Obituaries

Philip James Oberti (83)

Philip James Oberti (83), a lifelong resident of Madera and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, rancher, businessman, and community leader, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026.

Philip was born on April 25, 1943, in Madera, California, to Frank and Marcella Oberti. He graduated from Madera High School before attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned his degree in Business Development in 1966 with a focus on Ranching and Real Estate.

Community Leader Passes: Dennis Chezick 85

Dennis William Chezick (85), a devoted family man and pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at his home in Arroyo Grande, California, after a long-term illness. Born on October 6, 1940, Dennis lived a life defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering love for the people around him. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his family, his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Andrea Mary Chezick, whose partnership was the heart of his world, and his beloved dog, Elliot.

Dennis is survived by his four daughters - Tamara, Stacie, Erin, and Shannon (David Valdivia)- who were the pride of his life. His legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and four nieces, each carrying forward his warmth, humor, and deep sense of family. To Dennis, family was his greatest accomplishment, and he cherished every gathering, celebration, and moment spent together.

Wanda Lou Benard (88)

Wanda Lou Benard was born on Sunday, April 24, 1938, in Fallis, Oklahoma, and passed from this life into the waiting arms of Jesus and her precious husband, Webster Benard, on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Fresno, California, at the age of 88.

Born as the third child to Phillip and Dorothy Ross - a young couple struggling to farm the dry red dirt of Agra, Oklahoma in the aftermath of the Dust Bowl - Wanda loved the simple, carefree joy of rural life surrounded by a large and loving extended family and the steady drone of barnyard animals. Sadly, while still a young girl, her parents - like many others living in the south-central US during that time - were eventually forced to sell off what was left of their beleaguered homestead and relocate westward to California in the early 1940's in search of steady work and a fresh start. Ironically, they eventually settled in another small farming community called Madera, where she would spend the rest of her life.

Former Madera Mayor Santos Garcia Funeral Service Friday May 29

Santos Garcia, de 69 años, de Madera, California, falleció el 2 de mayo de 2026 en Madera. Santos nació el 8 de diciembre de 1956 en Casa Grande, Arizona, hijo de Santos y Esperanza Garcia. Dedicó su vida al servicio de los demás y fue conocido como un verdadero líder y una voz para quienes no la tenían.

Sus primeros años los pasó migrando con su familia como trabajadores del campo, cosechando tomates, algodón y diversas frutas y cultivos a través de California y Arizona. Con esfuerzo y determinación, Santos asistió a California State University, Fresno, donde estudió Historia. Durante ese tiempo viajó a Nicaragua y conoció al amor de su vida, Martha. Santos y Martha se casaron en Rivas, Nicaragua, y compartieron 44 años de matrimonio.

Madera County Supervisor Max Rodriguez (86)

Supervisor Max Rodriguez (86) - Madera County is mourning the loss of former Supervisor Max Rodriguez, a dedicated public servant, community leader, and lifelong resident of Madera, who passed away at the age of 86 on Friday. Born on Nov. 3, 1939, to Josephine and Maximo Rodriguez, Max Rodriguez was raised on Madera’s east side, where he built a life rooted in service, hard work, and deep community ties.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Sarah Rodriguez, whom he married on Sept. 29, 1962; his sisters Connie Muñoz, Josephine Herrera, Victoria Contreras, Mary Helen Soto, Hope Rosales, and Vera Olono; and his brother Phillip Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Barbara Dolan (John), Karen Scrivner (Gary), and Mark Rodriguez, as well as his grandchildren, Davis Pogue and Juliana Pogue. Max is also survived by his oldest daughter, Diana Olivarria, from a previous relationship.