Donavon Dean “Don” Cutshaw

February 11, 1935 – October 19, 2014

Antioch

Donavon Dean Cutshaw (Don), of Antioch, was born in Woodward, OK, February 11, 1935, and passed in his sleep on October 19, 2014. His family moved to Reedley, CA, when he was a child. He found the love of his life, Jeri Gregory, near the end of 1954 and they were married March 9, 1955. They moved to the Antioch area soon thereafter and lived there until their heavenly homegoings.

Don worked for for the Sante Fe Railroad for 38 years and served as a Staff Sergeant E-6 in the Army National Guard for nearly 10 years. He was a longtime member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Antioch, CA, where he served as deacon, Sunday School superintendent, teacher, and choir member. He recently attended Family Worship Center in Brentwood.

Don is survived by 4 of his 5 children — Steven Cutshaw, Randy Cutshaw (Karry, his spouse), Scott Cutshaw, and Kaci Cutshaw-Rigney (Kevin, her spouse), all of Antioch. Don was a proud grandparent to Michael Cutshaw (Jennifer, his spouse), Jason Cutshaw (Nicole, his spouse), Eric Cutshaw, Katie Rigney-Sands (Jonathan, her spouse), Rickie Cutshaw, Joshua Cutshaw, Marcus Cutshaw (Brantley, his spouse), Kolleen Rigney-Singleton (Elijah, her spouse), Zachary Cutshaw, Laura Cutshaw, and Scotty Cutshaw. Don was also a proud great-grandparent to 10 beautiful great-grandchildren.

Don is also survived by his sister, Berthella Simon, of Orange Cove, CA, as well as various nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents, William and Gertrude Cutshaw; a sister, Linda McDaniel; a son, Donavon Dean Cutshaw, Jr.; his wife of 47 years, Jeri Cutshaw; a great-grandson, Carter Jack Cutshaw.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, at Higgins Funeral Home in Antioch, CA.  Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at Family Worship Center, located at 161 Sand Creek Road, Suite A, Brentwood, CA, at 11:00am.  Interment to follow at Oak View Cemetery, Antioch, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations to the “Christmas in Tijuana” ministry through Family Worship Center. 

OBITUARY

Ralph Ray Garrow, Sr.

November 16, 1917 – April 14, 2014

Born in Stockton with his twin brother Mel, the last of 11 brothers and sisters, Ralph graduated from Stagg High School and studied business after that. He came to Antioch before World War II to work for his brother Brag at the American Laundry and met his future wife, Eunice Higgins. He enlisted in the Army after Pearl Harbor in 1941 and was first stationed in Oklahoma. Eunice traveled to meet him in Kansas and they were married there on June 20, 1943. They were married for 61 years until Eunice passed away in 2004. After their wedding, Ralph served in the South Pacific Theatre on Eniwetok Atoll and the Philippines until 1946. On the troopship trip back after the war, Ralph read a real estate textbook and obtained his broker’s license after arriving home.

Active for over 50 years as a homebuilder, real estate developer and broker, he was instrumental in building over 5,000 homes in Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood plus brokering real estate sales. He helped launch the careers of dozens of real estate professionals with Ralph Garrow Real Estate and Delta Bay Real Estate. Ralph was a member of the Delta Association of REALTORS and its founding organization. The business he started continues today as Ralph Garrow Real Estate and is managed and operated by his family.

Eunice and Ralph vacationed yearly in the warm weather climes of Hawaii, Palm Desert and Boulder Creek and cherished their time spent with family and friends. Ralph loved playing golf and spent countless hours practicing his short game, fulfilling a dream when they moved from Antioch to a home on the fairway at Summerset in Brentwood in 2000. He and Eunice also enjoyed watching their thoroughbred horses race at Golden Gate Fields. His other hobbies were photography and the stock market. His drive, spirit, generosity and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his son Ralph Garrow, Jr. (Laurie) of Antioch, daughter Joslyn Missy Vigil (Kim) of Brentwood, grandchildren Alex and Ian Garrow of Antioch, Jasmine Sexton (Andre) of Oregon, Beau Vigil of Brentwood and Taylor Vigil of Rohnert Park, plus 3 great grandchildren, Bailey, Ethan and Judah Sexton. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Eunice, father Alex, mother Lena, brothers El, Brag, Jack, Bob, Bill and Mel, plus sisters Ethel, Ruth, Lucille and Laverne. The family would like to thank the staffs of Westmont Compass Rose of Brentwood and Vitas Hospice for the special care and attention given Ralph during his final months.

