News

Mrs. Veryl Dunn (76), a native of Chicago, IL, and a resident of Madera, CA for 60 years, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, December 24, 2021. She was a cook for Fruit Basket Restaurant for over 30 years and later Farnesi’s Restaurant in Chowchilla until her retirement.

She was a hard-working wife and mother. She helped around the family’s 5-acre farm and raised her 2 sons while working full time. Her hobbies include reading, solving word puzzles, crocheting, sewing, and later, quilting. She was a member of the Heart of California Quilters Guild in charge of refreshments during their meetings and helped out anywhere she could during the quilt shows the organization would sponsor.

Chuck “Chucky” Reiring Jr, (41) was born December 29, 1979, in Madera California.  Chuck passed away on December 15th, 2021, while at work in Richmond California.

Chuck was born, raised, and sometimes proud to be from Madera. He graduated from Madera High School in the class of 1999. Chuck had always been a hard worker. His first job was at the age of 12, sweeping the floors at the fairgrounds to earn carnival ride tickets. In high school, he got a job bussing tables at Farnesi’s restaurant. During high school, he learned to weld, and soon after got a job at Evapco West welding. He also had jobs at Evans Feed and Livestock Supply, and Valley Feed & Fuel. Chuck’s most recent accomplishment was earning a career as a train conductor with the BNSF railway based in and commuting to Richmond California.

Chuck loved life. He had an easy-going temperament with a keen sense of humor. He loved having a good time and laughing, being outdoors, camping, fishing, 4 wheeling, and mud bogging. One of his greatest joys in life was being a parent. He adored, and was adored by, his children and was likened to a superhero by his nieces and nephews. He was a loyal friend and will be greatly missed by many.

Chuck was preceded in death by his dad, Chuck Reiring Sr, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by his love of 18 years Angie Vierra (Madera), his 20-year-old son Charles Reiring (Oklahoma), 8-year-old daughter Dixie Reiring (Madera), his mom Joyce Reiring (Auberry Ca), sister Kari and Patrick Lauver (Topeka Kansas), sister Kathy Reiring (Auberry Ca), in-laws Jim and Barbara Myers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, and many, many friends.

Services for Chuck will take place on December 30th, 2021, at 11 am, at Jay Chapel in Madera Ca.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made towards Dixie’s tuition at Crossroads Christian School, 17755 Road 26, Madera, CA 93638 559-662-1624

Alyssa Fernandez (29) was born in San Jose; Ca. Alyssa spent part of her childhood years in Elk Grove Ca and the rest of the years in Madera Ca. She was the most beautiful baby. She lived in San Jose, until the age of three. She started kindergarten in Elk Grove Ca. She had many friends and was the eldest of three children. Alyssa was quite the character. She loved to make people laugh and had the most beautiful smile!

Our family then moved to Madera when Alyssa was in the 5th grade, due to mom’s work she works for PG&E. Alyssa had always wanted to work for PG&E ever since mom took Alyssa to bring your child to the workday.

Marilyn Wibbenhorst (93) was born on Aug. 2, 1928, in Pasadena, California to parents Roy & Ann Martin. She lived life to the fullest! She spent much of her childhood riding horses; “Sonny Boy” was one of her favorites.

Marilyn earned her degree at USC. It was during this time that she met William (Bill) Wibbenhorst, a student at UCLA. Bill was in the ROTC program for the Navy. In 1952, and just before he would leave for a tour in the Korean War, the two were married. They have four children together: Lynne, William (Billy), Teresa (Terri), and Lee Ann (Lee). Soon after Bill’s discharge, they made the move to Madera. Bill was the love of her life for 68 years.

Marlon V. Brinagh (56), a Madera resident since 1975 passed away on November 23, 2021, following an extended illness. Marlon was born in Los Angeles, to Charlie Brinagh Jr. and Versie Jones Brinagh .

The family moved to Madera where Marlon attended school graduating from Madera High School and later attending Laney Community College in Oakland where he received his Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts. He was a chef for 34 years, employed in Hospital Food Service in Orange County and later as a Private Chef, known for his Bar-B-Que in the Madera Ranchos, where the family had lived for 18 years.

Frances Elizabeth Breedlove (83) went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 28th, 2021. She was surrounded by loved ones. In her last few years, she was cared for by her granddaughter Heidi and great-granddaughter Maddie. Frankie was born in Tulare, CA to Victor and Nora Miller. Frankie moved from Southern California to Madera with her husband Howard in 1969.

Frankie worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for a few years before starting a small business in Madera called the Pant Shack. Eventually, Frankie and Howard started Madera Roofing, Inc. in 1975. She also volunteered for several organizations. She enjoyed giving her time as a den mother for Cub Scouts, the school library, and PTA. She was a member of a small music group and loved playing the banjo. They would sing at different convalescent homes in Madera, bringing joy and comfort to the residents. In addition to work and volunteering, Frankie was an avid bowler.