Sunday Obituaries

11/27/05

CLAVEL, Louise F.

was born on November 20, 1912 in Santa Barbara and passed away peacefully November 16, 2005. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Teeter; brother, Leon Clavel; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Louise worked for the Santa Barbara School District for many years, retiring in 1974.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service which will be held on Monday, November 28 at 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be sent to San Roque Catholic Church in her memory.

Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

HALE, Kenneth

November 6, 2005, a wise man and family patriarch peacefully departed this life at the age of 90 years. Ken was born in New York City and was raised between large Italian and Jewish neighborhoods, where, in his own words, he readily absorbed the finer points of both cultures. His Uncle John, a school principal, nurtured his interest in languages and the sciences. His fascination for science grew to inspire him to study medicine, which along with literature became lifelong interests. His talent in math led him in a different direction however and he graduated as a civil engineer from New York University in 1936.

His first job was construction of the Empire State Building, followed by the country's first public housing project, Levittown. While working in one of the aqueducts that brought water to New York City, his foot became severely damaged in a tunnel cave-in, which precluded him from military service in WWII. He ably assisted the war effort none-the-less by supervising the construction of new shipways at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Kenneth was a deliberate human being, who traded a brilliant career traveling the globe for the stateside security of serving the civilian Army Corps of Engineers and to provide for a mother who adopted him from an orphanage when he was 3 years old. He took care of her for the rest of her life in gratitude. After a 43-year career with the Corps, he became a consultant for McCarthy Associates, handling contractor's claims against the government.

Responsible to the core, Kenneth was generous and gifted in many ways. An Eagle Scout, he later became a Scoutmaster. When his mother was elderly, he taught her Jamaican nurse to read, preparing her for future job opportunities. He excelled in liturgical knowledge and volunteered in church financial stewardship as well as tutored students in language at Adams School here in Santa Barbara. At 73, the urbane New Yorker and his bride Mavis, moved to the Samarkand Retirement Community, which he called a prudent move, and likened living there to "a perpetual cruise to oblivion."

His humor and intellect were hallmarks intact to the end.

He and Mavis continued to travel around the world on annual vacations, including 18 trips to Europe, to see the many places he knew from literature and history. A Renaissance man, Kenneth was ever curious, and conversant on an amazing range of topics, resulting in a winning appearance on Jeopardy!

He enjoyed making things, from leather craft to furniture. He was proud of helping create the professional woodshop at Samarkand, where he served as president of the woodworking club, and made wooden toys for the Braille Institute, where he taught woodworking to the blind. For his 80th birthday, he was utterly surprised to be reunited with his birth father's family, through his son Peter's dogged detective efforts, uncovering his relation to the Poughkeepsie based Boris Rose family tree. In 1997, he was the oldest living member of that family, attending the first Rose family reunion in the Pocono's, where as the patriarch, he reveled in his Jewish roots and met relatives from all over the world.

He shared the family musical talent, expressed in his Lutheran church choir and piano playing. His New York Yiddish was useful and reflected his keen interest in language and philology. Kenneth was a consummate speller right up until the eve of death, correctly rattling off winning challenge words that stumped all but the best in a local spelling contest.

Predeceased in 1999 by his wonderful wife Katherine Mavis of 60 years, he leaves daughter Susan Leroux, Port Charlotte, Florida and son Peter Hale of Santa Barbara, grandchildren Laura Supper, New York City and Jeffrey Supper, Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Remy Galvan-Hale, Santa Barbara, as well as great grandchildren Shelby and Ashlyn Supper.

We only wish more people had the opportunity to know this wise and solitary man. A celebration of his life is scheduled at the chapel at Samarkand on December 1, 2005 at 3:30 PM.

MAUST, Irving Clayton

August 18, 1914 - November 22, 2005

Irving Clayton (Bud) Maust was born in Hardin, Montana, the son of Jacob Chauncy Norris and Ada Mapes Norris. At age two Bud moved to Falls City, Nebraska, where he and his sister June were adopted by their aunt and uncle, Blanche and Irving Clayton Maust. Bud grew up happily in this small town, playing pranks and football. His high school sweetheart, Sara Hutchings, became his wife forty years after their graduation.

Bud attended the University of Nebraska where he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, studied, made lasting friendships, and waited tables for his board. One year into law school the Depression forced an abrupt shift from law to a business career. Help Wanted signs were scarce in 1936. Bud welcomed an offer from a fraternity brother for room and board in his Los Angeles home. Bud soon found work as a clerk for Occidental Life Insurance Company. There he met and married Glenn Marie Reche, with whom he had three children.

Bud's career in business is a story of many moves and a steady climb, often helped on by his friendships, to becoming a vice-president of three corporations - Foote Brothers (Chicago), Bendix (Detroit) and Allen Bradley Aeronautics (Cleveland). Many of the friendships developed through business, organizational work, boating and neighborhood life have lasted fifty or sixty years. The demands of business seldom interfered with family fun. An avid boater, he and his family enjoyed voyaging the great lakes with other families.

