Lois Waggoner McMindes 1916-2021 A tribute to Mom: On Sept. 6, 2021, in the early morning, Lois Waggoner McMindes went to be with the Lord. She was two months short of her 105th birthday. She was looking forward to a family-and-friends reunion in heaven, where husband Gerald (Jerry); parents Grace and Harvey Waggoner; brother Harvey Jr.; her sister Willa Paden; her son, Bill; and son-in-law Joseph M. Anzallo rest, along with many friends. Lois was born on the Cheyenne- Arapahoe reservation in Oklahoma, just nine years after statehood. Growing up, she became aware of the inequality and prejudice Native Americans suffered. They went to school together and they were all mom’s friends but they were somehow always “apart.” Oklahoma history books never portrayed the situation accurately, which bothered her for the rest of her life. Growing up in the 1920s, Lois spent her summers at her grandmother’s house in Missouri on the Mississippi River. She remembered the great flood of 1927, when the river was 21 miles wide and her family of five took in a family of seven who had lost their home and all of their belongings. She contracted malaria on one of those summers. She was greatly affected by the Great Depression and was very frugal for the rest of her life. In 1936, Lois married Gerald F. McMindes. They lived in a U.S. Gypsum company town in Southard, Oklahoma. Their friends threw them a chivaree, which is “a noisy mock serenade (made by pans and kettles) to a newly married couple.” She remembered the Dust Bowl as if it happened yesterday. She was a faithful member of the Christian church all of her life and spent a major part of it ministering and praying for others. She was a true inspiration with her steadfast faith and love for her fellow man. As a child, she wanted to be a missionary/nurse in China. In the 1940s, Jerry took up photography as a hobby and found out about Monument Valley in southern Utah and its awesome beauty. He and Lois began making trips to the Navajo reservation in the valley and the Hopi reservation in Tuba City, and they made friends with people from both tribes and became family. This continued for 40 years. Over her lifetime, Lois shipped over 8 tons of clothing and blankets to them. In 1962, the greatest joy for Lois and Jerry was the birth of their grandson, Joseph Scott Anzallo, who retired from law enforcement after 31 years. In 1986, she and Jerry moved to Leisure World, Seal Beach. He died in 1988. Mom continued to travel to Monument Valley (she called it her healing place), and on one of those trips, she met Don Mose, a Navajo educator who has dedicated his life to instilling pride in his people through awakening them to their rich spiritual culture. This friendship grew in mutual love and respect, and as Don’s mother had a short time to live, in a bedside vigil, she placed Don’s hand in mom’s. He is a true gift and has enriched our lives immeasurably. I (Jarilyn Anzallo, daughter) hope that I have accurately portrayed mom’s heart for service to others as well as her love of mankind. But there was so much more because her life was anything but one dimensional. A few last glimpses into her life, not in any particular order: • Attended the last Hopi Snake Dance open to non-Natives. • Traveled to all 50 states except Hawaii. • Believed in UFOs. • Always wanted a big pickup truck. • Always wanted to ride the Goodyear blimp (we tried). • Made three beautiful wedding dresses for her daughter and nieces. • Got trapped in Wind Cave in South Dakota (long story). • Sleep walked, even outside. • She grew up in Canton, Oklahoma,population over 1,000, and said it was a good thing she grew up in a small town. • Made close friends while riding elevators. For example, a very nice couple from Northumberland while in London. Those Lois left behind are her biological daughter, Jarilyn; grandson, Joe, and his wife, Gloria, and her daughter, Jerrica Brindle and her three little ones; nieces Jimee (Jack) Hurst and Glenda (Craig) Griffith, plus many “adopted” children. Among them are Don Mose, her Navajo son; and Linda Benevento, her daughter in Christ, two very special people in Lois’ life. As well as her faithful and loving caregivers, who became family, Consolacion Puso and Kei Ito. We will always be grateful to them and Bristol Hospice-Marivic Tafoya, in particular. Mom’s last act of service was the donation of her remains to UC Irvine. When you think of Lois, smile at the next person you see. Mom would love that. - paid obituary

