Dale Bailey

Dale Ellen Stromer Bailey passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the afternoon of September 2, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Dale was born in Santa Monica, California, on June 4, 1941. She attended Santa Barbara High School and graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in History in 1964. She met Talbot Bailey at the First Methodist Church of Santa Barbara and they were later married there in 1965.

During their marriage, Dale and Tal made their home in several communities. She always spoke fondly of the friends she made in Bellevue, Washington, in the 1970s, and kept in touch with throughout the years. She and Tal moved to Santa Rosa in 1978 and settled in Rincon Valley. She loved to socialize and made fast friends in her neighborhood and through church, Bible studies, work, and her children’s school and sports activities.

Dale participated in the early days of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and her devotion to Christ was evident in the ways she showed hospitality, generosity, and the giving of her time. She loved to study the Bible and fellowship with her friends. She always thought of others who needed a helping hand and would often invite them to her holiday table.

Dale loved the holidays and decorating her home. Every year she baked cookies and made the season festive with ornaments, music, and delicious meals. She enjoyed crochet, needlepoint, and could often be found reading late into the night. She took great interest in historical places and studying her family history. As their children grew older and moved away, she and Tal formed deep friendships over dinners out and games of hand and foot and dominoes.

But perhaps one of Dale’s greatest joys in life was her family. She is survived by her husband Tal, daughter Sharon Bailey Glasco (Jeff), of Salem, OR; daughter Susan Brown (Hugh), of Santa Rosa, CA; son Scott (Kristin), of Allison Park, PA; son Steve (Amber) of Sacramento, CA, and her eleven grandchildren: Anna, Madeline, James, Audrey, Lauren, Sophie, Daniel, Lydia, Nathan, Adrienne, and Miles; sister Jane Varni of Santa Maria, CA, sister-in-law Enid Bailey of Scottsdale, AZ, brother and sister-in-law Roger and Pat Bailey of Leesburg, VA, her niece Heather Raedeke, and nephews Christian Brooks, Kent Bailey, and Antonio Varni; and many friends who loved her dearly.

Our hearts are full of gratitude for the many people who took care of Dale through these later years of her life, most notably her devoted caregiver Vani, and the team at Anchor hospice.

In a private internment, Dale will be laid to rest at Santa Rosa Memorial Park in Santa Rosa, CA. The family is planning a celebration of her life for later this year.

We love you, Mom.
Romans 8:38-39

Maurice Magsamen

Maurice Magsamen

It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother Maurice (“Whitey”) Magsamen, who passed away peacefully from a staph infection in Santa Rosa on May 8, 2020 at the age of 84, with family by his side. Maurice was born to Jerome and Theresa Magsamen on March 30, 1936  in Petersburg, Nebraska.  He had an older brother Ben (on right in photo) – who sadly passed away the same week.  He is survived by his brothers Cletus and Frank Magsamen, and sister Mary Kay Adams.

Maurice attended Iowa State and while in Iowa, he met and married his lifelong love, Carmelita (Whitesell) Magsamen. Maurice and Carmelita moved to California in 1964.  During their marriage they had three children, John Magsamen, Anna Sierra and Theresa Plyler. Maurice worked for CalTrans, helping design the massive freeway and aqueduct systems in the Los Angeles area before moving to northern California. He finished obtaining his degree in Civil Engineering from Sonoma State University and worked for the City of Santa Rosa as a civil engineer for 30 years until his retirement.

Maurice loved geology, and tending to his beautiful gardens.  He was an impressive athlete, completing more than 20 marathons, and many century rides. He was actively involved with the Santa Rosa Cycling Club for many years, and completed their “Terrible Two” bike ride – one of the most challenging endurance cycling events in America.  More often than not, Maurice could be spotted on his bicycle throughout the beautiful rolling hills of Sonoma county.  Cycling was his passion, and one he avidly pursued for decades.  He fulfilled a lifelong dream by riding across the United States on his bicycle while in his late sixties, dipping his bicycle wheel into the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon coast, and again into the Atlantic Ocean in Maine a few weeks later.

