United States High School Yearbooks by County
Karen Sewell
July 14, 1948 - Feb. 11, 2002
Karen Janice Sewell, 53, was a self-employed artist and gourmet cook for several restaurants.
She was born in Chico to Arlie and Peggy’Jo Sewell.
Over the years, she won many awards for her artwork.
She is survived by her parents, Lewis and Peggy’Jo Sunderman of Magalia; brothers, Donald A. Sewell of Austin, Texas and Lynn Sewell of Chico; sisters, Peggy Meyer of Magalia, Judy Ann Petrey of Westwood and Traja Rosenthal of Roseville. Her father, Arlie A. Sewell, preceded her in death.
There will be no services at this time.
Rose Chapel Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Janet Sharpnack
Oct. 13, 1932 - Feb. 13, 2002
Janet Edith Sharpnack, 69, was employed as an administrative secretary for 36 years for the City of Chico.
She was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Orley Buchanan Woodcox and Janet Rosalie Steinbacher.
Mrs. Sharpnack graduated from San Fernando High in 1950, and married Alan Sharpnack in 1963.
A member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church Legion of Mary, and the St. Thomas More Catholic Church choir, she also enjoyed oil painting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, square dancing, singing and stained glass.
She was a devoted daughter, and helped her mother take care of six siblings. As a mother, she in turn was devoted to her own two daughters, and grandmother to five grandsons.
Mrs. Sharpnack is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Lynn Hill of Fair Oaks and Jessica Leigh Lindewig of Paradise; mother, Janet Woodcox of Paradise; brother, Ken Woodcox of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Keith Woodcox of Surprise, Ariz., Gene Woodcox of Paradise; sister, Vivian Woodcox of Battleground, Wash., Karen Phillips of Paradise, Sharon Kerns of Oakhurst and Pamela Rogers of West Hills, and five grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paradise Hospice.
Visitation is planned for Monday, at Paradise Chapel of the Pines from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. A funderal Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Paradise Chapel of the Pines is handling the arrangements.
Harold Seabright
Jan. 31, 1907 - Feb. 13, 2002
Harold William Seabright, 95, started working at the age of 14 with the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
He moved on to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper as their circulation supervisor.
From there, he moved to Long Beach for 10 years and opened his own dry cleaning business called Seabright Cleaners.
Ten years later, he moved to Paradise and sold real estate for 5 years until his retirement in 1980.
Born in Terre Haute, Ind., to Charles and Dorthea Seabright, Mr. Seabright enjoyed gardening and especially liked needlepoint work.
He also he made many handmade rugs.
He was a past president of Harbor Dry Cleaners Association in Long Beach, a member of Rotary Inter-national of Long Beach and Lions Club of Long Beach.
Mr. Seabright is survived by his wife of 73 years, Marguerite Seabright of Magalia, whom he married in 1927; daughters, Joyce Rose of Salem, Ore., Lois Rockman of Long Beach, and Ann Spivey of Elk Grove, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas, in 1990, one brother and one sister.
Visitation will be held Monday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rose Chapel
Burial will take place at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.
Memorial contributions may be made to Day Spring – Care Net, 815 Elliott Road, Paradise.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Margaret Poss
June 17, 1913 - Feb. 13, 2002
Margaret E. Poss, 88, enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and family.
In her earlier years, she loved playing golf and was very good at the game.
Mrs. Poss was a very loving mother and had many friends.
She was born in Duluth, Minn., to Vincent and Marie Burdash.
Her husband, Karl Poss, predeceased her.
She is survived by her sons, Karl E. Poss of Park City, Utah and David V. Poss of Stockton; sister, Betty Bailey of Magalia, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
There will be no services at her request.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Michele Richardson
Jan. 15, 1971 - Feb. 6, 2002
Michele (Dean) Richardson, 31, died at her home from a massive aneurysm.
A graduate of Paradise High School in 1989, she was also a wife and mother, as well as a university student.
She was born in Misawa, Japan, to James and Jayne Dean. Mrs. Richardson married Daniel Richardson, Nov. 25, 1989 in Paradise.
Mrs. Richardson was a member of the Parent Teachers Association, volunteered at Highland Elementary School, where a new playground will be dedicated in her name.
Helping children and friends was a major part of her life, and she enjoyed gardening, baking, soccer, organizing children and town events.
