April 11, 1916 — March 6, 2016

“Got any cookies?”, was a daily emphatic question of Ruth Eloise Brown up until she died in her home of 64 years on March 6, 2016 just short of her 100th birthday. Even when she said very little all day, she still occasionally blurted out those familiar words. Ruth was born to Albert and Estella Oliver on a farm near Cambridge, Ohio. In a Young People’s Group at Neil Avenue Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Ohio she met and later married the love of her life, A. Lloyd Brown, on September 7, 1944. They moved to Davis in 1947 where they lived happily ever after.

Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, quilter, Sunday school teacher, church secretary, Director of Christian Education, church elder, backpacker of the John Muir Trail, gardener, camper, and of course cookie baker extraordinaire. She did all these things with dedication and love. But it was the gift of hospitality and her welcoming spirit that she is remembered by the most. Through the acts of being offered a fresh baked cookie or included in the preparations for dinner, Ruth welcomed you to be part of her family. Whether you were a grandchild, a seminary intern, a foreign student, a visitor to church, or the parents of one of their children’s spouses, Ruth made you feel at home.

Ruth and Lloyd were blessed with four children, A. Michael (Kathleen Armstrong) Brown of Vancouver, WA., Stephen A. (Margaret Minkwitz) Brown of Santa Cruz, Ca., Karen L. (Galen Byrd) Brown of Sequim, Wa., and Philip R. (Karen Gardiner) Brown of Mount Vernon, Wa. Those who loved to call Ruth “Grandma” include Rhad, and Markus Brown, Erica Lyon, Sarah, Ian, Michael, Nathaniel and Ethan Brown. Great-grandchildren are Teadora, Emma, Lucas, Ellie, Cameron, Oliver, Maple, Sorrel, and Quinn Brown.

A Memorial Service, giving thanks to God for Ruth’s life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Davis Community Church, 412 C St. Yes, there will be cookies at the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Ruth’s name to the Memorial Fund at Davis Community Church, to the A. Lloyd Brown Scholarship Fund (UCD at UC Davis Foundation, One Shields Avenue, Davis CA 95616) or the Yolo Adult Day Health Care.

1926 — 2016

William Malcolm Tell — retired naval officer, husband, father and grandfather — passed away in Davis on March 18, 2016. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Maritime Academy in Philadelphia, Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey and Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He retired as a naval commander in 1972.

Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bette B. Tell, daughter Lee Ann and husband John Hughes, daughter Lisa Tell and husband Don Preisler, grandchildren Nicholas and Alexander Preisler, Kailee Hughes and Tiara (Kurt) Wright and family member Dawn Preisler.

The family will have a private gathering in San Diego where they will deliver Bill’s cremains to a naval embarkation port for a committal service aboard a U.S. naval vessel in the Pacific Ocean.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be most appreciative of any donations made in Bill’s memory to Yolo Hospice (yolohospice.org).

March 19, 1940 — March 30, 2016

Barbara Neu of Davis passed away March 30, 2016, after a short battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dennis, and her three children, Joseph, John and Jennifer (Thoits). Barbara loved and was deeply loved by her family, including her daughter-in-law Elena and four grandsons, Evan, Jackson, Sean and Jacob.

She was a passionate teacher who impacted the lives of countless Davis school children and families over the course of a 40-year teaching career, including 21 years at Fairfield School and five years at North Davis Elementary. As a teacher, Barbara found joy and meaning in helping children discover learning and realize their fullest potential, not only in the classroom but in life.

She recognized the importance of parents’ involvement in their children’s education and always strongly encouraged them to volunteer in the classroom and at the school. As a result, she developed many lasting friendships with the families of the children she taught, and she thrilled in watching her former students thrive into adulthood. It always made her day to hear from her former students about the positive impact she’d had on them.

Barbara valued her friendships, new and old, and liked to stay in touch as an avid writer of letters and cards. Her family thanks each of the loyal friends who stayed engaged in her life, as those relationships meant a lot to her. Before moving to Davis, Barbara grew up in Portola and then Stockton, the middle of three daughters of Robert and Margaret Joy, with sisters Margaret (Peggy) Guttieri and Sylvia (Joan) Garcia.

Barbara’s Life Celebration, an open reception, will be held this Sunday, April 3, 2016, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Davis Community Church Fireside Room and Sanctuary, 412 C St. in Davis. Please come. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Barbara to the Barbara Neu Memorial Fund, which is intended to provide scholarships to alumni of Fairfield School in Davis. Further information is available at http://www.donationto.com/The-Barbara-Neu-Memorial-Scholarship.

d. March 30, 2016

After two short months of illness, Bill left for another resting place on March 30, 2016.

Bill was the last surviving member of the Trentini family, predeceased by his father, Hugo E. Trentini; his mother, Bertina (Dow) Trentini; and his older brother Richard H. Trentini.

Bill grew up in Milford, N.H., then a small town surrounded by rivers and wooded hills, where his boyhood was spent playing basketball, performing in school plays and being active in community service.

After high school, Bill attended the University of Vermont before joining the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. Returning from the service, Bill attended the University of New Hampshire and then continued his graduate studies at UC Davis, where he met wife, Linda (Doty) Trentini.