Fiercely loyal, Maurice was a man of great integrity, compassion and intelligence, who loved the outdoors. In addition to his three children, Maurice was also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren – Madeleine, Evan and  Meredith Sierra, and Russell and Samantha Plyler.  But most of all, he was a devoted husband who remained steadfast and caring throughout his wife Carmelita’s lengthy illness.

His children decided that instead of wearing a traditional suit, Maurice would be buried in his biking attire, which we believe would have made him smile. Ride onwards into the sunset  Dad…you will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maurice’s name to the American Diabetes Association.

Carmelita Magsamen

Carmelita (Whitesell) Magsamen

 

It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister Carmelita Magsamen, who passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 81. Carmelita passed peacefully at home on August 17, 2023, with her three adult children by her side. Carmelita was the oldest of three children born to Therald John and Catherine (Maher) Whitesell on August 9, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa.  She had a brother John Whitesell (deceased) and is survived by her sister Kathryn Crawford. 

Carmelita was preceded in death by her devoted husband Maurice, to whom she was married for over 50 years. She is survived by their three children – John Magsamen, Anna Sierra, and Theresa Plyler. Carmelita managed to attend nursing school at night while still working and raising three kids. She earned her bachelor’s degree and became a licensed R.N., which was her primary career. She worked at Sonoma County Hospital and later at Memorial Hospital, where she cared for hundreds of patients in Orthopedics, the Cardiac Unit, and in the Operating Room.

Carmelita was an avid runner for many years, completing many races throughout Sonoma County. A life-long learner, she loved reading (especially historical biographies), attending lectures, the theatre, and never missed a BBC adaptation of a Jane Austin novel. In retirement, Carmelita was her mother’s loyal caretaker for many years. She also enjoyed being a dog mom, taking yoga classes, and spending time with her five grandchildren – Madeleine, Evan, and Meredith Sierra, and Russell and Samantha Plyler.

Carmelita will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carmelita’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Octavio Montoya

Octavio Montoya

Octavio Montoya Rojas, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 10, after a long illness. Born in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, Mexico in 1942 to Juan Francisco Montoya and Maria Guadalupe Rojas, Octavio moved to California as a young man, where he married Carol Montoya (Robertson). A lifelong craftsman and lover of music, Octavio was a builder, landscaper, carpenter, and gardener as well as a robust singer who loved his family, his music, and his flowers. He is survived by his three daughters, Raquel Montoya Dane, Cristina Montoya, and Rebeca Montoya, and five grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 11am at Eggen and Lance Chapel in Santa Rosa, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Sutter Care at Home and the Luther Burbank Center’s Mariachi Education Program.

Sutter Care at Home: https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=529

LBC Mariachi Education Program: Please click on this link TNEW-V7 – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts then please choose “Arts and Education Fund” and under Designation select “Mariachi Program”, in memory of Octavio Montoya.

Octavio Montoya Rojas, amado padre, abuelo, hermano y tío, falleció plácidamente en su casa el viernes 10 de marzo, después de una larga enfermedad. Nacido en Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, México en 1942, hijo de Juan Francisco Montoya y María Guadalupe Rojas, Octavio se mudó a California cuando era joven, donde se casó con Carol Montoya (Robertson). Artesano de toda la vida y amante de la música, Octavio fue constructor, paisajista, carpintero y jardinero además de un robusto cantor que amaba a su familia, su música y sus flores. Le sobreviven sus tres hijas, Raquel Montoya Dane, Cristina Montoya, y Rebeca Montoya, y cinco nietos. Los servicios se realizarán el sábado 25 de marzo a las 11 am, con recepción después en Eggen and Lance Chapel 1540 Mendocino Ave Santa Rosa, CA. En lugar de flores, la familia sugiere donaciones a Sutter Care at Home y al Mariachi Education Program for Children del Luther Burbank Center.

Sutter Care at Home: https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=529

LBC Mariachi Education Program: Haga clic en el enlace TNEW-V7 – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Favor de escoger a “Arts and Education Fund” y selecciona “Mariachi Program”, en memoria de Octavio Montoya.

