Spangler Mortuaries Obituaries

About Spangler Mortuaries

Located in the heart of Mountain View, California, Spangler Mortuaries has been a trusted and respected funeral home for generations. With a rich history and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Spangler Mortuaries is dedicated to helping families say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and respect.

A History of Excellence

Spangler Mortuaries was founded on a tradition of excellence and a passion for serving the community. For years, the funeral home has been family-owned and operated, allowing them to maintain a personal touch that is often lost in larger corporate-owned funeral homes. This commitment to family values is reflected in every aspect of their business, from the warm and welcoming atmosphere of their facilities to the compassionate care they provide to each and every family they serve.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Michelle Daxer - May 07, 1968 - October 13, 2019

Departed: 10/13/2019 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: DAXER, Michelle Louise. May 7, 1968 – October 13, 2019 Michelle, age 51, died surrounded by friends and family in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband Ken and her children Chris and Kevin at her side. She was born May 7, 1968 in Novato, CA to Valerie and Michael Manick. She is survived by her husband Ken Daxer, beloved sons Chris (17 ) and Kevin Daxer ( 15 ), Her sisters Julie Manick and Carolyn Manick; and many

loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and amazing friends. Michelle enjoyed being a member of the marching band at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward class of 1986. She attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and earned her B.S. in Computer Engineering from San Jose State University. Michelle proudly entered the computer industry. Her technical and communication skills propelled her career to roles in customer training and securing design

wins for many of Altera’s most important FPGA customers. After getting married in 1998, Michelle resided with her husband in Sunnyvale, CA. In 2001 they began their family and Michelle transitioned to the role of full-time mom with pride. Michelle

absolutely loved being a mother and was very active in her community. Just some of her countless volunteer positions included room mom,

Cub Scout leader, and Sunday school teacher. Michelle was a voracious reader and enjoyed sewing quilts for loved ones. She enjoyed nature through biking, hiking, sailing, skiing, scuba

diving and in recent years wheelchair hikes. Michelle endured a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy for over 10 years. She amazed us with her strength, cheered us with her smile,

and inspired us with her love of life.

Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, October 19, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church, 10110 N. De Anza Blvd, Cupertino.

Reception to follow in the Church Community Center.

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Charles Edwards - September 17, 1934 - October 05, 2019

Departed: 10/05/2019 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Charles William “Bill” Edwards, 85, of Sunnyvale, CA, passed away the evening of Saturday, October 5, 2019 after complications from emergency surgery. His son was by his side as he passed peacefully.

Bill was born on September 17, 1934 in Pueblo, Colorado. He was the only child of John William Edwards and Edith Moore. There he attended Central High with childhood best friends Marv Strait and Eddie Altman, who remained friends until his passing. Marv described him as the smartest student of the graduating class. Bill then attended Arizona State University where he graduated with a degree in physics in 1957. He was immediately hired by Lockheed where he had a distinguished 62 year career that lasted the rest of his life.

Outside of work, Bill was an avid San Francisco 49er fan, holding season tickets for over 25 years. He was also a part time resident of Reno, NV where he was an annual participant of Hot August Nights in one of his classic cars.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Bryce Edwards (and wife Michelle Tran) of Sunnyvale and Courtland “Curt” Edwards of Milpitas, and granddaughter Emma Edwards. He was preceded in death by parents John Edwards and Edith Drake, and daughter Stacy Edwards.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 15th from 1:00 to 3:45 at Spangler Mortuary Sunnyvale Chapel, 174 N Sunnyvale Ave., Sunnyvale. Memorial service will begin at 4:00, with reception to follow.

Interment will be held Wednesday, October 16th at 11:30 at Alta Mesa Memorial Cemetery, 695 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto.

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Robert Carlstead - March 12, 1929 - April 28, 2019

Departed: 04/28/2019 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Robert Harmon Carlstead, 90, of Palo Alto, CA passed away April 28th, 2019 at Stanford Hospital. Robert “Bob” was born in 1929 in Chillicothe, MO to Edward Robert Carlstead and Sarah Katherine Kerr. After graduating high school in Webb City, MO, Bob attended the University of Missouri and received a B.S. in Business Administration in 1952. While at Mizzou, he enrolled in the NROTC and served in the US Navy for 4 years as a 1st Lieutenant. While on a midshipman cruise aboard the USS Springfield, his ship crossed the Equator where he was inducted into the Ancient Order of the Deep as a “Trusted Shellback”. His Naval tour of duty included South America, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean and Guantanamo Bay.

Following his tour in the Navy, Bob attended Oklahoma State and earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1957. With a job offer from Lockheed Space and Missiles in hand, Bob drove out to sunny California on Route 66 and resided in Santa Clara. One day at work, he tripped over the foot a beautiful redheaded woman. The chance encounter led to friendship and later marriage to Mary Louise Braxmeier in 1960. Together they raised three children in Palo Alto, CA. While working full time and raising their children, Bob earned a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University and remained a Registered Professional Engineer in California throughout his career.

Bob’s 37-year professional career in the Silicon Valley semiconductor industry consisted of 10 years at Lockheed and Hewlett-Packard, and 27 years with Fairchild Semiconductors (later Schlumberger Technologies) in the Automated Test Equipment Division. After retirement in 1994, he occasionally returned to consult and teach “the youngsters”. While employed at Hewlett-Packard his design for a “Transducer Output Indicator” was patented in 1969.

Bob was an avid fan of the Golden State Warriors and Pro Golf Tours and many of his daily activities revolved around scheduled games and tournaments. He and his wife Mary shared a love of travel and history. Together they traveled to many parts of the USA visiting their daughters in Seattle, relatives in the Midwest and on the East Coast, historical sites and battlefields, National Parks, and even participated in a hilarious impromptu comedy routine with Yakov Smirnoff in Branson, MO. They enjoyed cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal, toured many countries in Europe, and attended the Passion Play at Oberammergau in Germany. Bob had a special love for Foothills Park and the Palo Alto Bay Lands and visited often looking for wild pheasants, turkeys, and deer while admiring the open space and views from Vista Point.

Bob was active in the Palo Alto Senior Men’s Golf Association serving as president in 2014. He rejoiced in shooting two hole-in-ones at the Palo Alto and Coyote Creek golf courses. Bob also enjoyed membership with SIRS and participated in the Peninsula Civil War Roundtable.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Martha Carlstead and Carrie Carlstead, four nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death after 58 years of marriage by his wife Mary in 2018, their son, William Carlstead in 1997, and siblings Carolyn Gray of Joplin, MO and Edward Carlstead of Ft. Washington, MD.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 8th at 1:00PM at St. Albert the Great hospitality center in Palo Alto, CA. Internment will be held June 10th at 11:00 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, CA.

