Obituaries
December 30, 2009
Obituaries
Joseph Gonzalez
Joseph Gonzalez, a highly respected elder and role model to many in Santa Paula, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. He was born in Lyons, Kansas, April 15, 1930 to Valentin and Alejandra Gonzalez.
The Gonzalez family came to live in Santa Paula in 1942. After high school he enlisted in the Army, and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was employed as an electrician for Taft Electric Co. for 32 years before retiring in 1989.
For over 60 years he was an active member of El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church, inspiring many with his commitment to God, family and community service. Over the years his involvement with the Oxnard Rescue Mission, jail ministry and Twin Pines ministry were greatly appreciated.
He is survived by his wife Hortensia, his daughter Lydia, his son Benjamin “Boogie”, and his grandchildren Leslie and Levi. He is also survived by his brother Paul Gonzalez and sisters Sheila Marquez, Antonia Vaskovich, Raquel De la Torre and Mimi Gonzalez.
To the many who knew him, Joseph will be remembered for his smile, can-do attitude, commitment to his family, and constant availability to assist those in need.
The funeral services were scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. on December 29 at El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church in Santa Paula, with burial immediately following at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church.
Services are under the direction of Funeraria del ángel Stetler Mortuary, 128 S. Eighth Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060, (805) 525-5595.
Thelma Mary Kern Matlock
Thelma Mary Kern Matlock passed away December 25, 2009 in Ventura at the age of 104. She was born to James Mocklar Kern and Mary Catherine McGlinchey in 1905 in Sausalito, California. The family included two brothers, Maurice James Kern and Mervyn A. Kern, and one sister, Esther Kern Ragan, who all predeceased her.
She spent her school years in San Francisco, graduating from Lowell High School in 1923. She was married to Marcus Merle Matlock in 1928; they celebrated 72 years of marriage. Her husband predeceased her in 2000.
She leaves behind three children, Marcus Merle Matlock, Jr. (Phyllis), Kern Taylor Matlock (Mary Elizabeth), and Mary Matlock Shore (F. Michael); 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and two great-great grandchildren.
She loved to participate in the activities of family and was always sought after to chaperone teenage parties and outings. Active in the community she volunteered at Oak Knoll Hospital, participated in the East Bay Hospital Auxiliary, and hosted University of California Extension classes in her home.
She was a welcomed bridge partner and thrived in the out of doors, enjoying camping, gardening and swimming. She was a life long Catholic. Her final years were spent in the assisted living wing of the Ventura Townehouse, where she was lovingly cared for and enjoyed the activities and companionship of the other residents.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Church in Santa Paula on Saturday, January 2 at 10:30 a.m.
