OBITUARIES

Marjorie Hapner 90, El Centro Frank Valenzuela 93, Imperial

VICTORIA JEAN “VICKY” KELLERMAN COOK Sep. 13, 1948 - July 11, 2017

Victoria Jean “Vicky” Kellerman-Cook passed away at home, surrounded by her beloved family, on July 11, 2017. Vicky was born September 13, 1948, to the late Ben and Aline Kellerman, in La Jolla, California. Vicky was a life-long resident of the Imperial Valley, being raised in the produce industry. Vicky attended local schools, graduating from Central Union High School in 1966. After high school, she attended University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Vicky spent a great deal of time in Florence, Texas, with her large and loving extended family. She was married in the late 1960’s, and gave birth to her beloved daughter, Stefany Michelle in 1970. She returned permanently to the Imperial Valley shortly thereafter.

In 1985 Vicky opened Mirage, a well-known ladies clothing boutique on Main Street in El Centro which served the Imperial Valley for 10 years. She also loved travel, and enjoyed planning trips for herself and others. She began her actual career as a travel professional with Rainbow Travel in El Centro, and went on to become the owner/operator of her own agency until her passing. Vicky formed life-long friendships with everyone she ever worked with, and remained close with them all her life.

In 1989 Vicky married the love of her life Dennis Cook. Classmates all their lives, beginning with Dennis’ mother’s nursery school, they began their love affair at their 10th high school reunion. They loved to travel, visiting friends and family all over the United States. They also traveled extensively abroad, making friends wherever they went, but Vicky’s greatest pleasure was spending time with family. She loved to entertain at home, and especially valued her special loving relationship with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Aline Kellerman. She is survived by her husband Dennis, her daughter Stefany and son— in-law Jeff Leal, granddaughters Victoria and Hannah, grandson Jacob, great-grandchildren Ella and Zane, brother Andrew Kellerman and five nephews. Vicky is also survived by numerous dearly loved cousins in California and Texas.

Vicky will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She let each and every one feel that they were special to her. Honest, loyal, strong and sincere, she was one in a million...leaving a positive mark on all she touched. It was a pleasure and a privilege to know her.

A celebration of life is scheduled for September 8, 2017, 10 a.m. at The Barbara Worth Country Club in Holtville, California.

Donations may be made in Vicky’s name to Congregation Beth Jacob, 451 Julia Drive, Brawley CA 92227 or Humane Society of Imperial County, 1575 W. Pico Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243.

HOWARD C. SMITHERS June 1, 1936 - July 14, 2017

Howard Smithers, 81, of El Centro California, went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2017, after a long hard battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Some knew him as Teacher, Counselor, Salesman and Auctioneer. However, most knew him as Cattleman of California Livestock Commission Company. We knew him as Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather (Papa) and Great Grandfather.

Howard is survived by his wife, Mildred of 61 years and their two children, Amanda Brooke and her husband Vince, Robert Smithers and his wife Virginia; his 4 grandchildren, Lacie and her husband Adam, Josh and his wife Cassidy, Madeline and Sam; his great-grandchildren, Autumn, Lucas, Cameron, Tyler, and Morgan; his brother, John and his sisters, GeorgeAnn and Janell; his 3 nieces, Aliza, Abigail and Allyn; and the rest of his family and friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, George and Geneva Smithers and his grandson, Brandon Brooke.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Community Church at 590 W. Orange, El Centro, CA, on Monday July 24, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope for Haiti, through Christ Community Church.

MARJORIE JEAN “BRADSHAW” HAPNER Jan. 27, 1927 - July 5, 2017

Marjorie Jean Hapner, 90, of El Centro passed away peacefully in Palm Springs on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John and youngest son, Thomas.

She leaves behind daughter, Penny “Hapner” Veliquette; son, Richard (Susan) Hapner; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Donnie Tyson and various nieces and nephews.

Mother has requested there be no services held.

FRANK B. VALENZUELA July 24, 1923 - June 30, 2017

Frank B. Valenzuela, 93, of Imperial, passed away in his home Friday, June 30, 2017, with family at his bedside.

He was born July 24, 1923 in Oracle, Arizona. He was a courageous husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He married his beautiful wife, Rose on February 26, 1950. Frank and Rose were married for 62 years until Rose passed away on April 28, 2012.

Frank Valenzuela will be remembered by his family, friends and peers as a man of dignity and respect. He was a WWII Veteran who received a Bronze Star for heroic actions in battle. Many people will remember him for working at Pioneer Van and Storage (Mayflower). He was known for being a hardworking man with a no-nonsense attitude. He retired from Mayflower at the age of 71. Frank Valenzuela was a man of faith and respect. A man among men who will be remembered and missed by many.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; son, Edward Valenzuela and five siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Valenzuela; sons, Frank R. Valenzuela (Cindy) and Michael Valenzuela; sisters, Carmen Feitl (Joe) and Dora Alvarado; grandchildren, Sonia, Jessica, Christina, Michael, Frank, Maggie, Ana and Emiliano; great grandchildren Damian, Alyssa, Rayann, Liam, Marisa, Miranda, Frank Jr., Cecilia and Victor.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rosary will be between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Hems Brothers Mortuary. Services will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Saint Anthony’s Church in Imperial at 8 a.m. Gravesite services will be immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro, CA.

RICK L. GRAHAM Aug. 4, 1958 - July 15, 2017

Rick Graham, 58, of Imperial Passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017.

He was born on August 4, 1958 in Calexico.

Rick is survived by his wife, Ronna Graham; sons, Gabe Graham and Brian Graham; sister, Pam Cooke; 3 grandchildren; father, Benjamin Graham and mother, Betty Crow of Imperial.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday July 29, 2017 at 9 a.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley and will be officiated by Shirley Bonillas.