TehachapiNews.com

Doris Smith

Doris Smith

Funeral services have been set for longtime Tehachapi resident Doris Smith, who died on Sunday, May 19.

Michael Gordon Hall, 1961-2013

Michael Gordon Hall

1961 - 2013

Michael Gordon Hall passed away at his home in Golden Hills on May 10. He was 51 years old. Wood Family Funeral Service is handling the arrangements. For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.

Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Shanahan, 1930 — 2013

A talented well-liked member of this community since 1935, Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Shanahan, 82, passed away Tuesday, May 7, in a Bakersfield hospital following years of poor health.

Viewing will be at Wood Family Funeral Service on Friday, May 10, from 4 until 6 p.m. and a graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, with Pastor Ron Barker of the Tehachapi First Baptist Church officiating.

Eulogist will be Laura Warner, a friend for more than 70 years.

Interment will be at Tehachapi Eastside Cemetery where she will join predeceased family members: her parents, two brothers, one sister, and recently her beloved daughter, Barbara Elizabeth Shanahan.

Pallbearers will be Mark Munguia, Chris Cervantes, Mike Certantes, Steve Minton, Jack Yeager and Dan Knowles. Honorary pallbearer was Dick Johnson.

A reception was held following services at Kelcy's Restaurant.

She was born to Carl and Dorothy Mantoth on Sept. 3, 1930, in Oakland and moved to Tehachapi with her family in 1935. Her father accepted a job at Monolith Portland Cement Company and she was enrolled in Tehachapi Elementary School, graduating from Tehachapi High School in 1948.

She finished a business course at Lufkin's Business College in Bakersfield and was hired by the County of Kern until 1949 when she followed in her father's footsteps working in the office at Monolith cement plant as a teletypist. She was often complimented on her typing speed and accuracy. In 1966 Betty was hired as secretary for Tehachapi Cemetery District, a position she held for 30 years, retiring in 1996.

She met James (Pat) Shanahan in 1949, the two were introduced by her brother, Bill, as both men were serving the the U.S. Navy, and they married March 1, 1952. Upon his discharge from the Navy, the couple moved to her husband's hometown of Omaha, Neb., for a short while and in January 1953 they returned to Tehachapi. Once again a family member was hired by Monolith cement plant as an oiler and on-the-job training advanced him to plant electrician. They welcomed a son, Michael, and a daughter, Barbara.

Betty, as she was called by most people who knew her, enjoyed bowling, playing cards, occasional casino gambling and was an accomplished seamstress. As a devoted wife and mother she deeply loved her family and their care and well-being was the center of her life. She had a very pleasant personality and had many friends she kept in contact, including some classmates both in this area and in other states.

Survivors are her husband James (Pat) Shanahan, son Michael Shanahan and wife, Kim, granddaughter, Erin Shanahan and a great grandson, Joey Stephens.

Wood Family Funeral Service handled the arrangements.

Albert S. Crisalli Jr., 1952 — 2013

By Ian Hamilton

A long time ago a little girl no older than my daughter is now needed comfort from her father. So he held her hand and gently rubbed the pad of his rough fingertip against her tiny, soft, fingernails. It worked.

Many years later another man held that girl's hand. I felt the unusual touch of a finger gently stroking my fingernail.

Endless kindness is what drew me to Julianna Crisalli, the person who would become my wife, when I got to know her at Tehachapi High School 10 years ago. I found where it came from when I got to know the rest of the Crisalli family: her grandparents Al (senior) and Alyce, brother Josh and mom Linda.

It was in her father, Al Crisalli, though, where I saw much of who she is reflected. He held the weight of the world on his shoulders to keep it off his loved ones. Al gave unlimited care and love to the small and fragile things in this world. He was a person who, in the words of a friend, "inspired so many of us, in so many different ways, to be better than we are."

Al died unexpectedly in his home on the morning of May 6. He died 13 years after his younger brother Scott, and Al cared for he and Scott's parents through their declining health. Al Sr. died Dec. 29, 2010, and Alyce on Aug. 13, 2012. Their son Al leaves behind his own loving children, Josh and Julianna, his wife Linda, granddaughter Anabella and a network of people that stretches across much of Southern California who are left stunned by the loss.

He was both a student and teacher of many things -- a lanky white man fluent in the endangered Kawaiisu language of the local Native Americans, an expert on the plants and animals of these Tehachapi hills, and a musician whose dulcimer and guitar lessons gave many a new voice. In supporting his family as a realtor, he introduced countless families to the area. There could have been no better ambassador -- he was also a former publisher of the Tehachapi News.

When my own daughter, Al Crisalli's granddaughter Anabella, holds the hand of a loved one in the long years to come, I hope that person feels a gentle finger on their nail, smiles, and asks where that started. . .

Dorothy Jane Peterson, 1913-2013

Dorothy Jane Peterson

1913 - 2013

Dorothy Jane Peterson, a 10-year resident of Bear Valley Springs, passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 7. She was 100 years old. A private celebration of her life was held.

Dorothy was born on January 26, 1913. Her parents, Floyd and Clover Chamberlain Hamill, were both from Illinois and Kansas, respectively. By the time that Dorothy was born, they had resettled in Butte, Mont. She attended the Organic School of Education in Fairhope, Ala., graduating in 1930, moved to California, and attended Santa Monica City College.  In 1933 she married John Lee Mooney and they had two children: Barbara Allen, with whom she lived in Bear Valley Springs, and Dianne Dausener of Rainier, Wash. Mr. Mooney passed away in 1957 at the age of 41.

As a member of the Photography Society of America (PSA) and many other photography clubs, Dorothy became a superb photographer. Through the years, she won numerous awards, had one of her photos displayed in United States Senator Scranton’s office in Washington, D.C., and had the privilege of studying with Ansel Adams. Dorothy had many other interests also, including chess and playing the organ.

