United States High School Yearbooks by County
John "Jack" Edward Buckley III
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Jack passed away peacefully at his home on June 20, 2003 at the age of 78 years. A fourth generation Californian, Jack was born in San Francisco on January 22, 1925. In WWII, Jack served as a Staff Sergeant for the 23rd Bomber Squadron in the 8th Air Force and was awarded the Air Medal Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievement. Jack will be remembered by his friends and family as a man who cared for them deeply and who shared his strength and wisdom with them openly. He is survived by his second wife, Loel Buckley, to whom he was married for 17 years. He is also survived by his former wife, Roberta Buckley and their eight children: Mark, Barry, John IV, Kim, Robert, Susan, Catherine, and Beth. He is further survived by his three stepsons: Andrew, Bradbury, and Duncan Millar, twenty grandchildren, and five step grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held Friday, July 11, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Open Door Christian Church, 1915 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA. Contributions may be sent to the Henry Ohlhoff House North, 5394 Nave Drive, Novato, CA 94949.
Robert Francis Conroy
Passed away in San Rafael on June 6, 2003 after a short illness. He was born in Lowell Massachusetts on July 13, 1919. He proudly served in the United States Army in World War II. He was honored to have received a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and an Oak Leaf Cluster during his service with the military. After the war, he attended and graduated from U.C. He spent his entire working career in newspaper advertising, primarily with the Mill Valley Record and the San Francisco Advertiser. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Gary Frugoli and his wife, Ruth Conroy, as well as several loving nieces and nephews. Services were private at the family's request.
Florence L. Day
Passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2003 in Petaluma at The Oaks care facility. Loving aunt of Ruth Ruffino McLachlin, Richard C. Ruffino and David Athey. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry E. Day. She was 93 and a lifelong resident of San Rafael. She was formerly employed at Carson Glove Co. for many years and also was employed at San Rafael High School. A private Service will be held as she requested. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to Canine Companions, 2955 Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 or Guide Dogs for the Blind, 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 415-897-1151
Elliot Levin
Elliot, 80, of Concordia in Monroe Twp, NJ, died of natural causes on Friday June 13, 2003 and was buried Sunday, June 15, 2003 at Beth Israel Cemetery, in Woodbridge, NJ. Elliot is survived by his life: his loving and devoted wife Shirley, during their marriage of 50 wonderful years. He treasured his family, and took great pride in each of his four children: Stephen (and Donna Roman), Barbara, Joan (and Bart Jefferson), and Jeffrey (and Nicole). He adored his grandchildren, Yona and Jakob. Born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Jacob and Ethel Levin, Elliot's childhood was spent in the glow of Ebbets Field and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He shared a lifetime of love with and is survived by his sister Florence Rifkin. Elliot served in the US Army in the European Theatre of Operations in WWII. He operated Lynn's Fashions in Elizabeth, NJ, for 35 of his 45 years in the retail clothing industry. Elliot was past president of B'nai B'rith (Union, NJ), founder of the Union Chapter of the AZA Youth Group, held positions in UJA/Jewish Federation, was active in Workmen's Circle, the Democratic Party, and numerous community service projects. Elliot always stood for social justice and human rights, and taught his children to do the same. He illuminated the lives of his family and friends and inspired them in so many ways with his profound sense of integrity, intellect, dry wit, sense of humor, and his boundless love for his family. Elliot will live on and the light of his life will be in our hearts forever and ever.
Leah Hampton McGregor
Passed away peacefully June 4, 2003, at the age of 95, in Stamford, Connecticut. Born March 22, 1908, in Kersey, Elk County, Pennsylvania. Survived by her four children, daughter Jean McGregor Martensen, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; son Senior Judge James R. McGregor, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; son Jack E. McGregor, of Easton, Connecticut; and daughter Janice McGregor Wren, of San Francisco, California; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Married to Russell A. McGregor from 1926 until his death in October, 1957. Also predeceased by granddaughter Rebecca Kondrat, and siblings Harold Hyatt Hampton, Donald McCauley Hampton, George Lester Hampton, and Helen Hampton Snyder. Daughter of George and Daisy McCauley Hampton, and direct descendent of Revolutionary War veterans, Daniel Bullock and Ezekiel Hyatt. Leah graduated from Kittanning High School, Pennsylvania, in 1926 and was a reporter for Kittanning Daily-Leader Times, 1926-28. She and her husband lived on Jefferson Street in Kittanning 1928-37, then moved with their four children to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. A founding member in the 1940s of the Forest Hills Women's Club, she remained an Honorary Member until her death; active in the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, 1937-70s; Resident Director, Chatham College, 1958-70; lived in Bear Rocks and in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, 1971-76; Bedford, New York, 1977-85. She was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church and active in garden, book review clubs and community affairs. From 1960 through 1985 Leah traveled extensively, worldwide, and to 49 of the 50 states. She moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, 1985-1996, where she became an active volunteer with Hospice. She relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1996, remaining there until August, 2000, when she returned to her Eastern roots, with her final residence at Brighton Gardens, in Stamford, Connecticut. A Memorial Service will be held at the Easton Congregational Church, Connecticut, for the family. The family would appreciate any donations to be directed to a local Hospice Center.
