Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory

10/10/2025

HERBERT L. BOLTON
Apr 25, 1940 - Oct 4, 2025

Herbert Bolton was born on the Buffalo Valley Ranch, Chavez, Co New Mexico. He was the sixth of eight children born to William E Bolton and Jocie L Worley. He lived on the ranch until 1947 when
they moved to CA. Herb graduated from Le Grand High School then attended college as an agricultural major. Herb married his high school sweetheart in 1958 they were married for 67 years and had three children.

Herb was a service oriented person, he was a Santa Maria City Fire Fighter for 11 years. He was instrumental in forming the Local 2020 of the IAFF, as well as convincing the Santa Barbara Co Fire Fighters to unionize. Herb was very proud of the Fire Dept. and enjoyed knowing the current members. He was active in the establishment of the Alvin Newton Memorial.

Herb worked in aerospace for Martin Marietta, and was most proud of his part of the Return to Flight after the Challenger incident. He worked on Sc out, Thor MX and Delta launches on Vandenberg AFB.

Herb volunteered for morning yard duty at St. Mary's school. He coached sports teams in track and football at St. Joseph's, St. Mary's and Orcutt Jr. High schools. He worked as a Boy Scout Leader in Santa Maria and Katy, TX. As a grandparent he transported track and water polo teams to competitions and attended meets. Herbert was an avid fisherman, deep sea fishing with his family was his favorite. He fished in Alaska, Mexico, Canada and Sweden, as well as many of the national parks. Herb and Jean travelled often, the Galapagos Islands and Greek Isles and the Azores were their favorite trips.

Herb was predeceased by his beloved son Patrick, his parents, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. He is survived by his wife Jeanne Earl, his son Mike and wife Lisa, his daughter Beth, husband Don and granddaughter Shelley, grandson Alex, wife sara and much loved great grandson Patrick. His brothers Rusty and Royce and many nieces and nephews also survived him.

Graveside services are at 11:00 Friday Oct 17, 2025 in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery; with a celebration of life at 12:00 at Fire Station #5 at the corner of Donovan and Suey Rd. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Patrick Bolton Memorial Scholarship at St. Joseph's High School.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

10/08/2025

10/07/2025

PEGGY J. JACOB
1945 – 2025

Peggy J. Jacob, of Santa Maria, California, passed away on September 2, 2025, at the age of 80.

She was born on May 11, 1945, in Monrovia, California, to parents Paul and Dorothy Gregory. Peggy built a life filled with love, resilience, and devotion to her family, friends, and church. She and her husband, David, graduated from Rhema Bible School in 1980 and together co-pastored the church, Shekinah Glory Christian Fellowship, for 40 years. Peggy and David were married for 56 years; she was the love of his life.

She is survived by her husband, David Jacob; two sons, Michael Rudy and Matthew Jacob; and her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Rudy.

Peggy’s warmth, faith, and kindness will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. She will forever be in our hearts.

An account has been opened in Peggy’s memory to receive donations in her honor to the American Heart Association. Donations may be made online at www.heart.org or mailed to AHA, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

09/29/2025

In Memory of
Isaac Chy Melena

Isaac Chy Melena, at the age of seventy-four, passed on into eternity to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, California.

He was known to his immediate family and close friends as Chy and to co-workers and church family as Isaac. Chy was born and raised in Santa Maria, third generation, the oldest child, to Santos and Charlotte Melena.

He attended Adam Elementary School, El Camino Junior High, and Santa Maria High School. He participated in youth sports, such as baseball and track. When he got older, he played softball, playing shortstop, with his friends and brothers at Hagerman Park. He also coached softball for his daughters and nieces.

As a young person, he worked with his family seasonally throughout California and Oregon. He later worked with his dad in the family's general contracting business, where they built many of Santa Maria’s buildings, which are still up today. In his twenties, he also worked at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Chy was proud to have worked as a Maintenance Specialist at the Housing Authority for over thirty-nine years. His co-workers remember fun memories and how he was full of life, laughter, and jokes. He got to know the community and enjoyed seeing the younger generations grow.

Although he could not serve in the military due to a childhood illness, he was a great patriot and supporter. He instilled patriotism in his children and loved celebrating the Fourth of July with lots of fireworks.

Chy loved spending time with his family, going camping, and going to the beach. He enjoyed riding his Harley and referred to it as his childhood dream. He was a major fan of the Los Angeles Chargers and Angels. Once he retired, he began to travel to many places, including Mazatlán, to see the Total Solar Eclipse in 2024.

