Old Timers Association honors county ‘Pioneers’

Ann Bean, 96. A resident of Merced County since 1962. Ann was born in San Francisco and now resides in Merced. She was married to an air force pilot and became a military wife. She is now widowed. She has two daughters, three grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Ann started her life of service as a young woman in San Francisco, serving as a Red Cross Volunteer during the war years. She drove an ambulance, brought blood to the needy blood banks, and was chosen to escort General George C. Marshall when he visited San Francisco as head of the American Red Cross. She was a stay at home mom until her daughters went to college. Ann then returned to school herself and earned her degree in Social Work. Ann was the first female Supervising Probation Officer in the Merced County Probation Department, working well into her 70’s. When she retired, her volunteer work continued. Throughout her life, she has generously given her time to: The American Red Cross, Mercy Hospital, Merced Zoo, and Merced County Courthouse Museum. She also served as a member of the vestry and alter guild at ST. Luke’s Church, where she has been a member for 55 years. Ann’s hobbies included raising animals including Black Angus cattle and chickens.

Genevieve K. Brown, 85. A resident of Merced County 60 years. Genevieve, Genny, was born in Hilbert, Wisconsin. She has been married to Donald G. Brown for 65 years. They have four children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Genny joined the USAF in 1952. She was sent to boot camp in San Antonio and then went to Oklahoma A&M Tech School. After her training was complete, she was transferred to Long Beach Municipal Airport Reserve Training Center where she met Donald Brown. They were married and when Genny was pregnant with their first child, she was honorably discharged due to the military rules at that time (women were not allowed to serve in the military while pregnant). Genny worked at Rogers Foods (now Sensient Natural Flavors) in Winton for 38 years. She was the Quality Assurance Supervisor when she retired. She has volunteered at St. Patrick’s Church as a catechism aide, and on Sundays for the Youth Liturgy of the word program. Genny’s interests include reading, walking, and watching her grandchildren in their activities. She believes the greatest invention during her lifetime is the availability of indoor bathroom facilities. Her fondest memories come from living in the Amsterdam area and having 4th of July parties with many neighbors, closest friends and family coming over for deep pit parties. She also has fond memories of living in Merced County when you would always know someone, wherever you went. Her greatest joy comes from November 2018 when she and Don were asked to serve as Grand Marshalls for the Veteran’s Day Parade in Merced.

Ruth Tomlinson Brown, 87. Ruth is widowed. She has six children, 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Ruth retired from Merced County Hospital, where she worked for 28 years. She LOVED every minute she worked there. Ruth enjoys listening to music. She believes the greatest invention in her lifetime has been the cell phone. Ruth loves going to the South Merced Community Center even today. It keeps her busy.

John F. Clarke “Jack” 92. A resident of Merced County for 60 years. Jack was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. He has been married to his wife, Janeene, for 61 years. They have three children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Jack served in the US Navy from 1942-1946 in the Pacific. He also served in the US Army from 1952-1954 in Korea. Jack was a teacher in the Merced City School District for 31 years. He taught at Fremont Elementary 9 years, Tenaya Middle School 3 years and Rivera Middle School 19 years. He also taught swimming during his summers for many years. Jack has served his community through various military organizations. His hobbies include golfing, swimming, and spending time with family. Jack’s greatest joy in life comes from getting a teaching job in 1956!

Dora Burdett Davidson, 85. A resident of Merced County for 75 years. Dora was born in Morton County, Kansas and came to California during the Dust Bowl. She now lives in Merced. Dora was married (now divorced) and has two children, five grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Dora spent some time in Germany as an air force wife. When she returned to Merced, she first worked in the office at Hilmar High School. She also worked as an escrow clerk in Merced and San Rafael. Dora was the secretary to the City Manager of Merced for 35 years. Dora volunteered with various organizations: League of Women Voters, Senior Care Center Board, local chapter of AARP, Women’s Club and First Church of the Nazarene in Atwater (Compassionate Saturdays distributing free food and clothes). Dora believes the greatest inventions in her lifetime include first the electric typewriter and then the computer. Her fondest memories come from knowing all the facts that were going on in the city of Merced. She knew all the elected officials and learned a lot about city government and how it operates. Dora is really pleased with how the city has grown. “It’s still my city”! She also treasures her amazing children, grandchildren and friends, and all her travels with AARP, including some cruises!