Thomas Harold Pyle
A resident of Mill Valley, passed away on May 24, 2003 at the age of 93. Thomas was born in Smith Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania on February 10, 1910. He started Washington and Jefferson (W&J) College in Washington, Pennsylvania at the age of 16. His college attendance was interrupted for several years but he finally graduated in 1934 as class president. He was very active in athletics while at W&J and during his adult life. Thomas married Phyllis C. Duggan from Portland, Ore. in 1941. He was in the Army Corps of Engineers before and during WWII and served in Hawaii and the South Pacific. He also worked in the sugar cane industry while in the Islands. He later worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company for 25 years as an auditor, spending a majority of time located in Sacramento, CA. After retirement , he moved to Mill Valley, CA, where he worked as a volunteer at the library and for the Meals on Wheels program in Mill Valley. He had many interests: history, travel, politics, fishing, and athletics. Thomas is survived by son and daughter-in-law Tom and Susan Pyle of Sunnyvale, CA, daughter and son in law Lani Raymond and Duane Howe of Homer AK; grandchildren Michael Pyle, Matthew Pyle, Christine Matson, Sonja Matson, Erik Matson, and Jeffrey Raymond; great-grandchildren Emily Pyle, Sarah Pyle, Bradley Matson and Shayna Matson; and sisters Grace Petrucci and Louise Short and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Henry and Allie Rae Pyle, sisters Mary Young, Catherine Ramsey, Dorothy Chambon, and brothers Howard Pyle and George Pyle. Ruth Ratto On June 21st, 2003, Ruth Mabel Ratto, of Villa Marin, San Rafael, peacefully left her family and friends. Ruth was born October 30, 1912, in Richland City, North Dakota. She spent most of her childhood in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. In 1943, Ruth moved to San Francisco, and on August 4, 1952, she married Joseph Ratto. Marin County was their home. Joe and Ruth were married 32 years before Joe's death in July of 1985. Ruth loved traveling and spending time with her many, close friends. She had a passion for shopping, and was always impeccably dressed, with not a hair out of place. Much of Ruth's life was spent at endless, family celebrations. She is survived by her stepson and daughter-in-law, Frank and Dorothy Ratto, of Marin County and stepson, Joseph Ratto, of Belmont. Fourteen grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren lovingly called her Nona Ruth. She was Aunt Ruthie to Rich, Bob, and Marilyn Olson, of Minnesota and Gerry Olson, of San Francisco, and great-aunt to twelve nieces and nephews, of the Minnesota area. Please join Ruth's family for Services at Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery, 2500 Fifth Street, San Rafael, onThursday, July 3rd, at 11:00. Funeral assistance provided by Mount Tamalpais Mortuary & Cemetery, 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael, CA 415-459-2500.
David Wade Willis
Age 89, died at his home after a brief illness on June 23, 2003, in Greenbrae, surrounded by family and friends. David was born in Veteran, Nevada, the youngest of six children and grew up in Ruth, Nevada. He was a graduate of White Pine High School and was active in team sports. After graduation from high school he continued this love by participating in Nevada/Utah basketball and baseball leagues. As a youth, in Nevada, he worked as a brakeman on the trains that serviced the then largest open copper pit in the world. He worked, during WWII, for the federal government, helping to build warehouses, in Oakland, for the military war effort. He was a member of the Carpenters’ Union Local 2164. He worked as a General Contractor in the Bay Area from the 1940s until his retirement in the late 1970s. Over the years he gave generously of both time and construction knowledge to family and friends. He will long be remembered for his devotion and dedication to family members and his many friends. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed helping others to appreciate the art and love of fishing. This passion for fishing took him on adventures far and wide to catch the "BIG ONE". He was a member of the Mariposa Boat Club in San Francisco; the Golden Gate Fly Fishing Club; and the Marin Rod and Gun Club. He was an active SIR member and was past Big SIR of the Marin Chapter #151. He also was a long time member of the San Rafael Elks’ Club #1108. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy, and a large family that loved him dearly: daughters Janice Naumann (son-in-law, Gordon), Carolyn Meyers (son-in-law, Jim), and son David B. Willis (the late loving daughter-in-law, Varian); six grandchildren: Douglas Naumann (wife Jill), Sherri Mila (husband Rusty), Eric Willis, Chris Willis, Jim Meyers (wife Monika), and Jeffrey Meyers (fiancee Jenessa); and four great grandchildren: Dominic and Tyler Willis; Cassidy and Tessa Mila. He was an important part of all our lives -- for that we will always be grateful. A Memorial and Reception to be held July 8th at 12 p.m. at the San Rafael Elks’ Club. The Family would appreciate donations in Dave’s honor to be made to the Hospice of Marin.
