Bruce William Stach

–Bruce William Stach, 66, of Atascadero, passed away Apr. 9, 2018 in his home. Bruce William Stach was born Sept. 19, 1951, a son of Otto and Helga Stach in St. Paul Minnesota. He was baptized in the Catholic Mission of St. Paul, Minnesota. His family moved back to Minot, North Dakota.

Then in later years moved to California (Glendora-Santa Barbara-Templeton and Atascadero, areas). While in Santa Barbara he graduated from high school and attended Santa Barbara City College for his Mechanic License. Bruce also was employed by the Goleta Union School District. He had been an employee and in business with his brother Wayne Stach “Gopher Stompers” in Atascadero. His brother, David Stach is employed by “Cal-Trans” in the Sacramento area.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Otto Stach- Sept. 20, 2000, Edwin Ringdahl, an uncle, Nov. 12, 2012, Emma Ringdahl, Grandmother, May 29, 1971, Lance Stach, a nephew, Sept. 12, 2016. He is survived by his mother, Helga Stach; his brothers: Wayne (Geraldine), David (Victoria); his nephews: Jonathon (Chelsea), Dustin (Nina), Dillon, and his niece, Melissa.

Bruce enjoyed his music (playing his guitars), did all his own cooking, and enjoyed sports (baseball games).

–Death notices for June 23, courtesy of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.

• Barbara Jean Romero, 57, of Santa Maria passed away on June 23, 2018.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

Blanche A. Morris

Blanche A. Morris passed away May 24, 2018 in Templeton, CA at the age of 90. Blanche was born July 8, 1927 in Rockville, Nebraska. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Grudzinski, were Midwestern farmers. Blanche moved to Paso Robles in 1946. She and her first husband, Fred Pavey, had a son (Ralph) and a daughter (Linda).

After the untimely death of her first husband Blanche married Ernest Morris who was in the Navy at that time. Blanche and Ernie raised Blanche’s two children. She was always interested in and enjoyed Ernie’s art career. She liked dancing, music, gardening and volunteered at Twin Cities Hospital for 30 years, but most of all she enjoyed her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband Ernest for over 60 years, son Ralph (Diane), four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Smith, her father, mother, six brothers and four sisters. Private funeral services will include only family members.

Harald Paul Bauer

Harald Paul Bauer, a decorated pilot in two wars who went on to a 30 year career as an award winning journalist and news executive, passed away peacefully on May 22 after a fall and head injury. He was 90 years old.

A resident of Atascadero, CA, he is survived by his wife Margi Bauer, three sons from his first marriage, three grandchildren and his sister. In a life filled with extraordinary events one of the most remarkable was the fact that Hal served first for Germany in World War II and later with the United States in the Korean War.

Born in Berlin of Walter Bauer, a German surgeon and Lottka Hughes his American mother, Hal was a dual national from birth. He was conscripted into the Luftwaffe at age 17 and was shot down by American forces as he transported new planes to the German front lines. Bauer was captured by U.S. troops and after recovering from his wounds, he went on to help them as a civilian assistant to the U.S. Military Government of Bavaria mainly tracking the activity of Russian forces in the area.

After the war he studied political economy in Munich and Hamburg and then began his career in journalism. He worked for the English-language edition of the German newspaper Die Welt. While there, Hal won a coveted Fulbright Fellowship and went to study journalism at the University of Kentucky. Before he returned to Europe, Hal was hired by the Associated Press to work in its Frankfurt Bureau where he served between 1952 and 1953 and later as an editor on A.P.’s world services desk in New York.

When the Korean War began, Hal again answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. armed forces. Following his basic training he was assigned to the Navy’s E-8 program which took pilots with previous experience and qualified them on U.S. aircraft. He went on to do flight training at Hurliburt (CQ) Field in the Florida Panhandle, then at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma where he learned to pilot Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) planes. After further training he was assigned to Elmendorf,(CQ) Air Force Base in Alaska and attached to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron special operations unit. For the remainder of his service he flew long range reconnaissance missions.

