Obituaries

Matthew Stevens Fry (52)

CLOVIS – Local musician Matthew “Matt” Fry died alone in the early morning hours of March 27^th at his Tarply Village home in Clovis, California. Matt was a big surprise to his parents, the late James and Francis Fry, on June 25, 1972. With his parents and his thirteen-year-old brother, James Jr., the Fry’s made a home in the Hoover District of Fresno.

Unlike his brother, who excelled in sports, Matt’s talents lay elsewhere. One day, he picked up his brother's guitar, and Matt found his real passion. There were very few instruments Matt could not play. He stood out in the churches he attended as a part of the worship teams, as well as on the local music stages throughout Fresno in far too many bands to list here.

Robert "Bobby" Atamian (89)

Robert "Bobby" Atamian (89) of Madera Ranch, California, passed away peacefully on January 31 2025. Born on December 1, 1935, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Yesav and Keghanou Atamian, Bobby moved to California as a child with his family, settling in Tulare where he attended school and College of the Sequoias, excelling in baseball and football.

Bobby proudly served in Korea with his best friend, Al, before returning to California, where he worked for an electrical supplier. He met the love of his life, JuDee, and they were married. Together, they raised two children, Kirk and Dina, on the family farm in Madera, where Bobby worked until retiring.

Former Madera Coun ty Sheriff John Anderson Passes Away

MADERA - I share the news of former Madera County Sheriff John Anderson's peaceful passing last night at his Nipomo home with great sadness. Sheriff Anderson dedicated more than five decades to law enforcement, leaving a lasting impact on our community and the state of California.

After graduating high school, John Anderson served in the United States Army, with assignments in West Germany and as an advisor in Laos. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer in Williams, California, and later served as a deputy sheriff in Stanislaus County.

Betty C. Smith (93)

Betty C. Smith (93), a native and lifelong resident of Madera, CA, passed away on January 4, 2025. She was a member of Madera First Christian Church and was well known for her kind service at the Madera Rescue Mission. Betty graduated from Madera High School in 1949. She later worked as a clerk for James department store on Yosemite Ave and at Bethard Square. She then moved over to work with Bud at GBS for the next 40 years as the Office Manager.

Betty is preceded by her husband, H.B.” Bud” Smith; her parents, William and Beulah Bare Creamer; her brothers Herb, Leo, and Nelson Creamer; her sister, Phyllis Parker; and her grandson, Bradley Smith.

Virginia Lee McClaran (84)

Virginia Lee McClaran (84), born January 31, 1940, to J.E. and Mary McKinney, passed peacefully in her home on January 7. Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and educator. She was married to her loving husband, Everett McClaran, for 66 years and raised two children together.

Education was extremely important to her. She worked for Madera Unified for 34 years, where she helped open Alpha School and touched the lives of many colleagues, students, and families in town. After her retirement, she was active in the American Association of University Women.