Florence DiSimone, 90. A resident of Merced County 68 years Florence was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin and now lives in Merced. She was married to William DeSimone for 56 years before being widowed. Florence has one son and five daughters and seven grandchildren. She was a military wife during WWII. Florence’s employment history includes working in the McSwain School library, teaching kindergarten, and social work. Florence is a member of University Women, volunteered at the Applegate Zoo for several years, and provided transportation to an English learner to English classes. Florence has enjoyed various hobbies throughout her life: playing bridge, reading, back-packing, hiking, and traveling (Australia, New Zealand, Hudson Bay, Bay of Fundy, Italy, Panama Canal and more). She often stayed in Elder Hostels during these adventures. Florence loves living in Merced because of the weather. So many of the days during the year are perfect! It is like heaven!

Rose E. Devaurs, 94. A resident of Merced County 71 years Rose was born in Marshfield, MO and now lives in Merced. She was married to Ernest E. Devaurs, Jr. for 49 years before his death in 1987. Rose has three children, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Rose worked for Bremerton Shipyards, Merced City Schools, Farmers Insurance, and the Election Board for 45 years. She was actively involved in Merced High School sports during her husband’s employment with Merced High School and the Merced Marching 100. Rose’s hobbies include crocheting and knitting, puzzles, and MLB. She believes the greatest invention during her lifetime has been the refrigerator. Her fondest memories come from the sense of joining a close community when they arrived in 1948 and the G Street upgrade to asphalt.

Julie Etcheverry, 95. A resident of Merced County since 1954 Julie was born in the Basque Pyrenees’ of France. She was 15 years old when she experienced the invasion of the German soldiers marching through their town. Julie met her husband, Maurice Etcheverry, in France. They kept in touch through letters when Maurice immigrated to the United States. In 1946, Maurice’s parents escorted Julie to America. Three months after her arrival, they were married. Julie and Maurice first lived in Linden where they were sheep farmers. They eventually moved to Los Banos, purchasing rangeland property near Los Banos to continue Etcheverry Brothers Sheep Company. They built their home in Los Banos where Julie still lives today. Julie was married to Maurice for 50 years before his death. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Julie shared her love for sewing by teaching sewing classes at her home. She would sew formal dresses for girls’ dances along with their everyday clothes. Julie enjoyed her years of playing cards within the Basque community, dancing and their annual family reunion during the May Day Fair. She is a sponsor of the Maurice and John Etcheverry Sheep Memorial trophy that has been presented to the Grand Champion Sheep at the fair for the last 25 years. She was a founding member of the Los Banos Basque Club and a member of the Bo Peeps Club. She volunteered her time at Our Lady of Fatima School as a yard duty helper. Some of Julie’s greatest joys are her family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Ann Finney, 85. A resident of Merced County 64 years Ann was born in Zupelo, Mississippi. She now resides in Atwater. Ann is widowed. She has three daughters, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She was employed with the Merced Human Services Department. Ann taught Sunday School, was the Sunday School Superintendent and a Church board member. She has helped distribute food for the needy and served as a Girl Scout leader when her daughters were younger. Ann enjoyed camping and gardening. She likes to sew and quilt. Ann believes the greatest inventions during her lifetime were the Polio vaccine and space travel. Ann’s fondest memories come from going to Lake Yosemite, camping in Yosemite National Park and other places with her family.

Anastacia Flores, 95. A resident of Merced County 65 years Anastacia was born in Tampico, Mexico and now lives in Atwater. She was married to Joe Flores for 53 years before his passing. Anastacia has four daughters, ten grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Anastacia was a field worker in LeGrand, Livingston, and Modesto. She was a cannery worker at California Cannery, Davis Cannery and Tri Valley. She packed tomatoes in LeGrand, pruned vineyards for E&J Gallo in Livingston, and raised turkeys on a farm in Plainsburg. Anastacia also volunteered at the Bloss Hospital Thrift Store and was actively involved in Our Lady of Guadalupe prayer group, Sociedad de Oro in Merced. Her hobbies included reading, especially Louis L’Amour westerns in Spanish, traveling, and dining out. Anastacia believes the greatest invention has been the washing machine. Her fondest memories come from going to Lake Yosemite with her family and seeing her extended family grow.

