Thursday Obituaries

12/1/05

DIAZ, Mary J.

was called to Heaven on November 27, 2005. She was born on March 30, 1915 in Goleta Valley. She was raised in the Goleta Valley and lived all of her life in Santa Barbara County.

She is predeceased by her husband Julian Diaz, her mother Angela C. Delgado, father Manuel C. Delgado; sisters, Juanita "Jennie" Casarez and Mary Cruz. She had no children, but is survived by many nephews and nieces.

She attended Goleta Union Elementary School and loved to travel to Mexico with her husband, who was from the state of Durango.

Her family wishes to thank all those who cared for her during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, friends may remember Hospice of Santa Barbara and the Diabetes Resource Center of Santa Barbara.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation, Friday, December 2 from 9am to 10am at Welch-Ryce-Haider Goleta Chapel, with a prayer memorial service at 10am. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

PUTZ, Mary McKeen Kayser

May 24, 1945 - November 27, 2005

Mary McKeen Kayser Putz was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 24, 1945. Known to all family and friends as "Keen," passed away quietly at her home in the early morning on November 27, 2005. She was and will to this day be remembered as the most fun, humorous, loving, and kindest woman, mother, auntie, and friend to all that knew her. She will always be my best friend. She had a unique sense of humor that captivated everyone, a laugh that was contagious, and a smile so warm and nurturing that you couldn't help but smile back and just adore her. She was warm, inspiring, intelligent, and compassionate. She was the most thoughtful and giving person, always writing "thank you notes" and sharing with you how special of a person you were. She would always make a point to let you know that she sincerely cared about you, if not loved you. She loved dearly her loving husband Tim of more than 38 wonderful years, along with their two children Timothy and Kiley. She absolutely adored her family, friends, and recently adopted kitty, scooter.

As a young girl Keen moved to Santa Barbara in 1952 with her late parents Edwin and Mary Kayser who founded Kaysers Nutrition, originally on 15 East Figueroa Street in La Arcada Court. She was born a hard worker and knew the value of earning everything, starting at earning a mere 25 cents an hour working at "Kaysers" when she was just 9 years old. After graduating from Marymount Elementary she went on to Santa Barbara Junior High where she played the staring roll as the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz where she stole the show with her infamous crackling witch voice. It wasn't unusual then for Keen to take center stage as she was one of the most outgoing, personable, and charismatic individuals anyone had known. She loved to dance, sing, and always enjoy herself. She was class of 1963 at Santa Barbara High School and shortly after moved to Los Angeles where she worked for both the Carnation and Doheny Companies. She returned to Santa Barbara in the mid 60's and joined her parents with running their Kaysers Nutrition 5 Points location as the Purchasing/Assistant Manager. Everyone wonders how Keen was given her name. Her mother's first name was Mary and therefore her parents wanted to give her the name of Keen, an abbreviation of her middle name. Keen was a direct descendant of Thomas McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The name McKeen has continued to stay in the family as Tim and Keen's daughter is Kiley McKeen.

In the spring of 1968, she was apart of her Santa Barbara High School reunion committee for planning their 5-year class reunion. It was then that she met her future husband Tim Putz, who was also a 1963 graduate and had known Keen since the 7th grade at Santa Barbara Junior High. Just a few short years apart since school and some growing up Keen thought Tim was a "fox."

This led to a courtship of only 3 weeks until the question of marriage arose, and a wedding in October sealed with nuptials at Mt. Carmel Church in Montecito. The love and admiration they had for each other was nothing but unconditional, loving, and nurturing throughout their entire marriage.

Keen then joined her husband in the photography business and together they successfully ran "Tim Putz Photography" for over twenty years. She continued to be active with the Junior League of Santa Barbara during those years. Working with her husband and raising their two children Timothy Elliott and Kiley McKeen took much of her time and she loved every minute of it. Joining the Santa Barbara Yacht Club both her and Tim found time to sail and cruise the local Channel Islands. Over the years this provided great fun for them and lasting friendships made by all members of the family.

Keen continued to worked closely with Tim in all phases of their business and saw their company grow to Santa Barbara's foremost photography studios. In 1981 they branched into photo finishing with two Fast Foto locations in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Five years later they decided to sell their Photography studio to David Roth and they focused their attention on building their "photo finishing one hours."

Keen and Tim enjoyed retirement early by spending their time traveling, relaxing, and spending time with their family. Keen continued to be actively involved in the SB Motorcycle Toy Run for many years since her and Tim were Harley owners.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Timothy Paul Putz, and her daughter, Kiley McKeen Putz; her brother-in-law Greg Putz; sister-in-law Christina Putz; her future son-in-law Patrick Walker, many nieces, close family members, and loving friends. Her beloved son, Timothy Elliot Putz, who died unexpectedly in October 2003, predeceased Keen. We believe with God's grace and wisdom the two are reunited.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Santa Barbara Unity Shoppe, Santa Barbara Humane Society, or Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005 at 12:00 pm at Santa Barbara Cemetery.

WARD, Derek Franklyn

Derek left the earth to join his mother, his two brothers, and the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 27, 2005. He left us in the loving arms of his precious wife Cathy.

Derek was a third generation Santa Barbaran born at St. Francis Hospital on July 29, 1959. He attended San Roque Grammar School and graduated from Bishop Diego High School, class of 1977. Derek loved sports, especially football. He was a charter member of Santa Barbara YFL and a four year letterman linebacker at Bishop Diego. He also attended Santa Barbara City College.

Derek entered the workforce working in the family business. Through his hard work and effort he became owner of Central Coast Copier.

On October 24, 1987, Derek married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Goldrick. A marriage made in Heaven as shown by their great love for each other. The joy of their life was a son, William, born July 27, 1997.

Derek's love of athletics continued through his son William as he was his coach in youth soccer and little league baseball. Derek was a strong supporter of St. Louis De Montfort Grammar School through contributions of labor and donations.

Derek is survived by his wife, Catherine; son, William; father, Jack; sisters, Debra Johnson, her husband Jerry, Darlene Hayes, her husband Dwight; and sisters-in-law, Sue Ward, Meredith Cota and her husband Mike Cota. He is also survived by ten nephews and three nieces, Jack Hayes, Joe Hayes (wife Dena), Patrick Hayes, Dane Ward, Dayli Ward, Turbo Ward, Dodge Ward, Jessica Johnson, Anthony Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Caitlin Main, Mitchell Cota and great niece, Jenna Hayes. Derek was preceded in death by his mother, Betty, and brothers, David and Joseph.

Derek was loved by all for warmth, compassion, and love of life. He was a good guy. He left us too soon and took part of our hearts with him. We will miss him dearly, but he is now with his Mom and brothers.

Services as follows: Memorial Mass- Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m. at St. Louis De Montfort Church, Cark Ave., Santa Maria, CA; Rosary- Friday, December 2, 7:00 p.m. at Welch-Ryce-Haider Goleta Chapel; Funeral Mass- Saturday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Goleta. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be sent to St. Louis De Montfort Catholic School Scholarship Fund, c/o Father Bede, 509 Harp Rd., Santa Maria, CA 93455.

Arrangements are made by Welch-Ryce-Haider.