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Henry Dizon Ponce
July 15, 1946 - January 23, 2016
Resided in Salinas, CA
Henry Ponce, 69, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 in Salinas. He was born on July 15, 1946. He fought hard for two months after medical complications from his dialysis.
As part of a military family, Henry lived in Okinawa and in many states prior to settling in Salinas in 1962. He graduated from North Salinas High School in 1964 and attended Hartnell College and Northrop Institute of Technology in Los Angeles. An eight year enlistment with the US Army then ensued. During this time, he met his wife, Modena, and they were married in San Francisco in 1972. His military tours included the San Francisco Bay area, Alaska, and Germany. It was in Germany where their first son, Rick, was born in 1975. When Henry's father died in 1977, he moved his family to help care for his Mom in Salinas, His second son, Chris, was born in 1979. Henry worked for 25 years in real estate and various mortgage brokerage firms including his own company, Executive Financial Services. Some of his workers have remarked that he was a boss who would give his shirt off his back and he was always available to help them with any needs. He also liked playing practical jokes on his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Modena, of 43 years, two sons, Rick and Chris, sisters, Nenita (Don) Danielson and Norma (Ray) Grimm, brothers, Robert (Lynne) and Fred. He also leaves nephews, Erik and Kirk Danielson, and Ryan, Andrew and David Grimm.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fructuoso and Consorcia Ponce.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street. Salinas, CA 93901.
Zandra Gene Kelley
February 13, 1946 - January 5, 2016
Resided in Salinas, CA
On January 5, 2016 Heaven's glory sparkled even brighter as Zandra Gene Kelley, 69, entered its gates and was ushered into the waiting arms of Jesus. Even the angels will be more productive as she joins the ranks bringing her artistic talents and organizational skills. One can only imagine the joyful and majestic celebration that is taking place as she is reunited with our loved ones waiting to greet her.
Zandra was born in San Luis Obispo, Ca but moved to Salinas shortly after. Her home of 55 years is the place that memories were made for her own growing family as well as her sister and brothers who she sacrificially helped to raise. She showed her great love for family and friends through her special gift of hospitality. Weddings, showers, gigantic Halloween parties, and the most festive Christmas celebrations ever were created through her extraordinary efforts. The great meals, holiday baking parties, and craft and wreath making classes she provided will be fondly remembered, and help bring comfort to our hurting hearts.
Zandra had the perfect job as floral designer for Beverly's Fabric & Crafts. Her strong work ethic and innate ability to recognize and meet the needs of her customers endeared her to them and made her a valuable asset to the company. She was a gifted designer, merchandiser, teacher and salesperson, and felt blessed to get paid for doing what she loved. She took great pride in her job and the recognition the owners gave her for a job well done.
Throughout her life Zandra could be counted on to contribute her organizational skills and talents wherever needed—whether it was building a playground for the church, raising funds for charities like Relay for Life or her many years of volunteering for the Salinas Rodeo, or her with the Salinas Valley Street Rodders or Chevy Club, she always gave her all. Her mind and hands were never idle—always seeking a creative solution to any challenge put before her.
Zandra would say her greatest accomplishment in life is the beautiful family she leaves behind. Her children-Bobby Caldeira (Christine), Lisa Belnas, Chris Tidwell (Troy) all from Salinas, and Tina Melendez (Christopher), of Las Vegas. Her beloved grandchildren--Justine Hernandez, Danielle Caldeira, Bobby Caldeira, Kyle Allen, Ashlie Allen, Andreas, Nick and Jessica Belnas, Nathaniel Borchard, all of Salinas, and Natasha Borchard, of Carson City, Nevada. Her sister--Sherri Villarreal (Danny) of Turlock, Brothers Joe Hickenbottom (Dorothy), Phil Hickenbottom (Marliese), Jon Dean (Karen), all of Salinas, and many beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her children's father, Robert Caldeira, husband of 23 years James Kelley, fiancé Jere Ehrich, her parents, grandparents, and her brother Tim Hickenbottom.
The goodness and strength of her family was especially evident this past month as they united and surrounded her with tender loving care, assuring her that she could now rest peacefully, knowing she has taught us well. We will forever be grateful for the sacrifices she made to bring joy to our lives, and will aspire to honor her memory by remaining close as a family and continuing the traditions that she spent her life creating, until we can all celebrate together once again….
A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at the Harbor Chapel, 620 Dolan Road, Moss Landing, CA. 95039.
Christopher Ray Burditt
March 28, 1975 - December 31, 2015
Resided in Salinas, CA
Christopher Ray Burditt, 40 of Salinas passed away Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015. He was born March 28, 1975 in Salinas, Ca.
He worked for International Brotherhood of Electrical Works Local 234; Business Representative.
He was a member of the Native Sons of California, Salinas Bowmen, California Labor Council, Police Activities League and National Field Archery Association. Chris Graduated North Monterey County High School in 1993 and received a B.S. Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the field of Forestry and Natural Resources with a concentration in Wildlife Biology in 1999.