He maintained a routine of running well into his fifties. After work, he ran laps around Preisker Park and participated in the Guadalupe Marathon from Santa Maria. As he got older, he would walk along the Santa Maria River Levee Trail and take his Australian Shepherd Heeler, Jack Theodore, and his Husky, Lady Estrella, with him. One of his pastimes was to barbecue for family and friends. He also enjoyed relaxing by a late-night bonfire in the backyard or at the beach.

Chy was known for his contagious laugh and high-spirited, loving personality. He filled our lives with fun and laughter. He was selfless, kind, compassionate, and had a big heart.

He is survived by his wife, Alma, his children, Pearl, Becky, Gabriel, and Krystal. He also leaves behind his siblings Bob, Joe, Richard, Tina, Jim, and Bill, and their spouses, Stephanie, Cindy, Terri, Victor, Cindy, and Janet. He is also loved by a large family, which includes nieces, great nieces, their children, and his in-laws.

Chy was preceded in death by his parents, Santos and Charlotte; his brother, Mark; his grandparents, Ysabel and Pasquale Melena, Juan and Justa Camacho; and many other family and friends dear to him.

The day after his passing, Santa Maria had a sudden tropical storm with rolling rumbles of thunder and lightning. This was considered a gift from above to his children because Chy loved to hear the thunder, run out to the rain, and watch the lightning light up the sky. On that day, they found this very comforting. We find comfort in knowing that we will see him again.

HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me… And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” –John 14:1-3

“But I do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to honor the life of Isaac Chy Melena be made directly to Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

09/26/2025

MERDIE LEE BURNS
1937 - 2025

Merdie Lee Burns was born June 8, 1937 in Jackson Perish Louisiana to Purlue and Verdie Green. She was the oldest of eight children, which developed her character in strength, resilience, and responsibility. In high school she met her husband Herman Burns. They were married March 27,1954. Subsequently, she gave her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at a House of God Service, which ushered her husband to also receive salvation. They both became members of the House Of God in Los Angeles, California.

At the leading of the Lord they moved to Nipomo, California, and settled in Santa Maria, California. Eventually Bishop and Lady Burns started their church Macedonia, House of God; where Merdie Burns became a devoted God fearing first lady who worked tirelessly in serving the church in hospitality. After Bishop Burns passed away in September 11th, 2013 Lady Burns continued pastoring Macedonia House of God until her passing.

Lady Burns was a hardworking wife and mother who instilled in her children the importance of reverencing God, integrity, and discipline. Her husband identified her as a "Proverbs 31 woman". She also helped to raise her younger siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren passing down these vital values.

Lady Burns was a very talented and artistic individual. She was an excellent seamstress, artist, and cook. Her favorite pass time was fishing, and throughout the years she hosted many fish fries.

Lady Burns passed away on Thursday September 18th, 2025. She leaves behind the legacy and hope in JESUS CHRIST.

Lady Burns is survived by: her sister, Joyce Ann Broom, her brothers: Melray Green, Collins Jefferson; Her children: Sharie Favors-Quash (James), Norman Burns (Michelle), Samuel Burns, Rachel Elkins, Philip Burns (Ayo); Grandchildren: Tye Coe, Mashanda Faust, Joshua Burns, Jessica Burns, Micah Favors, Erica Burns, Gabriel Burns, Leanndra Burns, Micah Burns, Andrew Burns, Elijah Burns, Breanna Burns; In-laws, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, great great grandchild, House of God family, adopted family and friends.

Preceded in death: father, Perlue Green, mother, Verdie Green, husband, Herman Burns, Brothers: Johnny Green, Purlue Allen Green, and Larry Green; Sisters: Patricia Gallon, and Lily Atkinson.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the South Lawn section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

09/09/2025

SISTER MARIANNE RASMUSSEN, OSF
1934 - 2025

Born on July 3, 1934, in Sacramento, California, to Ray Rasmussen and Mary Ann Donovan, Marianne was baptized a month later at Sacred Heart parish in Sacramento. Her given name was Kathryn Ann. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis, St. Francis Province on September 8, 1952, at the novitiate house in Sierra Madre, California, professing first vows on August 18, 1955 and perpetual vows on August 18, 1958. She was given the name “Sister Marianne.”

Her life was marked by many years of service in education and leadership. She taught at the grammar school level and the high school level for ten years—at Holy Angels grammar school and St. Francis High School in Sacramento. In 1962 she began fifteen years as teacher, vice-principal and principal at Alverno High School in Sierra Madre, California. She was entrusted with the formation and education of new members of the province for five years in the Los Angeles area.

Leaving the education field, she began working at the Marriage Tribunal of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, a position she held for eighteen years while living at the motherhouse of the province in Redwood City, California. During this time, she was also a counselor at the Women’s Center for Domestic Abuse in San Mateo.