She was studying health, promotions and fitness at Southern Oregon University with a 4.0 GPA and was to do her graduate work this year. Her peers and professors at the university voted her to a lifelong woman’s sorority.
The university had a memorial and dedication ceremony honoring her and all her accomplishments.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel Richardson of Grants Pass, Ore.; parents, James and Jane Dean of Magalia; daughter, Kaila Richardson; son, Jeffrey Richardson; brothers, Greg Dean of Redding and Aaron Dean of Chico; sister, Krista Dean of Chico.
Funeral services were held Feb. 11 at River Valley Community Church in Grants Pass, Ore.
Randy Salazar
Feb. 20, 1966 - Feb. 12, 2002
Randy Allen Salazar, 35, loved caring for the elderly people at Sun Manor, where he worked as a nurses aide for four years.
He was born in California to Frederick Salazar and Phyllis Salazar.
Mr. Salazar is surived by his parents, Frederick and Phyllis Salazar; brothers, Richard and Chad, both of Paradise; sisters, Anna Reglemann of Ventura, Susan Richards of Apple Valley and Anita of Sacramento.
Memorial services will be held Monday at 7 p.m. at Sun Manor, 1456 Sun Manor, Paradise.
Chapel of the Pines is handling the arrangments.
Arminda Simon
Dec. 20, 1933 - Feb. 18, 2002
Arminda Simon, 68, was a school cafeteria manager at Simi Valley School District for 15 years.
She liked to read romance novels and enjoyed entering contests and sweepstakes. Mrs. Simon loved cooking and was very good at it.
Born in New Bedford, Mass., to Joseph and Adelaige DeCruz, she died at her home on Feb. 18.
Mrs. Simon is survived by her husband, George Simon; son, James Simon of Chico; brother, Daniel DeCruz of New Bedford, Mass.; sister, Joan Hamer of Fair Haven, Mass., and two grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at Paradise Cemetery.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Betty Fife
Dec. 9, 1921 - Feb. 18, 2002
Betty Ann Fife, 80, was a longtime resident of Paradise and was born in Bakersfield to Labrun and Zina Pathe, early Utah settlers. She was a longtime resident of Gridley.
Mrs. Fife was also a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served in many positions including a full-time mission with her husband, Don Fife, to Ireland in 1977. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Fife died on Feb. 18 at the Laurel Creek Health Care Center in Fairfield of natural causes.
Her loving husband, Donald Stewart Fife, preceded Mrs. Fife in death in 1995.
Her sons, Gary Donald Fife of Gridley and Dennis L. Fife of Chico; daughters, Linda Brown of Madera, and Becky Trottier of Fairfield, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren survive her.
Services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on French Avenue in Gridley. Visitation will be held Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Joan Lyding Bell
June 18, 1919 - February 18, 2002
Joan Lyding Bell, the beloved wife of James Glenn Bell and cherished mother of Daniel and Jeffrey Bell, fell asleep in death on February 18, 2002. She is also survived by her brother, John D. Lyding, Jr., her sister, Elizabeth Lyding Will, and James' brothers Edward and Orten, along with many nieces and nephews.
Joan was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 1919. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Chicago, while also working as a professional model. Joan and Jim were married on May 30, 1942. They moved to California in 1947, where they reared their sons. In 1974, they relocated to Paradise, California.
Joan maintained a life-long interest in health and nutrition. Moreover, for the past 50 years, she devoted herself to sharing with others her deeply held faith in God and the Bible. Joan especially enjoyed attending Bible conventions and visiting her countless friends, which took her to at least 21 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Throughout her long final illness, she was sustained by her firm conviction that in the near future God would resurrect her into a peaceful New World. Though Joan will be sorely missed, her enthusiasm for life and her love of people will be remembered by everyone who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on March 2, 2002 in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 7874 Skyway, Paradise, California.
Betty Wallgren
Nov. 3, 1920 - Feb. 14, 2002
Betty Maxine Wallgren, 81, was raised and attended schools in Clay, Ohio. Mrs. Wallgren was born in Clay to Herman and Florence Harris.
She married Walter Wallgren on Feb. 14, 1963 in San Bernardino and was a homemaker the majority of her life. She moved to Paradise in 1978 from Anaheim.
