News

Rickey Mel Murch (76)

Rickey Mel Murch (76) of Tulare, California, passed away on October 19, 2024. He was born July 1, 1948, in Tulare, California, to John and Goldie Murch. He attended school in Tulare, attending Palo Verde Union Elementary and Tulare Western High School.

Rickey met Linda Wilbanks, and they quickly became sweethearts; they were married in 1966 and settled in Tulare. Rickey later began his 30-plus-year career working as a construction welder for Butler Manufacturing.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Wilbanks Murch, and two sons, Rickey Murch Jr. and Steven Murch (Melody). He also has eight grandchildren (Matthew, Kyle, Brittany, Daniel, Niki, Krystal, Joey, and Ethan), nine great-grandchildren, three siblings (Virgil, Kathryn, and David), many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rickey was preceded in death by his Father John B. Murch, Mother Goldie M. Murch, his brothers Johnny, Billie Joe, Jack, Donald, Wayne, his sister Deloris, and his daughter Carolyn Murch Jimenez.

If you had the privilege of knowing Rickey, you knew that family meant everything to him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. Rickey was a huge fan of Elvis, enjoyed all things science fiction, slot machine gambling, and woodworking, was an expert Xbox Gamer of Tanks and Call of Duty, spent many days tending his lawn, and spent many hours reminiscing with his family about the good old times.

The family would like to thank everyone who was involved in caring for Rickey.

There will be a viewing from 4-7 pm on October 28, 2024, at the Peers Lorentzen Funeral Home, 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare. Chapel Services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Peers Lorentzen Funeral Home, 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare. Graveside services will immediately follow at the North Tulare Cemetery.

Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Maxine King (96),

Mary Maxine King (96), a resident of Madera since 1966, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Cedar Creek Retirement Community, where she had lived most recently.

Mary was born to Clyde and Bessie Johnson on September 12, 1927, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She grew up in Missouri but also lived in Charleston, SC, and graduated from Vallejo High School in Vallejo, CA, in 1945. She attended Missouri State Teachers College, where she received her Teachers' Certification and went on to teach in a one-room schoolhouse in Missouri.

Carmen Regalado Pisano (92)

Carmen Pisan passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. She was 92. The Lord called her home while she was surrounded by family.

Carmen was born in Riverside, California, to the late Salome and Nicanora Regalado. She was the youngest of six children. She lived and worked in different cities in California until she settled in Madera, California, where she met and married Richard T. Pisano.

Mary Rosalie Oberti (80)

Mary Rosalie Oberti (80), left this world on May 14, 2024, in Clovis, California. She was born in Fresno, California, on August 27, 1943. Mary's journey through life was marked by her unwavering spirit and grace as she navigated lifelong health challenges, including Lupus and numerous battles with cancer. Her resilience not only defined her character but also inspired those around her.

Mary was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Harold and Loretta Schoettler; her beloved husband of 59 years, Gary Oberti, who died just 10 months ago; her brothers Thomas, Jim, Harold, and David; her sister Judy Richards; her sister-in-law Dwynn Schoettler; and her in-laws James and Adeline Cerioni Oberti.

Philip Wong (82)

Philip Wong (82) was born to Shoo Hoo Shee Wong and Hok Wong on July 15, 1941. He was the youngest of five children. He was born in Fresno, California, but moved to Madera at a young age.

His brother, Willie, started The Village Restaurant in 1951, and while in high school, he worked alongside him and his other brother, Jimmy. He graduated from Madera High in 1959 and then went to Fresno City College. That is where he would meet his future wife, Lauren. They were married on January 10, 1967, in Las Vegas, and their journey began. This journey would include the birth of their two sons and five grandchildren.

Mary J. Toschi (88)

Mary J. Toschi (88), a vibrant soul whose laughter and homemade pasta could light up even the darkest rooms, has closed her kitchen for the final time. On March 19, 2024, Mary passed away from a short-term illness in her hometown of Madera, California, surrounded by the rich aromas of her life well-lived. Born on August 24, 1935, to Andrew and Angelina Gotelli, who were part of Madera's bustling Italian immigrant community, Mary's first words may have been in Italian, but she quickly found her voice in English, much to the relief of her grammar school teachers.

After graduating from Madera Union High School in 1953, Mary did more than snag a diploma; she caught the eye of Paul Toschi Jr., and together, they embarked on a 42-year-long marriage that was as spicy and delightful as her signature dishes. While Paul sometimes dared to enter the kitchen with his own culinary creations, it was always Mary's seasoned hand that stirred the pot of life, creating a home that was both a refuge and a social hub.

Joe Lee Restine (87)

Joe Lee Restine (87), affectionately known as Joe to his friends and family, departed this world after an extended illness in Coarsegold, California. Born in Amarillo, Texas, Joe's journey through life was one marked by dedication, laughter, and an unyielding kindness that touched everyone he met.

Joe's early years in Texas were the foundation of a life lived with purpose and joy. He pursued his passion for knowledge and innovation at UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic achievements were only the beginning of a career that would be as diverse as it was distinguished.