Her chosen vocation was as a varitypist in the printing branch of Western Airlines. She was able to take advantage of her job with the airlines and became a world traveler. During a trip to Russia, while at the Kremlin she became so absorbed taking pictures that she got lost. It was getting late. A little old Russian lady rescued her and returned her to her tour group. In 1989 she married George E. Peterson in Hemet; and the two of them spent time all over the world, including several trips to Hawaii. George passed away in 1997, but Dorothy continued to travel. Her last trip, at age 90, was to New Zealand and Australia.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husbands, John Lee Mooney and George E. Peterson; her brother, Phil Hamill; and her sister, Ruth Hamill. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara and Dianne; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Wood Family Funeral Service is handling the arrangements. For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.

Robert Leon Fields, 1926-2013

Robert Leon Fields

1926 - 2013

Robert Leon Fields, a 60-year resident of Tehachapi, passed away on Monday, May 6, in Bakersfield. He was 86 years old. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, May 13 at 10 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tehachapi. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the church. Interment and military honors will be held at 1:15 p.m. that afternoon at the Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin. Wood Family Funeral Service is handling the arrangements. For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.

Dorine Lunceford, 1936-2013

Dorine Lunceford

1936-2013

Dorine passed away April 27, at her home in Bear Valley. She is survived by her husband Clifford “Corky” Lunceford and daughters Cherice Hatton, husband Matt of Bakersfield, Teresa Walker Osborn, husband Rick of Paso Robles, Kim Little of Santa Clarita, son Michael Little, wife Andrea, grandchildren Cullen and Colby Little of Simi Valley. Sister, Rosalind Williams of San Clemente cousin, (they were like sisters,) Laraine Pipoly of Long Beach.

A private family gathering was held in Bakersfield on May 11.

A celebration of life will be held in Bear Valley at Cub Lake, June 23 for family and friends at 2 p.m.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity in the name of Dorine Lunceford.

Charles Jay Albjerg, 1955-2013

Charles Jay Albjerg

1955 – 2013  

Charles Albjerg was born June 4, 1955 in Minneapolis, Minn., and passed away April 25 in Phoenix, Ariz., after long battling effects of injuries sustained in accidents in 2008. He grew up in the Twin Cities area and graduated from Bloomington Kennedy High School, and from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  

Charlie worked as a flight test engineer for McDonnell Douglas on the MD80 and for Boeing on the B-767. He also worked for other firms on a variety of aircraft, including projects for NASA and the US Air Force.
In the course of his career, Charlie worked in several areas of the country, including Long Beach,  San Antonio, Texas, Marquette, Mich., and Savannah, Ga. He lived and worked for several years in Seattle, Wash., Bend, Ore. and in Tehachapi. He had been to every state in the US except Alaska. Charlie enjoyed snow skiing and mountain hiking for many years. For the last 30 years or so he enjoyed doting on his beloved German Shepherd dogs.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Lucille Albjerg. He is survived by his twin sister Carol Nielsen (Mark), brother Greg Albjerg (Janet), niece and nephews.

Interment is at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Memorial service were held at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 6, at Palmcroft Baptist Church, 15825 North 35th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85053.

Unless otherwise indicated, memorial funds will be donated to the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC).

Richard Cook

Richard Cook

Richard Cook, a.k.a Viper, entered into eternal rest on the morning of April 28 in Bakersfield. He was 70 years old. He is survived by four children, four grandchildren, one loyal dog Max, his assistants and friends. Richard's life brought happiness to many, he was loved by many and will be forever missed. A private service will be held.

Neva Ann Yribarren, 1951-2013

Neva Ann Yribarren

1951 – 2013

Neva Ann Yribarren passed away on April 26, 2013, in Bakersfield. She was 62 years old.

Neva was born on Jan. 16, 1951 in Mojave, to parents John and Neva Marie Yribarren. She graduated from North High School in 1969 and attended Humboldt State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology in 1977. After graduation, she worked as an archaeologist for the US Forest Service in Oregon. On May 12, 1980, she married Michael Phillips in Reno, Nevada. Neva attended Cal State Bakersfield to obtain her teaching credential and began teaching in Bakersfield the fall of 1983. She continued teaching at the elementary level at Edwards AFB from 1984-1990. In 1990 Neva began teaching in the Tehachapi Unified School District; she taught for 16 years in a variety of classroom settings which included all elementary grade levels, as well as special education. Neva returned to Cal State Bakersfield in 1989 to earn her Master of Arts in Environmental Education, during which she also co-authored a science education textbook series with her TUSD colleagues. In 2001 Neva obtained her special education credential and served the remainder of her professional career as a Resource Specialist until retiring in 2006.

Neva was an avid reader, passionate gardener, kayaking enthusiast, and seasoned traveler. She went out of her way to help others and always put the interests of her family, friends, and students first.
Neva is survived by her husband, Michael; daughter and son-in-law, Jessie and John Sullivan; parents, John and Neva Yribarren; and sister, Susan Yribarren.

Neva’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel, at 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Neva Yribarren to the Tehachapi Association of Teachers Scholarship Fund. Checks may be mailed to Tehachapi Association of Teachers, P.O. Box 801, Tehachapi, CA 93561.

Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. is handling the arrangements.  For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.

John Loyd DeWoody, 1934-2013

John Loyd DeWoody died Thursday, April 25 at 78 years old. He was born October 26, 1934, in Norman, Oklahoma and married his sweetheart in December 1952.  He was a professional truck driver for several years, mostly with Consolidated Freightways.

John is survived by his wife, Betty DeWoody; sons, Curtis DeWoody and Ricky DeWoody; and daughter, Pamela Thompson; along with eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. handled the arrangements. For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.