Karl Morgan Block. He grew up in Santa Barbara, CA, attending La Loma Feliz and other schools in the city, including Santa Barbara Catholic High School in the 9th grade. Larry studied organ under Harold Eineke of Santa Barbara as well as Richard Purvis at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. He gave his first major organ recital at the age of 12 in a Bach program at First Methodist Church, Santa Barbara. Larry was an acolyte and active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Santa Barbara, which later sponsored him for the Episcopal Priesthood. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1956 and took his B.A. and M.A. in Music from Westmont College, Santa Barbara. He attended Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary in Wisconsin, obtaining his M.A. in Divinity in 1965. He was ordained Deacon and Priest by Bishop Albert Chambers of Springfield, IL. Father Larry was engaged in social activism in the turbulent days of the Civil Rights Movement and took part in many demonstrations in the South. His first position as priest was in East St. Louis, IL. He later pursued a brilliant academic career, obtaining his M.B.A. (1976) and Ph.D. (1981) from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. He was an elected member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Larry began his academic career in 1977 at Widener College in Chester, PA, served as a visiting Professor at Arizona State University in 1987 and finally Cleveland State University as a Professor in the Nance College of Business in 1988. He was also Director of the Health Care Administration Program serving from 1988 until 2000, retiring in 2001. Larry is Professor Emeritus at Cleveland State University. While in Cleveland, Larry was selected to serve as Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, East Cleveland in 1996 and served until December 1998. After retiring from CSU, Larry taught graduate courses part-time at CSU until he moved to Albuquerque, NM. In 1999 he married Chelsea Elizabeth Hill of Virginia Beach, VA. Larry and Elizabeth moved to Albuquerque, NM in July 2003. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Lisa Dedmon; grandchildren, Haley, Cameron and Riley; and his very dear friends, Michael Haines and John-Mark Gilhousen. Pannakhida service was held on Thursday, 6:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel with Fr. George Sondergaard, officiating. Services were held on Friday, 10:30 a.m., at All Saints of North America Orthodox Church with Fr. George Sondergaard, officiating.