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Michael J. Ryan, Jr. (89) was born on January 11, 1930 in Fresno, California. The same birthday as his mother, Rosamond “Picky” Ryan. His father was Michael James “Jimmy” Ryan. Mike passed away on July 15, 2019.

He attended St. Therese Elementary School in Fresno and he was a proud graduate of San Francisco’s St. Ignatius High School. He was a two-time All-City football player at SI and was one of the stars of the first SI team to win the SF City football championship in 1945 when they played before 20,000 people at Kezar Stadium. He was a proud Wildcat throughout his life and remained close with his classmates at SI through the rest of his life. He treasured those bonds that were made then.

Ella Rose (Elly, aka Miss Elly) Clare Row passed into eternal peace on June 25, 2019 with her children at her side. She had a deep faith with her Savior and cared strongly for her church. She had a wonderful, long life, and would tell you so with a smile on her face.

Elly was born September 8, 1926 on the prairie of Alberta, Canada to Faye Allred and Robert G. Clare, both American citizens. At the age of six, she came to Madera where she has lived ever since. Robert D. Martin (Bob), her step dad was a Ripperdan farmer so Elly grew up a "country girl". Her cousins through Bob Martin; included the Martin's, Mortimer's and Wibbenhorst's. In the summer Elly became a "city girl" spending time with her Dad, Grandma and the Clare Clan in Hollywood.

Goldie Lorenz, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 in Fresno, California. Goldie was born on June 16, 1934 in Oklahoma to Oscar and Rettie Seabury Richardson. She has been a resident of Madera for over 65 years.

Goldie was known by many through her 50 plus years of waitressing, at The Village Restaurant and Farnesi’s Restaurant here in Madera. She loved gambling at Table Mountain Casino, watching The Waltons and M*A*S*H. She also loved spending time with her family playing card games and listening to country music.

Margaret (Luecke) Kidwell (96) passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 25, 2019 at Cedar Creek retirement community in Madera surrounded by her loving family. Margaret was born in Freeport, Illinois to Robert and Margaret Luecke. She received her early education in Freeport schools graduating from Aquin High School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Margaret married Thomas Thurman Kidwell on September 4, 1948 and they began their life together eventually becoming parents to eight children. In 1963 they relocated to Madera, California where Dr. Kidwell was appointed Medical Director of the Madera County Public Health Department. The Kidwell family became active in the Madera Community especially at St. Joachim Parish where the Kidwell children attended school. Margaret a devout Catholic, attended daily Mass, was a member of the Legion of Mary, the Altar and Rosary Society, & volunteered at the St.Vincent De Paul store.

John M. “Mitch” Lasgoity (89) passed away on June 26, 2019 surrounded by family. Mitch was born on April 11, 1930 in Madera to Jean Lasgoity and Jennie Ospital Lasgoity and has made his home here ever since. Mitch was raised on the family 40 acre ranch south of the town of Madera with his parents, maternal grandmother and two bachelor uncles who spoke to him in Basque. Thus, he grew up bi-lingual with two mother-tongues. Under the tutelage of his parents and uncles, Mitch learned and never lost his love for farming and animal husbandry.

Mitch attended Alpha School, Madera High School and Santa Clara University from which he graduated with a degree in business in 1952. Upon graduation, he became partners with his father in their sheep business and took over the farming of their 40 acres. Eventually, Mitch bought the sheep from his father and became self-employed at the age of 27. He married Rosemary Mastrofini in 1957 and together they expanded their farming interests, grew their sheep business and began to run cattle in Madera County. Through his commitment to work, his intelligence and curiosity, Mitch developed and enjoyed many close relationships and had many friends.

MADERA - Sam Pistoresi (87), affectionately refered to as "Madera's Godfather" by his friends and family, a native and longtime resident of Madera, California passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and loved ones early on Friday, June 21, 2019. Sam was born to August and Norma Pistoresi in Madera, California on May 9, 1932. At an early age he worked on the family farm where strong work ethics and values were instilled in him which he carried throughout his life.

He attended local schools and graduated from Madera High School with the class of 1948. He later married his high school sweetheart Joy Ann Del Bono on February 3, 1952. They had two daughters, Patricia Ann Bowery and Joy Elaine Pistoresi. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War and was stationed off the coast of North Korea.