Bill and Linda arrived in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada another small, green and wooded town, by way of Buffalo, N.Y., to join the faculty of Mount Allison University as a professor of microbiology, where he had the honour of teaching talented young minds, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Bill loved Sackville and chose to spend his life there, where he moved from scientist and professor to artisan and potter. Bill built a successful pottery studio and traveled throughout the Maritimes, attending many arts and crafts festivals.

In his retirement, Bill enjoyed volunteering in the community and planning many memorable trips for himself and Linda to France, Italy, the Caribbean and long weekends in Toronto with their daughter Serena.

Bill was happiest, though, at his home on Woodlane Drive, looking out onto the gardens, pines and birch trees with a glimpse of Silver Lake. It was a refuge of calm and beauty during his last days.

Bill is survived by his loving wife and adoring daughter.

Please consider a gift in his honour to the New Brunswick Extra Mural Program — Tantramar Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières or the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

March 20, 1929 — March 17, 2016

William Nels Lusebrink died Thursday, March 17, 2016, in Davis.

Bill was born to Gus and Engra Lusebrink in Walnut Creek. He grew up with his brother Ted and his sister Barbara in Walnut Creek and Long Beach. After graduating in 1951 from the University of Nevada at Reno with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Bill supervised Reactor Operations at Hanford in Richland, Wash., where he met his wife, Carole Hansen of Provo, Utah.

They married at her parents’ home in 1953 and remained devoted to one another throughout their lives. Their first child, Karl, was born in 1958 and they soon moved to Fremont, where Bill operated reactors at the GE Vallecitos Laboratory.

In 1961, Bill moved to Palo Alto, where his son, Glen, was born in 1962, to work at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center in Plant Engineering. Bill retired in1991.

Bill and Carole’s Palo Alto home was a safe haven for extended family and friends for more than 40 years. The Lusebrinks frequently hosted family gatherings, and dozens of loved ones considered Bill and Carole their “second parents.” In 2006, they moved to University Retirement Community in Davis to be near their three grandchildren, who nicknamed him Paku.

Nature lovers, Bill and Carole traversed North America in their motor home several times, often taking pets and nieces or nephews with them. Bill enjoyed hiking, swimming, and cycling throughout his life and he took up windsurfing, sailing and SCUBA diving with his sons.

Bill was preceded in death by Carole, his wife of 59 years, his parents, and his brother Ted. He is survived by his sons, Karl (Rita Jaramillo) of La Honda, and Glen (Jody) of Davis; grandchildren Torin, Alina and Jasper Lusebrink; sister, Barbara McJunkin of Boise, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the auditorium at URC, 1515 Shasta Drive in Davis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Peninsula Open Space Trust, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance or Yolo Hospice.

The family thanks Bill’s doctors and caregivers including Ted Skiera of Yolo Hospice, Dr. Edwin Chiu of Kaiser Nephrology, and the skilled-nursing staff at URC for their excellent care.

May 11, 1926 — March 30, 2016

Longtime Davis resident Don Dachner passed away peacefully at age 89 on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, after living a long and full life.

After earning a master’s degree in business education from Sacramento State College in 1958, he moved his family to Davis where he was hired as a business education teacher at Davis Senior High School, earning an annual salary of $4,380. On a teacher’s salary, he bought a new house in Davis and raised a family of four.

Don taught business courses such as business law, business math, economics and typing during his 32-year career. He was innovative and creative, developing the high school’s work experience program and bringing the first computer lab to the campus. He gladly took on the challenge of adviser for the Davis High School yearbook, and participated in school musicals. During those years he could be seen riding around town on his Honda 50 motorcycle.

Don was a longtime contributor to The Davis Enterprise, writing a weekly duplicate bridge column. He was a certificated duplicate bridge director and bridge teacher. He owned and directed two duplicate bridge clubs in Davis with one being on campus at UC Davis. He and his wife, Dene, both achieved the level of Life Master and played in many tournaments throughout the Sacramento area.

After retiring, he became a freelance writer and was active in writers groups. He submitted travel articles for publication, and he wrote about local trips in a Davis Enterprise column titled “Ramblin’ with Don and Dene.” In addition, he wrote two Caribbean travel books that are sold in cruise line bookshops.

He was an avid golfer and could be found nearly every weekend at the Davis Golf Course well into his 80s. He wrote articles for golf magazines after playing golf at interesting courses in places such as St. Croix or the Bahamas.

Don loved to play the trombone and was in a dance band in San Francisco during the early 1940s, where he was born and raised. He liked Tommy Dorsey and listening to Big Band-era music, such as “Celery Stalks at Midnight.”

Among the many hobbies he enjoyed and shared with the family were camping trips, trout fishing and building a cabin in the high Sierra. He designed a lakeside, three-story, A-frame cabin, and built it over the years as a family project. Don leaves behind this beautiful testimony to his work ethic, creativity and focus on family as the most important part of life.