In 1972 his marriage with Glen ended and Bud found his old high school love, Sara, again. She had been a war widow since 1944 and had one daughter. Sara joined him in Cleveland for the last few years of his working life, and they moved to Santa Barbara when he retired in 1975. Bud and Sara enjoyed their Montecito home for 32 years. These happy times were filled with travel, family visits, golf, fishing, carpentry projects, and, for twenty years, adult education writing classes. He participated in the local Kiwanis Club as president, the Montecito Golf Club, and the Cosmopolitan Club. His friends will remember him as a fun-loving "can do" guy. He enjoyed nothing more than being with them and his family.

Bud is survived by his wife, Sara Hutchings Maust; his daughter, Breon (Mrs. Charles Lott) of Portage, Michigan; sons, Robert Maust of Boulder, Colorado and Brian Maust of Brighton, Michigan; seven grandchildren; twin great-grandchildren; his half-brother, Joseph Norris of Belen, New Mexico; step-daughter, Mary Jo Hartle of Santa Barbara; and step-granddaughter, Sara Wheeler-Smith.

There will be a memorial service at a future date. Those wishing to memorialize Bud may make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 2024 De La Vina Street or to the Friendship Adult Day Care Center, 89 Eucalyptus Lane.

MONK, Raymond

Aug. 16, 1929 - Nov. 16, 2005

Ray Monk, age 76, passed away Wednesday Nov. 16, surrounded by his loving family, after a year with lung cancer.

Ray was born in London, England, during the depression years. In his early childhood and until age 11 he lived with his grandmother, and was a choirboy at high church. As a youth he also experienced the nightly bombings of the London Blitz during World War II.

At age 17 in 1947 he enlisted in the British Royal Air Force, serving in the Middle East and England for 8 years. He served as an aerial photographer, recruiter, and intelligence tester. He met his wife Jessie during those years and married in 1952, where they lived in Southampton, England. Emigrating to the USA in October 1961 with son Douglas and daughter Carole, they settled in Santa Barbara.

Ray was employed by Mark Hurd Aerial Survey and Pacific Western Aerial Survey, later starting his own companies Photo Engineering and CADD of Santa Barbara.

Retiring from photography at age 54, he did volunteer work for 12 years at the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, adjacent to the Santa Barbara Mission. He helped to make this a beautiful garden with careful and caring maintenance. After living in Santa Barbara for 41 years, he and his wife Jessie moved to Ventura, where they found another rose garden to care for at the Olivas Adobe State Historical Park. They were recently awarded Volunteer Group of the Year 2005 by the City of Ventura.

Ray was happy in his younger years playing both cricket and soccer. He always played the goalkeeper. He loved square dancing, was an avid reader, gardener, and Lions Club member. He enjoyed conversing with anyone who would listen, had a great knowledge of world events and history, and loved classical and bluegrass music. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a kind and gentle man.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jessie, son Douglas Monk, daughter Carole Trainer (and Kevin), daughter Sharon Clack (and Tim), and grandchildren Ryan Tanner, Timothy Clack, and William Clack. He is also survived by 3 sisters and 2 brothers in England.

Ray requested no memorial service. Cremation has already taken place. In his memory, donations may be made to ProCare Hospice, 1700 N. Lombard St. #210, Oxnard, CA 93030.

O'KEEFFE, Frances J.

Frances J. O'Keeffe was born July 2, 1915 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. She passed away suddenly November 17, 2005. She was a descendent of Mayflower Pilgrims. Frances, known to everyone as Gran, was a graduate of New Bedford Teacher's College and the widow of film director, Paul D. O'Keeffe.

She was an avid gardener whose Hope Ranch estate was open to Pearl Chase Garden Tours. Fran was an accomplished horsewoman who rode her appaloosa horse Beaver daily. She was a founding member of the Hope Ranch Riding and Trails Association. She also loved zipping around town in her white 1956 Thunderbird.

In recent years Fran was happy to spend her time surrounded by her lovely gardens, her two dogs, trips to the beach, and visits from family - her granddaughter Carol and husband Herb, and great grandchildren Abi and Mitch. She would instruct Abi on what china to use when they had their special tea parties together and Abi would read to her.

Fran is survived by her son Paul, his wife Diana, granddaughter Carol, great grandchildren, Abi and Mitch. Fran is also survived by her two nephews, Richard and Eldon Burgess. Her granddaughter, Katherine, died in 1970.

The family wishes to thank Martha, Alicia and Margarita for their warm and loving care. Fran's spirit will always be with us. In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes may support the Santa Barbara Humane Society in memory of Fran.

PIKE, Sheryl D.

