Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory

07/22/2025

MARIA B. ROE
1940 - 2025

Maria B. Roe, 85 years old, of Santa Maria, CA, passed away quietly and surrounded by family on July 18, 2025.

Maria was born on March 20, 1940 in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the daughter of Johann and Lucia Weiss. She worked for Adidas and Puma, both headquartered in her hometown. As much as she loved Germany and missed her family, she happily called Santa Maria her home for over 60 years.

Maria married the love of her life, Thurman Roe on December 17, 1971. They lived a beautiful life together, raising their family and supporting each other through life’s challenges. They loved visiting family in Germany, traveling in their motorhome, and spending time with their kids and grandkids at home. They laughed and enjoyed every day together until Thurman’s passing in 2012.

Maria was talented in so many things. She crocheted beautiful blankets, clothes, decorations, and toys that she lovingly gave to family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and baker and we were so lucky to learn from her. She had two green thumbs and the house was filled with so many plants, that it felt like growing up in a jungle. She made jams and jellies and canned fruits and vegetables that she grew in her garden. She even won awards at the fair with her giant zucchinis and beautiful dolls and blankets. These last few years, she was still so excited each spring to plant her tomatoes and peppers and spent every morning tending to her garden.

She made it through so many hardships. She lost all of her siblings, two of her children, and her beloved husband. She survived cancer twice, five back surgeries, and two broken hips. She continued to get up and take care of herself as long as she could. She was the strongest person we’ve ever known. She loved God and her church and she loved her family. She was the happiest when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. We’re at peace knowing that she’s in Heaven with Pop and Angie now.

Maria is survived by her son David Simmons (Lori), daughter Karen Rietzke (Brian), son-in-law Troy Barton, and grandchildren, Cindy Hoyos (Jeff), Jennifer Simmons (Maria), Rachel Acosta (Adam), Jessica Jorde (Thomas), Jordan Rietzke, Brandon Barton, Ashley Lewis (Tony), many great-grandchildren, and her beloved nieces and nephews in Germany.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thurman Roe, daughter Angie Barton, son Timmy Simmons, granddaughter Astacia Simmons, great grandson Isaac Hoyos, her parents, Johann and Lucia Weiss, her brother and his wife, Fritz and Erica Weiss, her sisters Betty Wimmer and Gretel Gerstner, and brother Ludwig Weiss.

Visitation will be held at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 5-6 pm with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery. Reception will be at Maramonte Community Center, 620 E. Sunrise Dr., Santa Maria.

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.

07/21/2025

JUSTIN DRAKE
December 27, 1970 ~ July 10, 2025

Justin Drake, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on July 10, 2025, at the age of 54. Born in Lompoc, California, Justin spent his entire life on the Central Coast a place he loved deeply and called home.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Drake, their three children Lexanne, Payton, and Jonathan, his mother Marijane Drake and brother Bob Drake. His family was his greatest pride and he poured his heart into every moment spent with them.

Justin was an active member of both the Elks and Moose Lodges where he built lasting friendships and gave back to his community. In his younger years he had a passion for skiing and camping. Later in life, some of his favorite memories were made at the lake with his family- laughing, relaxing, and simply being together.

Justin will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering love for those around him. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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.

07/21/2025

Alice D. Mejia, 82, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025 with family at her side. Alice was born Alicia Delia Davalos to Jose Thomas Davalos and Julia Villalobos at Lincoln Hospital in Los Angeles on November 12, 1942. Alice lived most of her life in Southern California in the cities of Monrovia and Azusa.

She had many fond memories of growing up with her family. Her favorite activity as a child was riding her bike and playing sports. Alice graduated from Pomona Catholic High School. She married Manual Mejia. They were married for 30 years. Alice worked as a Preschool aide and later a Preschool teacher at Hayden Child Care at the Santa Teresita Hospital. She enjoyed working with the Carmelite Sisters that ran the school. She worked there for about 20 years. Family was very important to her and she traveled to Pennsylvania, Oregon and Santa Maria for visits. She also enjoyed shopping and going out to eat. She was a very strong and courageous woman and had a witty sense of humor. Alice lived in Santa Maria for the last 5 years.

Alice is survived by her three children, Richard George Mejia (Debbie), Natalie Mejia (Jim Albrecht) and Alice Dewey (Mike), her five grandchildren Nathan, Samuel, Amber, Michaela and Alexis and one great-grandchild, Asher.

The family would like to thank Dignity Health Hospice and especially the caregivers at Jireh Senior Home for their care and support. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the Salce Family for always including our mom in their family activities - she was even known as “Grandma #2”.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at St Louis De Montfort Church in Santa Maria. The mass will be available via livestream. Alice will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pomona California, on Friday, July 11, at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow.

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.

07/16/2025

DOROTHY F. VANIER
1927 - 2025

Dorothy F. (Eilers) Vanier died on June 29, 2025, in Santa Maria, CA.