But, Don’s all-time favorite thing to do throughout his life was to watch the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, and then later in the evening watch reruns of “Bonanza.” Among his favorite expressions were “egads!” and “gadzooks!” Don enjoyed life fully and was known to tell a clever joke or two along the way. He will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife Dene, having shared 69 years of marriage; his children, Don Jr, Desiree, Denise and David; four grandchildren. Derek, Greg, Jessica and Anna; and two great-grandchildren, Sara and Adam.

Aug. 8, 1959 — April 4, 2016

A celebration of life honoring Jeffrey Day, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Stonegate Country Club, 919 Lake Blvd. in Davis.

Jeff attended Holmes Jr. High and Davis Sr. High. He was employed at Davis Sport Shop for Royal Morrison, attending Bauder College for evening classes obtaining an associate’s degree. John Patella purchased Davis Sport Shop and Jeff continued working for John, then married and went into the insurance business. 

Jeff’s last three years were devoted to VINI Wine Bar in downtown Davis. This was a dream which came true for him with a great deal of patience and hard work. He loved interacting with his guests, assisting them with their wine selections. Jeff was a loved and well respected young man and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his daughter Hilary Day Wolf (husband Sean and son Luke), son Connor, sister Vicki and mother Janet. He was preceded in death by his father John S. Day. 

May 28, 1951 – March 30, 2016

John Charles Williams of Woodland passed away at home on March 30, 2016, from congestive heart failure. He was 64.
John was born in Woodland to Arthur F. and Elizabeth Williams on May 28, 1951, and was the fifth of six children. He attended Holy Rosary grade school, graduated from Woodland High School in 1969, and attended Sacramento State College studying the humanities; he dropped out shortly before his graduation.
John was a natural at many sports. His picture was a common occurrence in the Woodland Daily Democrat, holding up trophy after trophy. Basketball, archery, track, tennis — he excelled at all of them. He spent his youth on the Woodland public tennis courts and seemed headed for a career as a professional tennis player. He worked briefly as a tennis trainer at resorts in Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas.
His life took a different turn, however. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. The body bags he handled as a medic continued to haunt him. John worked as a taxi driver in Woodland until a fellow cab driver was murdered. This deeply disturbed him and prompted his desire to get personally involved to make Woodland a safer place to live. He volunteered for 34 years as a “free murder detective,” initially for the Woodland Police Department and later for the Yolo Sheriff’s Department.
John had started to write poetry at age 17 and kept writing daily until his death. He self-published several books, and wrote short stories and many letters, which he sent to newspapers all over the world. He shared what he loved; among his favorites were The Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe and UC Davis athletes.
His associations often took him in directions where others could not follow him. It pained him that he could not connect and communicate more deeply with others. In his loneliness, he found some comfort in his fantasy of being a world-famous writer.
John was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Mary Jeannine Taylor. He is survived by his brothers, Arthur J. Williams (Georgina) of Woodland, Tim Williams (Janice) of Tulare; sisters, Patricia Williams Berry and Teresa Williams, both of Woodland; brother-in-law Clint Taylor; and nieces and nephews, Mark Williams (Andrea), Whitney Williams, Brett Williams, Micah Williams, Kevin Taylor and Stephanie Berry; and great-niece Maya Williams.
John’s family wishes to thank Dr. Jason Auriemma and staff at the Hansen Family Clinic for the excellent health care he received over the years, as well as the support from his various counselors and caring staff at the Yolo County Mental Health Clinic. John lived independently but was not too proud to ask for professional help when he needed it and he encouraged others who struggled in life to do the same.
John’s gentle spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. His laughter, gratitude and generosity were contagious. He was a true Woodland original. In his own words:
A little love your way
And a little love my way
And a little love everybody’s way
Will make way for all and everyone.
A funeral will begin at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road in Dixon. Kraft Brothers is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the Yolo County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

September 9, 1958 – April 1, 2016

LuAnn Louise Boys passed away after a short but fierce battle with cancer on Friday April 1, 2016, at home surrounded by family. She was 57.
She was born LuAnn Louise VonBehren in Pontiac, Ill., to Donald VonBehren and Ruth Lechner. She lived in Illinois until her Mom came to UC Davis for her doctorate in the ’60s, when LuAnn, her sister Debi and brother Jerry started going to school here. She enjoyed growing up locally, making many friends. She graduated Davis Senior High School in 1976.
In 1979 she got a new job as a microfilm technician at a company called Zytron and met Robert Boys and by the end of the year they were inseparable. Bob and LuAnn moved to the Bay Area for several years where they processed information for Dun and Bradstreet, providing the areas largest companies with microfiche. She received awards from her clients for her performance. Then the new “online data” made the job obsolete and the family moved back to Davis.
LuAnn went to work at the Davis Senior High School Kitchen. As one of the head cooks she helped make all the lunches for the schools. She worked in the central kitchen and snack bar for many years, getting to know thousands of students. She loved interacting with them in a sweet and salty manner. Also she liked that she could watch her own kids in school. Most recently she had been working for grocery and food service.
She got involved in many volunteer activities. PTA, Little League, Scouting, 4-H and many other organizations had time devoted to them by LuAnn. Always ready to help get everything organized and run the events or fund raise. A classic unsung volunteer. She is woven into the fabric of Davis.
LuAnn worked very hard to take good care of her family. Putting others ahead of herself and always making sure we had what we needed. She loved us all dearly and was very proud of her kids.
Some of her favorite things were kitties and puppies, flowers, Giants baseball, puzzles, and mysteries.
She is survived by her husband Robert; son Matthew (Marlana); daughters Alaina, Deanna (Lee), and Marie; grandkids Paul and Zoe; and sister Debi (Lester), and many others.
A remembrance will be held in Community Park behind the library on April 17, 2016, between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, plant a flower in the ground.