Michael Cochran

Michael Brian Cochran passed away in Santa Rosa, California on February 2, 2023. He died peacefully in the presence of his loving wife and son after a short battle with cancer. Mike was born in Mississippi on January 14, 1954. He moved to Victorville, California in 1960 where he spent most of his childhood except a two-year period in Germany. Mike grew up with three sisters and two brothers and graduated from Victorville High in 1972 where he was a decorated athlete. He attended junior college and then accepted a baseball scholarship with UNLV.

In 1976 he moved to Santa Rosa, California and began his career in construction. He joined the Carpenters Union that year and was actively involved in the apprentice program, teaching night courses for four years.  In 1983 Mike began working for North Bay Drywall where he stayed for 36 years. Mike worked at Stockham Construction from 2012 until he retired in 2020. Retirement offered Mike more time to enjoy his lifelong passion for golf.

Mike met the love of his life Berta shortly after moving to Santa Rosa. They were married a few years later and continued to live in the city as they raised their children Jason and Sara. It brought Mike great joy to watch his family expand with Jason and his wife Jen and their children Brayden and Kylie (Windsor); and with Sara and her husband Mark (Napa). In retirement, Mike was able to dedicate more time to a devotion that outshined even golf: his grandchildren. He spent many happy hours watching his grandson Brayden play baseball, and he welcomed any chance to spoil his granddaughter Kylie shopping.

Mike is warmly remembered for his charming nature, great laugh, and giant smile. He was eternally youthful in spirit and will be missed by his family and friends.

Marv Brunson

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Marvin “Marv” Brunson passed away on January 19, 2023 surrounded by the love of family. He was 77 years old.

Marvin was born the youngest of three children born February 15, 1945, to Dee and Mildred “Micki” Brunson. He attended both Montgomery and Santa Rosa High Schools where he made many lifelong friends.

In 1990, he met his loving wife Niki and they dated for three years before getting married at “The Little White Chapel” in Las Vegas on June 21, 1993. They both enjoyed golfing, sports and having fun together. They made several trips throughout their marriage including a trip to New York City where they attended The US Open and a taping of the David Letterman show. They shared a love of the 49ers and the Warriors and Marvin created and enjoyed an entire room of memorabilia dedicated to his teams.

Marvin was a wonderful and devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandparent who valued time with his family and friends most of all. Always young at heart, Marvin liked to have fun. With his quick wit, nothing made him happier than sharing a genuinely funny story or joke. He was a talented gardener whose innate gift was evident with every garden he created. He was a lover of animals, especially the many dogs he had throughout his life. He was caring and hospitable, warm and friendly, generous and loyal, and a friend to all whose lives he touched.

Marvin was preceded in death by his father, Dee Lazelle Brunson, his mother Mildred Louise “Micki” Albright, his brother-in-law Monte Kurlander, and his niece Caren Brunson.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years Maria ‘Niki’ Brunson of Windsor; his children Connie White (Greg) of Santa Rosa; Mike Brunson (Gail) of Medford, OR; and Michael Loijos of Santa Rosa. He is survived by his siblings Judy Kurlander of Dayton NV, and Bob Brunson (Suzy) of Santa Rosa. Survived by his grandchildren, Taylor Brunson of Santa Rosa; Emily White of Santa Rosa; Zachary Brunson of Medford, OR; Adeline White of Santa Rosa, and Logan Loijos of Santa Rosa. He is survived by his niece Kathy McMahan (Walt) of Dayton, NV; his nephew Kevin Kurlander (Shelia) of Dayton, NV;  his nephew Darin Brunson (Lindsay) of Santa Rosa; his nephew Tom Rickard of Los Angeles; and his niece Trina Swift of Folsom, CA. Survived also by cousin Tom Wilson (Terry) of Fairfax, CA along with his cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

If you knew Marvin, please come by to celebrate him. He was a very special person and will be truly missed. Marvin’s Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday February 15th, his birthday, at The Union Hotel, 280 Mission Blvd, Santa Rosa at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society.

Colette Hatch DeRoma

In loving memory of Colette who, after a long illness, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023, at her home in Santa Rosa with her two children and her husband at her side. She was the loving wife of Joseph H. DeRoma and mother of daughter Corinne Taylor of Sunnyvale California and son Dean Adams of Doha, Qatar, all of whom survive her.  She also leaves her brother, Fernand, of Chaussin, Jura, France, grandchildren Christiane T. Lancieri of Healdsburg and Cameron J. Taylor of San Jose, California, as well as many relatives and extended family in France and the United States. She was predeceased by her brother Celestin Lepeut of Foucherans, Jura, France.

