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Category: Obituaries

  • Obituary: Joyce Wagner (1926-2022)

    Submitted by Rob Wagner–
    It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Joyce (Myers) Wagner, 95, who passed away on July 6, 2022 after a short illness, surrounded by her grandchildren. Joyce was born November 30, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, to Otho and Emma Myers. At age 16 she married Richard Eugene Wagner, who preceded her in death in 2000. Joyce found love two more times: first with Al Schnaidt until his passing in 2005, then with Stan Thompson until his passing in 2022.

    Joyce Wagner

    She was also preceded in death by her parents, all three sons, one daughter-in-law, and one grandchild; Ronald and Shelia Wagner, Allen Wagner, and Terry Wagner and his son Travis Wagner. As well as all 5 of her siblings: Wesley Myers, Jerry Myers, Shirley Ritter, Carol Steffey, and Donald Myers.

    She is survived by her daughters-in-law Lynndie (Allen) Wagner of Ripon and Sherry (Terry) Wagner of Elk Grove; her grandchildren Deborah (Paul) Capolungo of Grass Valley, Jodi (Steve) Catena of San Pedro, Kristi Wagner of Moorpark, Robbie (Janice) Wagner of Ripon, Candace (Tim) Rhodes of Ripon, Richard (Monica) Wagner of Manteca, Terry Wagner Jr. of Elk Grove; her great-grandchildren Kayleigh, Kendall, Shon, Jeremy, Grayson, Lucie, Violet, Ashlynn, Jacob, Dallas, Dakota, Cheyenne, and Trevor; and great-great-granddaughters Audrey and Riley.

    Joyce grew up in Los Angeles riding the streetcar to visit her dad who was a chef at the famous Pig-n-Whistle. After her marriage, Joyce taught preschool for many years in Whittier. The family loved the outdoors and would spend most of the summer water skiing and tent camping at Pillsbury Lake with an incredible group of friends. Joyce continued to water ski into her 70s. In 1977, Joyce and Dick moved to a 5-acre property in Wilton.

    Joyce loved to garden and her strawberry patch was legendary. In 1986, they moved to Citrus Heights where Joyce has been involved in many of the activities of Lakeview Village. She was an active member of the Carmichael Elks Lodge, going on many camping trips with the Traveling Elks and serving at Thursday night dinners. She was an usher for Music Box Theater and a member of WPAC.

    Joyce loved to travel internationally, visiting countless countries and living life to the fullest. Princess Cruises would call with a last-minute offer and she’d be packed and out the door. She loved dressing to the nines and she and Dick were tickled when people tried to guess what profession these two elegant people held. They cleared the dance floor regularly with their quick steps. She loved to entertain and was always up for a party.

    Her Christmas presents were wrapped so beautifully that even as kids we’d pause to admire them before opening. Most of all, she will be remembered by her grandchildren for her love of dancing, card games, creativity, and good food.

    Joyce will be dearly missed by both family and friends.

    Please join us in celebrating her life this Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Lakeview Village Clubhouse, 6211 Summerset Lane, Citrus Heights, California.

    *Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here

  • Longtime Citrus Heights resident and SJHS grad passes away at age 99

    Longtime Citrus Heights resident and SJHS grad passes away at age 99

    A photo of Arlene Oldham on display during her memorial service, showing a collection of plates from various U.S. states she had visited. // M. Hazlip

    By Mike Hazlip—
    Born August 24, 1922, Minnie Arlene Smith Oldham was just seven years old when the Great Depression was starting, 14 when she moved to Citrus Heights, 19 when the U.S. entered the second World War, 47 when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, and 75 when Citrus Heights incorporated.

    She saw Citrus Heights grow from a rural farming community to an incorporated suburban city with rows of houses and shopping centers. Her life spanned global conflicts and wars, economic cycles, and 17 presidencies, but friends and family say the biggest legacy Oldham left was her faith.

    Also on The Sentinel: Pioneer Baptist moves from historic Citrus Heights church building

    Oldham regularly attended Pioneer Baptist Church on Old Auburn Road, where she remained active well-into her 90s. She passed away on June 8, at the age of 99.

    Her pastor remembers her as a model of Christian love described in the biblical passage found in First Corinthians 13.