Aug. 19, 1928 — March 30, 2016

Norma Tincher Hanson, 88, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2016, of renal failure in the Napa Valley.

Norma was the youngest of 12 children of parents William and Eva Tincher. Originally of Heron, Ind., Norma moved to Davis at the age of 14. After raising her three boys, Norma returned to work at UC Davis. After 20 years working for the university, she retired to the countryside outside of Davis in Rumsey before moving to the family cabin in Hayfork.

Norma enjoyed playing card games and was an avid reader. Her true passion was spending time with family and friends. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She enjoyed giving and helping others who were less fortunate. She was a great listener, confidant and a truly caring person.

Many lives were touched by her generosity and kind nature. She grew blackberries, boysenberries, tomatoes, peppers and zucchini in her back yard along with caring for their almond, walnut, grapefruit and orange trees. She made an amazing zucchini bread and fresh salsa. Her recipes were always sought after by family members.

Norma spent most of her aging years with her husband Donald in Sonoma. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Hanson; her son, Alan Hanson of Sonoma; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Hanson Sewing of St. Louis. She is also survived by two great- grandchildren, Christopher and Kate Sewing of St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by two of her children, Phillip and David. Norma and Donnie recently celebrated 70 years of marriage.

At her request, no services will be held.

A memorial service for Carson May, who died in an avalanche on Jan. 14, 2016, at the Sugar Bow Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at the Putah Creek Lodge on the UC Davis campus.

Carson May, born April 22, 1992, to Michael and Jennifer May, died in the avalanche; his body was discovered Feb. 29, 2016. Carson graduated from Da Vinci High School in 2011 where he was on the ski team. He was known for his brilliant scientific and artistic talents. Carson is survived by his parents, step-family and brother Wyndham May.

For details about Carson, his tragic loss and commemorations including the memorial, visit CarsonMay.org.

