He was called to U.S. Army service training on July 28, 1941, and from there he went to overseas duty in World War II on September 5, 1943. He fought with the 3rd Armored Division as a tank commander from Normandy, Omaha Beach to Russian Border; he also fought in France, Belgium and Germany. He received five battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation.On October 24, 1945, he received his honorable discharge, and moved from Illinois to California in 1950, where he met Cecelia Blaes and married her July 21, 1951. From that union, two daughters were born, Rita Marie and Debra Ann.He was a member of Saint Sebastian Catholic Church, and was one of the head ushers since 1955. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 3608, 3rd Degree, and a member of St. Buena Assembly 4th Degree. As a life member of Santa Clara Valley 3608, he held the office of treasurer for over 50 years. He was a 50-year member of the American Legion of Santa Paula, Post 480, where he was a Post Commander and held a few offices in the District. He later became a member of Ventura Post 339.He was employed by William L. Morris Chevrolet in Santa Paula as an automobile mechanic technician. He was then employed by Haney’s Garage for three years. He purchased the business from Mr. Haney’s widow in April 1965, and it was renamed Lester’s Auto Repair. After 15 years of self-employment, the property and business were sold in October 1979. He was then employed at Valley Auto Supply for a short time.He was an avid bowler, and bowled in many leagues. He continued bowling twice a week up until a couple of months before his illness.Lester was extremely loved and cherished by his family and treasured by many friends. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Cecelia, and brother Gerald Wilt (wife Delores) of Walnut, Illinois.He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter Rita Marie Robinson and son-in-law Leonard Robinson of Moorpark; his loving daughter and primary caregiver, Debra Ann Wilt of Santa Paula; his devoted granddaughters, Lisa Marie Ramirez (fiancé Isaiah Muro) of Westlake Village and Jodie Cecelia Ramirez of Las Vegas, Nevada; great-granddaughter Vanessa Marie Guzman (husband Jose Guzman), and beautiful great-great grandson Josiah Anthony (7 months) of Santa Paula; sisters, Elsie Whitlock of Surprise, Arizona and Elaine Bolbock of Arlington, Texas; many nephews, nieces and cousins; numerous bowling “buddies”; special neighbors Raul and Shirley Ramirez; and many other faithful friends.Lester was a devoted and loving father and a very special friend to many. He was always optimistic and a real “character” to the end. There are no words to express how much this wonderful man will be missed.The Broken ChainWe little knew that morning that God was going to call your name,In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same.It broke our hearts to lose you, you didn’t go aloneFor part of us went with you, the day God called you home.You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide;And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same;But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.You were and always will be the one and only hero in our lives; thank you for being such a wonderful dad. We will miss your love, guidance, strength, and humor. We love you Daddy. You will be in our hearts always and forever.Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 1 from 4 to 10 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Funeraria del ángel Stetler Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 2 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.Arrangements are under the direction of Funeraria del ángel Stetler Mortuary, 128 S. 8th St., Santa Paula, 525-5595.
Obituaries
November 30, 2005
Obituaries
Victoria Puentes Razo
Feb. 9, 1926 - Nov. 24, 2005Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and long time resident of Santa Paula Victoria Puentes Razo passed away on Thanksgiving Day in Visalia, California after a brief battle with cancer.Born in Santa Paula, Victoria is survived by her children, Gloria Razo of Santa Paula, Isela Flores and husband Angel of Kerman, California, Irma Vela of Visalia, David Razo and wife Penny of Bakersfield, and Ruben Razo of Camarillo; her granddaughters, Janice Zamora and husband Ray, Ashley Flores, Leiana Razo, and Clara Razo; her grandsons, Eric Flores, Matthew Vela and wife Marcia, and Jared Razo; great-granddaughters, twins Madison and Allyson Zamora, and Neveah Razo; and great-grandson Isaiah Razo.Our mother’s ability to share her love for people was a uniqueness, with no comparison. Her peace with the Lord has been fulfilled. Special heartfelt thanks to the Westgate Gardens, Optimal, Amdal and their employees whose names are many for the loving care of our mother.Services will be held November 30 at 10 a.m. at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, California.Freddie Ray TuckerFreddie Ray Tucker, 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 25, 2005 at his Santa Paula home. Freddie was born to Ray and Bernice Tucker on July 12, 1924 in Artesia.His family moved to Santa Paula when he was a baby, where he resided the rest of his life. The family lived on Olive Street in Santa Paula when the Saint Francis Dam disaster struck.Freddie attended Briggs, Isbell and Santa Paula High schools. He left school to help his father in the family business, R. W. Tucker and Sons.He served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946, stationed in Hawaii. His Army occupation was as a construction equipment operator.He spent his entire working life on a bulldozer. He was self-employed as owner of F. R. Tucker Excavating, working on many local ranches and oil field sites.He married his wife Marian in 1961. They were married for 34 years. The proudest moment of his life was the birth of his twins, Ray and Kay.Freddie was well known around Santa Paula and truly one of a kind. He enjoyed being in the company of his family. Freddie enjoyed family barbecues, camping in his motor home, Friday nights at La Cabaña restaurant, having coffee with the boys at the coffee shop, and cruising Santa Paula.He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Bernice Tucker, brothers Billy and Bobby Tucker, and wife Marian Tucker.Freddie is survived by his children, Beverly Bigger, Jan Ball (husband Cliff) of Ventura, Kay Core of Santa Paula, and Ray Tucker of San Luis Obispo; grandchildren, Michael Ball and Kelly Widerburg (husband Russ); and great-granddaughter Brittany Widerburg. He is also survived by his sisters, Jeanette Crawford and Margie Hair, and four nieces.Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 30 at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula. Burial will be private.Donations to the American Heart Association, 333 N. Lantana, Camarillo, CA 93010, in Freddie’s memory would be appreciated.Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula St., 525-3391.Lester M. WiltLester M. Wilt, 88, of Santa Paula, went to be with our Lord on Friday, November 25, 2005 after a brief illness.Lester, a long time resident of Santa Paula, was born to Martin and Leona (Claeys) Wilt on November 16, 1917 in Mineral, Illinois. He attended Manlius Grade and High schools.He engaged in farming with his father until he was 21 years old. He was then employed by George Cameron Allis Chalmers Implement Dealership.
