Evangelina Ahumada

Evangelina Ahumada of Orange Cove, died on Aug. 19, 2023. She was 80 years old. Mrs. Ahumada was a farm laborer. Services were already held and burial was at Smith Mountain Cemetery. She is survived by her two sons, three daughters, 21 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, four sisters and three brothers. Dopkin’s Dinuba Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Paddy Ann Brown

Paddy Ann Brown was born Nov. 16, 1950 and passed away July 22, 2023 in Sanger, Calif. at the age of 72. She was born in Yreka, Calif. and grew up in Hilt, Ore. and Ashland, Ore. where she laid the foundation for a remarkable journey through life that eventually led her to her final resting place in Sanger, Calif.

She met the love of her life, Ronald Brown, while working at Fruehauf Corporation. Their love story led them to Sanger, Calif., where they spent over 50 years together until his passing in 2022.

Paddy dedicated 31 years of her life to the Fresno Bee, serving as the executive secretary to the chief editor. Her commitment to her profession left a lasting impact on the newspaper and those she worked alongside. In addition to her work, Paddy and Ronald built a cherished family farm where they lived for many years before moving into town in 2009.

Adventure was an essential part of Paddy’s life, and she shared many thrilling moments with Ronnie, her husband, traveling the country on the back of their beloved Gold Wing motorcycles. Together, they explored every nook and cranny of the United States, creating unforgettable memories during their 40-year journey. Not stopping there, their love for travel led them to explore nearly 35 countries across the globe, discovering new cultures and making friends along the way.

In addition to her travels, Paddy found joy in various hobbies and activities. She was an active member of the Red Hat Society, enjoyed Bunko nights with her friends, and was an avid quilter and knitter, creating beautiful pieces that will be cherished by her loved ones.

Paddy is preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Louis Oakley, her brother Robby, stepson, Kenny Brown, and loving husband, Ronald Brown. She is survived by her sisters, Terry Miller and Tammy Oakley, her daughter, Jennifer Brown-Krause, her granddaughter, Susanne Brown, and her daughter-in-law, Linda Brown.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Sanger Cemetery (568 S. Rainbow Rte., Sanger CA 93657) at 1 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Paddy’s life and bid farewell to a beloved woman who will be dearly missed.

Javier Saenz Escutia

Javier Saenz Escutia of Fresno, died on Aug. 22, 2023. He was 57 years old. A funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sanger. Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Morales Estigoy

Richard Morales Estigoy of Reedley, died on July 26, 2023. He was 33 years old. Mr. Estigoy was a chef. Visitation will be held on Sept. 1, 2023 from 9 to 9:30 a.m., a Rosary will be said from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and followed by the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Dinuba. He is survived by his parents, Benny and Eva Estigoy and his five brothers. Dopkin’s Reedley Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Nola Mae Herd

Nola Mae Herd of Dinuba, died on Aug. 21, 2023. She was 87 years old. Mrs. Herd was an elementary school baker. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dopkins Funeral Chapel. A graveside service is on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Smith Mountain Cemetery. She is survived by her one son, two daughters, six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, two sisters, one brother. Dopkin’s Dinuba Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

David Theodore Knoll

David Theodore Knoll of Reedley, Calif. died on Aug. 9, 2023. He was 72 years old. A funeral service was held on Aug. 22, 2023 at Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church and interment at the Reedley Cemetery District. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Knoll, four daughters, his mother, Mary Knoll, two brothers, one sister, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Dopkin’s Reedley Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements. 

The family would like to thank those who came to celebrate Dave’s life at the funeral. Dave was one of the most focused, hardworking and faithful men and many in the community would agree. He lived with conviction and remained true to himself – never afraid to tell you his opinion. He was many things to many people: a husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, son, brother, uncle, boss, friend and mentor. 

David Theodore Knoll was born on June 11, 1951, in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was the second of four children born to Michael and Mary Knoll. His siblings are Timothy and wife Renee of Mountain Home, Ark.; Cynthia Knoll of Bismarck, ND; and Danny Knoll of Tucson, Ariz. Dave spent his childhood enjoying the outdoors while hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and going to drive-in movies. He loved to work and serve people from a young age. He was a dedicated paperboy, shined shoes and learned to repair saddles. 

Dave attended elementary school at St. Joseph Catholic school in Mandan, ND; Hughes Junior High School in Bismarck and Bismarck High School. He joined the Navy shortly after graduation in June 1969, in hopes of seeing the world. Dave was assigned to college level Computer Electronics courses in an A School in Tennessee, then served most of his time as the right-hand man to the base commander at NAS Lemoore. He was honorably discharged in March 1973 at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. It was during this time that he met his first wife and lovingly adopted her daughter, Crystal. Dave returned to Mandan, ND to learn the plumbing trade alongside his uncle Richard Zander at Mandan Plumbing but promptly knew he did not want to endure the frigid winters of North Dakota any longer. After becoming the proud father of Brandy in January 1974, he returned to Central California six months later and began working for Chet Pharis in Reedley.

