Obituaries for the week of 3/21/18

Loretta Mae Brent

Loretta was a lifelong resident of Westwood; she was a great cook and avid outdoorswoman who loved camping, hunting and fishing. She was born May 6, 1939. She died March 9, 2018.

Loretta is survived by daughters Janet Brent-Butts (Rory Burke) and Jeani Brent, sister Jeanette Sievers (Bill Sievers), brother Kenneth Summers, sister-in-law Betty Summers, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild, plus many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Gilbert Brent.

A celebration of her life was held at the Westwood Community Center Saturday, March 17. An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.

Mary Kay Thurman Deal

Mary Kay Thurman Deal passed peacefully with her sisters at her side on Friday, March 9, 2018.

Mary Kay was joyfully reunited with her husband Kent and children, Justin and Lezly.

Born in Oklahoma to General and Jewell Thurman, the family soon moved to Greenville; this began her lifelong love of Indian Valley. Mary Kay married Kent Deal and to this union Justin and Lezly were born.

Always a hard worker, she began a career at Safeway where she retired after years of dedicated service. Mary Kay was an avid golfer and shot a “hole in one” at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui.

Even after losing her husband and both children, Mary Kay showed amazing resiliency; she never gave up. Her greatest joy was her granddaughter Kaycie. Mary Kay was steadfast in her loyalty to her family, friends and community. Her generosity and sense of humor touched all who knew her. Mary Kay was an expert on etiquette, manners and class. She never missed a graduation, wedding or funeral of those she loved.

Mary Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kent, children, Justin and Lezly, and brothers Don, Jess and Jim.

Mary Kay is survived by her beloved granddaughter Kaycie, sisters, Judy, Royce, Jana, brother, Rick and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Kay also leaves a community of dear friends who will miss her greatly.

A celebration of life will take place at Casa De Flores mobile home park in Chico (clubhouse) located at 701 East Lassen Ave. on April 28 at 1 p.m. Please bring a dish and stories to share.

An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.

Ellen V. Housen

Ellen V. Housen passed away Feb. 12, 2018, in Portola. She was born on Aug. 28, 1918 in Lovington, Illinois, to parents Eunice and Dave Coslow.

She grew up during the depression as a farm girl in Iowa. After high school graduation, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, working for a wire and rope company. When World War II broke out, she moved to Stockton and went to work at the Port of Stockton as a clerk for the Western Pacific Railroad. She married Ed Fruchtenicht and together they had three children. Upon Ed’s passing, she moved to Portola where she married Don Housen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Bert Philbrook; her brothers, Roy, Art, Bob, Bill and John; her husbands, Ed Fruchtenicht and Don Housen; her companion, Bill Hall; her son-in-law, Jerry Cranford; and her great-grandson Nathan Fruchtenicht.

She leaves behind her sister, Kathleen Hemmen; brother, Dick Philbrook; her three children, MaryAnn Cranford, Pat Fruchtenicht (JoAnn), and Jeff Fruchtenicht; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on April 7, 2018, at the Portola United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

George Khoury

Pastor George Khoury passed away peacefully on March 5, 2018, in Chico.

George was the father of Nina Harris, Victoria Tryon and Ruby Snyder.

You are invited to attend a celebration of life for George followed by refreshments on Saturday, April 7, at 1:30 p.m. at the Quincy Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2333 Pine Street.

Melinda Leota Oremus

Melinda Leota Oremus passed peacefully from this life at the age of 54, on March 12, 2018, following a very courageous battle with cirrhosis of the liver.

Melinda was born July 24, 1964, in Anaheim to loving parents, Frank and Loretta Secrest and she graduated from Scio High School in 1982. Melinda was briefly married to David Oremus, of Siletz, Oregon, and lived there for several years before moving to California, then North Carolina, where she worked as a respite worker for her disabled nephews.

Melinda loved her family, singing with friends and enjoying each moment of every day. Her carefree boldness was infectious and created many opportunities for adventures. Whoever was with her would just have to hold on for the ride because no matter where they were going, Melinda was sure to make it fun.

She was a gentle soul. She had an easy-going affable way about her. She could walk up to a group of strangers and depart with a multitude of friends. Everyone who met her could feel her genuine love and care.

She lived with abandon and didn’t spend energy on judging others or trying to change them. If we could all just take a lesson from her, it would be to live life each day, each hour, each minute to the fullest, laugh out loud at yourself and love unconditionally.

Melinda was preceded in death by her sibling, Michael Secrest and her father, Francis Secrest.

Melinda is survived by her son, Garrett Oremus, her mother, Loretta Secrest and her sisters, Marjorie Gray, Melodie McLachlan and Mardeanne Scott, her niece, Katie Scott and nephews, Chris and Ryan McLachlan, Jon, Matthew and Stephen Gray.

An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.