Obituaries - Recent

4-25-22, Frankie Marie Marsh, 93

Frankie Marie Marsh was born January 10, 1929, in Hominy, Oklahoma. She passed away at the age of 93, peacefully at home, on April 25, 2022, with her daughters by her side.

In 1953, she and her husband, and two small children, moved from Bakersfield, CA, to Ojai, where her husband took a job working for Shell Oil Co. upon his return from the service.

Their family grew to include two more children, and they would live on the same street for the next 68 years.

Frankie was active in her local church for many years. She was a mother to every kid on her block, with many of them still stopping by to reminisce about their childhood.

She is survived by her four children: Connie Henrichs of Bakersfield, CA; Mary Davis of Ojai, CA; Kenny Marsh and wife Amy of Idaho; and Mike Marsh and wife Diane of
Idaho; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and
nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, who passed away in 2013.

Frankie wished to be cremated. A memorial service will be held later in the summer.

We would like to thank Carol and Stephanie from hospice, for all their care and devotion to our mother.

4-1-22, Bruce David Tomkinson, 87

Bruce David Tomkinson, 87, of Ojai, California, passed away surrounded by family at his home on April 1, 2022.

Bruce is predeceased by his two sisters, Joyce and Barbara. He leaves behind his loving daughter, Christine; sons Brian and Scott; granddaughter
Gemma; and former wife Candace, to cherish his memory.

Born May 22, 1934, Bruce grew up in Los Angeles, California, fathered by Francis John Tomkinson of Staffordshire, born 1891, a Hollywood set painter, and mothered by Olive Muriel Tomkinson of Melbourne, born 1898, a catalogue artist; he was surrounded by a creative spirit growing up.

He went on to attain his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, studying under internationally acclaimed ceramist, Laura Andreson.

Bruce spent his years after college pursuing his passion of crafting and teaching ceramics, eventually working as a professor for Santa Monica City College, from 1969 up until 2012.

Known for his rustic style influenced by his world travels, he would become particularly inspired while on sabbatical by the torii gates of Japan, representing a transition from the mundane to the sacred.

He incorporated this sentiment, using classical or utilitarian forms, juxtaposed by freeform sculptural and animalia elements.

Moving to Ojai in the 1990s, he was a longtime member of the Ojai Studio Artists and the Ventura County Potters’ Guild.

An ardent supporter of the arts, Bruce often donated his work to local charity auctions and continued to teach as professor emeritus well into his seventies.

Bruce most enjoyed spending time with his family and pets, always prioritizing those he loved above himself. He would often show his affection through acts of service, always ready to build, paint, or sand anything, to enhance the world he shared with those around him.

From humble beginnings in a Los Angeles bungalow, Bruce would live an intrepid life full of waterskiing on the Salton Sea, to sailing the Santa Barbara Channel. He walked under the towering redwoods and atop of the Great Wall of China, yet he never lost his innate sense of humility. Eternal persistence and determination afforded him the ability to provide a stable and loving environment to those he cared for, and he will be missed dearly.

A collection of Bruce’s early works will soon be on display, while those who knew him and his family can mingle over refreshments at the upcoming memorial event. All are welcome on this day of remembrance for a local artist, teacher, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and all-around tremendous man.

His life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 2 to 5 p.m., at The Ojai Art Center, located at 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, California.

4-6-22, Julie Ann Rischar, 81

On April 6, Julie Rischar, wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, died at age 81, peacefully in her home, after a 6 ½ year battle with cancer.

A true force of nature, Julie was difficult to capture on paper; but we did our best, knowing full well that she is somewhere out there, silently (or not so silently) correcting our grammar…

Julie Ann Ryan was born in Kalamazoo, MI, to Edward and Mureen Ryan. The oldest of three children, Julie had a classic Midwestern upbringing with long summers spent at the family’s lakeside cottage.

She attended Marquette University majoring in journalism and good clean fun. It was there that she met fellow Midwesterner Ernie Rischar, an engineering student enrolled in the Marine Corps ROTC program. On the outside, theirs was a romance of opposites attract — he a risk taker, a jokester and an adventurer, and she an avid bookworm with a reverence for planning and order. Yet, it was their mutual values and shared love of laughter that truly cemented the relationship and they were married in 1963, at Julie’s beloved Gull Lake.

Newly married, their first home was on a military base in Beaufort, SC, and their second on a base in Kingsville, TX. With Ernie’s career switch from military to commercial flying, the family moved west to Los Angeles, CA. As luck would have it, they discovered the beautiful Ojai Valley, soon to be one of Julie’s favorite places in the world, and where she lived for over 50 years.

After the busy years of raising three children, Julie earned her teaching credential and taught English at Nordhoff High School. On campus she could be found sharing her passion for language and literature, zipping around at breakneck speed or painstakingly grading papers with her favorite red pen.

Julie was beyond energetic — literally, we could barely keep up with her. Though a self-described homebody, she could be convinced to go nearly anywhere that involved a train ride, pizza or the chance to see a turtle. At home, she was known for whipping up excellent meals when there was “nothing in the refrigerator!” and her love of
gardening, and for reading on “The Couch” where she would predictably and vehemently deny that she ever stole a nap.