He was preceded in death by, grandparents Ray and Millie Burditt of Salinas, CA, and his aunt Serena De Vos and Aunt Cathleen De Vos of Salinas, CA
He is survived by his Parents, Judy and Vernon Burditt of Prunedale, CA; Grandparents Bea and Al De Vos of Aumsville, OR; his Aunt and Uncle Cathy and Mike Stillwell of Ft. Bragg, CA; Aunt and Uncle Rosemary and Lyle Smith of Pleasanton, CA; Aunt Shelly Benzon; Aunt Ruthann Scalese of Rohnert Park, CA; Aunt and Uncle Shauna and Josh De Vos of Aumsville, Oregon; Uncle Al De Vos, Aunt Geri Parenti and Mike VanArtsdalen all of Prunedale, CA; sister in life Nia Fisher of Fallon, NV and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and relatives.
Visitation will be held Saturday Jan. 9, 2016 from 2:00pm to 6:00 p.m. at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St. Salinas, CA. 93901.
Funeral Services will be Sunday Jan. 10, 2016 11:30 a.m. at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St. Salinas, CA. 93901. Reception follows.
Burial will be 11:00a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, 2016 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Salinas, CA 93907
Memorials; In Lieu of flowers the family is accepting offerings to the "Chris Burditt Memorial Scholarship Fund, ." in order to recognize and support youth in their recreational and academic endeavors into the future. Check can be made to Coast-Tel FCU Chris Burditt Memorial Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 868, Salinas, CA 93902-0868.
Chris was everything for Judy and myself, and he was the source of unbelievable love and pride for us. There are not enough great words to describe our feelings for him. Chris was our heart, our soul and the center of our universe. We miss him dearly and appreciate the tremendous support we have received from friends, family and colleagues.
Chris Buckner
December 2, 1935 - December 18, 2015
Resided in Salinas, CA
Chris Buckner, 80, of Salinas passed away peacefully on Friday, December 18, 2015 after a brief illness with his family by his side.
Chris was born in Barnardsville, NC on December 2, 1935 to Bessie and Joseph Buckner.
After graduating high school in 1954, Chris joined the army, and when stationed in Fort Ord, met the love of his life, Melba Chambers. He and Melba were married in 1957 after which they moved to North Carolina for a short time. Upon returning to California in 1959 they lived in Watsonville and then moved to Salinas to stay in 1965.
Chris worked for Langendorf Bread Co. and retired after 21 years service. He owned and operated Yamaha of Salinas for 34 years and retired in 2010.
Chris was a life member of the Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club, a member of the Salinas Elks Lodge #614 and active with the Native Sons of the Golden West.
Chris not only worked hard but played hard as well. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being a cattle rancher, riding horses, water skiing, riding motorcycles, attending car races and most of all relaxing at the lake house. He loved to attend and rarley missed the kids and grandkids motorcycle races, swim meets, baseball, softball, football and soccer games. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants fan.
His family and friends were the most important things in his life. He had a profound impact on many young lives, whether through coaching little league, supporting youth through motorcycles or teaching valuable life lessons, his wisdom, knowledge and caring always showed. He was a friend, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and all around fantastic man.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Buckner, sister, Annie Lou Carter and sister Mattie Lee Silvers.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Melba, son, Jeff Buckner and wife Roxanne, daughter Rhonda Wallace and husband Dale and daughter Lori Bush. Grandchildren Andria (Rob) James, Melisa (Justin) Roberts, Travis (Valeria) Wallace, Lindsay (Ellie) Almond, Jennifer Buckner, Michelle (Jake) Carlton, Corey (Cole) Hudson and Shelby (Cody) Hood. Chris was blessed with 10 (soon to be 11) great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Jean Foister and Eleanor Grant along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. Monday, December 28, 2015 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Salinas Valley Community Church, 368 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas, CA. 93906.
Burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbott Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
Susan Keiko Sakai
October 28, 1952 - December 9, 2015
Resided in Salinas, CA
Susan Sakai, 63 of Salinas, California, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. Susan was born October 28, 1952 in Carmel, California to Sumiko and Kei Nakamura.
She grew up in Monterey, graduating from Monterey High School and Monterey Peninsula College. In 1974 Susan married the love of her life, Toru Sakai, and moved to Salinas shortly after the birth of their children.
Susan's greatest gift to her family was the example she set by her kindness and generosity. Susan was a constant source of unconditional love, not only to her immediate family, but also to anyone with the good fortune to have met her. Susan had a magnetic personality. She could – and would – talk to anyone; she never met a stranger. She possessed a sense of humor and smile that would light up any room. She was an incredible cook, loved to entertain guests, and would make every occasion better for her having been a part of it.
Her greatest accomplishments in life were as a wife, mother and grandmother. Susan was the foundation for her family. She provided constant support and true friendship to her husband and daughters. Susan's most treasured gifts were her four grandchildren. Although they are young, the love she showed them in their short time with her will never be forgotten. She was, in the words of her loving husband, "their rock."