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Tula Fanos Stephenson - October 06, 1923 - April 11, 2019

Departed: 04/11/2019 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Tula Rose Fanos Stephenson, of Mountain View, passed away in the late evening of April 11, at the age of 95 1/2. Tula was born October 16, 1923, in the San Joaquin farming community of Lodi, California, the youngest of three children, to Greek immigrants from the island of Cephalonia.

Tula was very proud of her Greek heritage. She could speak and write in the Greek language, and corresponded with family members from the “old country”. In 1972 she and her husband Sam traveled to Greece and had a joyful reunion with relatives she had never met in person.

Tula was preceded in death by many of her beloved family members: her husband of 64 years, Samuel Stephenson, her parents, Panagiotis (Peter) and Olivia Fanos, brother, Angelo Fanos, sister, Angeliki (Angie) Mitchell, and niece, Judi Quaill. She is also predeceased by her dear Uncles, Louis and Andrew, her Aunt Rose, sisters-in law, Esther Fanos, Mary Pifferini, and Mignon Stephenson and brothers-in-law, Grant Mitchell and Errett Stephenson.

Tula is survived by her four children, Joy Stephenson Kick (Joseph), Janice Marrello (Vince, deceased), David Stephenson (Deborah), and Mark Stephenson, grandchildren Teresa Flynn (Brian), Molly Zarzar (Jonathan), Jonathan Stephenson, and Michael Stephenson and great-grandchildren John and Freya Flynn and Lillian Zarzar. Tula was devoted to her many nieces and nephew, dear cousins Carol Roseberry (John, deceased) and Nancy Field (Ed, deceased) and all their descendents. She had many dear friends including informally adopted sons, Qumarrs Ahmadi and Farshad Sasai.

Tula grew up on a farm out in the country with acres of grapevines, fruit trees, many animals as well as dairy cows. She helped with the many farm chores. Elementary school was a two-room school house where she learned to speak English, became an excellent student, and participated in the school musicals. She had a sweet singing voice.

Tula graduated from Lodi High School where she was Year Book Editor. She was active in her family’s church, Bethel. She played organ, practicing early in the morning at College of the Pacific in Stockton. Tula was a voracious reader and enjoyed sewing and needlework. She attended Stockton Delta College and Wheaten College in Illinois.

War years, Tula worked in South San Francisco welding grids used for radar. She lived with her Aunt and Uncle in Redwood City at the time and courtship commenced with her future husband, Sam Stephenson, with whom she was well acquainted since he attended the same church as her aunt and uncle. Prior to her marriage she returned to Lodi and worked as a stenographer in Stockton and completed her AA degree from Stockton Delta College.

Tula and Sam were married on November 17, 1946 and moved to Redwood City where they worked and saved to build a home. Tula was employed at the Palo Alto hospital as a secretary. Together, Tula and Sam purchased a lot in Mt. View and built their two story dream home, moving in before the floors were completed.

Tula lovingly raised her family of four children, chauffeuring them to scouts and church, planning wonderful vacations, sewing their clothing, cooking, while remaining unstoppable in her passion to host family gatherings and welcome friends and strangers into her home. Foreign Stanford “home-stay” students, extended family members, old friends, and new friends all found good food and conversation around Sam and Tula’s round dining table, where there was always room for one more.

Tula was the school secretary at Benjamin Bubb school for seventeen years, which helped to satisfy her deep interest in the Education field. After retirement, she and Sam enjoyed their daily walks, gardening, much visiting with family and friends, traveling and church activities. She had more time for needlework, quilting and nurturing her roses. Sam and Tula made themselves available to babysit grandchildren, to help friends and family whenever or wherever the need arose, be it painting their homes or cooking a meal. They were faithful and active members of the First Baptist Church of Los Altos (now Bridges) for more than 60 years.

Tula had a sweet personality with a quirky sense of humor. She was a worker. “Lazy” was the worst possible adjective. Yet she was able to sit down with a cup of coffee and cookies to visit awhile, if a neighbor or a friend stopped by.

In her later life, Tula suffered for more than 20 years from memory loss. Her husband, Sam, passed away in December of 2010. Tula spent her final years in Memory Care Facilities where she continued to be a loving presence, always concerned about her fellow residents. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Crescent Villa in Sunnyvale on April 11, 2019.

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Dolores Victorian - February 04, 1927 - December 26, 2018

Departed: 12/26/2018 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Dolores Elaine Victorian, fifth child of Olof and Daisy Thompson, was born February 4, 1927 in Minneapolis. When she was born, her oldest brother, who named her after Dolores del Rio, had 22 years on her. Dolores was nurtured by plenty of relatives and the close companionship of her nieces and nephews who were about her age. The report cards she brought home posted stars for her “good teeth.” As a child she was a Campfire Girl, spent some time at TiPi Wakan, a Christian camp on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota, and was president of the Women’s Relief Corps State Junior Club. She was also a member of the Daughters of Union Soldiers of the Civil War. At 16 she was christened at the Lutheran church, having had an aversion to being dunked at the Baptist church she’d been attending. At the former Dolores sang in the choir...with (Henry) Clem Victorian. Six weeks after they met, she said it was “almost love at first sight” and they were secretly engaged.

She graduated from the Minneapolis Business College and enrolled at the University of Minnesota. After marrying Henry they moved to Wichita, Kansas, and then on to the San Francisco Bay area, both pursuant to job offers for “Hank.” “Dee” graduated with her Associate in Arts Degree (Dean’s Honor List) from Foothills Community College and also from San Jose State University with her Batchelor of Arts (with Great Distinction/Dean’s Scholar and inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society) and a credential in library science. She was also a member of the Alpha Beta Alpha Fraternity. Beyond her time spent as a student, wife, and mother, Dee enjoyed swimming, gardening, camping, dancing, sewing, and playing bridge.

In 1965 Dee and Hank moved again as the company Hank worked for relocated to Maryland. From the University of Maryland she earned her Masters of Arts Degree in Educational Technology and Curriculum Development. At Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, she served as assistant and then head librarian for 16 years. Dee took a celestial navigation course subsequent to agreeing to co-captain Hank’s and her Cape Dory 36 sailboat. They retired in their mid-50’s to embark on a 3 1/2 year long sailing endeavor that would encompass traveling the ICW from Maine to Florida, around the Caribbean, through the Gulf of Mexico and the Panama Canal, and up to San Francisco. Her choice demonstrated ultimate love and sacrifice for her husband. In the wake of that trip she wrote and published Live Aboard Gal.