Mona Pedretti, 85. A resident of Merced County 66 years Mona was born in Oklahoma and now lives in El Nido. She has been married to Gino Pedretti for 66 years. They have three children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Over the years, Mona has worked for Pedretti Ranches. She volunteered her time at El Nido School when her children attended there. She was PTA room mother and helped in other capacities. Mona enjoys reading and doing crossword puzzles. Her greatest joys in life come from her family, having the grandchildren grow up on the ranch where most are still involved in the farming operation.

Dominic G. Giampietro, 85 years. A resident of Merced County 70 years Dominic was born in Los Banos and now lives in Merced. He has been married to his wife, Joyce, for 63 years. They have six children, 14 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Dominic served in the USAF for four years 1952-56. From Jan. – Dec 1953, he was in Korea. Upon his return, Dominic spent 33 years in Auto Retail Sales. Dominic volunteered with the Boy Scouts and with Little League, coaching. His hobbies includes hunting, fishing, and cooking. Dominic believes the GPS systems with the voices telling you how to arrive at your destination is one of the greatest inventions in his lifetime. His greatest joy in life comes from having family and life long friends.

Joyce E. Giampietro Will be 85 in December. A resident of Merced County since 1962. Joyce was born in Port Huron, Michigan and now lives in Merced. Her husband of 63 years is Dominic Giampietro. They have four children, 14 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Joyce worked for Los Banos Union School District in food service and secretarial office duties. She worked at St. Joseph’s Parish and was Religious Education Coordinator. Joyce volunteered with Girl Scouts, Little League, and her children’s school functions. Her hobbies include music, reading, sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking, canning, and traveling. Joyce believes the greatest invention has been the Salk Vaccine for Polio prevention. Her greatest joys in life come from living and raising her family in our beautiful valley!

Otto Rigan, 97 A resident of Merced County 53 years Otto was born in Vienna, Austria. He currently resides in Merced. Otto was married to Lorraine for 68 years before her passing. He has six children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren! Otto served in the US Air Force during WWII, Korean and Cold Wars. He spent most of those 24 years stationed in California. As a self-employed businessman, Otto owned an Antique Store in Atwater and the Golden Wheel Mobile Home Park. He currently owns a restaurant in Tennessee! Otto gave back to his community in various capacities. He was PTA president at Mitchell School in 1958, a member and president of the Atwater Chamber of Commerce, Planning Director for Merced County and more. He was busy all the time! Otto’s hobbies included building things. He built his own house in Atwater with just a hammer in only 30 days! It had five bedrooms! He also built two airplanes. Otto also loved investing, art and painting. He believes his greatest joys in life come from his many, many friends in Merced County!

Lillian Roberts, 91. A resident of Merced County 65 years. Lillian was born in Albuquerque, NM and now lives in Merced. She was married to Vernie Roberts but is now widowed. Vernie and Lillian owned Vernie’s Barber Shop and Cocktail Lounge. She has three children, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Lillian was a Golden Graduate for Stanislaus State, being in the first graduating class in 1964, earning a BA and teaching credential. Lillian was an elementary school teacher at Galen Clark and Ada Givens Schools in Merced. She spent time as a resource teacher before obtaining her master’s degree from Fresno Pacific College in 1979. Lillian also served as Coordinator Consolidated Programs, Chief Attendance Officer, Affirmative Action Officer Title IX Office and Preschool principal before her retirement in 1992. Lillian was an adjunct instructor at Merced Community College for several years. She worked as Executive Director for CASA after her retirement. Lillian was a member of the Merced Community College Choir and was named an Honoree Merced County Historical Society Museum Exhibit in 2007. In 2018 Lillian was named Woman of the Year for Assembly District 21. Lillian’s fondest memory of Merced County comes from the small time atmosphere and friendly people here.