Bernice Helen Cerkel
Passed away June 23, 2003 in Greenbrae at age 98 due to natural causes. Bernice was born in San Francisco and was a survivor of the Great Earthquake of 1906. She was a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. She lived in numerous locations throughout her life including Bakersfield CA, Washington DC, and the Philippines. Bernice enjoyed traveling, and parties throughout her life. An avid reader she especially loved reading mystery novels. She also enjoyed attending the opera, symphony and ballet. She took great pleasure in her magnificent collection of rare and exotic ceramic cows. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Patricia Cerkel of Greenbrae, and grandchildren Christine Cerkel of Novato and Matthew Cerkel of San Anselmo, and her brother and his wife Peter and Veve Bigotta of Greenbrae. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Joseph David and her son Anthony (Tony). A Celebration of Bernice's Life will be held on Wednesday, July 2nd at 4:00 PM at the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael. Memorial contributions may be made to the California Academy of Sciences, Department of Geology.
Elizabeth Prentice Olson
Passed on to Eternal Life on June 19, 2003. She was born in Vinton, Iowa on December 23, 1915, and grew up in Tacoma, Washington spending the summers at her wonderful family beach house on Vashon Island. She was a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music which shaped her lifelong love of music and education. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Bertha Prentice; two husbands, Fred and Al; son Frederick; grandson Paul; and sister Catherine. She is survived by her loving family: daughters Patricia (Timothy) and Kay (Frank); grandchildren Angela (Andrew), Tami, Roderick (Jeanette), Anne, Christopher (Angela) and Cristy; great grandchildren Alicia, Amy, Jeremy, Jesse and Eloise; brothers Mayo (Francis) and Edward (Charlotte); sister Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews including Carol, Beth and Tom. A San Rafael resident for 35 years, she leaves behind many wonderful friends who shared her love of music, education, flowers, bridge and life in general. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, AAUW, Bookworms and many bridge clubs. A Memorial Service in celebration of her life will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on July 12th, at 10 a.m. interment will be in Tacoma Cemetery, Tacoma, Washington. Memorials to Hospice of Marin or St. Paul's Episcopal Church Music Fund. Mount Tamalpais Mortuary & Cemetery 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael
Edmund Albert Pareto
Died June 17, 2003, surrounded by his family. Born September 29, 1921, in Santa Rosa, CA, he spent 81 years of his life in San Rafael before moving to Petaluma in November 2002. A graduate of San Rafael High School in 1939, he knew the hard times of the Great Depression. He served in the United States Air Force during the Second World War. For years he worked hard both day and night for the old Duffy Bros. garage and in time, went to work for his brother, John, at Victor Iron Works, where he mastered the art of ornamental iron work. He was always there for his family and friends when they were in need of help, a Jack-of-all-trades, who earned his retirement. He was a member of the Machinist's Union for 50 years. Ed enjoyed auto racing and football and was an avid baseball fan who played in his youth and while in the armed forces. He followed the Oakland Oaks and San Francisco Seals and was an Oakland A's season ticket holder in his retirement. He leaves Irene, his loving wife of 54 years. He was the devoted father of Laurie Pareto, Thomas Pareto, both of Petaluma; Nancy Pareto of Ukiah; Bruce Pareto and wife, Marivic, of Vallejo; and John Pareto and wife, Blanca, of Greenbrae. Loving grandfather of Spencer Paul, Claire and Emily Pareto, and Paolo Pareto. We dearly miss you. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Street, Petaluma, CA 94952. Arrangements by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Magnolia and Keokuk Streets, Petaluma, CA.