    “This woman lived it. That’s what was so amazing to me about it, it was all the time,” said Pastor Kyle Conley at a memorial service for Oldham. “It wasn’t like she had one of those, ‘love suffered long.’ No, this is who she was. Just patient and kind, as I said, she was the epitome of Christian grace like that.”

    Oldham was remembered during a celebration of her life held at Pioneer Baptist on July 16. Conley joined Oldham’s daughter, Sue Leamon, and friend Staci Weisz in presenting photographs and stories of Oldham’s life. Weisz said her mother’s determination came from being raised on a farm.

    “She had this built in ability to just take things as they come and move on,” Leamon said. “There’s no depression, there’s no sadness or anything. It was just. Yeah, it happened. So what do we do next? Her ability to do that, that started from her young life on the farm and she was able to live her life like that. Just move on to the next thing.”

    After graduating from San Juan High School in 1940, Oldham married Jesse Wade Oldham and remained in Citrus Heights, according to her obituary. Their family grew to include three children, as she took a job at the Citrus Heights Post Office where she worked for 26 years.

    Leamon said her mother lived in a home constructed out of surplus boxcar lumber on property purchased by Oldham’s father. The property was mostly olive trees at the time, Leamon said.

    The Oldhams had three children, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren. After her husband passed away, Oldham began traveling, Leamon said. She visited many U.S. states, and even traveled to Israel and Egypt, Leamon said during the presentation that chronicled her life.

    A collection of plates from various U.S. states were displayed at the memorial where Leamon invited members of the church to take one as a way to remember her mother. Oldham’s body has been laid to rest at Sylvan Cemetery next to her husband.

    Conley remembers Oldham’s determination when the 95-year-old came to church just days after hip surgery. He said Oldham sent over 4,500 hand-written cards to church members on special occasions over the years, and her passing will be felt throughout the congregation.

    “It’s going to leave a huge hole in our church because she’s the very fabric,” Conley said. “She was here before I got here.”

    One of the last birthday cards Oldham wrote was to Pastor Conley. He received it just days after her passing. Oldham passed away on June 8, just one day before Conley’s birthday. He received a hand-written birthday card from Oldham on June 11, he said.

    “She sent it out on her last day…” Conley said as his voice trailed off with emotion. “One of her last acts of love for me was to send me a birthday card when she was on her death bed.”

  • Obituary: Ronnie Cardell (1958-2022)

    Submitted by Bonnie Holder–
    Ronnie Cardell, a longtime resident of Citrus Heights, died on April 19, 2022 at Arbor Nursing Center in Lodi after a long illness. Ronnie was born on July 14, 1958 to Dock Shelton Cardell and Loretta Mae Cardell at the Old Roseville Hospital.

    Ronnie Cardell

    Ronnie is survived by his longtime partner Eva Shuster, sons Sam Page, Ronnie Cardell, Jr., and Ryan Manzano, and grandsons Gabriel, Dominic and Aaron, twin sister Bonnie Holder, sister Betty Lucchesi, and Janice McCarthy. He was preceded in death by brothers Loyd Cardell, William (Tom) Cardell, and John Cardell.

    After graduating from Casa Robles High School Ronnie held several different jobs including working as a mechanic, as a fire fighter in Granite Bay, and as a janitor for San Juan Union School District where he was hurt and became disabled.

    Unfortunately, Ronnie suffered from the disease of alcoholism, and spent time on the streets of Citrus Heights. Ronnie loved talking with people and was a very generous friend who will be missed. It was common to see Ronnie sitting, speaking to passersby, giving them the peace sign, and when someone smiled at him it made his day. Ronnie liked talking with and helping others.

    During the last six years of his life, Ronnie had gotten off the streets. He lived with friends, and for the last three years because of health issues he lived in a care home and then the nursing home.

    Ronnie loved being outside, especially fishing and teaching others to fish. Ronnie was very handy and could fix anything: boat, vehicle, TV, you name it. He always was ready to help and found time to talk about the Lord with others.

    Memorial service is to be held at Cross Roads Church Ministry, 5501 Dewey Dr., Fair Oaks, CA 95628 on Thursday June 16, 2022, at 11 a.m.

