– Death notices for Feb. 25 – March 3, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Jessie Elizabeth Ritchey, 92, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 4.
• Barbara Ellen Barger, 78, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 3.
• Maria Consuelo Torres, 90, formerly of Paso Robles, passed away on March 26 in Lynnwood, Wash.
• Muffy Banks, 86, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 3.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Lloyd Bobsin Lloyd George Bobsin, 93, died Friday, March 24, 2016, at his home in Atascadero following several strokes. He was born in Woodlake, Minnesota, to Louis and Emma Bobsin. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II from December 1942 to March 1946, after which he earned an engineering degree from Cuesta Junior College.

Lloyd served as U.S. Postmaster in Atascadero for many years until his retirement in April 1977. In 1952, Mr. Bobsin married Roseanne Bobsin who preceded him in death. On August 7, 1982, Lloyd married Clydean, to whom he was married at the time of his death. An avid golfer, (he hit several holes-in-one) and would take his golf clubs with him whenever he traveled. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards, current events and all sports activities.

He and Clydean loved to travel, and one of his favorite vacation spots was Sunriver, Oregon. He also enjoyed seeing Europe. Above all, Franklin had a great sense of humor and was a loving husband, father and grandfather, adored by all his family and many friends, and devoted to his church and Christian beliefs.

Franklin leaves his wife of 33 years, Clydean; his daughter, Susan (Greg) Maytanes; his son, David (Jackie) Bobsin; daughter, Sandra (Doug) McDougall; step-children, Kathryn Tremaine and Michael (Lynnette) Porter; grandchildren: Tyson, Travis, Christina, Brandon, Brittany, Bryan Jason, Jamie, Kelly, Kristen, Kevin, Karlyn, Jillian and Ethan; great-grandchildren: Samantha, Jacob, Avery, Summer, Kai, Mia, Emma, Maggie, Noah, Owen and Kayla, as well as a sister Lorraine Schipper and her children, Karen, Judy and Tim.

He was preceded in death by his parents in 1955 and 1972, and by his first wife, Roseanne in 1981.

A Celebration of Lloyd’s Life will be held on Friday, April 8, at 10 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 8005 San Gabriel, Atascadero. A luncheon immediately following the service will be held at Spanish Oak Ranch. Directions will be given at the celebration service. Donations can be made to Hope Lutheran Church or Hospice of San Luis Obispo County.

–Jeanne Marie Franklin passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in Paso Robles. She was 72. Franklin was born September 12, 1943 in Inglewood, California and moved to Paso Robles in 1949. She graduated from Paso Robles High School in 1961 and married Donald Franklin on December 18, 1965. She always saw herself as a “tomboy,” loved to play and watch sports, was able to shoot a gun, enjoyed gardening, and appreciated spending time out of doors camping and fishing with her family. She was fond of spending time at the coast and antiquing. Other favorites included traveling, watching movies, and eating popcorn and ice cream.

Franklin was active in her local church and volunteered many hours serving with the youth organization, AWANA. In more recent years she enjoyed working summers at the Mid-State Fair, volunteering as a Pioneer Museum docent, and spending time with her grandkids.

She was dedicated to her family and gave of her time and resources generously. Her grandkids were blessed to have been so loved by her.

Her infectious laugh and dry sense of humor lifted the spirits of everyone around her. Franklin loved America and all that it stands for. Her home was filled with Bible verses, presidential portraits, flags, cowboy boots and music.

Franklin was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Franklin, also of Paso Robles. She is survived by her son Kenny, daughter-in-law, Cindi, son Tim, daughter-in-law Kristal, and five grandchildren: Emma, Kayley, Slayde, Noah and Kaeden.

A memorial service will be on April 9, 2016 at 1pm at Atascadero Bible Church, 6225 Atascadero Ave, Atascadero, CA. To honor Jeanne at this time, the family asks that any donations, in lieu of flowers, be gifted to support AWANA. (awana.org/donate)

–Elizabeth Anne Mckenzie was born in March 1935 in Long Beach, California and passed peacefully on March 30th 2016 in Atascadero, California. At 17, she was set up on a blind date with Robert Johansen and little did they know this chance meeting would flourish into four children (all before the age of 22), 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a legacy of love that continues to grow.

Bob and Anne married in Pasadena. While her hard-working husband worked any and all jobs to support their family, Anne led her home with strength, light and grace. Nothing, not even the blue Fiat which needed a push start, could deter the abundance of living the Johansen family had to do. Anne’s hospitality and love filled the hearts and stomachs of all who entered her home. Whether you came with a broken heart or an empty stomach, you left full- overflowing even, with acceptance, comfort and joy.