Because of her level-headed abilities and caring commitment to the welfare of the sisters of her province, she was elected to leadership positions often for a total of 18 years as First Provincial Assistant.

After the closing of the motherhouse in Redwood City, known as Mount Alverno, in 2004, she remained in the Redwood City area, moving into a home with two other sisters in the same area. Her life then revolved around offering hospitality to friends, sisters and family, volunteering in various endeavors and being a member of the Charitable Trust Committee of the province. In November of 2022, she moved to Santa Maria, where she continued to advocate for the poor and support causes of justice.

An Evening Vigil Service will be held on Monday, September 15 at 7 pm in the main chapel at Marian Convent. Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Tuesday, September 16 at 11 am, also in the main chapel, 124 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Donations in her honor may be offered to the Catholic Worker House in Redwood City, California.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

08/29/2025

PATRICIA ANN FOXEN
March 30, 1931 – August 24, 2025

Patricia “Pat” Ann Foxen was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on March 30, 1931. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on August 24, 2025.

As a teenager, Pat met her future husband, Donald, at dance class. They stepped into life together in 1952 and never missed a beat for the next 65 years. Their love carried on well beyond his passing, lasting a lifetime. They raised six children in Hacienda Heights, California, filling their home with both laughter and the kind of chaos only a large family can bring.

Pat was the type of person you only had to meet once to love forever. She had a gift for rolling up her sleeves, pitching in, and somehow making it all look effortless. She spent decades serving her community, most notably through 30 years at Cottage Hospital, the New-to-You shop, and the Solvang Auxiliary. Her dedication was recognized when she earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement, honoring more than 15,000 hours given to Cottage Health Auxiliary Volunteers. Whether she was organizing, volunteering, spending time with her grandchildren, or baking her legendary snickerdoodles, Pat did it with a quick wit, a sense of humor, and an open heart. They just don’t make them like her anymore.

When Don retired from the Sheriff’s Department, they built their dream home in Woodstock Ranch in Santa Ynez — a gathering place where memories were made around long tables, full plates, and even fuller hearts for over 30 years. After Don’s passing, Pat continued to live independently in Santa Maria. She never slowed down — keeping up with Wordle, crosswords, thrift shop schedules, and pricing items right up until the week she left this earth.

Her spirit will be remembered in her laugh, her sparkle, her steadfast kindness, and yes — in those homemade rolls no one could ever quite replicate. She leaves behind a family that adored her beyond measure: children Kathy, David, Diane, and Mike; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Sue Rock. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Don, daughter Donna, and son Jim.

In true Pat fashion, she requested no services. Instead, her family invites you to celebrate her amazing life in a way that makes you smile — perhaps with a snickerdoodle in hand, a crossword puzzle nearby, or by lending a helping hand to someone who needs it.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

08/25/2025

TRACY SCOTT BURKS
1957 – 2025

A life of courage, kindness, and quiet resilience.

Scott was joyful, grateful and appreciative in life, but life challenged him greatly from an illness he developed at the young age of 22, after proudly serving in the United States Air Force as a crew chief for a fighter squadron.

Yet, he faced his illness not as a weakness, but as a relentless storm he weathered with profound bravery.

Scott was born to Margaret and Ray Burks in Santa Clara California, June 11th 1957, a joyous gift from above, Scott was a happy go lucky boy in childhood joining many clubs and attending social activities that kept him busy with friends, but his favorite wish was always to come to the central coast to visit his same age cousin and boyhood prankster partner Steven Jones, they were inseparable later attending St Joseph basketball games where Steve played center, finding the newest addition for Scott’s hot rod car and playing their favorite music, we think they surely must be together once again.

Scott loved fast cars and speed, spending lots of time in his younger years working on numerous project cars that he raced and truly made amazing!

In 1977 he married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Elizabeth whom he met through his cousin Steven and they set off to an assignment beginning with a station at Elgin AFB in Florida.

In 1978 they welcomed their only child, a beautiful little girl they named Jennifer Ann.

Scott’s illness never defined him, but his response to it shaped his quiet strength and his faith sustained him.

Those who knew Scott saw beyond his struggles to the person he truly was, a kind and gentle soul with a fierce and witty sense of humor. He had an unwavering love for his family.

May the bravery, courage and example Scott set in life fill our hearts and keep us inspired with love for others even during health struggles and life’s hardships.

Scott was preceded in death by his loving parents and leaves behind his beloved daughter, Jennifer Amador and cherished grandchildren Ezra, Savanah and Seleste as well as a younger brother David Burks .

