Obituaries

Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary, Santa Paula.Elizabeth “Betty” StrohElizabeth “Betty” Stroh, age 84, of Santa Paula, passed away September 27, 2000 following a lengthy illness.She was born May 24, 1916 in Oakland, and was a county resident for 52 years, coming from Beverly Hills. She was a homemaker for 63 years.Mrs. Stroh is survived by her brother, Kurt Douglas Perrin of Laguna Beach; and two grandchildren, John Robert Stroh of Santa Paula and Heidi Elizabeth Stroh of Fillmore. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons.The family held a private graveside service.Arrangements under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, Santa Paula.Hortensia MoralesHortensia Morales, age 79, passed away September 24, 2000.Hortensia was born August 28, 1921 in El Paso, Texas to Dolores Soto and Francisco Gonsalez, growing up during the Depression. Her family moved to Santa Paula, and she worked alongside her parents and siblings, following the seasonal work, but always returning to Santa Paula.In 1961 she and Oscar Morales started their first business together, and founded Morales Properties. The business was opened with the help of Chino Valdes and Manuel Trevino. The last 30 years she dedicated to raising her children and grandchildren, but she was still very active in every decision pertaining to the business.Hortensia received great inspiration from Jeanette E. Kellogg and Lucille Fry, for whom she had great admiration. It was from them she learned and took advice about the value of owning property. Her life was also crossed by great businessmen such as Joe Nesbitt, who she came to admire and respect and hold in high esteem, and Clark Richards, who became not only the Morales’ real estate agent but also a good friend.With all her accomplishments in life, what Hortensia cherished most was her family. There was nothing she loved and enjoyed more than having her children and grandchildren around her. She also enjoyed tending her garden, which was full of flowers and fruit trees, but most of all roses, red roses her favorite.She is survived by her husband, Oscar Morales; sons, Jesse, Robert, Joey, Charles, Mark, and Ambros; daughter, Jackie; 28 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Ernie.Hortensia Morales was laid to rest on September 27. Her neighbor, Pastor Davis, said the eulogy was easy for him to do because “it came from the heart.” He had seen the importance to her of how she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements were under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary.“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”Helen Nadine WalkerHelen Nadine Walker, age 78, of Santa Paula, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2000, following a lengthy illness.Mrs. Walker was born July 25, 1922 in Moorpark. She was a county resident for 78 years, and a homemaker for 54 years.She is survived by her daughters, Linda (husband Walter) Adair of Santa Paula, and Nancy (husband Paul) Ward of Los Osos; sons, Douglas (wife Patricia) Walker of Ventura, Terry Walker of Santa Paula, and James (wife Lisa) Walker of Arroyo Grande; 10 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 5 at Santa Paula Cemetery, the Reverend Paul Ward officiating.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity.Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, Santa Paula.