Continuing as a Navy pilot would have required Hal to get aircraft carrier qualification. Being too old to do that, he returned to the world of journalism, first with the Associated Press and then with United Press International. Given various reporting assignments for U.P.I., including a stint as a White House Correspondent, Hal was made a news executive. In that capacity, he later helped start Unicom News Service, a financial news wire based in London that was a joint venture between United Press and Knight Ridder newspapers. In his final news job he was named Vice President News and Information Services at U.P.I.

He then began a second career that lasted for 30 years in video licensing for the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation where he ultimately served as a life member of the organization’s Board of Directors, a post he held until his death. During his semi-retirement Hal devoted time to volunteering at the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles, California and giving presentations about his career to civic groups around California. Watch a YouTube video of such a presentation at youtube.com.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Margi, his sons John, Kevin, and Stephen, his grandchildren Katie, Hanna and Christopher-CJ, his sister Hannelore Strauss in Germany, daughter-in-law Karen, sisters-in-law Renate Bauer, Martha (Wally) White, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers and his first wife Barbara.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Estrella Warbirds Museum Paso Robles, CA. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Estrella Warbirds Museum or Honor Flight Network.

Ronald Duane Bywater passed away on June 7, 2018. He resided in the area for 51 years. He was born in California in September 1950.

Ronald is survived by his wife Paula of 47 years, a daughter, Annette Simonian (Paul), sons Matthew Bywater (Erin), Nathan Bywater (Katie) and seven grandchildren: Alexis, Sydney, Olivia, Zachary, Trevor, Jordan, and Aedan. He leaves three brothers, one sister and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Duane and Thelma Bywater.

Ron was an electrician and business owner for 45 years. He was active in his church choir and found his hope in Christ alone. Activities he especially enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren were fishing and gardening.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Grace Central Coast, 1350 Osos St. in San Luis Obispo.

Robert Brian Setterquist

Robert Brian Setterquist, 67, entered fully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, following a brief illness. A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Chapel of the Roses (Dignity Memorial), 3450 El Camino Real, Atascadero CA 93422 and will be followed by a lunch reception. Robert will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 19 years, Reyne Wai-lani; brother, Donn Setterquist (Debi); nephew, Eric; daughter, Renee Johnson; grandchildren: Bronson and Winter; son, Sgt. Dalton; and son, Conrad, who abides in Heaven: including, stepdaughter, Reylynn (Bryan), grandchildren: Seth and Hannah; stepdaughter, Reynani Hawkins; and grandchildren: Reylani, Kella and Derik.

–Death notices for June 29, courtesy of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Howard C. “Andy” Andrews, 96, of Arroyo Grande passed away on June 29, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
• Ralph A. Poole, 93, of Arroyo Grande passed away on June 29, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

–Linda Christine Marshall passed away April 18, 2018 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Orange County. Linda was the wife of Gordon Louis Marshall, who passed away in January of 2015. Together they shared 44 years of marriage and had two children, Timothy Corwin Marshall and Jennifer Ann Lakin (nee Marshall).

Born in Orange, CA, on October 14, 1946, she was the daughter of Robert and Phyllis Mae Arnold (nee Price). Linda graduated from Santa Ana High School and went on to become a dedicated wife and mother, as well as a valued volunteer at the Children’s Home Society. After her children were grown she worked as a retail fashion associate.

Linda loved cooking, reading, restoring Model A’s and traveling to Lake Tahoe, Catalina and along the central California coast with her husband, as well as spending time with family and friends and her beloved pets. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, sense of humor, kindness, composure and grace.

She is survived by her brother, Steve Arnold; son, Tim and his wife, Denise Haunert-Marshall (nee Turner); daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Tim Lakin; grandson, Aidan Marshall and step-grandchildren, John-Paul Haunert and Luke Haunert.

A Memorial Service will be held on July 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pacific View Memorial Park located at 3500 Pacific View Drive, Coronal Del Mar, CA. Immediately following the service the family invites you to join them for food and drinks at a Celebration of Life for Linda to be held at the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar at 3131 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach, CA.

