News

Philip Michael Molina (42) lovingly known as “Mike” passed away July 15, 2020 in Madera of a brief illness. He was born in Colusa, CA and at a young age moved with his family to Madera. Mike attended local schools and was a graduate of Madera High Class of 1996.

In 1997 Mike married the love of his life Kelly Chambers. Mike and Kelly have been working together, as they own and operate Perko’s Café on Cleveland Avenue in Madera, for many years. But their greatest achievement has been in raising their five boys to be great men.

Sue Catherine Bare (90), a long time resident of Madera, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2020, following a period of declining health. Sue was born to Jim and Clara Tedford in Darnell Arkansas, later moving to Madera where she graduated from Madera Union High School with the Class of 1948.

In earlier years before retirement Sue was a cashier at Hal’s Market and at Madera Food Mart, and for a time worked at Howell’s Studio where she was a colorizer. An active person in the Madera Community Sue enjoyed being a volunteer at Madera Community Hospital.

Bobby Gene Bennett (86) passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a twenty-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Bob was surrounded by his wife of nearly sixty-five years, Jane, his children, Karen Prieto, Brad Bennett and Todd Bennett, and four of his eight grandchildren.

Bob was born on June 22, 1933 in Atwood, Oklahoma to James Arthur and Ella Mae Bennett. The family were victims of the Dust Bowl, and became migrant farm workers, moving between Oklahoma and California. Bob's work life began at the age of five, picking cotton. Growing up in poverty, and learning the value and necessity of hard work forged a man who later found great success in his chosen field of coaching and teaching.

Rudolph “Rudy” Raul Garibay (86)Rudolph “Rudy” Raul Garibay (86), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, in Madera, CA. Rudy was born on July 28, 1933, in Salinas, CA to Sebero and Emilia Garibay. He joined the Navy at the age of 17, where he served in the Korean War., Rudy was aboard the USS Gregory, a 2 battle starship, where he was a boiler technician.

After serving 10 years as active Navy, Rudy was honorably discharged then soon after his discharge an Army Recruiter sought him out. Rudy then joined the Army Reserves where he dedicated another 22 years of service. Throughout Rudy’s life, he was stationed at numerous bases including Japan, New York, Spain, and San Francisco.

Jeraldine (Lucero) Brandt (77), a lifelong resident of Madera, CA, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2020. Jeri was a beloved homemaker, mother, grandmother, and wife. Her maternal nature, forthrightness, and sly humor were traits that were recognized and celebrated by those closest to her. She was a trusted confidante, advisor and cherished friend to many. She will be dearly missed. 
 
Jeri is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kelvin Spencer Brandt, and her children, Troy Brandt, and his wife, Debbie, Todd Brandt, and Trisha Jamieson and her husband Alec Jamieson and five beloved grandchildren: Morgan Brandt, Olivia Brandt, Isabella Brandt, Joaquin Jamieson, and Oleta Petula Jamieson. 

David Henry Moosios (89) passed away on April 28, 2020 in Madera. He was born in Fresno on January 26, 1931 to Samuel and Henrietta (Salazar) Moosios. A lifelong resident of Madera, David graduated from Madera High School class of 1949. David was a Masonry Contractor since 1966.

He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. David was a lifetime member of the Elks BPOE #1918, the V.F.W. Madera Post 1981, and the American Legion Post 11, a member of the Madera County Historical Society and a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church.