They settled then in Port Angeles, Washington where Dee continued her Renaissance existence, taking part in the PEO, local bookclub, and Sequim Yacht Club. She became a prolific painter, tutored individuals in English (receiving the Washington Distinguished Citizen Award), and enjoyed traveling, listening to music at home, friends’ home concerts, and the Port Angeles Symphony, and playing piano herself. Dee and Hank spent many hours researching and writing two genealogy books that were passed along to their immediate family. Hospitalized children were comforted by her crocheted animals. Her children and grandchildren sported and were spoiled by her creativity by sweaters, dresses for special occasions, afghans, and sleeping bags. She had a love of the whimsical. Loyal and encouraging as a friend, she had many deep friendships. Her hospitality and cooking were top notch.

After Hank’s death three years ago, she returned to California to live near her daughter, Julie, and her family, savoring her time with them. Dee was able to party at her grandson’s wedding last July and passed on December 26, 2018.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Williams (Tom) (“She instilled in me by example kindness, empathy for and speaking well of others, and living life with gusto. Mom encouraged my relationship with Christ.”) and Julie Victorian-Chow (Calvin) (“Mom showed how appreciative she was,...and cared deeply for her family”), grandchildren Kyle Lane (Amber) (will remember “her laugh. Her joy. Her smile. Her artistic talent to paint and play music.”), Corrie Frank (Jake) (“Her love of reading, crossword puzzles, music, being on the ocean and her patience”), Tiffany Chow (“Her sharp wit, her love and kindness for her grandkids, hand knit sweaters and letters 🙂 I loved exchanging emails with her in the later years where we talked about books we’ve read!”), Harrison Chow (Kerry) (“I remember playing duets on the piano back when we were both still playing and someone who I see a lot of in both of her daughters.”), Stephanie Chow (“Her love and care raised two beautiful and intelligent daughters, one being our mom [Julie], whose love has been replicated onto us. She was always sure to give us bite size advice like “life’s short, eat dessert.”), and five great-grandchildren.

In accordance with her wishes we hope to scatter her ashes come Spring.

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Juanita Guevara - Unknown - October 17, 2018

Departed: 10/17/2018 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Juanita Guevara born in Los Angeles, California, and with her family was forced to leave the United States in 1933, as a result of the Forced Repatriation policy at the time.

While in Mexico she met José Guevara to whom she was married for 70 years until his death in 2011. Juanita had 2 children in Mexico, Luis and Eva. She moved back to the United States in1946 reuniting her family and had 3 more children, Alfonso, Jorge and Antonio.

During her life Juanita was involved with St. Martins Catholic Church in Sunnyvale, as an active member of the Guadalupana Society. For many years she and her husband volunteered in preparing for the homeless and served in various other capacities in the St. Martin’s Parish community. Juanita loved to travel with her husband to Mexico, traveled to Hawaii, Las Vegas and other cities through the the American Southwest. Juanita loved gardening, cooking for family and friends, and being with many friends she met during the years.

Juanita had 5 children: Luis (deceased), Antonio (deceased), Eva Contreras (widow of Larry Contreras) Alfonso (wife Juana) and Jorge (wife Erika); 9 grandchildren: John, Lou Anthony (deceased), Poncho, Adam, Alejandra, Veronica, Nathaniel, Tristan, Dominique, Thomas (deceased) and Peter; 5 great grand children: Jovan, Kiana, Xiomara, Xóchitl and Jamie. Services for Juanita are as follows: Viewing and rosary at Spangler Mortuary, 174 N Sunnyvale Ave., Sunnyvale 6:00 - 9:00 PM Tuesday 10/23

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Robert Berry, Sr. - July 04, 1928 - July 23, 2018

Departed: 07/23/2018 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Born on the 4th of July, Bob Berry Sr. lived an adventuresome life full of wonder and curiosity for the world. While known for his remarkable career, Bob always kept his faith and family as his compass. With a heavy heart, we announce his peaceful passing on July 23, 2018.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Dorothy, and his siblings; Marguerite Prost (Marcel), Charles (Martha), Joseph (Carol) and William Berry.

Robert leaves behind his devoted son, Robert E. Berry Jr., his daughter-in-law Sandra Pollano Berry, his four grandchildren; Renee (Matthew Boitano), Robert Leo (Megan), Andrea, Valentina, and his three great grandchildren; Jude and Reese Boitano, and Pippa Berry.

Born in 1928 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Robert Emanuel Berry Senior has concluded the 90 beautiful years of life in Los Altos Hills, California. Bob received his Bachelors of Science from Manhattan College and his Masters in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He worked his way through college in as a Lab Technician at The City College of New York, and also as a guard for Santa at Macy’s during the holiday season.

Bob served as Lieutenant in the United States Navy before his work as a pioneer in the aerospace industry.

Laying the groundwork for today’s modern communications, Bob’s vision for the future of satellite systems resulted in the development of innovations that have helped people all over the world.

Bob served on the Space Systems Technology Advisory Committee for NASA, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee and was appointed as the Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering under President Gerald Ford.

From 1977-1990, Bob was the general manager of Ford Aerospace’s Space Systems Division. In 1999 he was named president of Space Systems Loral (SSL), and chairman in 1999. Bob served as SVP of Loral Space & Communications until his retirement at the age of 80 in 2008.

Bob led SSL through meteorological satellite projects for defense, civil and commercial applications and played an important part in what is today’s commercial satellite industry.

A Resident of Los Altos Hills since 1978, Bob and his wife Dorothy also lived in London, England, Margate, N.J., Media, PA, Atherton, Laguna Beach and La Jolla, CA.

Bob and Dorothy loved traveling and learning about cultures and traditions from people all over the world. In travel and at home, they loved spending time with people, most especially their beloved friends and family. They were often known as gracious hosts for creative events that included beautiful food and always laughter.

Bob, or “Bibo” as he was affectionately known by his family, was an extraordinary kind, wise, and earnest grandfather. His family will be remembered for his objective, loving and reasonable feedback, his patient resolve and his great faith and dedication to leading a life that would make God proud of the impact he had on the world. His humble and patient presence will be greatly missed. In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Immaculate Heart Monastery, 28210 Natoma Rd., L.AH., CA 94022

A Rosary will be held on the evening of Thursday, August 2nd at 7:00 P.M., and a Memorial Mass on the morning of August 3rd at 11:00 A.M. both at St. Nicholas Church, 743 Lincoln Ave., Los Altos, Ca. 94022.