Dorothy was born in Kansas City, KS. She moved to Long Beach, CA, as a young woman, where she met and married her husband, Fred Vanier, in 1953. They lived in several cities in southern California, but mainly in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village. In her later years, she lived in Santa Maria for 8 years.

She is survived by their daughters, Jeannine Vanier of Santa Maria, Jenny Vanier-Walter of Roswell, GA (son-in-law Wally Walter), grandchildren Miguel Garcia of Oxnard (granddaughter-in-law Laura), Nicole Garcia of Washington DC (grandson-in-law Dan Lindner), Elena Garcia of Goleta, Brentan Walter of Los Angeles, Giselle Walter of San Francisco, and great-grandchildren, Matthew Garcia and Isabella Garcia of Oxnard.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on July 22 at 1:00 pm at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 1190 East Clark Avenue, Santa Maria. A graveside service will be held on July 24 at 2:00 pm at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, located at 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village.

Dorothy was an artistic, creative, loving, and determined individual. She appreciated beauty all her life.

The Vanier family is grateful to Merrill Gardens for the care they provided during Dorothy 's last years.

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.

07/10/2025

BRANDON MENDEZ CABRERA
1999 - 2025

Today, we gather to celebrate you, our son, my boy.
Your life was woven into every part of our family’s story. You had a quiet strength, a light that could brighten any room, and a love that ran deep. You were the heartbeat of our family, and your presence held us all together.

You were more than a son and a brother you were a devoted father. The way you loved your daughter was something truly beautiful. She was your whole world, and your face lit up every time she was near. Everything you did you did with her in mind. And though your time here was far too short, your love for her was vast, steady, and unforgettable.

We see you in her eyes. We hear you in her laugh. We feel you in the love that still surrounds us. Your legacy lives on in her in the way she’ll be held, guided, and reminded of the incredible man you were.

It hurts to say goodbye. But maybe we don’t have to.
Because you’re still here in our memories, in our stories, and in the love we carry forward.
We’ll hold your daughter close, just as you would have.
And we’ll make sure she always knows how deeply she was loved by her daddy.

Thank you for being our son, our light, and her hero.
Rest easy. Your love lives on.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025; followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St. Louis deMontfort Church. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, 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.

07/01/2025

06/30/2025

QUENTIN CALEB BAHENA
1983 – 2025

Quentin Caleb Bahena, 41 was born on November 7th, 1983 in Santa Maria, California.

He passed suddenly on Friday June 13, 2025.

His early years were spent attending Fairlawn Elementary, Fesler Junior High and Santa Maria
High school.

He attended Allan Hancock college earning an Associates degree, followed by the Academy of
Arts University graduating with a bachelors in Animation.

He is survived by his father Daniel Bahena Jr, mother Fifi Bahena, his sister Bianca, brother in
law Kurt, and niece Penelope to whom he is known as “Uncle Bear”.

A memorial service will be planned at a later time and date still to be decided.

The family is deeply grateful for everyone who has reached out with love and support during
this time.

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.

06/25/2025

✦ In Loving Memory ✦
Sally Urias Baez
(11/16/1952 – 6/18/2025)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Sally Urias Baez. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished friend. Sally’s kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

Sally was born in Santa Maria, California and came from a large loving family of twelve siblings to which consisted of seven brothers and four sisters. She graduated from Santa Maria High School and continued her education at Allan Hancock College.

Sally found her calling as a pre-school teacher where her love for children truly shined. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and clothing alterations. She was always creating with care and love. One of Sally’s passions was camping, bird watching, and appreciating nature and all its beauty.

Sally is survived by her devoted husband Armando Baez; her children, Greg and Clarissa; her beloved grandchildren, Jadah and Emmie; her great-granddaughter, Ava; son-in-law, Ed Eusek; step-grandchildren, Victoria and Jenna; her loyal dog, Chloe; and a large extended family who will forever hold her memory dear.

Sally was preceded in death by her father, Frank Urias Sr; mother, Alodia “Jenny”; brother, Ernest Urias; and sister, Virginia Campos.

Sally loved being surrounded by friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Her presence brought joy, comfort, and a sense of home. Her legacy of love will continue to live on in all those she touched.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
⸻
Funeral Services
Thursday, July 10th, 2025
10:00 AM
Magner-Maloney Funeral Home
Santa Maria, California
⸻
“To live in hearts, we leave behind is not to die.”

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.

06/23/2025

MELODIE ANN COLLINS (DRAKE)
1944 - 2025

Melodie Ann Collins (Drake), 81, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025 with her husband and daughter by her side.

Born April 21, 1944, in Los Angeles to Kenneth and Mary Drake, Melodie attended elementary school there before relocating to the Rialto, attending Eisenhower high school. During a visit to her sister in Lompoc, she met the love of her life, Russell Collins. They married on June 10, 1961, and settled in Santa Maria, California. She graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1962. The following year, their daughter, Annette, was born.