David William Okerlund 1937-2022 David William Okerlund, age 84, passed away peacefully the morning of April 6. Known as Dave to his friends (and Dave O to his kids’ friends), Dave was a gregarious and amusing character with a heart for fun and family. Born in Seattle, Washington, on Sept. 28, 1937, David was the youngest child and only son of Maxine and Sheridan Okerlund. In 1946, David moved with his family to the Palm Springs area, finally settling in Indio. He attended Coachella Valley High School before graduating from the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad in 1955. A gifted athlete, David lettered in four sports in his senior year and was named Best Athlete 1955. After high school, David worked at the Yellow Mart in both Blythe and Indio with his brother-in-law, Russell Friestad, before moving into wholesale sporting goods sales. A passionate lover of music, Dave played the drums in local bands in his younger years and spent the rest of his life making playlists of amazing music for his friends and family. After a dance-floor kiss that made him see stars (his words), David married the love of his life, Joyce Webb of Indio, on Dec. 31, 1961. Together they had four children, Susan, Janis, Eric and Amy. In 1977, Dave and Joyce moved their family to Lake Forest, where they were busy with sports and backyard barbecues. From Lake Forest, they moved to a wonderful lake-front home in Lake Elsinore, where the fam- ily fun continued (those epic Pinochle games—Pennsylvania 6-5-0-0-0!!). In 2019, they relocated to Seal Beach to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. Dave and Joyce were blessed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with their family on Dec. 31, 2021. David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce; his daughter Janis Okerlund of Long Beach; his son Eric Okerlund of Lake Forest; Eric’s children, Gunnar, Sophia and Ava Okerlund; and the baby of the family, Amy Okerlund-Andries, her husband Chris Andries, and their daughter, Jocelyn. David was preceded in death by his eldest daughter Susan Okerlund of Capistrano Beach, who passed away in 2006 with her dad and family by her side. David was born again to the Lord at the age of 30 and led his father, Sheridan, and his children to Christ. He is surely in His hands in paradise. He is Risen!

Julia Holbrook 1925-2021 Julia “Julie” C. Holbrook was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Samuel and Mazie Chestnut. Julie passed away peacefully at home Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. Julie was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert “Bob” Holbrook. Julie is survived by daughter Joan (Steve) and son Ron (Susan); four grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. While attending Central Michigan University (CMU), Julie was recognized by the National Honor Society and was a member of the Phi Delta Eta Sorority. Before graduating during World War II, she joined the U.S. Navy (WAVES) and served stateside for two years at Chavez Ravine, now Dodger Stadium. After returning to CMU, Julie met and married Bob. She received a bachelor’s degree in education. In 1950, they moved to California. She always spoke about how they would make $10 more a month teaching in California than if she stayed to teach in Michigan. Julie spent 34 years as a substitute teacher for the Whittier Union High School District. She attended East Whittier Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder and trustee. She was also a lifetime member of P.E.O. Julie served as commissioner for the City of Whittier from 1976-1982. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Stephen Ministries, for which she and Bob traveled the U.S. and Europe. In 1996, they moved to Leisure World, where she served as head of the volunteers at the newly renovated Medical Center. Julie attended Community Church, loved going to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm; and playing golf, and going on long drives. She was active in the LW Woman’s Club, serving on the board and other committees. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 13, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. Interment will be May 16 at 3 p.m. at Rose Hills in Whittier. Donations may be sent to LW Woman’s Club in honor of Julie’s memory.

In Memoriam Richard Steven Berryman Richard Steven Berryman, 71, of Seal Beach died of heart failure March 29 at an area hospital. Richard was the youngest of five Berryman children, who all grew up in their family’s funeral home in Cozad, Nebraska, and helped in various ways. Richard joined his mother, Geraldene Berryman, in the business in 1972, after graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. His father, Virgil, had died a year earlier. The Berrymans sold their business, which included three funeral homes, in 1983. In the mid-1980s, Richard moved to Los Angeles, where he worked for funeral homes, then with sales with Service Corporation International. Years later, he worked with older adults when he purchased a Comfort Keeper franchise with his cousin and business partner, Mary Granger. They sold the business in 2017, and Richard retired to Leisure World Seal Beach. Richard was a people-oriented person who prided himself on providing support to grieving families through his work in funeral homes and on providing help to the elderly through Comfort Keepers. He also prided himself on his sales ability, including selling Southern California to his friends in Nebraska. Richard had been known to call snowed-in Nebraska friends to say he was on his patio having brunch. Richard lived in Long Beach for many years before moving to Leisure World with his companion, Ivan Whatley. Ivan died in 2020. Richard’s retirement activities included daily walks with his small dog, Charlie, who, like Richard, was large in personality. Richard also closely followed the national news, freely sharing his opinions on news events and other subjects. Over the years, Richard helped and encouraged many friends, as well as family members. In retirement, he often said he was fortunate to have family, friends and neighbors who looked after him. Richard’s memorial service will be April 30 at 1 p.m. at Leisure World Community Church. Guests should enter through the main gate on Seal Beach Boulevard.