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Elia Pallares - April 05, 1920 - March 26, 2018

Departed: 03/26/2018 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: On March 26,2018 at 1:27am, 10 days shy of her 98th Birthday Stevie,the beloved wife of Joe Pallares, went home to be with Joe and the Lord. Stevie leaves behind her daughter Patt Medeiros beloved grandson and wife Kenneth and Tina Medeiros. Great Grandkids Dillion and Olivia Medeiros. As well as her son Richard Reffeitt, wife Loretta and Grandchildren Tony,Matthew,Michael Brett and spouses 16 Great Grandkids, Sisters Freda,Toni,Rosina,Sandy(D)brothers Italio and Davie(D)

Mass will be held at Spangler Mortuary Sunnyvale on June 18, 2018 @ 11:30 am Celebration of Life to Follow.

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Evangeline Nelson - July 07, 1935 - March 13, 2017

Departed: 03/13/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Evangeline Nelson, a Palo Alto resident, passed away on March 13, 2017 at Stanford Hospital with her husband Eric at her side. She was born in Hondo, Texas on July 7, 1935 to Juanita and Juan Aguaristi. Raised by her aunt and uncle, Gabriel and Maria Salazar, Eve grew up in Stockton, CA. and attended St. Agnes Grammar School. After a short time from 1947 to 1949 in Santa Cruz, the family moved to San Jose where Eve attended St. Joseph's school, and then graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1953.

With her father's passing, Eve worked in the family owned drug store until she went to work for Thrifty Drug Stores in 1961. This began a 54 year career with Thrifty Drug Stores and its successor companies, retiring from Rite Aid in 2015. Over the years she worked on the inventory team and as a pharmacy, photo, and sales clerk. Eve met her husband Eric, a Thrifty Drug Store pharmacist in 1983, and they were married August 22, 1992. Together they lived in Gilroy, then Ferndale, CA. from 1986-1993, then again in Gilroy until 1997, when they bought their home in Palo Alto, Eric's hometown.

After her aunt's passing, Eve felt that she was alone. Then, at the age of 44, a family friend introduced her to a family of 5 full siblings in San Jose, and her living mother and 4 half siblings in Michigan. After meeting her San Jose family, she flew to Michigan and met her mother and half siblings on July 6, 1979. Outgoing, fun to be with, Eve always enjoyed a great party or family gathering.

Eve loved to travel and with Eric explored many U.S. states and their national parks, much of Europe, Mexico, and took many cruises. Together, they made five trips to Germany, driving over 11,000 miles throughout. She was a member of the Palo Alto First United Methodist Church and sang in the Chancel Choir for 16 years, right up until her passing.

Eve is survived by her husband, Eric, her brothers Jose (Consuelo) and Stephan of San Jose, Joe (Gerry), Martin (Elida) and sister Lenore of Saginaw, MI. She also leaves behind in-laws Paul (June) Nelson, George (Vickie) Nelson, and Diane Eatherton, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

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Ruth Tolle - December 02, 1939 - March 11, 2017

Departed: 03/11/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Ruth Ann Tolle passed into her Heavenly reward on March 11, 2017 after a short battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Al Tolle, her children, Jeff (Lisa Kowalski and son Tyler) Tolle, Steve (Emily) Tolle, and Alicia (Tom) Martella, her beloved grandchildren, Kelsey and Kaeton Martella, her sister Doris Middleton of Advance, Missouri, and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Annice Mirly, also of Advance.

Ruth was born and raised in Advance and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in education. She started her teaching career in Leadville, Colorado in 1961. She spent two years teaching in Cape Girardeau, then moved to Hanford, California in 1964, where she married Al. Aside for a few years that they spent in Advance, they raised their family in Hanford. Ruth continued to teach at local schools, including Lemoore Elementary School District, Pioneer Elementary, Kit Carson School, and Hanford Elementary School District. She found her true passion when she began to teach kindergarten, which she did for the last 15 years of her career. Ruth was instrumental in founding a very successful Preschool at First Lutheran Church, where she also played the organ every Sunday morning for many years . After 32 years of service, she retired from teaching in 2003.

Retirement did not slow her down. A firm believer of God, she was active in her church and its activities. She also spent time tracing her genealogy and discovered that she qualified for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution organization. Never forgetting her love of children and passion for teaching, she tutored children at Club Z, Kings River Hardwick, and in her home. She also started a tutoring program at St. James Lutheran Church for Kindergarten through 4th grade children. No child or dog ever went unnoticed to Ruth; she unselfishly cared for all. Her main focus in her last years was assisting the Children's Storybook Garden and Museum as it broke ground on its facility in downtown Hanford.

Ruth's family would also like to thank Stanford Medical Center, Dr. Neel Gupta & his entire staff, as well as the nurse practitioners, nurses, and staff at Stanford F-Ground for the amazing care and compassion they gave our wife, mom, and nana during her time there.

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Bruce Hellier - May 23, 1919 - March 07, 2017

Departed: 03/07/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Bruce Hollister Hellier passed away on March 7, 2017, in Los Altos, CA, surrounded by his family.

He was born May 23,1919 in Berkeley, CA to William Guilford Hellier and Frances Corrine Hellier.

After graduating from University of California, Berkeley in 1942, he joined the U.S Army and served in the Pacific theater in World War II. After the end of World War II, he went to work for Standard Oil of California in the oil fields in Taft, CA, where he met and married Agatha J. Sick on Feb. 7, 1953. They had three children, Lucille E. Hellier (Clarke) , Donald J. Hellier , and Barbara C. Hellier.

In 1969 Bruce left Standard Oil and began working for the US Geological Survey as a geothermal engineer. The family lived briefly in Huntington Beach, CA, then his work took him to Menlo Park, CA and the family settled in Los Altos, CA.

Bruce was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying sailing, camping, fishing, duck hunting, hiking and skiing. He and his wife, Aggie, were active members of the San Jose Sailing Club for many years and parishioners of St. Williams Catholic Church in Los Altos. After retiring they enjoyed many travels in their motor home, exploring new places and visiting friends and relatives across the country.

