News

Marcello P. Ayala (92)

Marcello P. Ayala (92) of Madera, CA passed away on December 24, 2017 surrounded by the love of his family. Marcello P. Ayala was born in Fabens, Texas on April 26, 1925. Marcello and his family moved to Madera, CA when he was ten years old. At the age of eighteen, Marcello enlisted in the United States Army and became a Private First Class Rifleman.

Marcello was part of the 333rd Infantry, 84th Division, known as the famous Railsplitters. On September 20, 1944 he boarded the Edmund B. Alexander and set sail to the European Theater, where Marcello and his infantry took part in the most historical battles known to this date. He was in the front lines during the Battle of Ardennes, later to be known as The Battle of the Bulge, The Battle of Rhineland and the Battle Central Europe, all of which ended WWII. Marcello and his fellow soldiers became admired and were heroes to people across the world.

Former Madera Librarian Passes: Stanley John Matli (77)

Stanley John Matli (77) was born on January 24, 1940 to Paul and Imogene Matli in Merced, California. His Aunt Lena and Uncle Lefty Gai played an important role in raising Stanley. He graduated from Chowchilla Union High School in 1957. He received his BS from the University of San Francisco in 1961. After earning a teaching credential at Fresno State College, he taught at various elementary, middle and high schools in the San Joaquin Valley.

During this time he also served 8 years in the Army Reserve. In 1971 he received a masters degree in library science at San Jose State. He worked several years at the Lodi Public Library before he took a position at the Madera County Library. He was known as “Stan the Answer Man” during his 24 year career at Madera. Stan married Rebecca Jennings in 2001.

Angelo Pierotti (94)

Angelo Pierotti (94) was born December 27, 1922 to Italian immigrants, Carlo & Eda Pierotti, on South “D” Street in Madera, which at that time was called “Little Italy.” His family then moved to the country and Angelo attended Ripperdan Elementary School and Madera Union High School. He married his wonderful wife, Dora, on June 6, 1943 in Madera and Honeymooned in San Francisco. They have been married for 74 years.

Angelo and Dora bought a vineyard on Avenue 8 ½ and raised two daughters together. A little later Angelo became a beloved Head Custodian and Bus Driver for Ripperdan Elementary School, while still farming 20 acres of vineyard in the Ripperdan area. He loved that school and kept it beautifully manicured with flowers planted every spring. Because of his encouragement to the Ripperdan students, all the students had respect for him and said his name with excitement when they called him “Mr. Pierotti.”

Sara Ann Barnett (76)

Sara Ann Barnett (76) passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 in Fresno, at the age 76. She was born to William and Ada White on September 25, 1941 in Madera. Throughout her life, Sara lived in numerous states, including Alabama, Texas, and Washington, as she was transferred to different bases during her time of service in the United States Army.

Once Sara was honorably discharged from the Army, she returned to school to complete her education. Sara received her degree and worked as a LVN for over 30 years. After retirement, Sara enjoyed spending her time gardening, crafting with her family, and shopping. She also had a love for jewelry, and she would even make her own. Sara loved to pray and would talk about the Lord whenever she had the chance.

Isaiah Micah Angel McGuire (16)

Isaiah Micah Angel McGuire (16) of Madera passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2017 in Fresno, California. Isaiah was born on October 18, 2001 to Irma & Moses McGuire of Madera. Isaiah was a loving soul; he had an enormous heart full of love. He was loved by many and he was never afraid to say “I love you”.

He loved life; he was a giver and was generous to all who have met him. He enjoyed family trips to San Francisco, and he loved food, especially when he had meals with his family. He loved playing sports and he was passionate about baseball and basketball. We often heard him ask his uncle and siblings “let me ball you up”. Isaiah had many friends and he loved spending time with his family watching movies, having a barbecue, hanging out, listening to music and playing basketball and baseball. Isaiah’s dream was to become a Navy seal. Isaiah wanted to serve his country the way his grandfathers did.

Geneva Leach (92)

Geneva Leach (92) returned to her Heavenly home on December 13, 2017 after a long and blessed life. Her devotion to her family and her strong belief in God supported her throughout her life and gave her peace.

Geneva was born to the late Ezekiel “Zeke” and Mary “Florence” Bounds on November 20, 1925 in Pocahontas, Arkansas. She moved from Perkins, OK to Madera, CA when she was 15 years old. She attended church one Sunday morning and found the love of her life and best friend, Gerald Leach. She married him on February 18, 1946 when he had a few days of leave from the United States Navy. They were married for over 60 years until his death in 2006.

Patricia (Pat) Washburn (91)

Patricia (Pat) Washburn (91) was born on June 21, 1926 as Patricia Ryan. She was born in Madera, Ca. After a brief illness she died on November 27, 2017 in O’Neals, Ca. known as Ryan Ranch at Hildreth. She graduated from Madera High School Class of 1946. She later married Jimmie Washburn on June 21, 1945. She lived 88 years in the O’Neals area.

She is a retired school bus driver of the Spring Valley School District after 25 years. She belonged to many organizations over the years, Gem and Mineral club, 4-H leader 15 years, O’Neals Community Center, O’Neals Farm Bureau Women’s Club, Grandmother’s Club, Coarsegold Historical Society, Fresno Orchid Society and two different Card Clubs.