Colette was born on May 22, 1942, in France amid the turmoil and privation of World War II, the youngest of three children, to parents of modest means.  As a woman at that time, she achieved the extraordinary feat of obtaining an education, pursuing a career in hotel management in Europe and ultimately immigrating to the US to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

After earning her BA from the Lycée Hotelier de Bourgogne Franche Comte d’ Etat Poligny in Jura, France, Colette managed several fine hotels in France, England and Corsica including a prestigious apprenticeship at the Michelin three-star restaurant Jeunet.   In America, she made her career managing French restaurants in Connecticut.  In the 1990’s she relocated to Sonoma County, the heart of California Wine Country, where she reinvented herself as Madame de Fromage, a role that saw her advocating for artisanal cheese makers the world over, importing their creations to California and building state of the art cheese counters at the four branches of Oliver’s Market where she also organized and coordinated the cheese departments and hired and trained the cheese mongers. She also worked with California wine makers on cheese and wine pairings, lectured at culinary institutes and traveled to American Cheese Society and Slow Food International events in the U.S,, France and Italy.  Eternally committed to education, Colette served as a founding member of the Cheese School of San Francisco faculty.  Helping to establish the initial curriculum, she continued her tenure there for over a decade.  She was inducted into the prestigious New World Chapter of the Guilde des Fromagers.

All who knew her would understand that when Colette determined to do something, she followed through with a force of will that was unstoppable. . She had a charisma about her that was almost magnetic, a presence that was larger than life and a loving nature such that in turn made her beloved by all who knew her,

At her request, no services will be held.  There will be a celebration of her life event scheduled in coming weeks.  If you wish to participate, or just to be notified, please email jhderoma@sonic.net

Donald Hunsperger

Donald Wayne Hunsperger passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his Santa Rosa home on December 28, 2022 at the age of 77.  Wayne, as he preferred to be called, was born in Dos Palos, CA on August 22, 1945.  The youngest of five children, Wayne overcame obstacles from a difficult birth and developed a strong work ethic and a “do-it-yourself” ability that was important when his family moved to a small farm without indoor plumbing in Koshkonong, Missouri. When he was 11 years old, the family moved back to California and eventually settled in South San Francisco.  At the age of 20, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.

 

After his service he returned to the Bay Area where in 1969, Wayne met a teacher named Valerie Samuels. He was always supportive of her activities and pitched in on any project, big or small, that benefited her or the children with whom she worked. Four years later on September 29, 1973, the two were married in San Francisco. When they met, Wayne was employed by CalTrans and while working there, he enrolled at San Francisco State University where he graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. In 1976 the couple moved from Daly City, where in his mid-twenties Wayne had bought his first house, to Santa Rosa at which time Wayne worked for the Federal Government at the Presidio in SF and as an inspector on the Warm Springs Dam.  Wayne began his job as an Engineering Technician for the City of Santa Rosa in 1980 in the Traffic Department at City Hall.  Later he transferred to the City Water Department from which he retired in 2005.

 

In 1978, Wayne and Valerie welcomed their first child, Scott. A wonderful father from the beginning, Wayne took on additional roles as a Little League coach, Boy Scout dad, and countless others.  In 1986, the family adopted a daughter, Carol, and then Wayne became a soccer coach and an honorary veterinary assistant helping take care of the many pets his daughter gathered over the years.

 

Wayne was an avid cyclist, participating in century (100 mile) bike rides.  His enjoyment of gardening produced tasty vegetables, fruits and berries, along with beautiful roses.  His skills and abilities seemed endless. He maintained all of the family cars and demonstrated his expert mechanical ability even moreso when he completely restored a vintage 1939 Oldsmobile using original parts whenever possible. He used the master sewing skills that he learned from his mother to  reupholster car seats and furniture in addition to creating intricate quilts. There was no construction or plumbing task that he could not do. “Handyman” isn’t a strong enough description for someone who could do things from the bottom of the house where he laid all the hardwood and tile flooring to the top, reroofing of his two-story home and everything in between. In his limited spare time, he enjoyed attending Cal Berkeley football and Giants baseball games as well as going to and sometimes ushering at local theater productions and concerts.