He is survived by his wife Agatha J. Hellier, his son, Donald J. Hellier (Patrice Hellier) of Modesto, CA, and his daughters; Lucille E. Hellier- Clarke (Carus V. Clarke) of Vashon, WA, and Barbara C. Hellier of Moscow, ID, 7 grandsons; Hal Hannen, Jason Hannen, Craig Hannen, Matthew B. Hellier, Major USAF, Daniel P. Hellier, Benjamin C. Clarke and Donald N. Clarke.

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Evelyn Adams - September 07, 1935 - February 28, 2017

Departed: 02/28/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: In Loving Memory

Evelyn Louise Adams "Tiny" passed away peacefully with family at her bedside on February 28, 2017. She was born in Fresno, CA on September 7, 1935.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Louise Silveira and two children. She leaves behind her husband and partner of 43 years Albert Adams in which they shared a very special kind of love. She was blessed with five children Ricci Joe Snow (Daughter-in-law Sylvia Snow), Terri Jane Perez (Snow) Deceased 2004), Joe Snow Jr. (deceased days after birth), Cindy Louise Hamilton (Snow) (Son-in-law Michael Hamilton) and Pete Alan Adams.

Evelyn had three grandchildren Antonette Dinges (Avila), Jesse Joe Perez and Nicole Olmos (Snow). She was then blessed with six great grandchildren Tessa Tally (Rodriguez), Ali Dinges, Michael Dinges, Abi Dinges, Aubree Perez and JJ Perez. She also had two great great grandchildren Kaiden Tally and Kiera Tally.

She was an excellent cook, artistic and had an amazing green thumb in which anything she planted took to the earth and grew. She enjoyed weekend getaways to Reno with her family. She will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and friend to many.

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Marjorie Hodel - February 21, 1931 - February 26, 2017

Departed: 02/26/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Born on February 21, 1931, in Morton, IL to Joseph and Lydia Strunk. Passed away peacefully at home, on February 26, 2017, at the age of 86. She is survived by her husband Jim Hodel, son Mike Hodel (Gayle Assetto), daughter Karen Hodel (Joe Horodyski) and granddaughter Jennifer Hodel.

Marge graduated from Morton High School in 1949; received her Registered Nursing degree at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL; married her high school sweetheart, Jim, in 1954; and worked at a variety of hospitals while Jim was stationed throughout CA while in the Navy. Marge and Jim have lived in Palo Alto since 1961.

Her love of Nursing was evident throughout her life and the true joy of her life was her family and especially her Granddaughter Jennifer.

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Paula Ehlers - April 11, 1943 - February 23, 2017

Departed: 02/23/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Paula Anderson Ehlers (nee Anderson) was called home to the Lord on February 23, 2017 at her home, at the age of 73. She was born April 11, 1943 in Forsyth, MT to Gerhard Ferdinand Anderson and Lyla Carnine Anderson.

Paula was the second of three children, joining older sister Karen (now Inglis), and followed by younger brother Steve. She grew up in the Minneapolis area, graduating from Washburn High and the University of Minnesota.

She then moved west and embarked on a teaching career that spanned four decades. Paula was a beloved teacher in Los Altos for 30+ years. She loved teaching kids, especially those at the higher elementary levels, who were transitioning from basic skills to the more challenging aspects of math and science. She engaged her students with discovery, patterns, and potential applications. Paula retired in 2004.

Paula faced an early health scare when she had Hodgkin's Disease at the age of 24, and she survived thanks to the hard work of her doctors and a will to survive. She embraced life, married for 40 years to her loving husband Randy, raising two sons, Erik, born 1977, and Kris, born 1980. Her wry smile and bat like hearing enlivened the lives of those around her, as did her beautiful piano playing and singing voice. In the most challenging of circumstances, she maintained a resolute faith in the Lord, love for her family and dedication that any challenge could be survived simply by placing one foot in front of the other.

For the past 23 years, despite trying diagnoses, Paula and Randy supported each other. Their love was strong, their dedication to each other unwavering. Each day, they made the choice to be there for one another, as in love on their last day together as on the first, their marriage was just a few days shy of their 41st anniversary. We wish to thank the medical staff at El Camino for their gracious and skillful care for both the body and spirit. We are thankful that she could live at home until the end, and that she passed away while asleep. If only we all could be so fortunate!

Paula is survived by husband Randy, sons Erik (Julie) and Kristoffer (Katy), and grandsons Anderson and Nolan, her sister Karen Inglis and brother Steve Anderson and her remaining extended family. Paula's service will be Sunday, March 19th at 1:00 PM at the Spangler Funeral Chapel in Los Altos [399 S. San Antonio Road, not far from Foothill Expressway; (650) 948-6619]

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Marilyn Voorhis Young - March 04, 1921 - February 22, 2017

Departed: 02/22/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: A piece of Los Altos history has been lost.

Marilyn Van Voorhis Young died peacefully in her home in Los Altos on February 22nd, 2017. She had lived in Los Altos for 60 years.

Many in our community will remember Marilyn Young from her years at Los Altos High School. She began in 1961 as a substitute teacher and ended her 27-year career in education as the first woman vice principal in the history of the district. She was also actively involved with Great Books, the Los Altos Tennis Club, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Peninsula Democratic Committee (PDC) and the Stanford Macintosh Users' Group (SMUG).

Marilyn loved to travel, both domestically and abroad. As young parents, she and her husband, McCready ("Mac") Young trailer-camped many summers with their two youngest children, visiting much of the western United States. As head of the French department at Los Altos High School in the 1970's, Marilyn led several student groups on tours of France. Following her retirement in 1985, she and Mac traveled frequently, visiting most countries in Europe, taking classes at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, hiking the Milford Track in New Zealand and enjoying many other adventures.

After her husband's death in 1995, Marilyn continued to travel, adding Japan, China, Russia, and countries in Eastern Europe, South America and Africa to her portfolio of scrapbooks. At the time of her death she had visited every continent except Antarctica.

Closer to home in later years, she enjoyed tent camping with children and grandchildren up and down the California coast. Even when her air mattress went flat, she got lost on the way to the rest room at night, or the tent collapsed, she took it all in stride as part of the experience.

Marilyn was an early adopter of computer technology, becoming a Macintosh enthusiast in the 1980s and getting her first email address in 1993 before any of her children or grandchildren. For many years she edited the newsletters of organizations she belonged to, including SMUG, AAUW, and the Los Altos Tennis Club. She was president of the Los Altos/Mountain View Branch of AAUW from 1997-98. She belonged to several bridge groups, and played tennis well into her 80's before failing eyesight forced her to give up both games.