A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Brentwood Funeral Home, 839 First St. in Brentwood with visitation at 10:00 AM and memorial service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Garrow family plot at Stockton Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Ralph would have wanted you to give generously to your favorite charity.

JOSEPH W. JONES

“SMOKY”

November 14, 1923- February 24, 2014

Born in Utah and raised in Boise, Idaho, Smoky came to Antioch with wife Jody Jones to work for the then new DuPont plant, in 1956. After 26 years with DuPont he retired in 1982. Known for the many charities they volunteered for, the couple was known for always volunteering as a couple. Together they were nominated as Citizens of the Year for many years of work with the Cancer Society, Delta Learning Center, The Senior Center Buses, the Antioch Garden Club, the Antioch Historical Society and the Antioch Friends of the Animals and animal shelter.

Smoky was known as the “Train Man”, having built a wonderful model train layout in his home and much train memorabilia in his garden. Much of the trains have been donated to the Black Diamond Line Train Club on Fulton Shipyard Road and to the Antioch Historical Society. As in life, several charities have already benefitted from their estate. Smoky lost his wife Jody to cancer in 2012 after 60 years of marriage. He was preceeded in death by his wife, 2 sisters, his parents and a son in 1977. He is survived by a daughter, Marsha Habberstad of Idaho and a granddaughter he never knew, Jody Jones Marquette of Idaho, cousins, nieces, nephews and his sister in-law Betty Berg.

His friends and family will gather at the Red Caboose on Fulton Shipyard Road on Saturday, April 12 at 1 P.M. to celebrate his life and their lives as a couple. Smoky actually wired the Caboose and befriended Jim Boccio to help him restore the Caboose when Jim first brought it to the Fulton shipyard location. Smoky was anything and everything about trains and his one great love, Jody.

Steven (Skeeter) Lynn Sanchez

December 4, 1954- March 20, 2014

Resident of Antioch

Steven (Skeeter) Lynn Sanchez, 59, of Antioch died Thursday March 19, 2014. Skeeter leaves behind his two daughters Jeni (Steve) Spiegel, Tara (Andrew) Jensen, his son Jason Sanchez his loving grandchildren Devyn Jensen; Joseph, Jacob, and JayLynn Spiegel. He is survived by his mother Patsy Porter, brother John (Shirley) Sanchez, Uncle Tom Garrison, many nieces and nephews that he loved as his own, and countless family and friends.

Skeeter was raised in Antioch and graduated from Antioch High School in 1973. He worked at UPS for 28 years where he made numerous friends with his co-workers and customers. He was well known for volunteering where needed in his community and always staying actively involved. He dedicated his time to Antioch Little League where he coached many teams. He also loved broadcasting Bay Area high school sports with Comcast.

Skeeter was loved for his outgoing personality, contagious laugh, sense of humor, and extremely big heart. His love for God will always be remembered. Skeeter will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, April 11, 1:00 P.M. at Golden Hills Community Church 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Golden Hills Community Church.

Raymond “DeDe” Bass

Age: 74

December 24, 1938 to December 17, 2013

Longtime resident of Antioch, CA

Survived by his wife Margaret

and Children: Keli Bass-Brown,Vikkie Cain, Ryan & Randy.

Survived also by his brothers; Ronald and Richard

Graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1956

Went into the Navy in 1956 to 1959

Worked many years at Fibreboard Corp in Antioch

He loved his NASCAR and SF 49ers Fan.

By Allen Payton

Today, we celebrate the life and home-going to Heaven of my grandmother, Mildred V. Allen, who passed away quickly and peacefully, last Thursday after almost 95 years of living, in Riverside, California.

Following is her eulogy and history, which I will be sharing at her memorial, this afternoon:

On February 27,1919, in Claredon,Texas, Mildred Violet was born to Perry Oscar and Ada Lillian Wood. She had five older brothers Otis, Lee, Perry, Ernest and B.L. and one older sister, Ruby. They lived in a small community outside of Clarendon called Martin. They were a farm family. Over the next five years, life for Mildred went along as well as could be expected. Then in 1924, at the age of five years, her Momma, Ada passed away. A very sad time for the entire family. A year later, her Papa married Lillie Durham who had a small boy. His name was Pete – another brother to play with. Over the next 13 years, her Papa and new momma added three more brothers, Lewie, Toy and Russell and five more sisters, Pearl, Carrie Bell, Geraldine, Flora Dee and Della. Even though some of the older children had either left home or got married, it was a houseful. Mildred was known as Sis, Sissy and Aunt Sis to her family members.