In March 1976, Dave and Sharon met when he was dispatched, by Ardis and Carola Pharis, to replace a water heater at her home in Orosi. Dave and Sharon instantly connected on many levels, including their growing passion for the Lord. Their first and only date was at Roller Towne in Visalia, where they spent the evening skating hand in hand. Six months later they wed in a private ceremony in the living room of her employer, Phil and Elaine Opperman. A dear friend, Sharon, was elated to be the instant mother of Crystal and Brandy. In 1978, they took a leap of faith and started their own business, Knoll Plumbing, a week before Mona was born. Virginia came along in 1980 and their family was complete. Last year Dave and Sharon celebrated 46 years of marriage.

Dave worked tirelessly to build his business as a plumbing contractor to provide for his family. The business went through seasons over the years, from custom homes, to cold storages and food processing plants, but the bread and butter, and the heart of the business was always service. Dave served his employees by being generous when he could and allowed them to put their own families first. He served the community by taking care of widows and the elderly. The success of his business is a testament to his honesty and integrity in all that he did. Dave honored the Lord by serving the community through his business. He was proud of all he learned and achieved over the years and truly loved what he did, and the friends he made along the way.

On the rare occasion he wasn’t working on a Saturday, Dave enjoyed taking the family on day trips to the coast. No trip to the Monterey Wharf was complete without caramel corn and salt water taffy. As many years as he was able, Dave would shut down his business for two weeks and drive the family to Bismarck to walleye fish with his dad and siblings. The family hobbies and family. 

Unfortunately, the disease came back with a vengeance and his body began to fail quickly. Sharon and the girls are forever grateful to God for the final week of Dave’s life. They spent the days with him in the hospital sharing memories, love and gratitude for one another. In the days before his passing, Dave said, “Remember, I wasn’t cheated. I had a great life.” While he hated to leave so many family and friends behind, he knew that to die is gain, just as the Bible promises. Dave is now free of disease and able to breathe deeply again in his Heavenly Father’s house. He is with his Creator and Savior.

John A. Langenheim

John A. Langenheim of Sanger, died on Aug. 25, 2023. He was 80 years old. Services are pending. Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Lucy Lopez Martinez

Lucy Martinez of Dinuba, California passed away peacefully with her family by her side, surrounded by love, at Hinds Hospice in Fresno, California.

Lucy was born in Phoenix, Arizona, she lived most of her life in Dinuba. Lucy worked for Don’s Shoe Store, United Market, Otani’s Market, Lyles Pharmacy and Dinuba Unified School District. Lucy was well known and loved in her community.

Lucy was preceded in death by parents, Jose and Margarita, sisters, Ernestina and Margarita, brothers, Joe, Felix, and Manuel Lopez.

Lucy is survived by Paul, her beloved husband of nearly 74 years. Daughters, Diane Dillard-Vega (Charles) and Suzanne Siroonian. Grandchildren, Denise Hiyama, Lita Webber, Shelly (Michael) Arfsten and Stephen (Farani) Siroonian. Great-grandchildren, Gaetano, Ty and Allyson Hiyama, Maximilian, Alexander and Zachary Arfsten, Mila and Demi Siroonian, Joshua, Justin (Kieley) and Jonathan Webber. Great-great grandchild, Kennedy Webber. Sister Catalina Faria, brothers Ernest, James (Lorie), John (Judy), and stepsister Elaine Conway.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m., Belmont Memorial Park, Fresno, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to hinds Hospice, 2490 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno CA 93711, or to donor’s favorite charity.

Raymond Thomas Montanez

Raymond Thomas Montanez of Dinuba, died on Aug. 18, 2023. He was 69 years old. Mr. Montanez was a manager. A Rosary will be said on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 at 9 a.m. with a funeral Mass to follow at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Dinuba. Interment will be held at the Reedley Cemetery District. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Montanez, four brothers and one sister. Sterling & Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rita Munoz

Rita Munoz of Parlier, died on Aug. 23, 2023. She was 89 years old. A graveside service will be held on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Parlier Cemetery District. Wallin’s Parlier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Consuelo “Connie” Rodriguez

Consuelo “Connie” Rodriguez of Sanger, died on Aug. 6, 2023. She was 75 years old. Mrs. Rodriguez was a special education teacher. A funeral Mass was held on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 at the new St. Mary’s Catholic Church with interment at Sanger Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Raul Rodriguez, one son, two daughters, two brothers, six sisters and one grandchild. Dopkin’s Reedley Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Uriel Velasquez Solorio

Uriel Velasquez Solorio of Sanger, died on Aug. 19, 2023. He was 17 years old. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s New Catholic Church. Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Juan Manuel Alanis Soto

Juan Manuel Alanis Soto of Orange Cove, died on Aug. 19, 2023. He was 71 years old. Mr. Soto was a farm laborer. Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dopkins Dinuba Funeral Chapel. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Reedley. Burial following at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba. He is survived by his wife, Ninfa Alanis, two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, four sisters and five brothers. Dopkin’s Dinuba Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.