After moving to Atascadero in 1987, Anne immersed herself in friendships and family- Elkettes, Roadrunners, grandkids’ sporting events, camping, fishing and hosting celebrations. Participation in these things allowed her positivity, generosity, and vibrancy to enrich the lives of those she met. She was the first and last on any dance floor. Where there is music, where there is laughter, where there is love, where there is life- there will be Anne-our wife, mom, grandma and faithful friend.

Anne is survived by her husband, Robert Johansen; her four children: Rick Johansen; Bob (Cindy) Johansen; Jamie Carnighan and Ron (Felisa) Johansen; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is being welcomed into Heaven by her brother Kenneth “Case” McKenzie, Mother and Father Orla and James McKenzie and her grandson Ricky Johansen.

– Death notices for Feb. 25 – March 3, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Kenneth Joseph Smith, 67, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 14.
• Lorna Pfander, 92, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 14.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

– Death notices for April 13-20, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Gary Elton Ashton, 79, of Templeton passed away on April 19.
• Pauline Marsis, 92, of Atascadero passed away on April 19
• Ruby Faye Eldridge, of Paso Robes, passed away on April 19.
• Douglas Lester Rickhardson, 74, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 17.
• Harry James Allison, 72, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 15.
• Juana Godoy Salas, 92, passed away on April 15.
• Duane Edward Leonard, 92, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 14.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Donald Leroy Thomas began his journey in life on Jan. 22, 1931 in Bakersfield, Calif. Completing his journey on earth, he passed away peacefully on April 6, 2016, with his wife, Sylvia, at his bedside in Atascadero, Calif. Don is survived by his wife of 63+ years, Sylvia Thomas. Through this life union they were blessed with four sons and a daughter: Mark Thomas of Atascadero, Crystal Ridley (Tim) of Bakersfield, Michael Thomas of Hawaii and Matthew Thomas (Phyllis) of Atascadero; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; his sister, Iyola Hopper and nieces and nephews of Missouri.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Clare Thomas; son, Marshal Thomas and great granddaughter, Mia Torres.

Don was a born salesman. At twelve years old, he began selling newspapers. Don enjoyed meeting people, as he never seemed to meet a stranger. In 1978, Don and Sylvia began the family business of Thomas and Sons Mobile Home Service. Don enjoyed working with his sons.

In his retirement years, Don enjoyed spending time with his family playing many hours of Pinochle, coin collecting, and last but not least…watching his favorite westerns.

Papa Don will be forever missed by his family. The family would like to thank Wilshire Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

–Death notices for April 19-21 courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Mary Christmann, 88, of Templeton, passed away on April 21.
• Ken Tucker, 64, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 22
• Elzabeth Sheaff, 91, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 19.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Atascadero resident Eugene “Gene” Elsdon, left this earth April 13, 2016 to join his beloved wife Jane, who preceded him in death 11 days earlier. Theirs was a love that knew no bounds.

Eugene Elsdon.

Gene was born in Pelly, Texas and lived there as a young boy until his family moved to Southern California. During high school in Compton he excelled at sports and academics. It was there that he met his wife Jane. As newlyweds they traveled to the east coast where he attended Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving a masters of divinity. He served as a Presbyterian minister for several years and then returned to grad school at the University of California, Riverside, where he earned his Secondary Teaching Credential. The first six years of his teaching and coaching career were spent at Moreno Valley High School in Sunnymead, California.

In 1971 he moved his family to Atascadero, where he taught biology and coached football, basketball and golf at Atascadero High School for 25 years. In 1996 Gene retired as Vice-Principal from Atascadero High School. Upon retirement he developed his talents as an artist. He was a gifted watercolor painter and has created many award winning, beautiful works that have been displayed in several locations throughout SLO County. In 2012 he combined his talents with his wife Jane to publish “Pause on the Path,” a book of his art and Jane’s poetry. A solo exhibit featuring his work from the book appeared at the SLO Museum of Art.

Gene loved nature, the ocean, photography, sports, fishing and golf. He was a quiet, kind and gentle soul.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Jeff) DeCou, Cindy (Robb) Lundskog and grandchildren: Lynsey, Joel (Gretchen), Megan, Austin (Elli), Tiffany (Brooks) and Emily as well as great-grandson Jacob. In memory of Gene, a celebration of his life will be held at a future date, details will be available through Chapel of the Roses. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The National Parkinson Foundation or your favorite charity.