Mildred finished her formal school education at the end of her eighth grade year. The family attended church in Clarendon and at the age of 13 years she invited Jesus into her heart. After a couple of years, she moved into Clarendon to live and work for a doctor and his family. In February, 1936, she turned 17 years old. About this time she met a handsome 24 year old named Malcolm L. Allen. It was a short courtship because in July of that same year they went to Taos, New Mexico and got married. Not too long after, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Allen packed up and moved to Southern California. They settled in Brawley in the Imperial Valley where some of Mildred’s older brothers and sister and families lived. One year later on July 28, 1937, a baby girl was born. They named her Mary DeeAnn. Now the fun really started!! But, the fun didn’t last, as M. L. and Mildred divorced in 1940. Mildred and DeeAnn stayed in California and M. L. went back to Texas, to live and work.

She went to work as a waitress at the food counter of Cox Brother’s Grocery Store in El Centro. A year or so later, she began waiting on a handsome dark curly haired man by the name of Jesse Fisher. But he went by the name of Pat. They began dating and fell in love. This all took place at the beginning of WWII. Pat was drafted into the Army and was eventually stationed up in Kodiak, Alaska. Lots of letters and pictures were sent back and forth. Upon Pat’s medical release from the service in May,1943, after injuring his back falling on the ice, Mildred took the bus up to San Jose, California where she was reunited with him. On May 8, 1943, they were married.

Pat’s sister, Juanita and husband, Jim lived in San Jose. So Pat, Mildred and five year old DeeAnn decided to stay and live there too. After living in a small apartment they bought a home on First Street where on August 23, 1944, a cute baby sister for DeeAnn to play with was born. They named her Patricia Yvonne.

In May, 1945 Pat and Mildred decided to move to Riverside, California where many of Mildred’s family members were then residing. For a few months, Pat, Mildred, DeeAnn and Patricia lived with Mildred’s sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Earl Humphrey and their two girls, Earlene and Beverly. What fun for DeeAnn and baby Patricia to have cousins to play with again. A few months later, Pat and Mildred bought a small home on Park Avenue.

Since Mildred’s brother Lee and his wife, Jewel and family and Earl and Ruby and girls were members of the Riverside First Baptist Church, Pat and Mildred and girls attended there.

At that time the church was located downtown on Ninth and Lemon Streets. Pat and Mildred

joined the church officially and were members of the young married’s class called The Builders Class. Over the next few years Mildred grew spiritually as she actively became involved with various Women’s Ministry Committees and Bible studies and visitation program.

During the 1950/51 school year, Mildred started her career as a cafeteria worker for the Riverside School’s Food Department. She worked part-time at Magnolia Elementary.

From there she went to the Tiger’s Den at Riverside Jr. College then became the Manager of the lunch stand at the old campus of Poly High. When North High School was built she went there for a brief period and then switched to the new campus of Poly High where she managed both the lunch stand and cafeteria. After 24 years, she retired in 1974 from the school district. But, she continued to plan, prepare and cater Church dinners, wedding receptions and parties.

She and Pat hosted many family dinners and parties and continued to serve on committees at Church. During these busy years, she taught her daughters by her example how to cook, care for a home and serve others.

Also during these years, she became a mother-in-law to two fine young men, whom she thought of as her sons, as well as grandmother to six grandchildren. DeeAnn married Roger A. Payton in 1956. In November, 1958, the first two of Roger and DeeAnn’s children were born – Marilee Ann and Maridee Lynn. In August, 1960, another baby girl was born, Ellen Rae. In June, 1963, a baby boy was born – Allen Denford.

In June, 1964, Patricia (whom we then started calling Patti) married Larry W. Keisling. In April, 1969, their baby boy was born – Curtis Wayne. Then in May, 1972, Cara Yvonne was born. Pat and Mildred did a lot of gift giving and babysitting. Then in the 1980’s, ‘90’s and 2000’s, 13 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren came into the family. Even though the families have scattered, Mildred has always sent birthday cards and gifts to each of her grandchildren.

In June, 1994, after some months of illness, Pat passed away. Even in her grieving Mildred remained strong, as she relied on the Lord.

That fall, she decided to go up to Roger and DeeAnn’s in Northern California, for Thanksgiving. She found out that M.L., who’s wife Alberta had passed the a fews year before, was also going to be there. Since she had remained friends with M.L. through the years, she called him and asked him to pick her up on his way from Tucumcari, New Mexico, which he did.

After a week there, showing much affection, including the gift of a new necklace Mildred was wearing, M.L. drove her back to Riverside. But, about 15 minutes after arriving to his home, he called to check on her and let her know he was home safe. About a week later, Mildred called Roger and DeeAnn and invited the family down to Riverside for Christmas and said they were going to plan a wedding. They were married the following February 25, 1995 at First Baptist. Mildred and M.L. were back together again, almost 55 years later.