Marilyn is survived by her children and their spouses: Dana and Karen Young of Georgetown TX; Allyson and David Johnson of Los Altos, CA; Michele and Roberto van Eyken of Davis, CA and Chris and Colleen Young of Longview, WA, as well as nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial for Marilyn Young will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11: 00 a.m. at Spangler Mortuary Chapel, 399 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos with a reception following at the same location. Friends, neighbors, former colleagues and students are invited to share memories of Marilyn with the family.

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Santwona Behera - Unknown - February 17, 2017

Departed: 02/17/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Santwona, you meant different things to different people. The prodigal daughter that swelled her parents chests with pride, the doting sister who would insist on picking each one of her brother's battles, the gracious competitor who showed that winning did not always have to come at the cost of seeing your friends lose, a protective mother who picked out the best counselor she could when she was too tired to take care of her own needs, a gracious patient who put her life completely into her doctor's hands not once questioning her instincts and finally a carefree spouse whose love was unconditional and pursuit of life was filled with a childlike exuberance.

And yet all these incarnations had a certain continuity - grace, compassion, commitment and that infectious smile which touched lives and won hearts.

'2 months', they said. You danced with the dreaded C for almost 7 years with grace and were a shining glimmer of hope for many as we watched in wonderment.

All we ask, one more time, my love. Lets roll back the clock 24 years and go back to where it all started. - Raghu

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Santwona Behera on February 17th 2017 with her family by her side.

Funeral services will be held on February 26th, 2017 from 9:00am until 11:30am at Spangler Mortuaries, 174 N Sunnyvale Ave. Sunnyvale, CA. We plan to offer eulogies between 9:30 and 10:30 am.

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Slavka Krsinich - March 23, 1923 - February 04, 2017

Departed: 02/04/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Slavka Krsinich, a long-time resident of the Bay Area, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 4, 2017, at her home in Cupertino, California. Born in Kuna, Croatia, a little town near the Adriatic, she came to America after World War II at the age of 23, as a naturalized American citizen. She resided in Oakland with her mother and father, Peter and Anka Lukac, her sister Senka, and her brother Boris, until 1948, when she married Anthony Krsinich.

Slavka, an amazing chef in her own right, loved good food and socializing with friends. She was famous for her delicious made-from-scratch apple strudel and her lemon merengue pie. Slavka was dedicated to her three daughters but as a young wife and mother she also enjoyed the monthly meeting of the Sewing Club with many of her Croatian-American lady friends where very little sewing was done---but stories were told and laughs were shared. She had a wonderful smile that could light up a room.

Slavka is preceded in death by her husband Anthony Krsinich, her sister Senka Bachan and her brother Boris Lukac. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Kathy Stanich, Wanda Krsinich-Miller, and Lyhn Haller, and her grandchildren, Melissa Stone, Justin Stanich, Dr. Danielle Krsinich Miller, Marlena Haller, Christian Haller and great-grandson, Thomas Stone.

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Ruby Conn Sturm - June 02, 1933 - February 04, 2017

Departed: 02/04/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Ruby was born in Highlandville, Missouri.

She spent her high school years in Portland, Oregon before making her home in Santa Clara Valley of California in the early 1950s. Ruby was a full-time homemaker and loving mother.

She joined The Loyal Order of the Moose female auxiliary, Women of the Moose in the 1970s, during her tenure, she held the office of Sr. Regent, earned her Academy of Friendship, Green Cap, and College of Regents degree.

She will be missed by her husband, Earl Sturm; daughters, Jan Allen, Jill Eaton and daughter in-law Marilyn Conn; grandchildren, Gary Allen Jr. (Valerie), Larry Eaton, Brandy Allen, Nadine Houle (John), Krystal Allen Wilson (J.R.), Kendall Conn, Cierra Conn, Cienna Conn; great-grandchildren, Lindsey Allen, Brittany Allen, Brandon Allen, Cody Worrell, Krystal M. Allen, Isaiah Allen, Arianna Allen, Twyla Houle, Kayden Allen, Lydia Houle and Dalilah Houle; great-great-granddaughter Mayven Watson; sisters, Koetia Hayes and Debbie (Gary) Olivera and step-mother Beulah Mohr.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents Ellis Hayes and Coweta Farrell; her son Bradley Conn and great-granddaughter Alicyia Allen; sisters Stacy and Martha Hayes; brothers George Hayes, Stephen Hayes, and Dennis Farrell.

A Memorial Service to honor Ruby will be held on Tuesday, February 28. 2017, at 12:00 Noon at Spangler Mortuary, 174 N. Sunnyvale Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 408-736-6294.

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John Henderson - March 09, 1944 - January 31, 2017

Departed: 01/31/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: John Henderson of Los Altos, California, died following a five-year battle with cancer on January 31, 2017.

Born John Leslie Henderson on March 9, 1944 to Albert and Carolynne (nee Marlin) Henderson in Charlotte, North Carolina, he graduated from Myers Park High School, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with an Associate Degree in Mathematics, and Ohio State University with a Master's of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science Engineering.

Henderson was drafted in 1966 and served as a Program Specialist in the U.S. Army Data Support Command in Washington, D.C., receiving an honorable discharge in 1972. He was awarded a Good Conduct and a National Defense Service Medal.

Henderson moved to Silicon Valley in the early 1970s, settling into a 1939 cottage in Los Altos which he remodeled and lived in for almost four decades.

He founded and ran Tall Tree Systems in Palo Alto from 1974 until 1992, where he was an early innovator of bank switching memory with the JRAM line of memory boards, which broke the 640K DOS limit and allowed the early PC systems to utilize a full 2.6MB of memory. Tall Tree's JLASER line of piggyback modules utilized JRAM memory boards to provide enough memory to print full page graphics on the original HP LaserJet Printer. According to InfoWorld (November 28, 1983) Tall Tree Systems manufactured "some of the largest memory boards available for the IBM PC." The article went on to say that "Henderson is one of those true believers who has devoted himself to stretching the performance of the machine."

Henderson was one of the first programmers to provide open source coding so that other programmers could build on his code, rather than protecting it by patents, during what is known as the "free software movement" of the 1980s and 90s.

In addition to technology, Henderson loved the Grateful Dead - he attended 166 live performances - and the memorabilia he shared with his wife Pam was featured in the San Jose Mercury News in 2011.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Joy Lincoln of Los Altos and their beloved German Shepherd Garci Aloha, nephews Edward Thompson, Jr. (Emily), of Castle Rock, CO, Marshall Thompson (Reid) of Evergreen, CO, and Davis Thompson (Miriam) of Wilmington, NC.

