Individual Notes
Note for: Helen Jordan, -
Index
Individual Note: Had no Children.
Individual Notes
Note for: Richard Randall Verrue, 3 MAR 1921 - 8 SEP 2002
Index
Burial: Date: 20 SEP 2002
Place: Upland, San Bernadino, California
Individual Note: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM: Frank Kirkman, Frank@@Kirkman.com 9/20/2002.
WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION
A Worship Service For Richard R. Verrue
First Presbyterian Church
Upland, California
Friday, September 20,2002,2:00 p.m.
OBITUARY: Richard R. Verrue
We are here to give thanks for the goodness of God; to respond in hope to Christ's rising from the dead; and to gather strength from the Holy Spirit who comforts us in these times of sorrow and bereavement.
We are also here to pay a respectful tribute to the late Richard R. Verrue who died on September 8, 2002 at the Kindred Hospital, Ontario, CA. He was 81.
Dick was born March 3, 1921 in Manteca, CA the eldest of three sons born to Elmer and Dolly Verrue. He was raised in Hanford, CA and attended the schools there. After graduation from High School Dick attended Visalia Junior College and Fresno State University studying engineering.
In 1939 Dick met Roberta while the two happened to be camping at the same time in Sequoia National Park. They were married on July 3, 1941. Dick was working at the time for Lockeed as an engineer.
Dick served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946. After the war he began a long career with Southern California Edison--a job that took his family and he to a number of cities serviced by the utility company. Dick rose to be "District Manager for the Ontario-Eastern Division" which brought his family and him to this part of the state. In 1973 Roberta and he moved to the Upland area and, after his retirement in 1983, they decided to stay in this area moving to their current home at Redhill in that same year of 1983.
Dick is survived by his wife Roberta of 61 years; daughter Carol Cheeseman of Rialto; son Randall of Belvedere, CA; one brother, Don of Meadow Vista, CA; by 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, a large number of nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Dick was active in such organizations as the Masonic Lodge, Upland Rotary, United Way, scouting, and the Red Hill Country Club. Additionally, Dick served two terms on the Grand Jury for San Bernardino County and was a member and an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Upland.
Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved life and was a very optimistic person. He enjoyed the game of golf as well as such sports as football and baseball. He and Roberta had the pleasure of traveling throughout the United States, North America, and many parts of the world. He was most interested in the subject of history and was very fond, not only of his immediate family but of his extended family as well.
\'Ve are going to miss Dick and his many great qualities but let us trust him now to God, who in mercy and compassion has made a place for him in that home not made with human hands Amen.
"CHRISTIAN OPTIMISM" -- A Funeral Message by Gary R. Hindman, on the occasion of the death of elder Richard Verrue.
Scriptures: Romans 8:28, 31-36, 37-39 and Psalm 23.
Today we are remembering Dick Verrue in a variety of ways. He was a relative: a loyal husband, a devoted father, grandfather, uncle and friend" Some will remember Dick as a patriotic citizen who served his nation and worked in his community; others will remember the contribution he made in his profession; still others will know him through Rotary, Redhill, or the Lodge. You may remember some special gift or some special words or a conversation that you and he shared together. You may remember his broad smile, his way of pating you on the back, his firm handshake, his interest in history or ideas or people. You may remember him for his honesty and integrity. You may remember his genuine sincerity.
This past week a couple whom I had almost forgotten, sent me a note with some kind words that let me know that we had had a special relationship at one point in time and that I had officiated in their wedding nearly 20 years ago. In a similar way, it may be that you remember some little thing that Dick did, that let you know you were special to him. Or you may remember some quality of his character, as I do, this afternoon. Those things live on in our thoughts and memories; nothing can take them from us.
This week one of our church members recalled how Dick always seemed
upbeat. In fact, that is the outstanding quality that comes to my mind as I think of Dick. In a word, he was a true optimist. It seems to me that whenever I saw Dick he was in good spirits, upbeat, interested in life and people and ideas, and, in short, filled with much hope and joy"
Optimism in general could be a matter of personality-an interplay between genetics and environment. It could be so much pie-in-the-sky. But Christian optimism It is based on an observation that is made by faithful people and backed by two firm beliefs.
The observation is summarized well by the Apostle Paul who, though under the sentence of death at the Romans and suffering physical and mental anguish could say those inspirational words: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."
This idea, that all things work for good, could be easily misunderstood. Some people believe "things always works out for the best" and "only good things happen to good people" but we know this is not only na"ive, it is not true. To say "all things work for good" in the face of the evils of this world one would have to believe in an ultimate good through God. Since God looks at things from an eternal view and we look at them from an earthly view, we can not always see the good in them. That's why Christian optimism is based, less on outward circumstance, and more on trust in God because God is good and God is working out his plans.