Ruth Ratto
On June 21st, 2003, Ruth Mabel Ratto, of Villa Marin, San Rafael, peacefully left her family and friends. Ruth was born October 30, 1912, in Richland City, North Dakota. She spent most of her childhood in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. In 1943, Ruth moved to San Francisco, and on August 4, 1952, she married Joseph Ratto. Marin County was their home. Joe and Ruth were married 32 years before Joe's death in July of 1985. Ruth loved traveling and spending time with her many, close friends. She had a passion for shopping, and was always impeccably dressed, with not a hair out of place. Much of Ruth's life was spent at endless, family celebrations. She is survived by her stepson and daughter-in-law, Frank and Dorothy Ratto, of Marin County and stepson, Joseph Ratto, of Belmont. Fourteen grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren lovingly called her Nona Ruth. She was Aunt Ruthie to Rich, Bob, and Marilyn Olson, of Minnesota and Gerry Olson, of San Francisco, and great-aunt to twelve nieces and nephews, of the Minnesota area. Please join Ruth's family for Services at Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery, 2500 Fifth Street, San Rafael, onThursday, July 3rd, at 11:00. Funeral assistance provided by Mount Tamalpais Mortuary & Cemetery, 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael, CA 415-459-2500.
Lois Tripp
Beloved wife of Peter Tripp, and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Lois, who had Alzheimer's disease for fourteen years, was released from her suffering on Monday, June 23rd, 2003 in San Rafael. She was born in San Francisco in 1919, grew up in the Greek community of Perry Street, worked as a manager at the Emporium department store, and later attended business college. Married in 1942, Lois and Peter built up a thriving insurance business in Oakland and Lafayette, while nurturing their family, building their community, and serving many civic organizations. Lois was President of the Women's Board of the Oakland Museum, a founding member of the Women's Board of the Orthodox Institute, a member of the Philoptochos Society of the Cathedral of the Ascension, and regional volunteer coordinator for several Red Cross drives. She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Flynn, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren all of Marin County, and by her sister, Mae Long, of Carson City, Nevada. She is deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Services will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland on Monday, June 30th at 12:00 noon. Please no flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of America. CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES Service of Marked Distinction Oakland, CA - 510-654-0123
Mary Louise Botts
Mary Louise "Skip" Botts, resident of Corte Madera, California passed away in her sleep on Monday, May 26, 2003. She was 97 years old. Born on March 4, 1906 to parents Ruth Sabin Foster and Edward Schreiner, Mary Louise was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Botts was educated at the Miss Ellis' School (now The Ellis School) in Pittsburgh and at Sweet Briar College in Virginia in the 1920's. She married John Hilleary Botts, October 17, 1928. The couple lived throughout the eastern and southern United States, eventually settling in Woodville, Ohio where Mrs. Botts lived for 30 years. The couple had five children. A lover of learning, music, art, culture and literature, she worked for ten years as Librarian of the Woodville Public Library. There, she volunteered with the Book Guild and at her church, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fremont, Ohio. After moving to California in 1977, Mrs. Botts was active at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Corte Madera and volunteered at the local libraries. Mrs. Botts is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughters Ann Foster Botts and Hilleary Foster Botts. Surviving are brother John Black Schreiner of Beaufort, South Carolina, sons John Schreiner Botts of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Edward Hilleary Botts of Berkeley, California; daughter Carolyn Botts of Fairfax, California; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A Holy Eucharist Service was held on Saturday, June 21th at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Corte Madera. The Memorial for Mrs. Botts will be on Sunday, June 29th at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Carolyn Botts in Fairfax. Burial will be at Woodville Cemetery, Woodville, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Multiple Scerlosis Society.
Ruth Elizabeth Migneault
Passed away on June 25, 2003 in Petaluma at the age of 81. Loving wife of the late Clarence "Pete" Migneault. Adored mother of Judith A. Hayward of Petaluma, Dorothy Hicks of Klamath Falls, OR, and Bradley Joseph Migneault of Los Angeles. Cherished grandmother of Michael Hayward, Jenni Hayward Chalmers, Amy Wright, Christy Migneault, and Bob Migneault. Dear great-grandmother of Emily, Timothy, and Adam Wright, and Devin and Victoria Hayward. Ruth Huie was born in Hollywood, CA and reared and educated in the San Fernando Valley. In June 1941, she married Clarence "Pete" Migneault in Los Angeles. Ruth worked for ABC Television and Curran Productions as a stage draper for 30 years, retiring in 1979. She worked on such sets as "Let's Make A Deal," as well as draping the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Civic Light Opera in Los Angeles. Upon Pete's retirement, they moved to Arizona in 1981. In 1996, she decided to move to Petaluma after Pete passed away. Ruth had a gift for crocheting, and she often crocheted afghans for homeless shelters and convalescent homes. When she came to live in Petaluma, she learned how to use the computer so she could write e-mails to her family. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 4:30 PM at the Presbyterian Church of Novato, 710 Wilson Avenue, Novato, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 or Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation, 1000 Trancas St., Napa, CA 94559. Private Inurnment: Valhalla Memorial Park, N. Hollywood, CA. Arrangements made by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Magnolia Avenue and Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA.