So the person us grand kids knew all our lives as Grandma Fisher, was now Grandma Allen.

Over the next year or so, Mildred and M.L. sold his farm in Tucumcari, moved him into her Riverside home, which they remodeled, adding a master bathroom and enlarging the family room. For the next 16 years, they traveled, went camping in their trailer, joined the Gideons and served faithfully at First Baptist Church and almost every Thursday night they ate at their favorite restaurant, the Little Green Onion.

Then in 2011, a little over five months after M.L. celebrated his 100^th birthday, he passed away on Memorial Day, May 31^st. Mildred was a widow, once again.

She continued to serve in the church and drive her big Cadillac to and from church and the Plaza shopping center – even up until last year. Then, earlier this year, Mildred agreed to move into the Galleria View Villa residential care home in Riverside, leaving her home of over 50 years. She enjoyed her new home and the people who cared for her.

But her health continued to deteriorate, with both her eyesight and hearing failing. She reached out to the other residents and was very bold in sharing with them her faith in the Lord.

Then this past week, after suffering a mild heart attack she was admitted to Kaiser hospital, where she had another one, last Thursday. Later that afternoon, with Patti by her side, just before 5:30 p.m., after about an hour of fading, Mildred slipped into eternity to be with her Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

Written by M. DeeAnn Payton and Allen Payton

Obituary for Victor C. DeMartini

Victor Charles DeMartini, 88, of Auburn, California, passed away on Tuesday, April 9^th 2013.

He was born February 1925, in Brentwood, California, to Victor and Azelia DeMartini. Vic was a 1942 graduate of Liberty Union High School.

In 1944 he joined the US Army and served in Patton’s Army in Europe. After WWII he attended the University of the Pacific before moving to San Francisco and receiving his insurance license. He was married to Vivienne (Muffy) La Montagne from 1950 until her death in 1982, and had 4 children with her. They moved to Willows, California, where he joined a small insurance firm eventually becoming principal of the company.

In 1961 he and his family moved to Auburn, California, where he opened his own insurance agency, then later joined Placer Land Company. He was instrumental in the merger of 3 local insurance agencies forming Placer Insurance. After retiring from the insurance industry he pursued his other passion, Real Estate.

In 1984 he married Virginia (Ginger) Flaherty. They were married until her death in 2010. Vic cared about his community and was involved in many ways. He was an active member in the Auburn Chamber of Commerce where he was a Chamber Ambassador, and also a member of the Elks Lodge for over 60 years. He also belonged to the Navy League and to Shriners International.

Besides his two wives Vic was preceded in death by his brother, Donald DeMartini. He is survived by his sister and brother, May Schrader and Dewey DeMartini; his children Kirk DeMartini (Marianne), Doug DeMartini, Rex DeMartini (Jackie), Lisa DeMartini (Guy); 3 grandchildren (Kyra DeMartini, Ryan DeMartini, and Markus DeMartini). He is also survived by his step-son Patrick Flaherty, step-daughter Patricia Flaherty, his step-granddaughter, Tracie Cervetti (Ryan), and 2 great-grandchildren.

Vic will always be remembered for his kindness, gentle demeanor, sense of humor, and love of good food.

Instead of flowers remembrances can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children – Northern California, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, in Victor’s name.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Elk’s Lodge, 195 Pine Street, Auburn, CA, on Sunday, May 5, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Hills.

Please sign the online guestbook at auburnjournal.com.

Deacon Darnell Turner, son of the late Deacon Lenzo Turner, Sr. and Mrs. Birdine Turner.

He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age, uniting with Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized as a public confession of faith in Christ by the late Rev. Mose DeBro.

Darnell received his early education in the public schools of Helena, Arkansas. Graduating in 1978 from Central High School in Helena.

Later, he attended Los Medanos College and California State University at Hayward. Darnell moved to California in 1981 and united with Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the great Pastor Dr. P. N. Sumpter in which he was formerly ordained as a deacon by Pastor Sumpter. Darnell worked for Bio-Rad Laboratories in Hercules, CA from October 26,1998 until just before his illness. He later united in holy matrimony to Dawn Sutton, and this union was blessed with one daughter, Adrienne Nicole (the apple of his eye). Darnell was very active in his community, having served as an officer of the local N.A.A.C.P. and president of the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District.

Darnell departed this life on September 4, 2012 at 4:25 am. He was preceded in death by his father; two sisters: Doris and Marjorie; and brother, Frederick. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Adrienne; his mother, Birdine; his brother, Lenzo Jr.; and his sister, Beverly.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7)