Betty Lovell will be 85 in June. A resident of Merced County 65 years. Betty was born in Arkansas. She was married to Sandy Carson for 64 years before being widowed. She has four children, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren with two more on the way. Betty’s husband served in the USAF for 23 years. She was a hairdresser at J.C. Penney’s for 10 ½ years and at New Image both hairdresser and manager for 10 ½ years. She also taught at beauty school for five years. Betty gives of her volunteer time to her church. She believes the greatest invention has been the cell phone. Betty’s fondest memories come from having her children here and bringing them up in Merced County.

Raymond E. Mellow, 92. A resident of Merced County 85 years. Raymond was born in Pacific Grove, CA and now lives in Merced. He was married two times, both wives are deceased. Raymond had three children. A daughter Linda, who died as an infant, his son Michael, a Vietnam Veteran died at age 61, and Ronald. Five grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren complete Raymond’s family. Raymond served in WWII for three years in the US Army in the Pacific and Japan. His employment history after his service was building dairy barns. Raymond loved hunting, fishing and traveling. His greatest joy in life came from his marriage to Delores Jean Hamilton Mellow from 1946-1990.

Allan R. Schell, 89. A resident of Merced County 50 years Allan was born in Chicago, Illinois and currently lives in Merced. He and his wife, Carol Iris, have been married 69 years and have five children. There are also five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren completing Allan’s family. Allan was the City Manager for Merced from 1969-1983 when her retired. He then held interim jobs as executive director for MCAG, the Cities of Angels Camp, Firebaugh, Mendota, and Newman. Allan also taught in the master’s degree program at Castle AFB for their officers. Allan is a lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) collector. He believes one of the greatest inventions has been the cruise control in auto mobiles. Allan’s fondest memories come from being married to his wife of 69 years, Carol, his five children and all Christians!

Carol I. Schell, 91. A resident of Merced County 50 years Carol was born in Woolstock, Iowa and now lives in Merced. She has been married to Alan for 69 years. Five children, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren make up her family tree. Carol had a variety of employment opportunities. She was an artist, clerk, College & Family Social Worker and a Marriage & Family Counselor. Her community service included volunteering at church functions and mentoring women in the community. Carol’s hobbies include reading, sewing, knitting, crossword puzzles, bridge, Bible Study, and arts and crafts. Her quilt won honorable mention in the 2016 California State Fair! Carol believes the greatest inventions are the electric blanket in 1936, the Polio vaccine in 1955, and modern X-ray technology. Carol has loved the small-town atmosphere, neighborliness, music in the park, closeness to stores and doctors in downtown Merced. She also loved being able to go sailing in Lake Yosemite.

Norman Passadori, 87. Lifelong resident of Merced County. Norman was born in Merced and now resides in Ballico. He was married to Anne Passadori for 58 years before her death. He has two children and one grandchild. While growing up, he worked in his parents’ store, “Ballico General Store” until he graduated from Livingston High School. He attended Cal Poly, SLO for two years before joining the army. Norman served in the US Army for 2 years and later was a self-employed as a Dairyman. That farm eventually became sweet potatoes and later almonds and walnuts. He also started a successful almond hulling facility for 48 years. Norman was an avid pilot for 50+ years. He even built his own plane, Breezy. Norman served his community in many ways. He was a 4-H leader, St. Jude’s School Board Member, Ballico Volunteer Fire Department member for 40+ years including Fire Chief, and an American Legion member for 60+ years. He also served as soil conservation director and equipment manager for 15+ years, was named Agribusiness Tree of Vine Person in 2001, and served on Blue Diamond Growers committees throughout the years.

Jim Greco, 85. Lifelong resident of Merced County. Jim was born in Dos Palos and now resides in Los Banos. He has been married to Sandra Antola Greco for 62 years. They have three children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Jim served in the US Army for 8 years, spending time in Korea, Japan, and Indo China. He worked for Foremost for 30 years and Los Banos Dairies for 10 years. Jim’s hobbies included yard work, cooking, and going to Reno. His fondest memories are from the first time he laid his eyes on his wife Sandra, in Merced.

Carmen Silva, 87. A resident of Merced County 76 years Carmen was born in Los Banos and continues to reside there. She was married but is now widowed. She has a daughter, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Carmen’s hobbies include attending Engelbert concerts and casino trips. Carmen believes the greatest invention has been cell phones. Carmen’s greatest joy comes from having family members around to enjoy!