Mrs. Wallgren enjoyed crafts and made stuffed clowns. She was an avid bingo player and was known at many bingo halls in Paradise, Chico and Oroville.
Her son, Wayne “Buster” DeTillion, preceded her in death in 1998.
Mrs. Wallgren is survived by her husband of 39 years, Walter “Wally” Wallgren of Paradise; daughters, Betty Jane Arnett and Jo Ann Arnett, both of Florence, Ore., Karen Duff of Paradise, and Donna Lou Hixson of Covina; son, Walter G. Wallgren of Belmont; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Private family services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Neptune Society of Northern California, Chico, is handling funeral arrangements.
George Kracht
Dec. 27, 1930 - Feb. 7, 2002
George Edwin Kracht retired from the United States Navy after 22 years of service. In 1973, he and his family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where he was employed by the Lutheran Good Samaritan Society at the Laniolu Retirement Home and he later went to work in sales.
Mr. Kracht also attended Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu. He and his wife, Mrs. Kracht, moved to Paradise in 1985, where he worked for Eagle Security Systems in Chico, until he retired in 1993. He returned to live in Hawaii in 1988.
Mr. Kracht loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity in Kailua-Kona Hawaii and Paradise Lutheran Church.
He enjoyed attending Bible study classes, participating in church dramas and helping wherever he could at his church. He also loved to dance and was a member of the Elks and former member of Chefs de Cuisine in Honolulu.
He died Feb. 7, at Kona Community Hospital in Hawaii.
Mr. Kracht was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y. to Carl D. Kracht and Alice Cerswell Kracht. He married Evelyn J. Ricketts in 1951. She died in 1995.
He is survived by his sons, Michael of Yokosuka, Japan and Kevin of Austin, Texas; daughters, Dawnelle Kelley of Chico and Kristen Blackburn of Oakley; sister, Kathryn King of Fort Meade, Fla., and a brother, Kenneth Kraft of Millsboro, Del.; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his fiancée, Elaine Weaver of Honalo, Kona, Hawaii.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m. at the Paradise Lutheran Church, 780 Luther Drive.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paradise Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, 77-165 Lako St., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740.
Richard Roach
Nov. 15, 1937 - Feb. 20, 2002
Richard “Dick” Roach worked for the federal government as a helicopter mechanic for 32 years before retirement.
He attended schools in Pasadena and graduated from Chico High.
Mr. Roach was born in Tucson, Ariz., to Jesse and Leona Roach, and died of natural causes at his place of resident in Magalia. He was 64 years old.
He was a United States Marine from 1955 until his discharge in 1959.
Mr. Roach married his wife, Vicki, in 1984 in Las Vegas.
He was a member of Bidwell Golf Course and loved to play with his brothers. He also enjoyed fishing and gardening and was handy with mechanical things.
Mr. Roach is survived by his wife, Vicki of Magalia; sons, Don Roach of Borego Springs, and Warren Lee Roach of South Carolina; daughters, Debra Trohan of South Carolina and Delores Miller of Ohio; two brothers, Bob Roach and Wayman Roach, both of Chico and four grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. There will be no visitation. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday in the Chapel at the Brusie Funeral home at 1 p.m.
Brusie Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Margaret Schoof
May 3, 1919 - Feb. 20, 2002
Margaret Mae Schoof, or “Marge,” as her friends knew her, enjoyed crafts, gardening and loved to arrange ornaments in her lawn and garden.
She was employed as a manager for a dry cleaning business.
Mrs. Schoof was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Virgle and Frances Dooley. She died at Feather River Hospital at the age of 82.
Her husband of 55 years, Robert Schoof; son, Ronald Schoof of Tracy, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren survive her.
A visitation will be held at Rose Chapel Mortuary on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Graveside services will be at Magalia Cemetery on Monday at 11 a.m.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
DeWayne Sickler
July 4, 1915 - Feb. 21, 2002
DeWayne Alden Sickler was born on the Fourth of July in Fairmont, Minn., to Ella and Chester Sickler. He was the eldest of three children, and spent his early years in White Bear Lake, Minn. After graduation from White Bear Lake High School, he moved to Seattle, where he began a career in the aircraft industry. Beginning as a riveter, he worked his way up to foreman and electronics planner, working for Boeing Aircraft Co. in the Seattle area and later at the Alameda Navel Base and Lockheed-Martin in the Bay area before retiring in 1978.