Feb. 7, 1940 – April 7, 2016

Dorothy Ann Marshall Peterson died peacefully in her sleep at home on April 7, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, and friends.
Born in Chico, she was the oldest child of Rilla and Abel Marshall. Dorothy had one sister, Cynthia Marshall White and one brother, Jimmy, who automatically became her pupils for life, starting with play school in the back yard. It was to be the beginning of a life of teaching, getting involved and helping any person, program or cause that she saw in life to be in need. She attended Citrus Elementary and then Central School in its final year, and then became the first class to attend the brand new Chico Junior High School.
Dorothy had to have surgery on both of her feet while she was at Central School and had to be carried up the stairs each day by caring teachers who didn’t want her to miss a single thing. Those people may have been Dorothy’s first inspiration for no holds barred dedication. Dorothy graduated from Chico High School in 1957 and went on to Chico State where she met her husband Allan Peterson. She was president of Delta Zeta Sorority and honored with membership in Cardinal Key for her scholarship.
Allan and Dorothy were married for 53 years and shared their marriage with son Brian, daughter-in-law Molly and cherished granddaughters Hannah and Ellen of Coupeville, Wash. The Peterson car could be seen on a regular basis driving up I-5 to Washington to enjoy the wonderful dancing of her granddaughters. After each performance “Granny” always made sure there were special flowers to present. Dorothy was the inspiration for niece Stephanie Davis (Cynthia’s daughter) to become a teacher.
Dorothy began teaching in the Davis Joint Unified School District in 1962 at the newly built “East Davis School” which is now Valley Oak. While on maternity leave with Brian she was asked by the district to work part-time on a project that searched out children with special needs who had been kept at home, many times out of sight. This was the beginning of the special education program in the Davis schools. Dorothy taught special education for some 25 years, the majority of which were at North Davis Elementary.
She then decided to return to the general classroom to teach second-graders, where she split her duties with longtime friend Merle Huber. Dorothy’s specialty was helping with reading difficulties. Many teachers at Pioneer School, where she taught for many years, remember fondly the special notes she left for them and how she went out of her way, as she always did, to make people feel so very loved and thought of. She made every day count.
On the first day of school each year she shared with the students that by the end of the school year they would all be reading and having fun with learning of all kind. One young charge kept repeating more than once that “Mrs. Peterson, I don’t read.” She assured him each time that it was nothing unusual to lack the reading skills at this point. When he repeated for the fourth time that he didn’t read, Dorothy pierced his gaze carefully and stated – “but you will READ.” Indeed she was correct!
A barren triangle of ground outside her classroom at Pioneer Elementary School was an eyesore and Dorothy asked principal Barbara Wells if she and her husband Allan, her partner in all things with respect to gardens and recycling, might come in on the weekend and plant it with some herbs that could let the students see what kind of plants would fit in with an expanded social studies program. Within six months the area was bustling with herbs from the Mediterranean region and willing seven year old gardeners. This was the beginning of the garden in the classroom project that grew into a district-wide program of “Sow it, Grow it, Reap it, Eat it and Recycle it too.”
Having retired from the District in 1999, she merged that program with parents who were working with the district to start salad bars using fresh, locally grown ingredients, and the joint program became Davis Farm to School in 2000. Soon thereafter, the group incorporated as the Davis Farmers Market Foundation, a non-profit, that Dorothy was President of for many years. In that capacity, she worked closely with the Davis Farmers Market on everything from garden based learning, to buying food for school lunch, to farm visits and recycling. Per Dorothy’s last wishes, The Davis Farmers Market Alliance is now the official host organization to Davis Farm to School. The dynamic recycling program she helped foster has saved the district thousands of dollars over the years, and the kids involved have become empowered by learning valuable lessons in recycling and waste reduction. Some of the savings in solid waste costs returns to the sites to ensure the success and sustainability of the program for future generations.
The District has lost a teacher and the community has lost a vital piece of its caring, but the District and community have in place a dynamic program which supports the school district in their goals to provide farm and garden-based education, increase farm fresh foods in school meals, and reduce solid waste through recycling and composting programs. The garden at Pioneer School, thanks to a generous donor, has been renamed “Dorothy’s Garden.” Dorothy’s passion inspired all those who worked with her, volunteers, classified or certificated workers, and administrators alike. To honor those who helped her in the District’s recycling efforts, she and Allan hosted every year, along with Davis Farm to School, an annual lunch to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of all the District’s custodians. This will be continued in her honor.
Dorothy received significant recognition for her work with Davis Farm to School. In 2004, she received the City of Davis Environmental Recognition Award in the Individual Category for her work recycling and the schools. In 2010, she received the coveted City of Davis A.G. Brinley Award which honors a person who has made a special contribution in one area – farm to school. In 2014, she was named “Woman of the Year” by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk for her tireless dedication and long involvement to school gardening and recycling.
Still not worn down in her retirement, she continued to fund raise and gather community movers and shakers to co found the Yolo Farm to Fork program, which fosters school gardens throughout Yolo County. Just four weeks ago the group honored her lifetime of service and dedication at a fundraising dinner at Park Winters. She was in a wheelchair at the time but was literally lifted up by the good wishes and praise of her friends.
Dorothy was the best aunt in the world to Stephanie White Davis of El Dorado Hills; Matt White of Albuquerque, N.M.; Bryce Marshall of North Carolina; Tiffany Marshall of Sacramento; Joel Leistikow of New York; and Tim Leistikow of Minnesota. They can all attest to the fact that no birthday or special day in their lives was missed without a card letting them know how important they were in her life.
Dorothy was a woman of the world. After having caught the travel bug with college friends (El Grupo) in 1960, she and her husband Allan and son Brian enjoyed many trips together over the years via all modes of transportation to all points on the globe. She and Allan continued their globetrotting with their last major trip “down under” to New Zealand in February 2015
Dorothy was a member of Davis Community Church where she shared her talents as flower arranger and reliable member. Always a sense of humor and a penchant for the dramatic, for the past couple of years Dorothy donned a chicken suit and climbed on her tandem bike (piloted by her rooster for life Allan) to ride in promotion and announcement of the next Tour d’Cluck, a project of Davis Farm to School, which includes a bicycle tour of Davis chicken coops. She was an avid backyard chicken keeper with husband Allan and neighbors. Her half of the tandem bike she rode will now remain empty.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Allan Peterson, her son Brian and his wife Molly and two granddaughters Hannah and Ellen; her sister Cynthia and brother in law Jim White; brother Jimmy Marshall and sister in law Melody; nieces Stephanie Davis, Tiffany Marshall, and nephews Joel Marshall, and Tim and Joel Leistikow. She was predeceased by her mother Rilla, and her father Abel Marshall.
The family would like to thank those who helped her in her last few months in her care and comfort. It was truly a blessing to have so many help her so much in her last days.
There will be a memorial service for Dorothy at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Davis Community Church. The family is planning a further celebration of the life and work of Dorothy Peterson at the Park Winters, date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Davis Farmers Market Alliance for the Davis Farm to School Fund. The family requests that any tax exempt remembrances in Dorothy’s honor be made in the name of Davis Farm to School, and sent to the Davis Farm to School Alliance, P.O. Box 1813, Davis, CA 95617.

April 19, 1923 — March 31, 2016

Barbara Shippey Boerger of Davis passed away peacefully on March 31, 2016. She was 92. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family.

Barbara made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was friendly, fun, bright, compassionate and always looking for ways to help others. She maintained great relationships with all of her family members and friends across the country.

Barbara was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 19, 1923. She attended Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, then worked as a stewardess for American Airlines from 1944 to 1946. She married Frank C. Boerger in the Cadet Chapel at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on graduation day, June 3, 1947, and the Class of ‘47 remained near and dear to their hearts throughout their lives.