On Thursday, August 28, 2025 the 12:00 p.m. Mass at St Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church will be celebrated in honor of Scott. Graveside service following mass at 1:30 in the Santa Maria, South Lawn.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

08/20/2025

MOLLY HAIDY SCHMITT
1945 - 2025

Molly Haidy Schmitt, 80, of Orcutt, CA, passed away on August 17th, 2025 in Santa Maria, CA.

Molly was born on April 6th, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA to Joseph John and Kathryne Daly Haidy.

She is survived by her son Michael (Anne) Schmitt, and Daughter Michelle Schmitt, Sister Clarissa (Dale) Carlson, Grand Daughters Mikaella, Kathryne, Evelyn, and Colleen Schmitt and Adrianna (Quinten) Walter. Molly was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years Robert, her parents, and her older sister Kathleen (Donald) Seaman.

Molly attended Mayfield Academy in Pasadena, CA and went on to raise the family and work for the Orcutt Unified School District for 43 years. Molly and her family were very active at St. Louis de Montfort parish in Orcutt

Molly will be remembered for being fiercely loyal to her friends and colleagues, her love of her grandchildren, gardening, and her cat Boo.

A Rosary will be held at the St. Joseph Seminary in Orcutt at 6 PM on Thursday August 28th. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louis de Montfort parish church on Clark Ave, at 10 AM on Friday August 29th, 2025. The Graveside burial will be held in Orange County on September 3rd, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Josephite Fathers.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of the OUSD friends and families who have been so generous with their time and gifts, to Donna Sousa and the team at Coast Family Home Care for their quick reaction and kind and compassionate care during these last few weeks. The family would to also like express their appreciation to the doctors and medical staff at Marian Regional Medical Center for their skilled and gracious care.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

08/20/2025

A Navy sailor who survived the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941 is laid to rest and reunited with his fallen shipmates inside the sunken USS Utah.

08/14/2025

https://www.magnermaloney.com/obituaries

08/14/2025

LAURA DIANE HENDRICKS
1976 - 2025

Laura Diane Hendricks, was born on September 21, 1976 in Valencia, CA to Danny and Mary Hendricks. At the age of 48, and after a two year battle with cancer, Laura passed away on July 30, 2025. She was surrounded by family and close friends.

She is survived by her son-Mason, father-Danny, siblings-David & wife Yvonne, Michael & wife Bree, along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother-Mary Hendricks.

Laura moved to Santa Maria in 1980, where she attended Joe Nightingale & Lakeview Jr High. She graduated from Righetti High School in 1994 and modeled for Copeland’s Sports in San Luis Obispo.

She went on to attend Allan Hancock College, where she played soccer for 2 years on their first ever women’s team. A career in retail led her to work for Vons, Costco, and Spencer’s, where she worked in many departments including bakery, pharmacy and service deli. Co-workers and customers alike would have to agree that she had the gift of gab. This is where she met many lifelong friends.

Laura was truly an old soul. She admired antiques and old cars, particularly vintage vehicles owned by her Pop. Going to car shows with family & friends was one her favorite pastimes. She also took much pride in her 1993 Toyota pickup, which she would brag, “still runs today”.

She preferred home cooked meals; unless, it was french fries, fresh baked bread, or her absolute favorite… nachos. Whether she followed an exact recipe or created a meal with her own twist, she thoroughly enjoyed cooking.

Her spontaneous nature allowed many to experience last minute adventures with her; she was a true partner in crime. Blues music may have been her favorite, however, it wasn’t uncommon for her to sing many songs on the radio. If she didn’t know the words, she would make them up, just another of her humorous traits. If you were fortunate enough to have her leave you a singing voicemail, treasure it, and consider yourself special.

She found happiness in the little things. At Christmastime, a drive around the block to see decorated houses with lights always brought a smile to her face. Above all things, she thrived at being a mother. She loved to volunteer for field trips, parades, and projects that nurtured and created memories with Mason. She was creative in putting together Halloween costumes and outfits for school dress up days. She loved taking photos and short videos of Mason and posting or sending to friends and family. She truly got a kick out of this.

Her cheerful disposition and ability to make others laugh with jokes or stories would usually start with a one minute intro, then quickly turn into a one hour story. She loved to chat, about anything and everything. Two hour conversations were not uncommon and this is where some of us got to experience the softer, serious, kind & loving nature of Laura.

She will be remembered for her smile and laugh (lovingly called a “snort”), quick-wit, sarcasm, generosity, singing, dance moves, and the fun-loving human that she was.

A celebration of life will be held on:
Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 3:00 pm, in the barn at 4860 Paint Horse Trail, Orcutt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the go fund me account started for her son Mason, this is posted on Laura’s page.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.