Melodie initially worked for the City of Santa Maria’s Water Department. After Annette was born, she devoted herself to raising their daughter, actively participating in her upbringing through countless volunteer roles and enthusiastic support for her extracurricular activities. Whether chaperoning school events or carpooling to practices and outings, she was always there-offering time, encouragement, and a welcoming home to her daughters’ friends.

Melodie later joined Recreation and Travel as a travel agent, serving the Santa Maria community for 20 years. Her expertise, attention to detail, and friendly demeanor earned her loyal clients and lasting friendships with colleagues. The role allowed her to travel extensively, with notable trips across the U.S. and the Globe. After her time at the travel agency, Melodie worked in an administrative role at Great White Dental Lab.

Russ and Melodie shared a deep love for travel and spending time with loved ones. Together, they took countless summer camping and boating trips with friends and family to Lake San Antonio, Lake Havasu, and the Colorado River. Family vacations to Lake Tahoe were also a favorite tradition. Their travels took them near and far—including regular visits to Russ’s family in Minnesota, annual trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada, and memorable journeys to Mexico, Ireland, and England. One of Melodie’s most cherished adventures was a cross-country road trip with her sister Marilyn to Graceland—a heartfelt tribute to her beloved idol, Elvis Presley.

Following her retirement, she enjoyed a quieter life at home, engaging in activities like crossword puzzles, reading magazines, and staying connected with friends. She treasured time with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Melodie was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth (Eugene) and Mary Drake, and her brother Kenny Drake. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Russ; daughter Annette (Will) Cronan; sister Marilyn Gatten; her beloved grandchildren; William Cronan (Allie) and their son Liam, Mallory Kruse (Taylor); and Neil and Breanne Cronan and their sons Isaac and Samuel along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dignity Heath Hospice for their care and support. A celebration of life is planned for a later date.

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.

06/10/2025

MANUEL S. VALENCIA, MD

Manuel S. Valencia, MD was born in Manila, Philippines in 1940, a year before World War II and the Japanese occupation of the islands. He never saw his father Leon, who was a casualty in World War II. He was the only child of his mother Belen Salumbides, and because of the war he grew up with his aunt’s family, mother’s oldest sister and three cousins.

He received his elementary and high school education at the Ateneo de Manila, along with his three cousins, and obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1964 at the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines. He came to the United States for his internship in Springfield, MA in 1965 followed by residency training in Psychiatry from 1966 to 1969 in Norwich, CT. After that he took up Child Psychiatry as his sub-specialty at the Menninger Clinic School of Psychiatry when it was still in Topeka, KS from 1969-71.

It was there in Topeka where he met his wife Lee Librojo and married her in 1973. They raised a family eventually moving to Kingston, NY a few years later. It was there he worked at the local hospital becoming chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, as well as starting a private practice. He was highly accomplished as a psychiatrist becoming a Legislative Representative to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Assembly from 1991 to 1997.

In 2007, he and his wife Lee moved from the east coast to finally settle in Santa Maria, CA. There they could be closer to their two sons, but also closer to Lee’s brothers and sisters, and their families.

A man of faith, he was always involved with the local church where he and his wife lived. In the community he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight of Santa Maria Council 2475 from 2013 to 2015. As Grand Knight, the Council was recognized for its accomplishments and distinction.

In his later years he practiced as a locum tenens physician for five years before retiring at the beginning of 2020. His wife Lee passed away in January, 2022.

Manuel was known for his charm, charisma and being able to bring people together. He is survived by his two sons Anthony, Dennis and daughter-in-law Mariel. He is preceded by his wife Lee and daughter Jennifer.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025; followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, 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.

06/03/2025

CAROLYN MARY LOU LUIS
1935 - 2025

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Carolyn Mary Lou Luis, loving wife and mother of seven children, passed away at age 89.

Carolyn was born in Long Beach, California, on November 26, 1935 to Gladys and Jim Hicks. Carolyn graduated from High School in Santa Maria, where she met Robert Luis, and the two were married on September 12, 1953. Carolyn and Robert raised seven children, and they lived in Venezuela, Nigeria, and Indonesia while Robert worked as a Petroleum Engineer for Mobil Oil. In 1987, they moved to Santa Barbara, where Carolyn graduated with a Nursing degree from Santa Barbara City College. She worked at Cottage Hospital, Casa Dorinda, and the Mission in Santa Barbara. Carolyn loved to travel, played tennis, practiced yoga, rode horses, and enjoyed playing cards and scrabble. She also loved scrapbooking and photography. Carolyn was a passionate Catholic, and taught both catechism and marriage encounter.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Bob, and her sons James Luis and Robert John Luis. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Bolanos, Liz Macko, Theresa Kennedy, Barbara Greenwood, and Sylvia Barnard, as well as nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A rosary service will be held at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home on June 6, 2025 at 5 pm (viewing at 4 pm), with the funeral mass scheduled for June 7, 2025 at 9:30 am at St. Joseph Seminary located at 180 Patterson Road in Orcutt. Interment to follow at Santa Maria Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Samaritan Shelter.

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.