–Atascadero resident Gary Ashton, a majestic oak combined with a giant sequoia has fallen. Gary Elton Ashton has gone home to be with the lord on April 19.

Dad/Grandpa/Papa Smurf/Pops/Gary lived a very full 79 years and has touched many lives. He is survived by his sons Marvin, Greg, Paul, Preston and his daughter Tiphanie. They have given him the ability to know and love his grandchildren: Meghan, James, Brandy, Chrissy, Tala, Wyatt, Gunner, Summer and Conner. Those grandchildren have given him six great-grandchildren to date.

Born to Ruby Irene Thorson and Orla Elton Johnston in Buena Park, California, he moved to Atascadero at a very young age. After graduating Atascadero High School, he served 3 plus years in the Navy Sea Bees. As a heavy equipment operator, the passion never left his blood.

Ashton was a corner stone to many dirt moving projects around the county (including Highway 46 and 101) while working for Alex Madonna. Later starting his family excavation business. He and friends built the Templeton Park Band Stand along with being one of the founders of Templeton Boosters and Lions Club. He was instrumental to many of the ongoing celebrations throughout Paso Robles and North County including one of the first popcorn machines at a much smaller Christmas on Vine Street. His tire tracks are imprinted in so many lots, pools, roads, ditches, events and lives in general as he did not retire until age 75.

–Death notices for April 19-21 courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Eva Ellen Johnson–Norby, 91, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 28.
• Barbara Elaine Adams, 69, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 29.
• William Chad Wooten, 48, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 30.
• Lloyd Roy Degna, 84, of Paso Robles, passed away on April 25.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Susie Jane Simmons passed away on April 13, 2016 in San Luis Obispo, California due to complications following a stroke. She was 51 years old.

Susie was born on June 11, 1964 in Fort Lee, Virginia to her parents, Donald and Margaret Vassar. Susie married Mark Simmons and moved to Creston, California when she and Mark opened Hoover’s Beef Palace in 1996. Susie began working for her sister Chris at Pismo Bowl in 2000, when the family took over the business. It was there that Susie fought hard alongside her family for 16 years to help keep the doors open. She was “Aunt Suz” to everyone that came through the doors.

Susie was a kind, loving, funny, and caring person with a heart of gold. She was always there for her friends and family members, regardless of the circumstances. Susie was an incredible friend, an amazing mother, a thoughtful sister, and the best Nana to her five grandchildren that she loved more than anything in the entire world.

Susie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Larry Moody; her son and daughter-in-law, Chance and Tiffany Simmons; her sisters, Christin Goldie, Karen Shiers, Daniela Buxton, Catherine Vassar and brother Donald Vassar Jr.; and five grandchildren, Wyatt Moody, Dylan Simmons, Klay Simmons, Stella Moody, and Lucille Moody. Susie is preceded in death by her son, Cory Scott Simmons, and her parents Donald and Margaret Vassar.

Susie Jane Simmons will be buried in a private ceremony next to her son Cory Scott Simmons in Atascadero Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please contact Rebecca Moody if you would like to make a donation to help cover expenses. Susie will be always in our thoughts, and forever in our hearts.

–Barbara Morris, 87, of Paso Robles, died peacefully at home on Friday April 29, 2016. Barbara was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 19, 1928 to Clarence and Ivy (Coffin) Metzinger. She graduated from Monticello High School and Ivy Tech School of Nursing.

Barbara and her husband Dr. Warren Morris lived and practiced in Monticello, Indiana until their retirement. Their practice was the hub of their life. They were devoted to their patients and their community. Upon retirement they moved to California to be near their daughter. They then moved to Texas, Arizona, and back to Paso Robles where they spent most of their retired life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Warren V. Morris. She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy (Pat) Beimford of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Cindy (Steve) Hattersley of Chualar California; grandaughters Lisa Beimford Poniewaz, Marcy Beimford, Jenna Hattersley Tehranchi, and grandson Colin Hattersley. Barb’s beloved dog Casey also survives. The family wishes to thank Wilshire Hospice and her friends and neighbors who were so helpful in her time of need.

