OBITUARIES
Mary Ann Baker
92, Calipatria
Charles Barber
78, Former Holtville resident
Juan Bermudez
75, Westmorland
Francisco Camacho
70, Former Calexico resident
Ruben DeAnda
67, El Centro
Gerald Koch
61, El Centro
Ralph Menvielle
68, El Centro
Arcelio Rocha
82, El Centro
Alfonso Valdez
87, Westmorland
Josephine Valles
87, El Centro
FRANCISCO ARMENTA CAMACHO “FRANK” July 7, 1947 - Apr. 23, 2018
Francisco Armenta Camacho “Frank”, 70, of Rialto, CA, peacefully passed away at home after a year’s battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family on April 23, 2018.
Francisco Camacho was born on July 7, 1947 in King City, CA (Monterey County). He was the son of Alberto and Jesus Camacho. He was raised in Calexico, CA with his 12 brothers and sisters.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tony and Jose, and sister Paula.
He graduated from Calexico High School “Bulldogs”, Class of 1966. He competed in Cross Country and Track and Field. He was an outstanding long distance runner. After high school he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served for 2 years.
On July 8, 1970 he married the love of his life, Maria Serrano Camacho, (47 years of matrimony) and bought their home and raised their son and daughter in Rialto, CA. Frank Camacho worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in Colton, CA for 41 years as a machinist.
Frank loved coaching his children’s soccer, baseball, and softball teams. After his children attended college, he coached high school soccer with his son, Frank Camacho Jr. at Carter High School and Rialto High School. He was also a very active grandfather “Tata”, where he would run with his four grandchildren, play hide and seek, tag and anything else that would make his grandchildren happy.
He enjoyed traveling to other countries with his wife Maria and visiting with family members throughout California. Frank also liked going to the horse races at Santa Anita and placing the “occasional pick 4” sports bet. He will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, ability to make those around him smile and laugh, and especially for his love of dancing and the Los Angeles Lakers.
He is survived by his wife, Maria S. Camacho of Rialto; son, Frank Camacho of Rialto; daughter, Denise Camacho Vidaure and son-in- law Louis of Upland. He has 4 grandchildren: Isabella and Lucas Vidaure, and Rosali and Kennedy Camacho. In addition, he is survived by his brothers, Manuel, Alberto, Lucio, Jesus, Armando, Pedro, and Arturo, along with his two sisters, Cruz and Cecilia.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 335 N. Sycamore Ave., Rialto CA 92376. Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mass will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Burial will immediately follow mass at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St. Colton, CA 92324.
JUAN R. BERMUDEZ Nov. 5, 1942 - Apr. 24, 2018
Juan R. Bermudez, of Westmorland passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones at home on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at the age of 75.
Juan was born on November 5, 1942 in Zacatecas, Mexico. Juan met and married Rosa Maria Mendivil in 1963 in Mexicali, Mexico. They arrived and settled in Westmorland in 1971, where they had and raised 6 children. Juan worked for John Benson Farms for over 25 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Rosa Bermudez of 55 years; five children Luis Bermudez, Vivian Arvizu, Jesse Bermudez, Sylvia Bermudez and Miguel Bermudez; 8 grandchildren and 1 greatgranddaughter.
Juan was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jesus and Carmen Bermudez; three siblings, and son, Juan A. Bermudez.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Frye Chapel in Brawley.
RALPH M. MENVIELLE Mar. 31, 1950 - Apr. 19, 2018
Ralph M. Menvielle, 68 years old, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, April 19, 2018 while at his home in El Centro, surrounded by family.
Ralph was born in Calexico, California to John F. and Marscia Menvielle. He attended Jasper School, and graduated from Calexico High School in 1968. Ralph at- tended Imperial Valley College, transferred to Cal Poly Pomona, and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agriculture Business Management. He worked for Ted Miller Hay Company as a hay buyer from 1973-1983 before starting Menvielle Hay Company. In 1988 he aquired Quality Scales on Dogwood Rd in El Centro.
Ralph was a member of Imperial County Farm Bureau, served two terms on the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors, was an alternate for LAFCO, served on the School Site Council for Central Union High School, and was a Calvary Chapel board member.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Sharon Schneider Menvielle of El Centro; sons, Joshua Menvielle, John Clifford Menvielle Jordan Menvielle (Sara) all of San Diego; brothers, John Pierre Menvielle (Genevieve) of El Centro, and Robert Menvielle (Marianne) of El Centro: mother-in-law Effie Schneider-Ligons of El Centro, sister-in-law, Debbie Schneider Burquist (John) of El Centro and brother-in-law, Clifford Schneider (Jarene); nephews, Justin Burquist of San Diego, Jeffrey Burquist of El Centro and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Marscia Menvielle, and brother, Joseph R. Menvielle.
Ralph was known for being a hard working perfectionist, an energetic person, and most of all a man with a caring spirit. Ralph made a great impact on the Imperial Valley and will be greatly missed.
A “Celebration of Ralph’s Life” will be held on Saturday May 12, 2018, 10 a.m. at Calvary Chapel Church, 1923 Austin Road, El Centro, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Chapel Church of El Centro, Dee’s Animal Rescue or the Humane Society of Imperial Valley. Matthew 25:23
GERALD “JERRY” KOCH Jan. 29, 1957 - Apr. 21, 2018
Gerald (Jerry) Koch was born in Allentown, PA. He passed away unexpectedly in his home with a couple buddies in El Centro, CA in the wee hours of April 21, 2018.
Gerald is survived by his mother, Harriet “Hattie”; brother, Donald “Don”; sister, Donna; two daughters, April and Kimberly “Kimi”; numerous other family members and stepfamily, as well as numerous friends that he thought of as family.