After traveling the world serving in the Army, Frank, Barbara and their five children settled in San Anselmo in 1966. Barbara and Frank celebrated their 43rd anniversary before Frank’s death in 1990. Barbara moved to Davis in 1992 to live near her daughter Marybeth and her family. She enjoyed traveling to Boerger Bash family reunions and spending time with her cherished family.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, B. Sue Feldman of Sioux Falls, S.D.; son, F. Chuck Boerger of Marin County; daughter, Heidi Rodriguez of Penn Valley; daughter, Marybeth Boerger (and husband, Timothy Albertson) of Davis; daughter, Tricia B. Wise (and husband, Bart Wise) of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and brother, William Shippey (and wife, Karen Shippey) of Leavenworth, Kan. She is lovingly referred to as Gramz by her eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Col. Frank C. Boerger (ret.), and parents, William and Bessie Shippey.

Barbara will be interred with her husband, Frank, in a private ceremony at the San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio of San Francisco. Her life will be celebrated by her family in one of her favorite places, South Lake Tahoe.

Her family is grateful for the expert medical care provided by the UC Davis Health System, the comforting support of Atria Covell Gardens and the kindness of the Davis community.

Messages to the family and stories of her life can be shared on www.smith-funerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at www.parksconservancy.org.

Jan. 29, 1932 — April 1, 2016

William (Bill) James Southard 84 passed away at his residence on April 1, 2016, after a short bout of cancer.

Bill was born in Rumsey on Jan 29th 1932 to Mona Speer and Lester Southard.

Bill retired from UC Davis in 1991 after a long career starting as an electrician and ending as an energy engineer. Bill was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of many more. 

He was honorably discharged from The National Guard. A lifetime member of Woodland Elks Lodge 1299, holding many offices including Exalted Ruler, Chairman of Trustees, Activities Chairman, Elk of Year, Officer of Year.

Bill and and his wife, Maddie, enjoyed many years of retirement with their house boats and motorhomes, camping, fishing, and traveling the Western United States with their family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Madelena; children Chris (Malcolm) Fenner, Cathi (Tom) Etters, Tom (Michelle) Southard and Bob (Susan) Southard; granddaughters Brianne, Whitney, Morgan and Jordyn; and four great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his mother, father, brother Gene, sister Virginia, and grandson Jeff Holly.

A celebration of life will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Woodland Elks Lodge, 500 Bush St.

In lieu of flowers the famliy requests donations be made to the Woodland Elk Lodge 1299 general fund or charity of donors choice.

Jan. 24, 1936 — April 22, 2016

Shirley A. Tanner passed away on April 22, 2016 after fighting a long illness. Shirley was born Jan. 24, 1936, in Spokane, Wash., to Robert and Ruth Tanner.

In 1945 Melvin Coombs married Ruth Barbara Vevea, who had three children from her previous marriage, Robert Tanner, Gary Tanner and Shirley Tanner. After the marriage Melvin and Ruth Coombs moved to California in 1950. Shirley graduated from Winters High School on May 28, 1954. During and after High School Shirley had numerous jobs at Henry Long’s Chinese Restaurant and Dozier’s Pharmacy and Ice Cream Fountain.

In her early adult life, while working for Dozier’s Pharmacy and Fountain, she fell in love with Domingo Collado of Fairfield. They married in 1954 and had three children: Mindy, Manuela and Gordon. Shirley lost her husband and remained a widow for several years. In 1971, Shirley was employed at UC Davis and after working there several years, she was promoted to Library Assistant III, in the Physical Sciences Library until her retirement in 1994.

Shirley was blessed with a second chance of love and married James (Jim) Scullin on September 3, 1990, in Winters. At the time of their marriage, Jim was employed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as a chief park ranger at Lake Berryessa. During their marriage they enjoyed trips to Alaska, Nevada and throughout California. Shirley was also a member, secretary and treasurer for the Presbyterian Church of Winters.

Shirley enjoyed crafts, craft fairs, hosting bus trips to Nevada and fishing with Jim. She enjoyed flowers and gardening in the yard. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. The last few months of her life, she enjoyed weekly trips to the Colusa Casino.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father Robert Tanner of Spokane; stepfather and mother Melvin and Ruth Coombs of Winters; first husband Domingo Collado of Fairfield; brothers Robert Tanner of Ohio, and Gary Tanner of Vacaville; and son, Gordon Collado of Winters.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters Mindy and her husband Fred Rosales of Winters, and Manuela Collado of Concord; grandchildren Freddie Rosales, Lisa Reyes (Louie) of Davis, Brandon Olson (Syndnee) and Nick Olson of Idaho; and Emily, Jeremy and Destiny Collado of California; and great-grandchildren Carissa Hernandez, and Chloe and Little Louie Reyes of Davis.

The viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Smith Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Winters. The funeral will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Pioneer Presbyterian Church, 205 Russell St. in Winters.

April 8, 1950 — April 20, 2016

Glenna Marie Hayes passed into Heaven on April 20, 2016, unexpectedly. She was 66.

She was born on April 8, 1950, in Richmond, Va. At 6 months of age, Glenna was adopted by Floyd and Marguerite Flynn and grew up in Hampton, Va. She was raised in the church where she found her love of music, singing, taking care of others and serving the Lord. As a self-proclaimed Southern belle, she thrived on hospitality, fashion and beauty.