–Death notices for June 30-July 2, courtesy of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Patricio Cacas, 68, of Grover Beach passed away on June 30, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
• Jerry Becker, 83, of Arroyo Grande passed away on July 2, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

–Barbara Joan Ford passed away on Friday June 29 in Vineyard Hills Health Center Templeton, California after a long illness. She was born July 9, 1933 in Bozeman, MT.

She Graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1951 and went on to Montana State College, where she obtained her Nursing Degree in 1956.

She spent her Nursing career in Montana, Washington, and California.

She married William Tompkins in 1953. They were parents to a daughter, Jeanie Tompkins. She later married Howard Ooley and they had 2 Sons, John and Daniel.

She spent the last 10 years living in California’s Central Coast. She was a member of Harvest Fellowship in Paseo Robles, CA.

She is survived by her daughter Jeanie Tompkins Sizemore, Templeton, CA, sons John Ooley, Livingston, MT, and Daniel Ooley and, his wife Jennifer, Spotsylvania, VA, Grandchildren Jeremy, Tim(wife-Kiesha) and Heidi Sizemore-Rohland (husband Dan), Carson Ooley, Alexis, Jake, Jessica and Johnny Ooley and Great Grandchildren Tanner, Kohen, and Kennley. Also she is survived by her brother, Richard (Dick) wife Maureen, Walnut Creek, CA. and several Nieces and Nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her brother Robert.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Updated July 7

–Death notices for June 28-29, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home and Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Frank Ray Brown II, 34, of Templeton passed away on June 28, 2018. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.
• Howard C. “Andy” Andrews, 96, of Arroyo Grande passed away on June 29, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
• Ralph A. Poole, 93, of Arroyo Grande passed away on June 29, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–Death notices for July 3-5, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Gwendolyn Dale Brown, 56, of Shandon passed away on July 3, 2018.
• Dean Ellis Murray, 85, of Paso Robles passed away on July 5, 2018.
• Tomasa Reyes Acosta, 92, of Paso Robles passed away on July 5, 2018.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

–Death notices for July 6-8, courtesy of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Drew Valdez, 28, of Arroyo Grande passed away on July 6, 2018.
• Georgie Hendrix O’Connor, 95, of Arroyo Grande passed away on July 8, 2018.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

Sonya Kathleen Rediger Vroman.

–Sonya Kathleen Rediger Vroman, 60, passed away on Saturday, June 30th, 2018 after a courageous battle with Scleroderma. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones as she passed into the arms of Jesus.

She was born in Glendale, California on November 9, 1957. She lived in Paso Robles from 1967 to 2004 with her family. She worked in her family business: Redi’s Western and Sportswear clothing store. She had several leadership roles in helping to promote the downtown businesses, Quota Club and was even Roblan of the Month.

Sonya was a loving wife, mother, sister, friend and teacher. She always put others before herself. Her Christian faith was always her guideline in life. Her favorite Bible Scripture was Psalm 23 and her favorite song was “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”

She helped others by teaching Purity Seminars to young women, worked as a dental assistant on Mercy Ship in Africa, organized women’s Bible studies, helped Foster children and worked with handicap children.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Dan, her two sons, Nathan Stone and Kevin Vroman, her daughter, Becca Hicks, her son-in-law, Mark Hicks, her two sisters, Mychelle Fitzgerald and Taunya Hicks, and her brothers-in-law, Michael Fitzgerald and Tim Hicks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Jesus Center”, 1297 Park Avenue, Chico, CA 95928 in Sonya’s name. She donated her talents by making hundreds of blankets and quilts for their Women’s shelter and homeless services.

Her funeral services were held on Saturday, July 7th in Paradise California.

Hugh Lynn Pitts Jr. passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at the age of 60. He suffered a heart attack while flying home from vacationing in Mexico. His last days were spent fishing with friends and enjoying life.

