News

Venturi Family Patriarch Passes - Romo Venturi (99)

Romelo William Venturi (99) was born December 19, 1914 in Madera to Amadeo and Isola Venturi. He was a lifelong resident of Madera and passed away on July 7, 2014. He attended Madera High School and during WWII as he was married with children worked in the ship yards in San Francisco.

He was a farmer for most all of his life but also worked in a bakery and was an expert cake decorator. His true joy was in agriculture and had a large garden and was considered a master gardener. Romo was an active member of the Italo-American Club and The Sons of Italy.

Pearl Franchi (89)

Pearl Franchi (89), a long time Madera Business woman passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at a Madera Convalescent Hospital. Pearl was a daughter of Nickolas and Rosina Mondo Franchi who were well known members of the vibrant Italian community that had in settled Madera at the turn of the century. Many in the community will remember their business, Tasty Made Soda Works, a soft drink bottling company which operated here for many years.

Pearl attended local schools graduating from Madera Union High School. She along with her late sister Jean Hamer purchased The Maiden Lane Dress Shop in 1974 from Virginia Hart, which she operated up until her passing. It has played a major role in the Madera business community, one of the few remaining independent clothing stores offering quality merchandise. In the community, Pearl was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church and the branch of the Italian Catholic Federation of the parish. She was also a long time member of the women's Soroptimist Club.

Samantha Armentrout (32)

Samantha Armentrout (32) passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at the age of 32. She was born in Madera to Sam and Susan Armentrout on July 15, 1981. Samantha graduated from Madera High School class of 1999 and later attended San Joaquin Valley College.

She is preceded in death by her father, Sam Armentrout in 2011. Samantha is survived by her mother, Susan of Madera, her sister Melissa Cole-Armentrout of Madera and her nieces and nephews.

Abigail Grace Needham Has Gone Home to God

FUNERAL SERVICES SET FOR NOON FIRDAY

Abigail Grace Needham (5 and a half) passed away on December 27, 2013, surrounded by her father, mother, and sister at her bedside. Abby passed after a two-year battle against brain cancer.

Abby's beauty, character, charm, wit, and sense of humor are the main traits which magnetized over 17,000 followers and friends along her side during the rigorous battle. Abby will be remembered for her love of family, rainbows, and butterflies.

Betty Boyd (80)

Betty Boyd (80) of Madera, CA passed away on December 23, 2013 at home. Betty was born on July 28 1933 in Oklahoma to the late Presley and Violet Wiggins. She was under Hospice care at home at the time of her passing.

Betty most recently worked at the Madera County Library which she enjoyed very much. She also was a waitress and worked at Madera Glass. Betty loved to knit and made her family beautiful blankets.

Coach Allen "Al" Kiddy (78)

Coach Allen "Al" Kiddy (78), a native of Norman, OK and a Madera County resident for 48 years passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013 at a Modesto hospital.

Coach Kiddy graduated from Jenks High School in Oklahoma after earning "All State" honor in wrestling, football, baseball and winning the State 100 yard dash and finishing 2nd in the 220 yard dash.

Darwin Shebelut: Madera Businessman & Former City Council Member Passes at 93

FUNERAL SERVICES SET FOR SATURDAY IN MADERA

MADERA - Darwin Gordon Shebelut, long time Madera Automobile Dealer, developer, and recognized community leader passed away on Monday, December 16, 2013 at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno. Mr. Shebelut, age 93, was born in Madera, California to Conrad and Artye Shebelut. Darwin attended local schools and was a 1938 graduate of Madera High School where he was the senior class president.