He was predeceased by siblings Thomas Henderson and Lynne Henderson Rich.

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Ruth Fish - October 01, 1924 - January 21, 2017

Departed: 01/21/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Longtime Menlo Park resident Ruth Anne Fish died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at Sunrise of Sunnyvale.

She was 92.

Ms. Fish, who went by Anne, was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Ames, Iowa, to Charles E. and Ruth Macintosh Fish. After her mother died, she was adopted by Marjorie Hughes Fish, her father's second wife.

She grew up on the family farm in Collins, Iowa, and graduated from Collins High School. She attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, for two years, then received her undergraduate degree in mathematics education from the University of Arizona in 1946. She received a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Arizona in 1948.

She lived in Los Angeles and Berkeley before moving to Menlo Park in the 1960s.

Ms. Fish was a longtime math teacher in California. She taught at UCLA, Berkeley and Contra Costa College before joining the faculty at Foothill College in 1959.

During the summer of 1959, she worked as a resident research associate at Argonne National Laboratory, a nuclear facility operated by the University of Chicago, in Idaho. She studied at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London while on sabbatical in 1966.

She was active in the Mathematics Association of America, serving as chairwoman of the Northern California Section in 1988. She belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, Alpha Chi Omega sorority, American Association of University Women and was a life member of the University of Arizona Alumni Association.

Ms. Fish traveled extensively, visiting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, Thailand, and China. On one cruise, she swam laps in the ship pool as it sailed through the Panama Canal.

After her retirement from Foothill in 1984, she volunteered at Filoli and at the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto. She enjoyed swimming, golfing, reading and getting together with friends.

Ms. Fish also was a prolific knitter, often making pleated skirts with size 2 needles.

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Aenne Schumann - March 03, 1918 - January 19, 2017

Departed: 01/19/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Aenne Franziska Schumann, 98, of San Mateo, California, passed away on January 19, 2017 peacefully in her sleep.

Aenne was born in Cologne-Ehrenfeld on March 3, 1918 to Chrysanth and Getrud Zimmermann. She was married to Alfred Schumann on July 29, 1943; they were married for 65 years. She came to America in 1958.

Aenne is survived by her three sons, Alfred and his wife Roberta, Frank and his wife Rita, and Rolf and his wife Lisa. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Sabrina and her husband John, Stephanie, Kristina and her husband Nick, Kimberly, Samantha and Nicholas.

Aenne is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Alfred.

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James McLoughlin - February 22, 1923 - January 12, 2017

Departed: 01/12/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: James passed away peacefully on January 12th in his home surrounded by the comfort and love of his family.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Jim emigrated to NY City in 1958, and later that year brought his wife and children to join him. He worked multiple jobs to eventually own his own mom/pop restaurant in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Jim was a volunteer fireman, and an active lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and of his church.

Jim and Becky were ballroom dancers extraordinaire, and many of their friends and family loved to watch them trip the light fantastic.

In his youth, Jim was a great soccer player and all-around sportsman, sponsoring several softball teams from his business. After raising his family, Jim sold the business and retired, ultimately moving to Los Altos Hills, where he settled for 28 years, and his second favorite song became "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". How we loved to hear him sing.

Jim and Becky loved their adoptive country, but never forgot their roots, and made many trips to the "old country" to visit all the relatives and friends. In his beautiful tenor rendition of his very favorite song, "Danny Boy", you could hear how deeply Jim felt for that old Dublin of his youth.

Jim and Becky became parishioners at St. Nicholas, where he was playfully dubbed "Monsignor McLoughlin". He believed in giving back, both in his service to the parish and in his volunteer work with the elderly disabled.

Jim's life was the epitome of the classic American dream--a working-class immigrant who by his diligent work and the support of his wife and family ended up owning and operating his own business, buying his own home, educating his children, and leaving behind a legacy of love and service to those in need.

Jim is survived by his wife, Rebecca McLoughlin, daughters Mary Fiorino, Elizabeth Blake, daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and John Cox, and son and wife James and Corrine McLoughlin, 8 beloved grandchilden, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He will be remembered by a multitude of much-loved nieces and nephews around the world--all of whom were and are an integral part of his family.

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F. Battaglia - August 07, 1931 - January 10, 2017

Departed: 01/10/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at home with family by her side.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 11am at Spangler Mortuaries, 174 N. Sunnyvale Ave.

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Rita Fraguglia - May 22, 1928 - January 08, 2017

Departed: 01/08/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: We lost a loving mother and grandmother, great friend, and spunky lady on January 8, 2017. Rita had a sharp mind and great sense of humor. Until her final days, she was known for regaling family and friends with her life stories and Italian proverbs. She is already greatly missed. Rita was born in Cabella Ligure, a small town in northern Italy, where she lived until her marriage in 1955 to Cesare Fraguglia of Los Altos, California. She wholeheartedly embraced her new home in Los Altos and become a U.S. citizen in 1961.

Rita was devoted to St. Nicholas Church and volunteered there as well as the parish school library. She was a charter member of the Italian Catholic Federation, known for her delicious minestrone. After losing her beloved Cesare in 1977, Rita worked at See's Candies until the birth of her first grandson in 1990.

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Garald Besson - December 19, 1921 - January 07, 2017

Departed: 01/07/2017 (Mountain View)

Obituary Preview: Gerald "Gerry" Besson M.D., FACP, Santa Clara County physician and active community leader, passed away on January 7, 2017 at his home in Los Altos, California. He was 95. His life was full, productive, and exemplified community service at its best professionally and personally, both locally and nationally.

Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Besson was a graduate of City College of New York. From 1943 through 1946, he served in the United States Navy training Navy pilots in oxygenation and high altitude safety procedures. That experience led him to Boston University School of Medicine, from which he graduated in 1950 with Honors. After post-graduate training specializing in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, he settled in Los Altos in 1955 and opened a private medical practice in Sunnyvale, which he maintained until his retirement in 1991. In addition, he held a clinical teaching position at Stanford University School of Medicine for 35 years.

Dr. Besson was a founding member of El Camino Hospital and was elected by his colleagues as the hospital's first Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Executive Committee. At El Camino, he was involved in the development of one of the first computer driven medical records systems in the country. He also served on the Foothill-DeAnza Community College Board of Trustees from 1978 through 1991, including a term as Board President. He was a long-time member of the Santa Clara County Medical Society and Sunnyvale Rotary and was elected President of each of those organizations.

