Obituaries

C. Ray Whitaker (89), most known as Ray, was born on October 18, 1931, in Madera, Ray served as a Staff and Supply Sergeant in the US Air Force and served his country heroically during the Korean Conflict, and was honored to be apart of the Central Valley Honor Flight in 2016.

A lifelong resident of Madera, Ray attended local schools and was a graduate of Madera Union High School. Ray married his childhood sweetheart Joyce Parker on July 15, 1951, in Madera, where they made their home and stayed for their nearly 70-year marriage. They raised two sons, Tom, and Doug, who continue to live in Madera.

Michael “ Mike” Padilla, Sr. (65), a native and life resident of Madera passed away March 11, 2021. He was born to Joseph and Jessie Velez Padilla and attended local schools. Mike was a graduate of Madera High School class of 1974. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for 20 years then became the I.T. Supervisor for Madera County where he worked for 18 years.

Mike owned and operated M & M Computers and worked for various farming operations in Madera County. He enjoyed working with the youth of the community. He coached baseball in Little League and Babe Ruth for 18 years.

Mario J. Torres (70) was born Sept 25th, 1950 in a sleepy town in Edinburg, TX to parents Isaias and Maria de La Luz Torres. As a teenager, he traveled, with his Grandmother, Angela, from state to state working in the fields and eventually finishing high school in Lodi, CA.  After high school, he continued his education, obtaining credentials, and later a Doctorate in Education.  As an educator, he traveled to teach in areas throughout California.

Having a talent for learning languages and ease for working with people of many different backgrounds, it allowed him to make meaningful conversations in 7 languages, expanding his influential presence. He was a resident of Madera, CA for 48 years and an active member of the Knights of Columbus, AMAE (Association of Mexican American Educators) and would participate in countless other well-known organizations. 

Hortencia Arambula (53) On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Hortencia Arambula, at the age of 53 passed away in her beloved home. She was born on August 22, 1967, to Leopoldo and Maria (Leal) Espino in Mexico. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. Hortencia was full of love and compassion, she filled every room with positivity, and her smile radiated for miles on end.

As a mother of four daughters and one son, Hortencia did everything she possibly could to give her children the world. She motivated her children to be the best they could be, and she taught them to be strong and filled with love just as she had always been. She supported them in every goal they set for themselves, and when life knocked them down, she was always there to pick them up with a beautiful smile.