Obituaries

John Anderson (80)

John Anderson (80) of Madera, California, passed away on April 20, 2026. He was born on January 3, 1946, in Hammond, Indiana, and lived a life marked by love, integrity, intelligence, and kindness.

He was born to the union of Charles Eugene Anderson and Alice Gardner Anderson, both of whom preceded him in death. John was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen Lynn Anderson, whom he married on May 5, 1979. Their marriage was a lasting partnership built on devotion, respect, and shared joy, and together they welcomed one daughter, Sheri (Anderson) Brown.

J. Gary Adams (88)

J. Gary Adams (88) - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of J. Gary Adams, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend, on March 24, 2026. Gary was born on January 9, 1938, in the close-knit community of St. Ignace, Michigan, to Earl and Olive Adams. Raised with strong values and an enduring love for the simple joys of life, Gary's journey was one of dedication

Gary graduated from La Salle High School in St. Ignace, where he first discovered his passion for education and sports. He went on to have an illustrious career as a high school teacher, middle school counselor, and elementary school principal, impacting countless lives in Niles, Michigan, and Madera, California. Beyond the classroom, Gary was a devoted coach, guiding young athletes in his hometown and the schools where he worked, leaving an indelible mark on the sports programs he cherished.

Andy Gridley (62)

Scott "Andy" Gridley, 62, passed away in Seattle on March 20, 2026. Andy was born on December 3, 1963, in Fresno, CA, to Bert and Anne Gridley, and his older brother Mark, who held him on his lap on the way home from the hospital. He was loved completely from the beginning.

Andy was a student all his life. He was fascinated with new things. As a small child, he loved bugs, watching and eating them. He made his own math equations and solved them.

Daniel Eric Gill (49)

Daniel Eric Gill Sr. (49), lovingly known as Danny, passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 49. Born on March 29, 1976, Daniel lived a life rooted in love, family, and dedication.

Danny was a lifelong resident of Madera, California, where he built a beautiful life alongside his beloved wife, Lisa Gill, for 29 years. Together, they created a strong and loving family, raising three children who were the pride and joy of their lives: Daniel Eric Gill Jr., Lola Jane Gill, and Arellana Faith Gill.

Butch (George) Ricketts Jr. (72)

Butch (George) Ricketts Jr. (72) passed away at home after a long illness on Monday, March 9, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, George Ricketts Sr. and Lora Ladine Ricketts, nee Crosno of Madera.

Butch was born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1953, and lived on military bases around the world during his formative years. He returned to Madera while a junior in High School and graduated from Madera High, his parents’ alma mater.