Dr. Besson's contribution to the practice of medicine spread nationwide. Representing Santa Clara County as a delegate to the California Medical Society he actively campaigned for the passage of the original Medicare bill and was invited by the United States Surgeon General to aid in the implementation of the law. That led to a 10-year period as consultant to the then Department of Health Education and Welfare. Most notably, he spearheaded a program for establishment of an Institute of Professional Standards where, as Chancellor, he created a nationwide program of Physician Peer Review standards for hospital patient admission and standards of care. During this period, he was also a member of the National Board of Medical Examiners establishing standards for an examination of clinical skills as part of medical licensure requirements. Throughout, he always considered himself a "country doctor" and hands-on patient care remained his priority until retirement.

An avid outdoorsman, Gerry was certified National Ski Patrol for 27 years and pioneered the Alpine Meadows Doctors Ski Patrol providing unique on-the-hill medical care at that resort. In addition to skiing, his active life included leading Sierra Club backpacking trips; fly-fishing with his own hand tied flies; mountaineering including summiting Mt. Rainier; running marathons; sailing; tennis and golf.

His proudest achievements, however, were those involving family. Gerry and Elly, his beloved wife of 73 years, lived a fulfilling life together, raising five successful daughters whom, in turn are leading full and active lives. He will be deeply missed by his family, patients and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five daughters; Bobbi Blake, Jann Besson, Amy Forte, Heidi Star and Tamar Besson; two sons-in-law Vincent Forte and Barry Star; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

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Services Offered

At Spangler Mortuaries, they understand that every family is unique and that every individual deserves a farewell that reflects their personality, interests, and accomplishments. To accommodate this, they offer a wide range of services, including traditional funerals, cremations, memorial services, and celebrations of life. Their experienced staff will work closely with you to create a personalized tribute that honors your loved one and provides comfort to those who are grieving.

Facilities

The facilities at Spangler Mortuaries are designed to provide a peaceful and comforting environment for families to gather and say goodbye. The funeral home features beautifully appointed chapels, comfortable reception areas, and ample parking. They also offer a variety of amenities, including audio-visual equipment, catering services, and on-site florists. Whether you're planning a small, intimate gathering or a large, formal service, Spangler Mortuaries has the facilities to accommodate your needs.

Pre-Planning Services

While it can be difficult to think about our own mortality, pre-planning your funeral arrangements can be a thoughtful and responsible decision. By making your wishes known ahead of time, you can spare your loved ones the burden of making difficult decisions during an emotional time. At Spangler Mortuaries, their experienced staff can guide you through the pre-planning process, helping you make informed decisions about your final arrangements.

Grief Support

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the grieving process can be long and difficult. At Spangler Mortuaries, they understand the importance of providing ongoing support to families during this challenging time. They offer a variety of grief support resources, including counseling services, support groups, and online resources. Their compassionate staff is always available to offer guidance and comfort as you navigate the healing process.

Community Involvement

Spangler Mortuaries is deeply committed to giving back to the community they serve. They participate in local charity events, sponsor community organizations, and provide educational resources to help promote awareness about important issues related to death and dying. By staying involved in the community, they are able to build meaningful relationships with the families they serve and make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

Contact Information

If you're looking for a funeral home that truly cares about you and your family, look no further than Spangler Mortuaries. Located at 799 Castro St in Mountain View, California, they are easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. You can reach them by phone at (650) 948-6619 or visit their website at [website URL]. Whether you're planning ahead or need immediate assistance, the compassionate staff at Spangler Mortuaries is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

What is the purpose of an obituary?

The primary purpose of an obituary is to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing and to provide details about their funeral or memorial service. It also serves as a way to honor and celebrate the person's life.

Who writes an obituary?

Obituaries are typically written by family members or close friends of the deceased, but they can also be written by funeral homes or professional obituary writers.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include details about their life story, accomplishments, and charitable donations.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important information. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 1-2 paragraphs at most.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online obituary platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can help to personalize the tribute and make it more engaging.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to find out their submission guidelines and deadlines. You may need to provide the text of the obituary, as well as any photos or other materials.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance, either as a way to reflect on their life or to ensure that their wishes are respected after they're gone. This is often referred to as a "self-obit" or "autobit."

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. It's often used in conjunction with a full obituary.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice that provides factual information about the person's life and death, while a eulogy is a spoken tribute that celebrates their life and shares personal anecdotes and memories.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor can be a great way to capture the personality and spirit of the person who has passed away. Just be sure to use good taste and avoid offending anyone who might read the obituary.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or private details about the person's life that you don't want to share publicly, it's best to omit them from the obituary or phrase them in a way that is respectful and tactful.

Can I include charitable donations in an obituary?

Yes! Many families choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers or other gifts. This can be a meaningful way to honor the person's memory and support a good cause.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time it takes for an obituary to be published can vary depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some may publish immediately, while others may have a delay of several days or even weeks.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In some cases, it may be possible to make corrections or updates to an obituary after it's been published. However, this will depend on the policies of the newspaper or online platform.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can try searching online archives or visiting your local library or genealogical society. Many newspapers also maintain archives of past issues that can be searched by date or keyword.

Can I reuse an obituary from another source?

If you're using an existing obituary as a template or inspiration, be sure to get permission from the original author or publication before reusing any content.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're struggling to write an obituary or need guidance, consider reaching out to a funeral home or professional obituary writer for assistance. They can help you craft a beautiful tribute that honors your loved one.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes, lyrics, or poems can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Just be sure to properly attribute any copyrighted material.

How do I proofread an obituary for errors?

Carefully review the text for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. It's also a good idea to have someone else review it for accuracy and clarity before submitting it for publication.

What if I need to correct an error in an already-published obituary?

Contact the newspaper or online platform where the obituary was published as soon as possible. They may be able to issue a correction or reprint the revised version.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Absolutely! Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of a loved one's passing and connecting with friends and family. Just be sure to respect any privacy settings or restrictions.

How do I preserve an online obituary over time?

Maintain a copy of the original text and any accompanying photos or documents. You may also want to consider creating a permanent archive or memorial page on a website or social media platform.

What if I'm unsure about what information to include in an obituary?

Talk to family members, friends, or a funeral home for guidance. They can help you determine what details are most important and how to present them in a respectful and meaningful way.

Can I include personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Personal stories and memories can bring depth and humanity to an obituary. Just be sure to keep them concise and respectful.