As of this time, arrangements have not yet been determined.
CHARLES E. BARBER July 23, 1939 - Mar. 29, 2018
Charles Barber, 78 of Cameron, Missouri passed away on March 29 at Liberty Hospital, Liberty Missouri.
Charles was born the son of Marshall C and Lonia M (Downs) Barber on July 23, 1939 in Keiser, Arkansas.
He was a 1957 graduate of Holtville High School, Holtville, California. He served in the United States Navy from 1957 until 1960. He was united in marriage to Letha June McKeever on December 19, 1975 in Yuma, Arizona. She preceded him in death on August 29, 2002.
Survivors include three daughters, Lila (Gene) McNally of Chillicothe, Missouri, Cynthia (Rick) Walker of Prescott, Arizona, Tia Belt of Crescent City, California; son, Steve (Sabrina) Barber of Holtville, California; brother, Nelson “Butch” (Pam) Barber of Middletown, Maryland, 9 grandchildren, Kimberly Skoog, Becky (Christopher) Walsh, Derrick Johnson, Eric Johnson, Mandie (Anthony) Davis, Christopher (Amber) Loftin, Derek Barber, Ashlyn Barber and Alyssa Barber and twelve great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife June; sister, Juanita Bullard; brothers, William Barber, Thomas Barber and Jerry Barber; son, Cecil Belt; and grandson Kevin Belt.
Graveside services will be held at Brassfield Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri on Saturday May 5, 2018 at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Veterans Home, 1111 Euclid Ave, Cameron, MO 64429 or may be mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe MO 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com
MARY ANN (SINGH) BAKER June 27, 1925 - Mar. 18, 2018
Mary Ann left us peacefully to move into her new life reuniting with all of those who she so loved. She was blessed with a full and healthy life and enjoyed every minute.
Known as Annie throughout her childhood, she spent her school years in the Imperial Valley. In 1944 she was lured to Washington State by her cousin Harry Singh who was in the United States Navy. She then met the love of her life and soul mate James Baker. They were married on February 20, 1945. When James was discharged from the Navy, they ended up in Oakland where they lived until word of an opportunity to work in the Mojave Desert in a town called Trona came to them.
They had their first child, James Alan, in tow and left for the desert. After several years, they were able to open businesses and thrived for over 30 years in retail. Through the years came 2 more children, Judy and Janis.
Mary Ann spent the past 15 years in Palmdale California with her two girls. She was involved in volunteering for the medical center and loved dancing, music and art. Her family was always her priority and she has wanted to come home to the Imperial Valley for quite some time.
Along with her 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, she is survived by her 2 sisters, Rosie McKenzie and Nellie Guerrero; 2 brothers, Ray Singh and Robert Chell. There is a large extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews that make their home in the Imperial Valley, others are scattered throughout Southern California and the United States.
“Annie” will be laid to rest at Terrace Park in Holtville alongside her beloved mother, Silveria Chell on Monday, May 7, 2018. Rosary will begin at 9 a.m. Mass will immediately follow at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Holtville.
JOSEPHINE LOPEZ VALLES Nov. 2, 1930 - Apr. 8, 2018
Josephine Valles, 87, of El Centro passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018 in her home surrounded by family.
She was born November 2, 1930 in Oxnard, CA and later married Tony Valles on January 23, 1948. Josephine was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was the guiding light to her children and her light will eternally shine on her family. Her memories will be cherished by her family and all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, Antonio “Tony” Valles Jr.; grandson, Rudolph “Rudy” Garcia Jr. and great-grandson, Joseph Garcia.
Josephine is survived by her husband of 70 years, Tony Valles; daughters, Mary (Rudy) Garcia, Marlene (Mike) Fisher, Rose (Terry) Fryery, Patricia (Ronald) Donis; son, Raymond Valles; 15 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 6 to 9 p.m. Hems Brothers and Mortuary in El Centro with Rosary being said at 7 p.m. Mass will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro and will be officiated by Father Romeo Velos. Burial will immediately follow in Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro.
RUBEN DEANDA Dec. 3, 1950 - Mar. 27, 2018
Ruben DeAnda, 67, of El Centro, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 27, 2018.
Born in Los Angeles December 3, 1950 Ruben spent most of his life in Imperial Valley. He served in the US Army receiving an honorable discharge in 1971.
He is survived by his children, Ruben DeAnda Jr., El Cajon, CA, Gino DeAnda, Imperial, CA, Roman DeAnda, Reno, NV; brother, Andy DeAnda, El Centro; sisters, Diana Caudillo, San Bernardino, CA, Rose Pfliger, Escondido, CA and Kristina DeAnda, El Centro, CA, grandaughters, Erika DeAnda and Kayla DeAnda and great- grandson Jesse.
He was preceded in death by his mother Dolores DeAnda, and brother Larry DeAnda.
Services will be Friday May 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Hems Brothers Mortuary El Centro followed by military honors at Evergreen Cemetery.
ARCAELIO ROCHA Nov. 18, 1935 - Mar. 7, 2018
Arcaelio Rocha, 82, of El Centro, CA passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
Arcaelio was born on November 18, 1935 in Sinaloa, MX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugenia Ynzunza and Ramon Rocha.
He is survived by his son, Arthur Rocha and sister, Maria A. Rocha.
ALFONSO TIRADO VALDEZ June 6, 1930 - Mar. 27, 2018
Alfonso Tirado Valdez, 87, of Westmorland, CA passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
He was born on June 6, 1930 in Maricopa, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sabina Ferado and Jose Valdez.