Paul believed "all things work for good' for two reasons. First, God is in control. He wrote, "If God is for us, who is against us?.. What can separate us from the love of God?" and then he compiled a long list of calamities, many of which he personally suffered, and concluded God is in control and God will not leave you or forsake you and God will give you strength to carry on.
Words like these are important for us in days like these. When you have lost such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend as Dick there is going to be a great void. And when Dick was lingering for many days between life and death it was wonderful for me to see the love and devotion his family had toward him. There is no question that his death is a great blow and that you will experience irrepressible loss. But remember, Dick had faith and he drew strength from his faith and that same source is available to you as well. "Nothing can separate you from God's love" if you will avail yourself of God's willing desire to bless you. The faith that sustained Dick and was so much a part of his optimism can be yours as well.
The other reason for Christian optimism is also implied in the Roman's passage: nothing can stop God's plans. We can frustrate God's plans, like those terrorists did on September 11, 2001. We can ignore God's plans, for a time. We can avoid God and God's plans for a season or two. But in the end, God will take control. Thus Paul would write, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us... neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come...nor anything else in all creation, will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
A great man has died. But his memory lives on. And I hope his philosophy of living lives on, too. Dick was a man for others. He was a people-person whose
winning smile and warm handshake and ready disposition was a great blessing. But underneath what you saw was a man who believed in the goodness of life because God is at work blessing us from on high and from within.
May that same God of Paul, of Jesus, of the elders and saints and martyrs, and of Dick Verrue, bless you in the days ahead. Know that God is on your side and that your loved one is safe in his hands drawing deep, satisfying breaths of new life in heaven, with the Author of all goodness. Of this I am personally convinced, and it is, for me, like Dick, the source of my optimism Amen.
Individual Notes
Note for: Andrew Joseph Fitz, 4 OCT 1866 - 18 JUL 1944
Index
Individual Note: This Information Obtained From:1. Virgie Oberg 12/28/96 2. Frances Richards. 3. Roberta Jordan Mechalis.
Individual Notes
Note for: Ruth Carena Vance, 3 MAR 1892 - 1 JAN 1929
Index
Individual Note: This information obtained From: 1. Marilyn Miller 2. Lynnette Prufer, 1/08/2000,
3427 Holly Rd., Seneca, MO 64865
Individual Notes
Note for: John Vance, - Index
Individual Note:
This information obtained From:
1. Marilyn Miller
Individual Notes
Note for: Roberta Eloice Jordan, 26 JUN 1923 - 16 NOV 2005 Index
Individual Note:
Death notification by her daughter Lynn Snowden, bsnowden@@@@vcn.com
Remembering Roberta Jordan Mechalis
Published: November 23, 2005
Coalinga pioneer, Roberta Jordan Mechalis adjourned her last meeting, shopped for the last luncheon, presided over her last club event, hung up her keys and published her last contribution in this week';s Coalinga Record. A faithful and devoted contributor to the Record for more than 25 years, Roberta';s contribution to the newspaper has been an asset to Record readers for decades. It is with a heavy heart that the Record says goodbye to our dear friend, mentor and the longest running reporter in the newspaper';s 100 year history. Roberta was never seen without her camera, she was everywhere all the time. She died suddenly Nov. 16 in Hanford while waiting for a doctor';s appointment.
A legend in her own time, Roberta never ceased to amaze us with her can do spirit, her zest for life and her deep devotion to the community she has called home for more than 82 years.
Some are honored a few times in their lifetime but, during her 80 years on this earth, Roberta was honored hundreds times for her dedication, volunteerism and community spirit. Her passion of learning led her to a fulfilling teaching career having touched thousands of lives throughout the years.
At her 80th birthday celebration Roberta';s daughters came up with three words to best describe their mother: Energetic, intelligent and caring. Following their presentation to their mother, Roberta humbly took the microphone and read this statement to the more than 100 attending in her honor:
";My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done- Leave countless marks for good or ill ere sets this evening sun. So this wish I always wish, the prayer I ever pray: Let my life help the other lives it touches on the way.";
Roberta was born in Coalinga June 26, 1923 on what is now known as the Harris Horse Farm. Her education began at the Oil King School. She graduated from Coalinga High School with the class of 1942 and received her teaching credential from the University of California at Berkeley in 1945. She returned to her alma mater where she taught and coached for 23 years with the exception of a brief timeout when her daughters were little, she retired in 1978. Both of her daughters became teachers, following in their mother';s footsteps. She was also a devoted Horned Toad sports fan. She lived the school';s motto ";Once a Horned Toad always a Horned Toad"; every day of her life. She and her husband Frank, followed the Toads whereever they traveled to, rarely missed a game, provided fruit and drinks for the players and presented the Pamp Boreman/Frank Mechalis award each year to a deserving varsity football player. Roberta continued with the tradition following Frank';s death in 1996. The Mechalis'; also traveled extensively with annual tickets to the Indy 500 and Nascar races, toured baseball stadiums and followed the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A';s faithfully.
Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church, president of the Coalinga Woman';s Club, a member of the R.C. Baker Museum, senior center, American Cancer Society, the American Association of University Women, the Order of the Eastern Star, the unified and college districts and the Record have benefited greatly from her contributions. Her presence in our community will be sincerely missed.
Roberta was honored as Citizen of the Year, named Volunteer of the Year by many different organizations, honored as Coalinga';s Finest Treasure, Coalinga High School Alumni of the Year, received the nomination for Woman of the Year by the California Federation of Women';s Clubs, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the Retired Teacher';s Association, the ";Angels on Wheels"; program of the American Cancer Society, the Chevron Texaco Retirees and numerous others for her countless hours of dedicated volunteer work.
The annual flower show hosted by the Coalinga Woman';s Club last week was sadden by the loss of Roberta, who was serving her too many to count, terms as president. Fellow member, Gennifer Butts planned to give a mug reading ";To teach is to touch a life forever"; and cookie decorated to look like Roberta to her dear friend that morning. Butts was out of town until late Wednesday evening and didn';t find out about Roberta';s passing until Thursday morning before the event. The gift was displayed for all to see as a remembrance of their dear president.
Roberta is survived by her daughters Lynn Snowden and husband Bob, Ruth McKenna and husband Bruce, two grandchildren, Christy Zakotnik and husband Jason and John Snowden and wife Karin, her sister Marilyn Miller and husband Tommy and many, many dear friends. Roberta never met a stranger and was known and loved by all she crossed paths with.
A memorial service was held Nov. 21 at the First Presbyterian Church. Remembrances may be made to the Geer Foundation Scholarship Fund, c/o Coalinga High School, 750 Van Ness Ave.
Record staff
(November 23, 2005)
Record file photo
Roberta Jordan Mechalis as the 1998 Citizen of the Year and Grand Marshall of the Horned Toad Derby parade. (November 23, 2005)
Copyright, 2005, Coalinga Record
Roberta gave the invocation at the 2004 & 2005 Jordan Family Reunion.
This Information Obtained From: James Franklin "Frank" Kirkman
Individual Notes
Note for: Wayne Eugene Jordan, 1925 - 1926 Index
Individual Note:
This information obtained From: 1. Lynnette Prufer, 1/08/2000, 3427 Holly Rd., Seneca, MO 64865
Individual Notes
Note for: Marilyn Holly Jordan, 17 DEC 1928 - Index
Individual Note:
Marilyn Jordan was adopted by Otis and Delighta Vance Fusch, after the death of her mother Ruth Vance Jordan, and was raised in Bellfower, California as Marilyn Fusch.
This information obtained From:
1. Marilyn Miller
1/6/2000
Frank,
I am Lynnette Miller Prufer. Daughter of Marilyn Holly Fusch Miller. My mom was born Joyce Holly Jordan. Her mother died soon after giving birth so my Marilyn was adopted by her Aunt Delita Vance.
Some time ago I was at your web page. I found that some misinformation was given by Marilyn about my marriage and step children. At the time I was married to Charles "Kent" Roberts. Married June 21 1980, Divorced July 1992.
Kent was Married to Anne Menser in 1964.
They have three daughters: Leigh Anne Roberts 28 Feb 1963
Elizabeth Joy Roberts 16 Mar 1965
Amy Lynn Roberts 14 May 1970
I know this is not that big of thing but I thought you might like to know.
I am remarried to Eric Thomas "Tom" Prufer. We were married Aug. 28 1993.
Thanks for such a wonderful site to look up my history.
Lynnette Prufer lynnette@@terraworld.net
3427 Holly Rd
Seneca, MO 64865
Individual Notes
Note for: Thomas Harvey Miller, 23 JAN 1928 - Index
Individual Note:
This information obtained From:
1. Marilyn Miller
Individual Notes
Note for: James Franklin Jordan, 20 JAN 1882 - 12 MAR 1961 Index
Individual Note:
This Information Obtained From: Larry Wayne Jordan 1997
Individual Notes
Note for: James William Jordan, 8 JUL 1904 - Index
Individual Note:
This Information Obtained From: Larry Wayne Jordan 1997
Individual Notes
Note for: Frederick Franklin Jordan, 20 APR 1906 - 19 APR 1999 Index
Individual Note:
This Information Obtained From: Larry Jordan
Individual Notes
Note for: Mildred Sparkman, - Index
Individual Note:
This Information Obtained From: Larry Wayne Jordan 1997
Individual Notes
Note for: Irva Isabel McNally, 20 DEC 1915 - 3 MAR 1998 Index
Individual Note:
This Information Obtained From: Larry Jordan