Obituaries
James Edward Dean
Nov 11, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce James (Jimmy) Edward Dean has passed away. Jimmy was born February 21st, 1947, and passed peacefully on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2024 in Bakersfield, CA. Jimmy was born in Mexico, Missouri and lived in Bakersfield, California after 1990 until his passing.
Jimmy enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from Mexico High School....
Kirksey "Mark" Newton
Nov 8, 2024
May 20, 1960 - November 8, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kirksey “Mark” Newton, who left this world on November 8, 2024, at the age of 64. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mark lived a life full of love, laughter, and commitment to those he cherished most.
Born on May 20, 1960, Mark...
Michael Ira Ballew
Nov 7, 2024
Michael Ira Ballew
Thursday, November 7th, 2024, our sweet brother, uncle, cousin & friend joined our Lord and many loved ones who had already passed into eternity. This came after his 2023 diagnosis of cancer and heart disease, as well as his stoic battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Mike's life is a beautiful story of resilience and accomplishment. He was born in Hobart,...
Robert Ray Williams
Nov 5, 2024
Robert (Bob) Williams was born in Enid, Oklahoma on August 29, 1938, and went home to heaven on November 5, 2024. Survivors include his wife, Bobbi, daughter, Amy Church and husband, James Church, granddaughters Carrington Church and Kennedy Church. Also surviving is daughter Lisa Whitten and husband Gary Whitten, grandsons, Shad Whitten, Chase Whitten and wife Melissa and great grandsons,...
Vera Mae Fites
Oct 31, 2024
Vera Mae Fites, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, at the age of 84.
Born on May 11, 1940, in King City, California, Vera was a beacon of love and warmth in the lives of all who knew her.
Vera shared a beautiful life with her devoted husband, Tom Fites, and together they created...
Michael B. Hale
Oct 31, 2024
Mike Hale; aka, Dad, Pop’s, Big Mike, Ekim Elah, was born in Bakersfield on March 31, 1946.
Mike attended Garces Memorial High School, Bakersfield College and Fresno State. Mike did not play football at Fresno State; however, he beat several of the football players in arm wrestling.
Mike married the love of his life, Bonnie Hale. He had a love for hot...
Michael Patrick Collier
Oct 18, 2024
Michael Patrick Collier
September 30, 1947- October 18, 2024
Michael was born on September 30, 1947 in Bakersfield California to Kemp and Dena Collier.
He attended local schools for his primary grades and was a 1965 graduate from South High School. At South High School Michael was a standout out wrestler going undefeated his senior year and winning a valley championship at 138...
Joe David Minton
Oct 13, 2024
Joe David Minton was born on April 11, 1930, in Lubbock, Texas to Charlie Scott Minton and Julia Myrtle (Lay) Minton. He passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, in Bakersfield, California.
Joe’s early life was spent farming with his father after the family moved from Texas to Kern County, California, in 1932. He attended both Wasco and Bakersfield High Schools....
Leland Harry Murotani
Sep 22, 2024
Leland (Lee) Harry Murotani was born in Bakersfield, California on July 14, 1952 to parents Gaishi (Guy) and Yoshiye Murotani. Lee passed away in his home where he was born and raised on September 22,2024. He was 72.
He was a product of Bakersfield’s educational system beginning as a kindergartener at Munsey Elementary, transferring to Harris Elementary when it opened in...
Michelle Jean Burton
Sep 21, 2024
Michelle Jean Burton, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on September 21, 2024, in Bakersfield, California. She was born on March 22, 1959 in Downey, California.
Michelle is preceded in death by her husband, William "Ceps" Burton. Michelle raised three wonderful children: Crystal Nicole Hatch (Thomas Hatch), Brandon Michael Zavala (Kelsey Zavala), and Tyler John Smart (Jenna Kober). Michelle...
Ann Sill Hayes
Sep 20, 2024
Ann Sill Hayes, 89, passed away on September 20, 2024, in Shafter, CA. Born on September 24, 1934, in Bakersfield, CA, she was a lifelong resident and grew up in the Sill family, a Kern County pioneer family in farming and ranching. She had fond memories of the Sill family and growing up on the ranch in Shafter, CA and...
Mark Thomas Anspach
Sep 7, 2024
Mark Thomas Anspach, 62, passed away on September 7, 2024, in Bakersfield, CA. Born on September 18, 1961, in Bakersfield, CA, he was a lifelong resident and a pillar in his community.
Mark graduated from Garces Memorial High School in 1980 and furthered his education at Cuesta College and the College of Mortuary Science. He dedicated 37 years to serving the...
