Big Valley News
Central Valley's Independent News Source
Beulah Bernice Dignan (88) passed away on October 8, 2012 in Selma, California. She was born on June 2, 1924 to her parents, Milton and Linnie High in Berryville, Arkansas. Beulah was a resident of Selma, where she worked in the Viticulture Industry as a Farmer.
Bob Stuckey (75) passed away quietly with his family at his side on Saturday, October 6, 2012. After being diagnosed 2 months ago with cancer, Bob fought a courageous battle. He was born on March 16, 1937, to Cecil and Mildred Stuckey. He graduated from Madera High School in 1955 and married Amy "Gean" Stuckey in 1956. Together they had three daughters. Bob was a very gentle and loving father and grandfather who loved to travel and joke around. He was a Greens Superintendent at Madera Golf and Country Club for over 30 years.
Susan Katherine Walker (78) was born in Grass Valley, CA on 5/3/1934 to Henry and Vida Evart. She was the second of four children. As a young girl she moved to Petaluma, CA and attended St. Vincent grammar school and high school. 
Fr. Gilbert Michael Chacon, S.J., age 73, passed away to receive his heavenly reward on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at St. Agnes Medical Center, Fresno.
Fr. Gilbert was born in Fresno California, one of 12 children born to Antonio and Evangeline Chacon, immigrants from Mexico. Fr. Gilbert was raised in Dos Palos , graduating from Dos Palos High School where he was Valedictorian of the Class of 1957. He later attended Ryan Preparatory College in Fresno, before entering Santa Clara University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in 1963.
Amy "Gean" Stuckey (74) passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at the age of 74. She was born on July 31, 1938 in Hollister, CA and a resident of Madera, CA for the past 70 years. Gean was a homemaker. 
James E Fry, Sr. (78) died on Monday, July 30, 2012, after a year long battle with brain cancer. Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late Clayton Joseph Fry and Edith Brendlinger Fry in 1934. His parents, younger brother and two sisters moved from the east coast to Fresno after World War II. His two older brothers would join the family in Fresno after being honorably discharged from the United States Navy.
Jim graduated from Roosevelt High School. Jim married Frances Elizabeth Newberry in 1954. The couple had two sons. The couple separated in 1998.
Jim worked as a brick mason for several years before injuring his back. His work is on display all over the Fresno area, but most notably the Three Little Pigs display at "Storyland" in Roeding Park. He went on to a career as a real estate agent/broker for over 40 years.
MADERA - No one brought more joy to Nora Salazar's family than their beloved mother. Nora had an independent spirit that qualified her as "a woman ahead of her time". She was a mother insisted on working after her children were born. Instead of being greeted with cookies and milk after school, she greeted her kids with a list of chores and directions for dinner, hence she prepared her daughters for life. She was a mother was spontaneous and her fmaily recalls many weekends when she simply said "grab your suits and one friend, we're heading for the beach!" 
