If you would like to remember Jackie, you may do so by contributing to a scholarship fund in her name at: The Santa Paula Society of the Arts, P.O. Box 788, Santa Paula, CA 93061.
Richard Alonzo
Richard Alonzo, age 63, went peacefully to be with our Lord on Monday December 7, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at his bedside, after losing a courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born January 28, 1946 in Santa Paula, California, the son of Carlos Alonzo and Francis Servin. He was a long time resident of 59 years, and spent his last five years living in Bakersfield, California.
He worked in the oil fields for many years and taught so many of his hardworking skills to others. Many looked up to him not only as a great wise man, but as a father figure.
He loved spending his free time with his grandkids and his foster daughter, Veronica. He enjoyed watching his favorite football team “Dallas Cowboys” win so that he could tease everyone on how bad their team played.
His wife Mary Ann was not only the love of his life, but his best friend. His two children, who he nicknamed Flaca and Hoss, were his heart and soul, and he was very proud of them.
He worked so hard all his life, not only to provide for his family, but to make sure they had everything they wanted. Many looked up to Richard, and if someone had a problem he was the first person that we would go to for advice. We will never forget how he enjoyed family parties, and how he was “The Dancing Bear”. He was known for his sense of humor and his great big smile. He may be gone now, but he will never be forgotten.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 39 precious years, Mary Ann Alonzo; son Richard Alonzo Jr.; daughter Diana Espinoza (Javier); grandchildren Kristin, Clarissa and Matthew Espinoza, and Destiny and Richard Alonzo III; sisters Alicia Segura and Connie De La Rosa; brother Michael (aka Raccoon) Ramirez; brother-in-law Frank Lascano (Angelina); and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren who loved him dearly.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated December 14 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Paula, with father Charles Lueras, C.R.E.C. officiating. Interment followed at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the family owned and operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula. For further information, please call (805) 229-7054.
Rudolph Montez Morua
On December 11, 2009, with his friends and family at his side, Rudolph Montez Morua passed away after enduring his undaunted battle with pancreatic cancer.
Rudy, as he was known by his loved ones, was born in Ventura, CA on June 22, 1955. He was raised in Santa Paula, CA by his paternal grandparents, Victor and Alejandra Morua.
Throughout his childhood, two things were always evident in Rudy’s life: family and music. And both of these helped to mold him into the loving father, friend and family member that people knew and loved.
There was one person, specifically, who had a very large impact in Rudy’s life as he grew up - his uncle, Arthur Morua. It was Arthur who taught Rudy how to play the guitar and, unknowingly, helped Rudy to discover the beautiful gift that the Lord placed in him. Throughout their interactions, Arthur became a strong father figure in Rudy’s life. And in 2003, as Arthur battled with cancer, it was Rudy who sat at his side and played his guitar, singing the same songs that were taught to him as a child by his “dad”.
Rudy eventually moved to Michigan, where he worked as a musician for a few years, before inevitably returning to Ventura County. Throughout his musical life, Rudy has been in numerous bands and has performed for many people at parties, weddings and funerals. Rudy was undoubtedly gifted as a musician and singer, and he blessed others continually with his music. He was an instrument of praise, and was not ashamed of using his gift to worship the Lord. It was this love of music that led Rudy to open “Strings N Things”, a music store in Santa Paula, CA, which Rudy co-owned and where he instructed many people in playing guitar and imparted his love of music.
Over the years, in addition to being a musician, Rudy worked as a custodian for various agencies such as Santa Paula Elementary School District, Amgen and, most recently, Oxnard Police Department. During his time with Oxnard PD, Rudy continually shared his love for the “men and women in blue” by praying for them each day.
Although Rudy was given an “end-stage diagnosis” approximately 10 months ago, he continued to put up a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer, all without once undergoing chemotherapy. Rudy trusted God and continued to use the best weapon he had - he praised God. Even through his struggle, he never gave up hope or lost faith in the Lord.
Rudy is preceded in death by his mother, Della Montez Morua; his paternal grandparents, Victor and Alejandra Morua; his uncle, Arthur Morua; and many other family members. He is survived by his five children: daughter Isa Morua, daughter Starr Morua, son Aaron Morua, son Jonathan Morua, and daughter Lydia Morua; two grandsons, Dominic Eastridge and Kai Samuel Morua; his longtime sweetheart Elizabeth Dille; and various extended family throughout Santa Paula and Ventura County, CA.
Due to his lengthy battle with cancer and no health insurance, Rudy incurred significant medical expenses. In lieu of flowers, the family of Rudy Morua is requesting that donations be made to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, located at 738 E. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula, CA 93060.
On Thursday, December 17 a public viewing will be held at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary at the aforementioned address from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 18 at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary at 10 a.m., to be immediately followed by interment at Pierce Brothers Cemetery in Santa Paula, CA.