Ida Toscano, 92. Lifetime resident of Merced County. Ida was born in Los Banos and still resides there. She is widowed and has one daughter. Ida worked for Los Banos Unified School District for 50 years. She also volunteered her time to various school functions. Ida’s hobbies included traveling and playing bridge. She has been a cancer survivor since age 80. Ida has enjoyed visiting Europe and our United States. Ida’s fondest memories come from growing up in the small community of Los Banos in a family of 10 children, 2 sisters and 7 brothers.

Elizabeth Ann Wade, 85 . A resident of Merced County 56 years Elizabeth was born in Fresno and now lives in Snelling. She was married to Harvey Wade Jr. for almost 55 years before his passing in 2006. Elizabeth has six children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Harvey served in the USMC and was wounded in Korea at which time he came home to start a family with Elizabeth. Elizabeth raised her children and some of her grandchildren. She also helped in raising turkeys and cattle for 50 years. Elizabeth has volunteered as a docent at the Merced County Courthouse Museum and is a member of the Snelling Women’s Club. Elizabeth was a member of the Novera Rebecca Lodge in Snelling for many years. She believes the microwave is the greatest invention of her time. Elizabeth’s fondest memories come from beginning a life on a ranch in Snelling 56 years ago with her husband and children.

Benjamin Walton, 96. A resident of Merced County for 60 years Benjamin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and now lives in Merced. He was married to Verna Wilson Walton for 48 years before being widowed. He remarried, Elaine Paige Walton, and has been married for 14 years. Benjamin has three children, 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He served in the Army Air Corp in WWII from 1943-46. Benjamin was in India, Thailand, and California during these years. He spent two years on a mission in France. He graduated from USC. Benjamin worked for Farmers Insurance Group from 1951-1988. He was an auditor, worked in accounting and as an underwriter. Benjamin served his community as a hospital chaplain, fed homeless with the Salvation Army, drove senior citizens to appointments, assisted with Love Inc. and various church activities. His hobbies have included golf, genealogy, traveling, reading and stamp collecting. Benjamin’s greatest joys in life come from his wife and family. Although he grew up in a city, he loved living in the small town of Merced.

Jennie Williams, 92. A resident of Merced County 50 + years Jennie was born in Quitman, Arkansas and now lives in Atwater. She is widowed and has one son, three grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Jennie cooked at both the NCO and Officers Club at Castle Air Force Base. She enjoys playing Bingo. Jennie believes the greatest invention has been the telephone. Her fondest memories come from her marriage!

Cozett Wilson will be 85 this year. A resident of Merced County 50+ years. Cozett was born in Carlsbad, Arizona and now lives in Merced. She was married to James W. Wilson for 33 years before being widowed. Cozett has four children, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and 2 more on the way! Her husband spent 20 years in the air force, retiring at Castle. Cozett started her working career by picking cotton. She was a cashier at New Berry’s, a distributer for the Modesto Bee, and worked at K-Mart and Napa Auto Parts at one time. Cozett volunteered for 17 years at Mercy Hospital on Bear Creek, 13th street, and then finally at the new hospital. She enjoys knitting, reading, and playing Bingo. Cozett’s greatest joy in life comes from her marriage to James!

Kathryn Spina Yribarren, 97. A lifelong resident of Merced County Kathryn was born in Los Banos and still resides there. She was married to Albert Yribarren for 35 before being widowed in 1986. Kathryn has two children, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She worked as a receptionist for Dr.’s Hillyer & Lymp in the 1940’s-50’s; secretary/bookkeeper at Pacheco Feed & Seed 1968-86 and was a homemaker during those years as well. Kathryn volunteered as a 4-H leader, is a member of Native Daughters, Madonna del Carmen Society, and Italian Catholic Federation. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, word puzzles, and entertaining family. Kathryn believes the greatest invention was electricity on their farm and home in 1928, telephones, and getting a milking machine on their dairy in 1935. Her fondest Merced County memories are from showing her dairy cattle at the Merced County Fair and knowing that she was one of the first female 4-H members in the county!