    Ronnie would have wanted donations to go to Grace House Ministries, 6121 Marwick Way, Carmichael CA, 95608 – Ronnie loved how this ministry helps so many people in need.

    *Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here

  • Obituary: Donna Barnes Lucas (1943-2021)

    Obituary submitted by family friend–
    Donna Jean Murrill was born in Los Angeles on October 26, 1943 and passed away on December 25, 2021.

    Donna Lucas

    She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy Carlson and Hubert (Dick) Murrill. She is survived by her son Michael Puccio of Truckee, her husband Michael Lucas of Meadow Vista, brother Ken (Pat) Murrill, nephews Scott and Brian Murrill, Aunt Darlene (Lee) Brown, and numerous cousins.

    Donna started, owned, and managed Barnes Personnel Service 1981-2001. Over the years, Donna found employment for thousands of people in the Sacramento area. She was the past president of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and member of numerous Human Resource organizations.

    If you would like to receive an e-book memorializing Donna’s life, request at dmlucas@sbcglobal.net.

  • Obituary: Norma Claire Woodruff (1921-2021)

    Submitted by Linda Glover–
    Norma Woodruff passed away peacefully in her home in Citrus Heights, concluding a life of remarkable achievements. Born in Upper Lake, she was a lifelong resident of California, witnessing dramatic growth and changes in Northern California over the decades.

    Norma Woodruff

    Her professional life included 32 years as an employee of the Golden State. But her primary passion was music. Her father, a band leader and teacher in Lake County, taught Norma to play the trumpet when she was only 8 years old.

    She was a June 1938 graduate of Sacramento Senior High School. The high school yearbook noted that she was a member of Senior Orchestra and Senior Band.

    She embraced her love of music throughout her lifetime, playing trumpet in various Sacramento-area bands, including the Capitol Pops Concert Band, the Sacramento Concert Band, the Capital City Concert Band and American Legion Concert Band. She played with the Citrus Heights-based Capitol Pops Concert Band past her 90th birthday, and served on that band’s council.

    Norma was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol. She is survived by her son, Mark and two grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

    At Norma’s request, no services will be held. However, in lieu of flowers, she asked that those wishing to honor her memory make donations to any Sacramento-area musical organization of their choice.

    The family thanks the medical professionals from Blossom Ridge Home Health for providing outstanding care to Norma in her final days.

    *Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here

  • Obituary: Jenny M. Jaime (1930-2021)

    Submitted by Tony Maldonado–
    My mother’s life spanned through 3 major wars, the civil rights movement, a presidential assassination, and 9/11.

    Two marriages, ending in divorce, left her a single mother of 8 children. Whatever challenges, losses and sacrifices, she was going to have the American dream and owned homes in Santa Clara, then in Citrus Heights where she passed.

    She left school to help her family, with little formal education, this did not stop her from learning essential life-skills to not just survive but succeed. She was a fighter, gutsy, worked in a factory later at Memorex, a quick learner she was promoted. She took on side jobs cleaning, cooking, whatever, she was determined, and achieved what many women (particularly women of color) of her generation were denied —access to homeownership.

    Hardship forced innate talents to become resourceful, creative, and artistic. She had a natural ability to do whatever she did skillfully. She was praised for her ability to throw herself into her cooking that could be tasted in a flavorful meal like her curry tuna casserole; a pot of beans and homemade tortillas, by today’s standards, a chef’s recipe; and her tamales were the best —made by feel alone.

    She was an accomplished seamstress and could make anything without a pattern, made dresses out of large size moo moos and with scraps doll clothes for my sisters. She loved her garden and could grow anything. Her front yard was beautifully landscaped, manicured to look the best on the block—she was very proud of that. In all, she took pride in her home, lived a full life and will be remembered.

    *Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here

  • Founder of Citrus Heights veterans center remembered by community

    Jeanne Rounsavell stands next to a photo and memorabilia of her late husband, Jim Rounsavell. // M. Hazlip

    By Mike Hazlip—
    Community leaders and veterans on Saturday joined family members to celebrate the life and contributions of Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center founder Jim Rounsavell who passed away earlier this year.

    About 50 people attended the July 17 event, which also included a potluck lunch. Celtic Cross Pastor Bob Yule gave the opening prayer and Mayor Steve Miller shared personal anecdotes from Rounsavell’s efforts to restore the center’s historic building, which once served as the old Sylvan School house.