Peggy Lou Airhart 1923-2022 Actor, artist, wife, mother, volunteer police officer, world traveler, Red Hat Lady and woman of faith, Peggy Lou Airhart died March 23 at age 99. She was a 15-year resi- dent of Leisure World. Born Peggy Lou Morrow in Portland, Oregon, she was not fond of rain and moved at the age of 18 to Los Angeles, where she met her future husband, Lonnie, at a dance. During their 45-year marriage in their Long Beach home, they raised two sons and two daughters. In 1972, to earn extra Christmas cash, Peggy took a part-time job at May Company that turned into a 20-year career. With the children grown, though still busy as a wife and worker, she found time to become a world traveler with her brother as her traveling companion and later, with LW friends. After her husband’s death, her children urged her to move to Leisure World, where her latent talents blossomed. Peggy discovered she could draw and joined an art class, then the ceramics group Claycrafters. A neighbor took her to Enter Laughing, the improv group, and she was a star. From there, it was on to the Theater Club and the Producers Club, for which she was a mainstay in their yearly productions. She also joined the Seal Beach Police Department as a volunteer officer and became a Red Hat Lady. Peggy is survived by sons Gregory (Lori) and Darrel (Beverly); daughters Nancy Conrad (Tim) and Mitzi Brady (Chris); 12 grandchildren; 17 greatthe grandchildren; and brother Jim. -paid obituary

Betty Hobbs 1921-2022 Betty M. Hobbs passed away peacefully at the end of February at home with her children by her side. Just a few months shy of turning 101, Betty lived a great life. She was a world traveler since childhood, journalist and volunteer for many diverse organizations such as scouts, PTA, Meals on Wheels, the Episcopal Church, symphonies and museums. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, godmother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betty is survived by her three children, Jeffrey, Howard and Delrie; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Widowed in 1976, Betty later moved from Palm Beach, Florida, to Seal Beach to be closer to her mother and brother. She lived in Mutual 2 for 42 years. Her ashes will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband, Frank C. Hobbs. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 27, at 1 p.m. at St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church (located at Redeemer Lutheran Church). Her vibrant wit, wisdom and intelligence are greatly missed.

Jessie E. Sparks 1923-2022 Jessie E. Sparks, 98, passed peacefully in her sleep the morning of Feb. 15. Jessie was born on July 15, 1923, in the town of Bryantsville, Kentucky. She was the daughter of the late Harry Park and Elizabeth Swope Edwards. She was the youngest of four children and had special memories of her parents after her siblings were all grown. Mrs. Sparks attended Western Kentucky University, where she studied accounting. She met love of her life, Marvin L. Sparks, there while both were attending school together. They were married Jan. 4, 1945, and moved to Long Beach after WWII. She was able to practice accounting in both Dayton, Ohio, and Long Beach before she and Dr. Sparks welcomed two children into their lives. Dr. and Mrs. Sparks spent 66 wonderful years together before he passed in 2011. Mrs. Sparks attended the Seal Beach Leisure World Baptist Church, where she had a lot of friends. She was a dedicated Christian. She was also a devoted Rams and Lakers fan, and lived long enough to enjoy watching the Rams win the Super Bowl this year. Mrs. Sparks is survived by her daughter, Janice Konkler (Jon) of Anchorage, Alaska; son, Dr. David L. Sparks (Lusheia) of Long Beach; and four grandchildren, Shannon, Stacey and Stephen Konkler and Finnian Sparks. A graveside service is planned for Friday, July 15, at 9:30 a.m. It would have been Mrs. Sparks’ 99th birthday. The service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial grounds, located at 1500 E. San Antonio Drive, Long Beach. In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to Leisure World Baptist Church for missionary support at P.O. Box 4057, Seal Beach, CA, 90740.