News

John H. Sudduth (84) passed away peacefully on December 3rd at the age of 84 with his family nearby. We are comforted in knowing he is in heaven. John was born in Kansas City, Mo, and attended Kansas State University graduating with a degree in Grain Milling. He married his beloved wife, Shirley, in 1958 and had three children: Robert, Linda and Peter. He was employed at Topeka Mill and Elevator in Topeka, KS where he was highly regarded in his industry and recognized as one of the best at his job. In 1978, he advanced his career by accepting a sales/buying position with Valley Grain Products in Madera, CA. He continued after its sale to ADM and retired soon after.

John was heavily invested in his community. In Topeka he was active in the 20/30 Club and in Madera he joined the Madera Breakfast Lions Club where he was a member for 43 years with perfect attendance. He served as President twice, Zone Chairman, and on many committees, which included the Lions Foundation Eyeglass Collection Program, Camp Pacifica Lions Camp, and CA Fish and Wildlife Pheasant Hunt for the Physically Challenged. He participated in events such as serving a hot lunch in the field for the Pheasant Hunt participants, delivering tri tip dinners, and managing the Lions Booth at Town and Country Park. In 1999, John was nominated and awarded the highest award in Lionism, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian service to his community. He was a living example of the Lions Club motto in word and deed: We Serve.

Antonette Tilde Sesock (74), passed away in November. 20, 2020, peacefully with her family by her side after her courageous battle with cancer ended. She was born to Anthony and Letty (Pelanconi) Monie on May 9, 1946, in Whittier, CA. She attended St. Joseph and St. Louis of France for her elementary education and was a graduate of Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, in 1964.

Antonette enjoyed singing and was a member of the Glee Club performing at the Shriners auditorium 3 years consecutively. She met her future husband, Thomas Sesock when he had a layover at the Los Angeles Train Station in 1962 as he was on his way to Kansas City with the FFA. They were engaged at Dodger Stadium and were married in January. 29, 1972.

Marshall Padilla (87) - The world lost a self-made man on November 17, 2020. Born in Madera, he and his three brothers were the first generations of his family born in the United States. Raised by his mom, Marshall and his brothers often heard, “Work or go to school!” In his early years, the family traveled from Madera to areas up north and to the Central Coast to pick whatever crop his mom could get them hired to harvest. The boys were always back in school at the end of the harvest season and this paved the way for three of the Padilla boys to graduate from Fresno State College while the fourth went on to serve as a career military officer.

In junior high, Marshall worked as an orderly at Dearborn Hospital, sometimes having to step in and help the doctors deliver babies when the nurses were called elsewhere. Later he worked setting up displays and selling shoes for Brammer Shoes while going to high school.

Bob Dale Blankenship (80), passed away Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, in Fresno, CA. He was born to Clifford and Katie (Brannum) Blankinship in Milo, OK, and was a resident of Madera, CA for 45 years. He was an Auto Tech for the California Highway Patrol for 32 years until his retirement.

Bob, was raised in the San Joaquin Valley and graduated from Tranquility High School in the class of 1959. He was a founding member of the Clovis 4-Wheel Drive Club, and for 25 years helped organize Madera Sober Grad. He was also deeply involved in Habitat for Humanity in Santa Rosa, CA. A few of his passions in life were fishing and car racing. In his younger days, he spent much time at the Kearney Bowl working on racecars and enjoying the races.

Randy Kit Durbin -  It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Randy Kit Durbin who passed away on September 11, 2020. He was a graduate of Madera High, studied abroad in Europe, graduated from U. C. Davis, earned a Master’s Degree and Career Technical Education certification at Fresno Pacific College, and had an administrative credential.

He had a passion for learning and hoped to pass that thirst for knowledge on to others throughout his 24 years of teaching at Madera High and Madera South as well as his 31 years of teaching at the Madera Community College.

William Robert Wibbenhorst (91) - After a long and full life, William (Bill) Wibbenhorst passed away peacefully at his home in Madera, California, on August 13, 2020. Bill was surrounded by the great love of his life and wife of 68 years, Marilyn, and his loving children. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family of four children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The silver-haired patriarch was a true man’s man, a friend to many, and a stranger to none.

Bill was born in San Bernardino, CA on May 11, 1929. He was the son of William Martin Wibbenhorst and Verna Fulton Wibbenhorst, and brother of Norman R. Wibbenhorst; who he has now joined in heaven. After graduating from Point Loma High School, Bill enlisted in the ROTC program at UCLA in 1946. Across town at USC, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Joan Martin.