1945 - 2005

Sheryl D. Pike lost her year-long battle with cancer November 20, 2005. The world was a better place for so many of us during the time she was here. All too young, Sheryl celebrated her 60th birthday with loved ones in August. Sheryl was the first born to proud parents Dee and Zane Browning of Carpinteria on August 8, 1945. She was followed into the world by Rod and then Peg Browning. Sheryl graduated from Carpinteria High in 1963. She married her lifelong soul mate, Carl (Butch, Uncle Buck) Pike 38 years ago in January. They were married at the home of her loving friend Judi (Brower) Billey in Carmel. They retired to Sedona, Arizona in 2002; however, Sheryl always missed her beloved Santa Barbara and was destined to return. She was a California girl through and through. They bought a motor home with the intention of seeing this wonderful country she so loved but she was diagnosed with melanoma cancer in January. They sold their home in Sedona and returned to the Santa Barbara area in June to be with family.

Sheryl touched so many lives through her humanitarian efforts. She was a care giver all of her adult life. Sheryl, like her mother Dee loved entertaining family and friends. There was always something cooking at the Pike's and everyone was welcome. After Dee and Zane moved to Plymouth, California, their home became the family center. She was born with a positive attitude and never lost it. Even through her struggle with this cruel disease she remained positive for those around her. Doctors, nurses and hospital personnel fell in love with Sheryl during the three months she spent in the hospital in Phoenix. What she called "My A Team" gave us an extra six months to love her and get her back home. She broke many hearts in Sedona when she said goodbye. Sheryl was a board member of Chamber Music Sedona and Sedona Jazz on the Rocks where she is deeply missed. She was also a member of Dames That Make A Difference and a Sedona Garden Club.

During her many years in Santa Barbara Sheryl was involved with Santa Barbara Museum of Art Women's Board, Santa Barbara Council, Navy League of the United States, John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts, Santa Barbara Symphony League, Assistance League of Santa Barbara, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Old Mission, St. Francis Hospital Guild, Central Coast Venture Forum, Dyslexic Awareness & Resource Center, and United Way Campaign. Where did she find the time? Sheryl, like her sister Peg, could never say no. Carl said many times, "you have got to learn to sit on your hands."

Sheryl and Carl never had any children but she was the favorite aunt of her nieces and nephews and adopted nieces and nephews whom she was so very, very proud of.

Sheryl is survived by her husband Carl and their beloved four legged companion Barclay Pike; brother Rodney and wife Carola, and their son Chris Browning; sister Peg, Bret and Blaire Suding; Rodney, Ann, Lucian and Tristan Browning/Cravens and three Pike brothers, their wives, nieces and nephews who love her from Colorado.

Sheryl did not want a funeral but has helped plan a "Celebration of my Life" party. Her ashes will be mixed with wildflower seeds and spread in a special place chosen by Bret and Blaire as she so wished. In lieu of flowers a contribution to any of her favorite charities would be greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Judi, Bobbie, Mac, Vicki, Rosh, Carole, Marilyn, Jane, Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care, and Dr. Donna Walker for caring so much. I couldn't have made it without each and every one of you. Also, thank you to all of you who wanted to help Sheryl through this journey but didn't get the chance. My heart is broken, we love you Aunt Jerry.

SICILIA, Jeanette

70, of Goleta, died November 16, 2005. She was born and raised in Coleraine, Minnesota. Married Guido Sicilia on July 28, 1956.

Jean is survived by her husband Guido of Goleta; son John Sicilia of Goleta; daughter Susan Sicilia; son David Sicilia; daughter Lori Magno; son-in-law Vince Magno; grandsons, Zak and Bailey Magno of Santa Barbara; sister Linda Blauert; brother-in-law Gary Blauert of Babbitt, Minnesota; and nephew John and Kay Blauert of Wisconsin.

Her family appreciates the care Jean received from Dr. Michael Bernstein, Rosanna Petronella and Stella Kovacs from SB Medical Foundation.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 1st at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, 2936 De La Vina Street at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made to the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara or Diabetes Resource Center of Santa Barbara.

SUNDBERG, Hortense (Ginger)

8-7-1924 to 10-25-2005

Ginger was born in Twin Valley, Minnesota in 1924. She grew up on a farm in Ada, Minnesota. She married her first husband in 1951 on the island of Guam where she was teaching. After traveling around the world they went to teach in Nigeria for a year where her first son Bill was born. From there they moved to Kennewick, Washington where she taught elementary school. Her second son Marty was born in nearby Pullam, Washington. After coming to Santa Barbara in 1959, Ginger received her California Teaching Credential from UCSB. Soon after she taught at Laguna Blanca for one year, and 5th grade at Adams School for seventeen more. After retiring from teaching, Ginger and her second husband Gus started G&G Beverage Products. They ran it for about ten years with the help of her second son Marty. After retiring for good, Ginger and Gus moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico for seven years. Wanting to be closer to their kids, Ginger and Gus moved to Taft, California where she lived for about seven years until she died after a long, very courageous battle with cancer. Ginger loved to travel in their motor home. She also loved to help out at the Peace Lutheran Church in Taft where she was a devout member. She is survived by her husband Gus, sons Bill and Marty, stepdaughter Karen and stepsons Bob and Scott. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.