    Miller described Rounsavell as persistent and resourceful, recalling his effort to erect a donated flag pole. Miller said Rounsavell took his approval of the idea as permission to build.

    “I learned that if ‘Yes,’ ‘Ok,’ or ‘Great’ were in any sentence I told Jim, he’d probably take that as permission to plow ahead on his next project,” Miller said.

    Jeanne Rounsavell said she worked with her late husband to operate the veterans center. She later cared for him during his final years of life.

    “You lose your husband after 30-some years, you get kind of… you know,” she said as her voice trailed off. “And he was my partner, not only my husband. He was my partner, now he’s gone.”

    Together, the Rounsavell’s have grown the veterans center into a place where they hope all veterans feel welcome.

    “I hope, and I think they all like us,” she said. “Some don’t, but some do. They’re good people. I love this city.”

    Rounsavell passed away on March 4, 2021, but his celebration of life was delayed due to the pandemic, and to give U.S. Representative Ami Bera an opportunity to honor the veteran. District Director Matthew Ceccato spoke for Bera who he said could not attend the event.

    Ceccato spoke from his personal experience at the center, calling the it a place of refuge and sanctuary. Ceccato presented a resolution in Rounsavell’s honor that Bera plans to present in congress.

    Rounsavell’s awards and mementos were displayed on a table outside for friends and family to view. There was a certificate for Ambassador for Peace Medal from Korea, an Agent of the Year award from United American Insurance Company, a home-built model of a hotel, and a certificate of recognition from President Joe Biden.

    Among the items was a poster from Rounsavell’s run to become a state representative. His wife said he ran for office while living in Oregon.

    “He didn’t win, but he tried. He could have made a big difference,” she said.

    Rounsavell was a veteran of the Army Air Corps at the close of WWII, and later, the Air Force in Korea. His body was laid to rest earlier this year at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, in Dixon.

  • Obituary: Betty Jean Parikka (1931-2021)

    Submitted by family–
    Betty Jean Manton Parikka, 89, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2021, due to heart failure and dementia. She was born in Pasadena, California on November 25, 1931, to James and Marie Manton. Betty was a life-long resident of California.

    Betty’s youth was spent in Arcadia, CA until the family moved to Weed, CA. She graduated from Weed High School in 1949.

    Betty was a warm woman with a quick smile. She met the love of her life, Bob Parikka, and married him on March 11, 1950, in Weed. They achieved great happiness together for 61 years until Bob’s death in 2011. Betty and Bob lived in Merced until 1960. They later moved to Citrus Heights where Betty resided for 53 years until 2014, when she moved to Clovis to be near her daughter, Jayne.

    Bob and Betty raised their children with a love for the great outdoors on their wonderful property in Citrus Heights. Betty was an expert horsewoman, a great cook, a gardener, a seamstress, a book lover and a sports enthusiast. She passed on these wonderful traits to her children and supported them as a 4-H leader, Little League Mom, and as a spectator at parades, horse shows, and football and baseball games.

    Always a parent, when her children were nearly raised, she cooked for the San Juan Unified School District cafeterias and for the Liberty House Restaurant. She found great enjoyment while RV’ing and going fishing with Bob after his retirement.

    Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Marie, Pancho, Carl and Marian; and her loving husband.

    She is mourned by her children: daughters, Donna Parikka of Burleson, TX and Jayne Middleton of Clovis, CA; and sons, Dennis Parikka of Folsom, CA and Michael Parikka of Orangevale, CA. Betty was particularly proud of her grandchildren, Matthew Parikka, Griffin Parikka and Tonya Emmons and her husband, Johnny. Betty is also survived by her brother, James Manton and his wife, BJ, of Yreka, CA; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

    A private celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Parikka family.

    *Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here.

  • Citrus Heights couple passes away within a week of eachother

    Citrus Heights couple passes away within a week of eachother

    Theodore W. Slauson and wife, Janet I. (Cunningham) Slauson, passed away within a week of eachother on March 6 and 13, 2021. // Image courtesy, family

    By Mike Hazlip—
    Theodore Slauson and his wife Janet were among thousands of military families who settled in sleepy suburbs like Citrus Heights in the 1970s. They remained residents for five decades, until their passing last month.