To know Julie and visit her home was to know a love for all things blue and white, drink a glass of her favorite chardonnay, marvel at the shelf of her favorite books, hear about family antics, and listen to the latest headlines read aloud from multiple newspapers. It was also from this hilltop location that she ran her self-appointed “Clipping Service,” where well-chosen articles were carefully highlighted, later to be handed out to friends and family, complete with comments in the margins crafted in her perfect penmanship.

Julie Rischar was no wallflower; she was a pragmatic, no-nonsense extrovert, who generously gave of herself. With her Irish “gift of gab” and storytelling, she loved to pepper her retelling of events with precise scene-setting and character-development, as well as a few embellishments here and there for effect! Julie’s kindness and devotion to those she loved ran deep. Her incredible friends were a mainstay in her life and on whom she counted for steadfast support and a good belly laugh, in good times and in bad.

Julie volunteered with many local organizations including the library used bookstore, the hospital guild, HELP of Ojai and Ojai Education Foundation, never taking for granted all that the community had given to her.

As we reflect on her legacy, we are filled with gratitude to have known and loved her and to have been known and loved by her.

To her children and their partners, she was an unwavering ally, an ever-present source of advice and our witty, always concerned, mildly stressed, loving mom.
To her granddaughters, she was their most dedicated “Nana”, who loved unconditionally, played for hours, and became a special confidant.

For all of us who witnessed Julie’s steady, “carry on” attitude and her ability to find humor in the little things, she set forth an unforgettable example of courage, bravery and strength until the very end.

Julie is survived by her siblings Jeanine Dow and Bill Ryan (Jane); children Wendy Bond (Herman), Curt Rischar (Nguyet) and Rachael Rischar (Ed); grandchildren Lauren and Julia Bond, and Rae Linh and Anna Ly Rischar.

In honor of this remarkable woman, a celebration of her life will be held in the fall. If desired, donations in Julie’s memory can be made to HELP of Ojai at www.helpofojai.org and/or Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation, Twice-Sold Tales Used Bookstore at www.ovlff.org.

3-23-22, Caroline Gray Taft, 87

Caroline Gray Taft passed away peacefully on March 23, in Ojai, California.
Caroline was born in Santa Barbara, California, to Dr. and Mrs. Percival Allen Gray, on June 30, 1934.

She attended Santa Barbara High School and then UCSB, where she earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology.

After graduation, Caroline worked at the Santa BarbaraMuseum of Natural History, as one of the few female taxidermists in the country at that time.

After her marriage to John Taft, she became an avid homemaker. She was an excellent seamstress, knitter and chef, winning many blue ribbons at the Ventura County Fair for her skills.

Her hobbies included embroidery, needlepoint, gardening, bellydancing, and travel to exotic locales. Her exceptionally decorated Christmas trees and her cats were her pride and joy.

Her later years were spent at The Gables of Ojai.

Caroline is survived by her daughters, Jenny and Julia; sons-in-law, Laurence and Marc; grandchildren, Nathan, Jaide and Alexandra — all of Ojai.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to The Gables of Ojai

and her personal caregivers, Hilaria Woollum and Carol Clarke, for their exceptional service, making her last years and moments so comfortable.

Dan P. Parks - April 29, 1927 - March 13, 2011

“A Heavenly 95th!”

Remembering Realtor, Dan P. Parks, born April 29, 1927, in Burnt Hills, New York, and died on March 13, 2011, in Santa
Barbara, California.

.…and in their pursuit of the American Dream, Dan and Renée encountered obstacles and pitfalls along the way.

Even after the most extreme adversity, Dan stood back up on his feet again and kept on pursuing brilliance for another 33 years.

Dan enjoyed Ojai on the weekends and he loved staying at the Ojai Rancho Motel back in the ’70s

… & he always picked up some Billy Baker bread.

Love,

Gary A. Parks

 

 

3-30-22, Ruth Frane (Jacobson), 85

Ruth Frane (Jacobson) 85, of Ojai, CA passed away on March 30, 2022, in Ojai.

Ruth was born in Los Angeles, CA, to Irving and Silvia Jacobson, on June 5. 

She went to high school at Hollywood High. She enjoyed oil painting, ceramics, and various other crafts.

She received recognition as Ojai Woman of the Year, and was active in her community, with her involvement with special needs children and adults. Ruth enjoyed volunteering time in the community and was actively involved in ARC, Help of Ojai, and founded and ran Denny’s Workshop for many years.

Ruth is survived by Philip and Suesan Jason, brother, (sister-in-law); Mark Jacobson, brother; Mike Ex, son, Ojai; Traci Dry, daughter, Wenatchee; Carol Keisor, stepdaughter; David Peters, stepson; Lindy stepdaughter; Kaeli Dry, granddaughter, WA; Samantha Dry, granddaughter, CA; Danika Dry, granddaughter, CA;

stepgrandchildren, Kathy, Wendy, David, Christopher, Stevie, Tracy, Patty, Stephanie, Frankie, Timothy, Susie, grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.    

