News

Retired Chowchilla Fire Fighter Passes at 85: Frank Borba

Frank Borba, 85, a resident of Chowchilla since 1948 passed away on Friday, August 8, 2014. Frank was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2007 and with the loving care of his daughter Joyce Borba and granddaughter Jolie Borba he was able to remain at home even in the midst of declining health.

Frank was born in Dixieland, CA to Joseph Cardoza Borba and Telvena Mary Alves-Borba. He was the third of eight children, Joe Borba, Evelyn Robinson, Mary Borba, Inez Lovelace, Elvera Garrison, Telvina Chumbley, and Albert Borba. He was raised on a dairy and attended school in Dixieland.

Local Butcher Dies at 45: Derek Sambueso

Derek Kent Sambueso (45), born on April 17, 1969, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 25, 2014 at his home in Madera at the age of 45. His parents, Dim and Julie Sambueso, raised Derek in Madera.

Derek attended Madera High School and graduated in 1987. He was a member of FFA and received numerous awards. Derek worked along side his father and uncle at Gus' Food Locker for 26 years. He was a member of Madera Elks Lodge and St. Joachim's Catholic Church.

Virginia Lee Rose 79

Virginia Lee Rose 79 was born September 27, 1934 in Rayville LA and passed on Saturday July 12, 2014 at Kaiser Hospital in Fresno, CA. Her death from an aneurysm was sudden and unexpected but peaceful. She was surrounded by family.

Virginia graduated with an AA Degree from Merrit College in Oakland, CA and was a Probation Aide with the Alameda County Probation Department in Oakland, CA until she retired and moved back to Madera to live on the family property purchased in 1953. Once John and Virginia had built their retirement home, Virginia decided it was time to give-back to her beloved Madera County.

Larry Hall (73)

Larry Hall (73), passed away suddenly Tuesday, July 8th while on vacation with his family in Lake Tahoe. He grew up in Vincennes, Indiana and spent the last 30 years of his life in Madera. He was a member of Madera Breakfast Lions and Shriner's. He enjoyed fishing and "surveying flat land" (golfing).

Larry was preceded to Heaven by his parents Ronald and VeraLaine, along with one sister and three brothers.

Venturi Family Patriarch Passes - Romo Venturi (99)

Romelo William Venturi (99) was born December 19, 1914 in Madera to Amadeo and Isola Venturi. He was a lifelong resident of Madera and passed away on July 7, 2014. He attended Madera High School and during WWII as he was married with children worked in the ship yards in San Francisco.

He was a farmer for most all of his life but also worked in a bakery and was an expert cake decorator. His true joy was in agriculture and had a large garden and was considered a master gardener. Romo was an active member of the Italo-American Club and The Sons of Italy.

Pearl Franchi (89)

Pearl Franchi (89), a long time Madera Business woman passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at a Madera Convalescent Hospital. Pearl was a daughter of Nickolas and Rosina Mondo Franchi who were well known members of the vibrant Italian community that had in settled Madera at the turn of the century. Many in the community will remember their business, Tasty Made Soda Works, a soft drink bottling company which operated here for many years.

Pearl attended local schools graduating from Madera Union High School. She along with her late sister Jean Hamer purchased The Maiden Lane Dress Shop in 1974 from Virginia Hart, which she operated up until her passing. It has played a major role in the Madera business community, one of the few remaining independent clothing stores offering quality merchandise. In the community, Pearl was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church and the branch of the Italian Catholic Federation of the parish. She was also a long time member of the women's Soroptimist Club.

Samantha Armentrout (32)

Samantha Armentrout (32) passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at the age of 32. She was born in Madera to Sam and Susan Armentrout on July 15, 1981. Samantha graduated from Madera High School class of 1999 and later attended San Joaquin Valley College.

She is preceded in death by her father, Sam Armentrout in 2011. Samantha is survived by her mother, Susan of Madera, her sister Melissa Cole-Armentrout of Madera and her nieces and nephews.