 

At the root of so much of what Wayne did was helping, whether it be people or the environment.  He rode his bike wherever he could and picked up litter every time he walked his beloved dog, Buddy.  He made his own compost for the garden and never let food go to waste.  Wayne was always looking for creative ways to conserve water and when he installed energy efficient windows for the house, he built a greenhouse from the old ones. He volunteered at the St. Vincent dePaul Food Bank and the Cathedral Thrift Shop both located at St. Eugene’s. He was also a 10-gallon level blood donor to the Blood Bank of the Redwoods.  Never saying no to helping a neighbor, friend, or family member; almost everyone who knew Wayne has a memory of him assisting them in some way. As one friend put it, “He was always there in his quiet but strong way.”

 

His kind heart and giving spirit will be remembered always.  Wayne is survived by Valerie, his loving wife of more than 49 years, and their two children Scott and Carol; his sister Myra Raymond (Dale) and brothers Steve Hunsperger and Bruce Hunsperger (Shirley); brother-in-law Paul Samuels (Nancy) and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Dorothy Hunsperger and sister Bonnie Cearley-Bolan.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of his favorite charities: the National Parks Conservation Association, the Sierra Club, or a charity of your choice. The interment will be at Santa Rosa Memorial Park and is private for immediate family members only. A Celebration of Wayne’s Life  which other family members and friends are invited to attend will be held in the Spring.

Cheryl Elizabeth Felly

CHERYL ELIZABETH FELLY

March 8, 1945 – December 7, 2022

 

Cheryl Elizabeth Felly, born March 8, 1945, in Santa Rosa, CA, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2022.

Cheryl is survived by her sons, Ronald Felly (and wife, Tina) and Michael Felly (and wife, Wendy); her twin sister, Carol Kent; and her two granddaughters, Tandra and Brooke Felly.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Frank George Felly, with whom she is now reunited, as well as her parents, Arnold and Sylvia Maki, and sisters, Sally, Patricia, and Marilyn.

Cheryl loved spending time with her two granddaughters and was a dedicated member of Santa Rosa Nazarene Church. She was known for her great love of butterflies, gospel and country music, and never missed an opportunity to start a new puzzle or tabletop game. She is leaving behind a legacy of faith and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. While we will cherish the time we spent together, we will also rejoice in the fact that she is now resting peacefully in Heaven.

Graveside service to be held Friday, January 20th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. Reception to follow at the home of Ron & Tina Felly.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelations 21:4

Claude H. Le Clerc


Claude H. Le Clerc

January 17, 1940 – September 3, 2022

Claude Henri Joseph Le Clerc Philibert passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family September 3, 2022. Born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada on January 17, 1940, to mother Marie Anne Schiavoni and father, Louis Joseph Napoleon Le Clerc.

He is survived by wife of 50 years Margarita, three children Pamela (Fred), Claudia (Fernando) and son Benoit. Two grandchildren Jenna and Quintin (Pamela) and two great grandchildren Hudson and Avery Jade (Jenna). Siblings Jean-Louis, Jean-Marie-May, Claudette, Benoit-Camille, Carmen, Robert, Real, Rino, Roger, and Rachel. And many nieces and nephews.

He left his native Canada in 1964 to join brother Benoit to Southern California to pursue business opportunities. Later in life business brought him to Sonoma County which became his home for past 42 years. Dedicated most of his career life in agriculture/landscaping industry. Always the consummate cook, which later lead him to take on the annual community Thanksgiving dinner which involved the preparation up to 150 turkeys which he did so with pride. Other interest includes tending to his garden, koi pond and spoiling his little girls (dogs).

While he will be missed, we are grateful for the 82 years God has blessed us with him. We know he is in a better place and although he is no longer physically with us, he will forever be in our hearts.


Visitation / Funeral Service – Friday, September 9, 2022 from 6-8 P.M.

at Eggen & Lance Chapel; 1540 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa



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