Merlin Roy Buller

Merlin Roy Buller, 96, died peacefully at his home in Reedley, Calif., on June 22, 2025.

His parents, Herman and Mary Buller, moved their family to Reedley in 1935. Merlin attended Reedley High School, graduating in 1947. In 1948 he married his high school sweetheart, Neoma June Utley, and moved into the house he’d built on Kady Avenue in Reedley. Together for 76 years, they built a life while raising a daughter and three sons. He was a devoted husband, father and friend with a sense of fun and good humor. He was a carpenter by trade for over 50 years, working for his brother’s company Harley Buller Construction. But his true passion was working in the soil and his green thumbs kept his yards and gardens flourishing year-round. He was a man of faith and an active member of his church, the Full Gospel Tabernacle and Reedley Kiwanis Club until he and his wife could no longer drive.

Merlin is survived by his wife Neoma June; his children Linda Williams (Don) of Reedley, Morris Buller (Nancy) of Fresno, Calif., and Douglas Buller (Faith) of Grove, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a brother; a sister; and a large and loving extended family of nephews, nieces and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, a sister, two great-grandsons and his youngest son, David S. Buller.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Fellowship Hall, 519 E. 11th St. in Reedley. 

Rita Cheney

Rita Cheney, 72, of Sanger, passed away on June 24, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. Rita was born on Feb. 4, 1953, in Sanger, Calif. to Romulo and Lupe Garza. Rita graduated from Sanger High School in 1971 and married Daniel Cheney in August 1977. From that point on, she made Sanger her home until her death. 

Rita is lovingly remembered by her husband, Daniel Cheney; sons Gregory Cheney (Jordanne) of Fresno, and Matthew Cheney (Kayla) of Kingsburg; her grandchildren Hannah Renae, Dylan Daniel, Blakely Elizabeth, Clayton Jordan and Brylee Mae; her siblings Maryann Barker (Jerry) of Bakersfield, Linda Torres (Alex) of West Covina, Romulo Garza (Janet) of Covina, and Laura Guiterrez (Richard) of Sanger. 

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Romulo and Lupe Garza, and her sister Elizabeth “Liz” Garza. Rita’s greatest joys came from family traditions, beach trips to Avila Beach and Cayucos, backyard gatherings, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. 

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, please join us at St. Mary’s Church located at 2590 E. North Ave., Sanger for the Rosary starting at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, July 11, 2025, there will be a Catholic Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Interment to follow at Sanger Cemetery. 

Flowers are welcome to be sent to Chapel of Light Funeral Home in Fresno. 

Services are entrusted to Chapel of the Light Funeral Home Fresno, California, www.chapelofthelight.com. 

Martha Martinez

Martha Martinez, of Sanger, died on Sunday, June 29, 2025. She was 78 years old. Mrs. Martinez was a school teacher. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10 a.m., at Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home. Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Vanessa Perez

Vanessa Perez, of Sanger, died on Saturday, June 28, 2025. She was 40 years old. Mrs. Perez was a homemaker. Services were held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home. Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Charlene Hills Price

Charlene Hills Price, of Fresno, died on Friday, June 20, 2025. Mrs. Price worked as a private security officer. A private service will be held with family. Wallin’s Sanger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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