In 1937, Mr. Sickler married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Coleman, also from White Bear Lake. The couple moved to their present home in Magalia in 1979.
Mr. Sickler was a devoted husband and father, past member of Table Mountain Masonic Lodge, and with his wife, was instrumental in starting the Paradise Gleaners.
In his youth, he became an avid golfer. He was a caddy at the age of 9 and filled in for the pro at his local golf course one summer during high school. He played high school football and basketball and participated in track events, including javelin, shotput and sprint. Mr. Sickler remained an enthusiastic golfer, and in later years also became an accomplished woodworker, especially enjoying his wood lathe. He was a handyman husband who prided himself on keeping everything in good repair.
Mr. Sickler died on Feb. 21 after a 17-year battle with recurrent strokes. He was 86.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maxine; sons, Richard of Felton and Steven of Green Bay, Wis.; niece Margaret Ford of Chico, three grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and close family friend Randy Blowers of Magalia.
Memorial services will be held at the Paradise United Methodist Church, 6722 Clark Road at 2 p.m. Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817. Envelopes would be marked “donation.”
Paradise Chapel of the Pines is handling the arrangements.
Miriam Self
Aug. 4, 1917 - Feb. 19, 2002
Miriam Ethel Self was a nurse for 30 years at the Chilton Memorial Hospital. She served in World War II in the United States Navy as a pharmacist’s mate.
Mrs. Self was born in Atlanta, Ga., to McNealey and Ruth Davis, and in 1945 she married Gene Self, in Norman, Okla.
Mrs. Self passed away at the age of 84.
Her husband, Gene Self of Oroville; son, James E. Self of Chico; daughters, Ruth Anne Beatty, Marilyn Louise Perotti, Kathrine Jean Seales; five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren survive her.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Braille and Talking Book Library, California State Library, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
A private military Burial will be held at San Joaquin National Cemetery in Gustine, which will be her final resting place.
Cremation took place at Chapel of the Pines Mortuary who is in charge of arrangements.
Henry Fahl
May 1, 1924 - Feb. 21, 2002
Born on a farm near Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Henry “Bud” Fahl, married Edith Arnst in 1948, and the couple moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1956. He retired to Magalia in 1984 after working in the moving and storage business for 28 years.
Mr. Fahl was very active at Our Savior Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder and as an usher. He also worked as a volunteer with the Bible Braille book.
He died on Feb. 21 at a local hospital.
His wife of 53 years, Edith “Edie” Fahl of Magalia; sons, Thomas Fahl of Bloomingdale, Ill., Mark Fahl of Magalia; daughter, Julie McCollumn of Shevlin, Minn.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive him.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in care of Newton-Bracewell Cremation and Funeral Service of Magalia.
Michael Motzkus
June 28, 1959 - Feb. 16, 2002
As an avid outdoorsman, Michael Edward Motzkus could be found in the Feather River, camping and panning for gold. When he got tired of panning, he would start fishing. He also loved to go rock hunting with his family.
He was born to Edward and Mildren Motzkus and died at the age of 42.
Mr. Motzkus worked for the Paradise Recreation and Parks District for 16 years.
His wife, Kelly Motzkus; mother, Mildren Motzkus; sister, Bea O’Donnal of Idaho; 11-year-old son, Mason Motzkus and 14-year-old daughter, Cassie Motzkus, both of Paradise, survive him,
Memorial services will be held Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Terry Ashe Recreation and Park District on Skyway in Paradise. His family, friends and co-workers are invited to celebrate his life and bring their memories of Mr. Motzkus. It is also requested they wear bright colors.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Waunita Brickman
Dec. 26, 1915 - Feb. 26, 2002
Waunita Brickman moved to Paradise four years ago from Moreno Valley. She was a member of the Upper Ridge Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Mrs. Brickman enjoyed needlework and ceramics, but her main hobby was catering to her grandchildren.
She was born in Enid, Okla., to John and Kathleen Melvin. She died at her home at the age of 86.
Her husband predeceased her. Her daughters, Joyce Wass of Addison, Maine and Delores Hamilton of Paradise; seven grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren survive her.
There will be no services.
Contributions may be made to Paradise Hospice in lieu of flowers.
Rose Chapel Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