As an honor roll student at Kecoughtan Highschool she was involved in a variety of clubs and student-body roles, including reporter, treasurer, journalism, Future Teachers of America and copy editor of the senior yearbook. Glenna excelled in the performing arts and was a soprano in the A Cappella Choir and many stage productions. She was a member of the Virginia Music Education Association Choir, which toured the original 13 colonies.

After graduation in 1968, Glenna attended Longwood College School of Music. Additionally, her first job was at Sears and Roebuck nut and candy counter. While there, she met the father of her future daughters. This marriage took her family to Pacific Grove, then to Davis, where she was a resident for 21 years.

With her second daughter, Glenna was active with Davis Parent Nursery School. Glenna’s love of children, compelled her to start a 15-year business; Glenna’s Preschool and Daycare, which was very successful. She had a passion for the children and their families. Glenna also delighted in teaching piano lessons and singing for the elderly in nursing care and included her daughters in this act of service. During this time, Glenna met and fell in love with Stuart Hayes and would be married for 36 years.

Glenna was a member of the women’s social sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, where she held the position of president and was always the life of the party socials. In 1995, when Stu and Glenna were empty nesters, they moved to a brand-new development in Elk Grove where they lived for 21 years.

Glenna was a thoughtful, caring, hospitable homemaker, a fiercely proud mom to her daughters, grandmother, lifelong friend and wife. She was best known and will be sorely missed for her wit, humor, lavish dinner parties, crazy antics and larger-than-life personality. Glenna loved camping and trailering with her family and husband, cooking 5 course meals, and exuded a gregarious infectious laugh! In the last six months of her life, she was filled with joy and love for her newest grandbaby girl.

Graveside service will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, May 2, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Elk Grove. A reception will follow at Frasinetti’s Winery, 7395 Frasinetti Road in Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Glenna’s name to the National Psoriasis Foundation at psoriasis.org.

Sept. 16, 1952 — March 12, 2016

Kent Brittan, died in his daughter’s arms of a heart attack on March 12, 2016, at the age of 64, in Berkeley.

Brittan grew up in the dry heat of Bakersfield, the youngest of three to hardworking, loving and creative parents Helen and Edward Brittan. As a young child Brittan was enamored by trains, plants and bugs. His childhood passions flowered into work for the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extensions for Yolo, Solano and Sacramento counties for more than 30 years.

He was the Yolo County director, farm advisor of agronomic crops, and bearhug specialist. As for trains, Brittan was an avid California State Railroad Museum member, train trip enthusiast, and even attempted at making his backyard into a model train railroad. In addition, for many years Brittan would volunteer his time with 4-H students and act as an agricultural judge for the local county and state fairs.

Brittan loved helping others in as many capacities as he could. He was a “solutions man”; he always seemed to know something about everything.

Brittan leaves his wife Deborah, and daughters Lisa and Laurel with incredibly caring and capable shoes to fill. “Brittan’s magnanimous brother Robert Brittan and pragmatic sister Becky Green tell me my arms were a place my dad would have liked to pass,” Laurel said. “However, I imagine not so early in life.”

A memorial will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Road, off of Russell Boulevard. All those moved to attend are welcome. The family will serve Brittan’s favorite treats to enjoy as refreshments.

Any donations will go to a new wheelchair van for Brittan’s youngest daughter Lisa, who has cerebral palsy. Donations of any kind can be brought to the church at the time of the memorial or sent to the family via contact with Laurel Brittan at 831-566-0553.

June 2, 1948 — April 21, 2016

Timothy Long died Thursday, April 21, 2016, of complications of colon cancer. A cornerstone trait of Tim’s is resilience. Our warrior Tim was strong and courageous and fought a valiant fight over 10 months in the hospital, physical therapy and eventually home when his prognosis was certain. During the whole time, he charmed his doctors, nurses and home care assistants with his intelligence, optimism, winning smiles and grace, putting everyone at ease.

Tim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by close family and friends. He may now join his parents in heaven where they will continue to enjoy cheering the Giants and 49ers, passionately discussing politics and reuniting with dear family and friends over bountiful feasts.

Born on June 2, 1948, in Woodland, to Henry and Annie Long, Tim graduated from Dixon High School in 1966 and was very competitive both academically and athletically. He excelled in advanced college prep courses and loved baseball, lettering in his sophomore through senior years. His love of baseball continued after high school, and he participated on an all-star city team for several years.

Tim attended UC Davis from 1966 to 1973, earning his undergraduate and master’s degrees in engineering. During his matriculation, Tim worked in the Department of Environmental Sciences. In 1970, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam War, serving for six years. Tim was a third-generation native Californian who profoundly loved his country.

Following his love for the great outdoors, Tim relocated to Seattle, where he worked as an engineer for Boeing and enjoyed his love of adventure and nature, mountain climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, sailing, deep sea fishing and motorcycling. Five years later, Tim returned to California and accepted a position with Sequoia Systems in Larkspur, during which time he designed software for medical office systems.