She is preceded in death by her husband, Norm Frane; mom, Silvia Jacobson; father, Irving Jacobson; Brice Peters, previous husband; Denny Peters, stepson. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ARC of Ventura, 5103 Walker Street, Ventura, CA 93003. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Livingston Hospice Visiting Nurses, and her amazing care staff that have been

committed to her comfort, care, and safety during her time of need. 

Ruth will be remembered for her smile, and kindness to everyone, who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life is on May 21, 2022, at 11 a.m., at Redemption Church, 190 E. El Roblar Drive, Ojai, CA 92023, with a reception afterwards.

There will be an online service for those who are out of town or not able to attend in person.

Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.

3-7-22, Lucy Lucking, 95

Lucy Lucking passed away on March 7, 2022, in San Diego, CA. In 1926, Lucy was born to Malcolm and Lucy Chellstorp in Chicago, IL.

She spoke fondly of her girlhood days in her beloved hometown, attending Pierce Grammar School, making lifelong friends in her neighborhood, taking the streetcar and the “L” train, and playing on the beach of Lake Michigan.

After graduating Senn High School, she headed west to join her aunt and uncle, and help with the war effort.

In the first chapter of her California life, Lucy found work in Port Hueneme, CA, made new friends, and met Tom Kelley, who she married in 1947.

Living initially in Ventura, CA, they moved to Ojai in 1950, to raise their daughters and start a business, Santa Paula Office Equipment.

When Karen and Krissy were growing up, Lucy was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, Junior Women’s Club, and Children’s Home Society, embracing leadership roles and expanding her circle of friends.

A delightful hostess, Lucy enjoyed all aspects of entertaining. Guests were treated to a lovely experience: detailed recipe research and execution, fresh flowers from her garden adorning the table, a well-garnished cocktail, and omnipresent laughter.

Through her weekly tennis games, she became involved in the Ojai Tennis Tournament, continuing her community involvement.

After 50 years of marriage, Tom passed away. With her usual resilience, Lucy developed new acquaintances and pastimes.

In 2000, she married Bill Lucking, acquiring a boisterous larger family, and an interesting new life on the ranch. They had several years where they were able to travel to many places in the world that she had only read about.

In 2007, Lucy was widowed again, and moved back into town, where she lived until 2018. Being close to the Ojai Valley Museum, where she volunteered, browsing in the Arcade shops, and walking to coffee groups with friends were great pleasures to her.

Loved and respected by a large net of friends and family, Lucy will be remembered for her independent spirit, active lifestyle, and veritable beauty.

She was also preceded in death by her brother Eric Chellstorp; sister, Novia Werno; and stepson, Bill Lucking.

Her survivors include her brother, Frank Chellstorp; daughters, Karen Waldrop (Bill Waldrop), and Kristine Greer (Randy Greer); grandchildren, Lauren Price, Michael Greer, David Greer, Brianne Prante, and Kelly Greer; stepdaughters, Lana Fredell, Ruth Col, and Carly Ford. Nine great-grandchildren also remember her fondly.

3-17-22, Mary Eleanor “Mel” Calvin, 87

Mel passed away on March 17, 2022, in Austin, Texas, surrounded by family. She had been battling various ailments for the past few years.

Known by her friends and family as “Mel,” she was born on April 2, 1935, to Suzanne and Wesley LaFever, in Los Angeles, California, and spent her childhood in the Beverly Hills area.

She attended El Rodeo Elementary, Marlborough High School, and Bennet School for Girls. An avid tennis player, she played in tournaments all over California, and especially enjoyed her tournaments in Ojai, where she later lived.

After her first marriage to Nick Doughty, Mel wed Peter DeMille Calvin, her childhood friend, in 1989. They moved to Ojai to enjoy their horses, dogs, many friends, and the relaxed Ojai lifestyle. They especially loved their extensive horseback riding travel adventures.

Mel spent her time volunteering with the Ojai Festival Women’s Committee, the Ojai Hospital Guild, and the Ojai Garden Club. She was also an active member of the Live Oak Christian Fellowship Church in Ojai.

A huge Trojan fan, and especially USC football, Mel rarely missed a game. She was happiest when surrounded by a houseful of friends, cheering on her Trojans. She loved spending time in the kitchen, fine-tuning recipes, and creating delicious meals for her family.

A lover of the outdoors, she enjoyed daily walks with her dog and in her beautiful garden. She was a skilled piano player, and filled her home with music. She also loved playing any kind of game, and was a Rummikub master.

Energetic and a lover of life, she always had a warm smile for everyone. Her wonderful wit allowed her to see the humor in most things. She was up for anything, and when on an adventure, she would always comment “Wasn’t that FUN?!”

At heart, Mel was a very loving soul, who cared deeply for those around her. Mel was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her absence will be felt by all who knew and loved her, but her wonderful youthful presence will continue on in our hearts and minds forever. She was well-loved and will be sorely missed.

A celebration of Mel’s life will be planned for a later date.