    In March, Ted passed away from a blood infection at age 87, and his wife, 86, passed away just a week afterward when the family said her heart stopped.

    The couple’s son, Dan Slauson, told The Sentinel in an email Monday that his father’s original intention was to settle in their native Wisconsin, following retirement from the Air Force. However, not wanting to uproot the family once more, the couple decided to stay in Citrus Heights after Ted’s retirement in 1972.

    Dan described his parents’ six-decade marriage as “dynamic,” saying they each had their own hobbies and interests, but loved going to casinos, traveling, and the Chicago Cubs. Slauson said his parents’ commitment to each other is what kept their relationship going.

    “They stayed together because of their deep rooted love for each other, although for some that may have been hard to see since they were not shy about voicing their opinion to the other around others,” he said.

    The Slauson family eventually grew to six children, and Dan said his mother raised them mostly on her own as Ted was away on temporary duty assignments for the Air Force. Looking back, Slauson wonders how his parents managed all the children on a limited income, but he said they were well cared for.

    Ted collected electric trains while Jan collected teddy bears and milk glass. The couple would find these treasures at garage sales or second hand store. Dan Slauson said his parents’ hobbies influenced the children, who also have a fondness for collecting.

    Also on The Sentinel: First Honorary Mayor of Citrus Heights dies at 92

    He said his parents taught the children to be independent and resourceful; also encouraging their children to follow their dreams and “never pass up a good yard sale.”

    “They were definitely impressionable and two of a kind,” Slauson said. “When they made friends, those friendships lasted a lifetime.”

    “There is also something to be said about their bond, as mom lived only one week after dad passed away,” he said. “It was clear they were supposed to be together.”

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  • Obituary: Milton ‘Tom’ Vance, founder of Armstrong Plumbing (1933-2021)

    Tom Vance passed away on Jan. 18, 2021. // Image courtesy, Marcelle Flowers

    Submitted by family–
    Milton (Tom) Thomas Vance passed away peacefully in his home in Citrus Heights, California at the age of 87 years old on Jan. 18, 2021, after battling Parkinson’s disease and kidney cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

    Tom was born on Feb. 28, 1933 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the eldest of five children, born to Milton Roy Vance and Ruby Gayle Vance (Thomas). He graduated from Roseburg High in 1951 and served two years as a chaplain’s assistant in the United States Army.

    Tom married his wife of 54 years, Marlene Jeannette Thayer on February 21, 1960 and had five children. Upon being widowed, Tom married Shirley Yvonne Blankenship on Oct. 10, 2017.

    Tom started Vance Plumbing (now Armstrong Plumbing) in 1959 which has operated successfully for 60+ years and is now owned and managed by his children.

    He served countless years in the various bodies of Christ he was affiliated with and mentored and led to salvation many who were downtrodden and disillusioned in their faith. He had an unquenchable zeal for the word of God and lived out his faith by serving and helping others.

    Tom was a loving husband, a committed father, a connected grandfather, and a supportive sibling. He enjoyed spending time camping with his children and grandchildren, hunting, fishing, gardening, working on cars, and would rescue anyone for any reason. He was a father to the fatherless and friend to any stranger. He loved God and loved others deeply until the very end of his life.

    Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Marlene Jeanette Vance (Thayer), his father Milton Roy Vance, mother Ruby Gayle Vance (Thomas), sister Lorna Ray Jasper (Vance) and sister Ruby Ann Taylor (Vance).

    Tom is survived by his wife Shirley Vance (Blankenship), son Milton Thomas Vance, Jr. (Corlis), son Mitchell Steven Vance (Leslie), daughter Marcelle Annette Flowers (Terry), son Michael Jeffery Vance (Jeannette) and daughter Marianne Janece Harvey (John); eight grandchildren: Milton Thomas Vance III, Kyle Anthony Chattin (Kayliana), Justin Tyler Vance, Kelsey Elizabeth Vance, Cole Mitchell Vance (Maria), Dillon Prescott Flowers (Stephanie) Claire Normandy Vance, Camille Eaton Vance and one great-granddaughter, Amelia Annette Flowers.

    *Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here.