Tim had a facile mind and loved developing systems for better treatments and communications. It was during this time, Tim met the love of his life, Aurelia Palma, who was an administrator in the medical office of Sobeck, Wilkes and Burger in Davis. While mentoring Aurelia, a collegial friendship developed into romance. They were married in 1982, and Tim thereafter accepted a position with Varian Inc. in Walnut Creek, where he worked for 26 years developing software for scientific systems.

Most recently, Tim worked with Fresenius Medical Care where he developed software for medical systems, e.g., remote monitoring of dialysis machines. Tim had a great passion for his work and for improving quality of life for others. Even from his hospital bed, he was evaluating hospital information systems recommending system improvements.

Tim’s greatest passion was his family. He and Aurelia were blessed with daughter Erica (Chris Batara) and son Anthony, all of whom Tim could not be more proud. Erica and Chris have gifted him with two beautiful grandchildren, Ethan (5) — Tim’s mini-me — and Sydnee (3) who brought Tim indescribable joy. Tim also is survived by his sister Karen (Carl Eilers); brothers Richard (Mary) and Gerald (Barbara); nieces Sarah (Richard Kong), Kristin Long, Emily and Natalie Kong; nephew Ricky (Abby) Long; a legion of cousins, aunts and uncles; and his beloved dog Lucy. Tim adored family and was a nurturing figure to all giving freely of his love, advice and hopes.

Tim’s magnanimous heart, humor, quick wit and zest for life will be missed beyond measure. He had a million-dollar smile and twinkle in his eyes that lit up the room whenever he entered. He will also be remembered for his abundant love and his immeasurable kindness, encouragement, and powerful prayers for family, friends, colleagues and community. Tim prayed for everyone. He lamented that life has become far too complicated. “What is most important in life is loving, caring and supporting each another. Our world would be a much better place.”

Aurelia and the Long family wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the medical team of doctors, nurses and the palliative care team at Kaiser Vacaville and Yolo Hospice who showed enormous caring and compassion in supporting Tim and our family.

Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Smith Funeral Home, 116 D St. in Davis, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Tim had a passion for the Giants so please feel free to dress informally in the team’s colors. A burial Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 2, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 105 S. Second St. in Dixon. In honor of Tim’s zest for life, you’re encouraged to wear your favorite, colorful attire. Burial will follow immediately at Silveyville Cemetery, 801 First St. in Dixon.

Donations may be made in Tim Long’s memory to Precision Medicine, Cancer Research and Education Fund; UC Davis Health System; 2450 48th St.; Sacramento, CA 95817.

Aug. 14, 1963 — April 26, 2017
Robert Ray Hicks passed away suddenly at his home in Davis.
Robert was born in Milpitas, attended Milpitas High School and was active in the ROTC. Robert enlisted in the Army and served with distinction from 1981 to July 1987. Following his military service, Robert worked as an EMT, paramedic and operations manager for Davis Ambulance. He held this position through several mergers and left American Medical Response in 1997.
He then pursued his interest in technology becoming an information technologies PMP working for Sutter Health, AgraQuest and Bayer CropScience. Robert earned an MBA in information systems management.
Robert married his wife, Cathy Pickel on the Ides of March, 1992. Robert was a proud and loving father to Nicholas and twins, Robert and Bryan. Robert loved spending time with his family and was involved with all three of his boys in Boy Scouts. He was extremely proud to see his son, Nicholas, awarded Eagle Scout last December and supported his younger sons on their path to Eagle.
Robert was a dedicated son-in-law to Frank and Rosemary Pickel and will be missed by his sisters-in-law, Sandy Pickel Barger (Glenn Barger) and Kris Pickel (Carl Lemon); nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many friends and will be missed by them and his extended family.
A Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at Smith Funeral Home in Davis. Robert’s funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at St. James Church in Davis. A reception will follow.
Thank you to all who touched his life. In lieu of flowers the family asks contributions be made to Boy Scouts of America.

Dec. 1, 1950 — April 22, 2016

On April 22, 2016, the Lord brought his loving daughter, Antonette “Toni,” home to be with him in paradise. Our loving mother, sister, auntie and Grandy was taken from us too early, and we are heartbroken at our sudden loss.

Toni was born in Oakland on Dec. 1, 1950, to Ernest and Joan Suico. She married her high school sweetheart (first husband) Larry Dingman, and was blessed with two wonderful sons, Brian and Rodney. She later met and married Reggie French and was blessed a third time with a son, Gabrial.

She lived most of her life with her family in the Bay Area and East Bay. She moved to Davis in 2006 to live close to her mother Joan, her sister Linda and family, and brother Jonathan and family. Toni was a homemaker for many years before receiving her administrative assistant degree from Bryman College. She worked as an administrative assistant for 20 years.

She took great pride in her family, her boys and her grandbabies. Her sideline cheering, her watchful gaze and loving spirit will be sorely missed and forever cherished.

Toni was preceded in death by her second husband, Reggie French; father, Ernest; mother, Joan; and brother, Ernest Jr. She is survived by her sister, Linda Fernandes (Dennis); brothers, Mark Suico and Jonathan Suico; sons, Brian Dingman, Rodney Dingman (Karin) and Gabrial French; and her grandbabies, Lauren, Wyatt and Collin Dingman; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

A service celebrating her life will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home, 116 D St. in Davis.