Hugh was born in Houston, Texas, to Hugh Sr. and Aniela (Goldthwaite) Pitts. The second oldest of four children, he grew up with sister Linda and brothers, Frank and Jeff. In the early 1960’s, Hugh Sr. used his signing bonus from the Houston Oilers football team to purchase his first piece of property in East Texas. The siblings worked alongside their dad on the properties that he would purchase, improve and sell. They spent the weekends hunting and fishing. Hugh attended Cypress Fairbanks High School and studied Ag Business at Blinn Junior College. He inherited his father’s love of football and was a two-year starter for the TCU Horned Frogs, dad’s alma mater. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and graduated from TCU’s Ranch Management program, Class of ’82.

Hugh met his wife Leslie while attending TCU. Married for 32 years, they have worked together raising commercial beef cattle and maintaining a hunt club on the family’s ranch on the west side of Paso Robles. Hugh took great pride in raising two beautiful daughters, Adelaida and Devon. Their family enjoyed attending TCU games together “Go Frogs,” spending time with family and friends on the ranch, and traveling to Texas to visit family.

Hugh began his real estate career in 1987 and had become a top-producing Broker Associate with RE/MAX Parkside Real Estate. Known for his extensive knowledge of “dirt” as Hugh would simply put it, he specialized in large ranch and vineyard sales on the west side. Hugh earned several awards for his outstanding achievements in real estate and his involvement to the community. He received the 2008 “Freddy of the Year” award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture and the Farm Bureau. He was a dedicated member of the SLO County Farm Bureau for over 30 years, serving on the Board of Directors. He was actively involved in the Foundation for Ag Awareness, which donated college scholarships for CMSF participants and the CA Mid-State Fair Heritage Foundation, supporting the 4H livestock auction.

He was awarded 2016 “Agriculturalist of the Year” and has been instrumental in SLO County Williamson Act Review Committee and the Adelaida Land Owners Protective Association. Hugh was the key organizer for many events and fundraisers including the Annual Crab Feed, the Paso Robles Trail Ride, the Best of the West Antique Equipment Show, and the RE/MAX Annual Client Appreciation BBQ. Hugh donated countless hours of his time and gave selflessly to better the world around him. In 2016 he received “Roblan of the Year” recognizing his outstanding dedication to the community he loved. Friends and colleagues alike knew they could always count on Hugh. He was always ready to offer a helping hand in his quiet, self-assured way. He was a true gentleman and left you with the feeling that there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish. Hugh cultivated lifelong friendships and was truly an exceptional person.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Leslie; his two daughters: Adelaida and Devon; his mother, Aniela Pitts; sister, Linda Pitts; brother, Frank Pitts; and nephew, Gage Pitts. He is preceded in death by father, Hugh Lynn Pitts, Sr.; and brother, Jeffrey. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Paso Pavilion in Paso Robles Event Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CA Mid State Fair Heritage Foundation Capital Improvement Fund. Address: CMSF Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 8, Paso Robles, CA 93447. Phone: (805) 238-3745.

A scholarship fund has been set up at TCU under Hugh Pitts Memorial Scholarship. You are invited to sign his guestbook at: www.porterloring.com or sanluisobispo.com/obituaries Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio, TX 210-227-8221.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Updated July 12

—Death notices for June 19, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home and Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Barbara A. LeSage, 84, of Arroyo Grande passed away on June 19, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
• Doris LaVay Lutz, 87, of Paso Robles passed away on June 19, 2018. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.
• Larry Walter Fritz, 70, of Nipomo passed away on June 19, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

–Death notices for July 9, courtesy of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Joyce “Jeannie” Hensley, 81, of Oceano passed away on July 9, 2018.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

—Death notices for July 10-12, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home and Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Chris Weygandte Alba, 63, of Paso Robles passed away on July 10, 2018. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.
• Norma R. Strode, 81, of Paso Robles passed away on July 11, 2018. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.
• Ted Nisbet James Jr., 74, of Paso Robles passed away on July 11, 2018. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.
• Frank David Evangelho, 72, of Nipomo passed away on July 12, 2018. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

–Death notices for July 15, courtesy of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• George Graefe Ingham, 93, of San Luis Obispo passed away on July 15, 2018.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.

–Death notices for July 16, courtesy of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

• Alan Heiberg Olson, 90, of Arroyo Grande passed away on July 16, 2018.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

The Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. For information on how to submit, click here.