Susan was preceded in death by her father Kei Nakamura.
She is survived by her husband, Toru Sakai, her two daughters, Kristine (John) Heintzberger and Trisha (Robert) Walters, her mother, Sumiko Nakamura, her brother, Keith (Jana) Nakamura, and by her four beautiful grandchildren: Kai, Kade, and Kole Heintzberger; as well as Paige Walters. Susan also leaves behind many caring relatives and countless friends.
A Celebration of her life will be held Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Compass Church, 830 Padre Dr. Salinas, CA. 93901.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Liver Foundation directed toward primary biliary cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Lonella Pearl Jackson
July 3, 1920 - December 4, 2015
Resided in Salinas, CA
Lonella Pearl Jackson, 95, of Salinas passed away on Friday, December 4, 2015. She joined her loving husband and sons in heaven.
Lonella Pearl Rodgers was born on July 3, 1920 in Jacksonville, TX to Sam W. Rodgers and Christiana Rodgers (Warshaw). She was the youngest of three children. After living in Roby, TX her family relocated to Moss Landing, CA in the early 1920s.
Lonella married Harry Logan Jackson on July 30, 1938 and they lived in Alisal. Lonella gave birth to two sons: Harold Lee Jackson in 1939 and Edward Logan Jackson in 1942. Lonella and Harry worked tirelessly to raise their children.
Harry and Lonella relocated to a mobile home in North Salinas in the 1980s. Lonella was a very social person and loved making friends and hosting family gatherings. She was fond of fishing, friendly card and dice games (particularly Yahtzee), and bingo at the trailer park's clubhouse. She also loved to knit and crochet. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ on Alvin Drive in Salinas.
Lonella was preceded in death by her husband Harry (2007), parents Sam (1961) and Christiana (1972), siblings Henry (1945) and Sylvia (1978), and children Harold (1986) and Edward (2010).
She is survived by her grandchildren, Timothy (Angela) Jackson of Shingle Springs, Tamra (Jeff) Evers of Madera, and Lisa Jackson of Kearney, MO. Other survivors include four great-grandchildren: Justin, Bryce, and Trevor Evers of Madera and Jackson Mooney of Kearney, MO as well as two nieces: Roberta McDermott of Marina and Elizabeth Roy of Salinas.
Visitation will be held 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00p.m. Friday, December 11, 2015 at Struve and Laporte Chapel.
Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbott Street, Salinas, CA 93901.
Franklin "Gene" Nielsen
October 1, 1928 - November 19, 2015
Resided in Salinas, CA
Franklin "Gene" Nielsen passed away peacefully at his home November 19, 2015 surrounded by family at the age of 87. Gene was born in Salinas to Clarence and Pearl Nielsen on October 1, 1928. He graduated from Salinas High in 1946 and then graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Crop Science in 1952.
Gene was never too far from the farm. After college, he returned home and worked for his uncle Ki Silacci as farm manager until he was called to serve in the Army. Following his discharge in 1957, he decided he wanted to farm on his own. He leased 120 acres of land on Esperanza Road from his mother. With a small amount of equipment and guidance from his uncles E. John Nielsen and Walter Nielsen, he started his farming venture.
Soon after, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Gomes of Hollister through a mutual friend and they were married in 1959. During their 56 years of marriage they had three children; Tom, Gerry and Kristen.
For Gene, farming was not his job it was his passion. Gene never retired. Seven days a week he toured the ranches and wrote down in his daily diary what was happening. He farmed every day with his two sons, until his recent illness. He loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting and jeep rides around the Silacci Ranch or Muddy Creek, a pastime he enjoyed with his friends and family. His greatest joy was being around his grandchildren and attending their activities.
Gene was an avid supporter of the California Rodeo. In 1946, Gene became involved in the Rodeo through the urging of Ki Silacci. After years of volunteering, he became a director in 1962 and was elected as the Associations President 1973-74 and remained a director for more than 50 years. Gene also served as the President of Public Recreation Unlimited for 23 years, was a member of the Farm Bureau and a 60 year member of the Salinas Elks Lodge.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Pearl Nielsen and his sister Laurine Jenkinson.
Gene is survived by his wife Bonnie, his children Tom (Kerri), Gerry (Angela), and Kristen (Tim).Grandchildren Lauren and Allyson Tomasello, Carl Walter Nielsen, and his Brother-in-Law Sam Jenkinson, nephews Sam and Jeff Jenkinson.
A Memorial Service will be held at Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel, 41 San Luis St., Salinas, CA at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015.
A reception will follow in the Rodeo Room at the Salinas Sport Complex.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Public Recreation Unlimited, P. O. Box 2652, Salinas, CA 93902, V.N.A & Hospice, P. O. Box 2480, Monterey, CA 93942, Notre Dame High School, 455 Palma Drive, Salinas or the donor's favorite charity.