Donations can be made to either:

Wilshire Hospice
Attn: Administrative Assistant/Donations
277 South Street, Suite R
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
www.wilshirehospicecc.org/donate-now.php

Cavalier Rescue USA
c/o Carolyn Stigler
1345 Eagle Run Drive
Sanibel, Fl 33957
www.cavalierrescueusa.org/donate.html

Death notices for May 1-5, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Chad William Rice, 36, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 3
• Gladys Fay Craspay, 91, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 3

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Death notices for May 1-5, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Eleanor Emma Mains, 82, of Paso Robles,  passed away on May 7.
Leo Jospeh Pisciotta, 80, of San Miguel, passed away on May 5.
June Evelyn Taber, 93, of Atascadero, passed away on May 9.
Freddie Urias Gastelo Sr., 67, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 6.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Johnnie Colombo passed away peacefully on April 28 at the age of 97. He was born in Los Olivos, Calif. on March 12, 1919. Johnnie was married to Shirley Hinson on Nov. 12, 1949.

As a longtime resident of Templeton and Atascadero, he was a career farmer and worked for Heilman Bros for several decades & Arnie Klintworth prior to his retirement. Johnnie enjoyed farming, his garden and traveling with his family throughout the Western United States.

Johnnie is survived by his sister, Mary Peterson of Gold River, Calif.; his four sons, Tony Colombo (Debbie) of West Haven, Utah, Jim Colombo (Kim) of Arroyo Grande, Dick Colombo of Templeton and Mike Colombo (Lori) of Northern California; grandson, John Colombo PhD (Cecile) of Salt Lake City, Utah and granddaughter Jennefer Lowe JD (Jonathan) and great granddaughter, Brooklyn Lowe of San Antonio, TX.

Johnnie will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

–John Hayes Rodda (Pop), died May 1, 2016 at the age of 88 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Born June 2, 1927 in Hollywood, CA, he spent many of his childhood years traveling the world with his parents, Mary and Leslie Rodda, and brother, Pat, which explains his lifelong interest in aviation. At 17, he joined the Marines and was sent to China. On his return home, he met and married Patricia Benton. In 1959 they settled in Los Osos, CA where he opened Los Osos Glass and raised his family.

His life was marked by a passion for his Catholic faith and Osage heritage, and aviation. He was a project man, a jack of all trades. He moved from project to project throughout his life in a meticulous manner. He always carried a pen and notebook in his shirt pocket to stay organized.

His kids have wonderful memories of their Dad taking them dune buggying, teaching them to water ski where (“it’s all your fault dad!” was coined by his children whenever they couldn’t get out of the water!) taking them to Dodger games and camping! He was a man of the outdoors and passed on his love for it to his children and grandchildren.

Pop’s last 17 years were spent living with his daughter, Leslie and son in law, Bill, where he spent time gardening, tinkering, cooking, and baking delicious desserts for his family.

John is survived by 5 of his children, Leslie, Kelly, Jack, Pat and Becky; his 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Patty; his son, Michael; daughter, Carol and brother, Patrick

When facing death, some of John’s last words were, “I’m ready to go home!” and “I’m ready for the next adventure!”

–Death notices for May 1-5, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Diane Elaine Semans, 79, of Paso Robles resident passed away on May 10.
• Mary Bernice Dillon, 73, of Paso Robles resident passed away on May 10.
• Billie Rose Brenner, 78, of Paso Robles resident passed away on May 12.
• Masako Lilly Shimonishi, 93, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 11.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Death notices for May 1-5, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Barbara Elveta Kullgren, 87, a Paso Robles resident, passed away on May 26.
• Caridad Lariosa Medeiros, 74, a Templeton resident passed away on May 29.
• Gaye Whilma Holcombe, 78, a Paso Robles resident passed away on May 31.
• Partick Marc McNeil, 45, a resident of Roseville, passed away in Paso Robles on May 21.
• Dorothy Peck Talley, 82, a Cambria resident, passed away on June 2.
• Ruth May Maddox, 87, a Paso Robles resident, passed away on May 15.
• Janice Paxman, 79, a Paso Robles resident, passed away May 30.

All arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.

–Death notices for June 6-11, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Humberto Pinedo Jr, 39, of San Miguel, passed away on June 8.
• Leonila Ashley, 87, of Atascadero, passed away on June 10.
• Rosellen Lillian Martin, 92, of San Miguel, passed away on June 11.
• Jeanne Kolb, 90, of Oceanside, passed away in Paso Robles on June 10.
• Ruth Cary Smith, 80, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 6.

All arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.

Click here for more information on placing an obituary for free in the Paso Robles Daily News.