News

Chief Warrant Officer Mark Anthony Bristol, 54, of Fresno died tragically and suddenly on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 in rural Fresno County from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Mark was the respected head of the NJROTC Program at Parlier High School for the last 8 years. His career in the United States Navy spanning 28 years made him a natural for the leadership of the Program at Parlier High School.

An Officer and a Gentleman he helped mold and shape the character of numerous student cadets. His passing has left a tremendous void in every life he touched. Mark joined the United States Navy in 1984 as an Aviation Ordnanceman, in which he served 28 year of zealous and faithful service. Retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, affectionally everyone called him “Gunner”.  There he gained much of his education to include a Master’s Degree from Brandman University. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, he began working for Parlier High School and did so until time of his death. 

Shirley Alexander Holdcroft (93) passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019 at the age of 93. She was born in Selma, California to Earl and Rhonda Alexander on October 18, 1925. In Shirley’s younger life she had been employed “Kinema Theater”, P.G.E. billing department and Nobles Meat Company, office in Madera.

Shirley attended Fresno schools, and graduated from Fresno High School class of 1943. She was an active member of First Christian Church since 1956. Shirley had held offices such Treasurer and Secretary in C.W.F. over the years, and also was a Bereavement chair for dinners for over 30 years for those who had lost their loved ones. She also chaired for several silver teas the church held yearly.

Martin Medellin (93) passed away on Wednesday, July 24th from complications of congestive heart failure. He was a long time resident of Madera having moved here with his parents and seven brothers and sisters from Texas. He attended Howard Elementary School in his youth and only recently in 2014 did he receive an Honorary Diploma from Madera High School (his enlistment in the U.S. Army was an interruption in his schooling).

Along with four brothers whom all proudly served in the military during World War II, he distinguishing himself and was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his contributions. He considered the U. S Army as a career path until he met his soul-mate, Madeline, with whom he shared his life with for over 69 years until her passing in 2017. Together they raised their daughters Toni and Judie and son Reg.

Julius “Lawson” Rowe (91) passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 22, 2019. He was born on August 16, 1927 in Hastings Oklahoma to Fount Tillman and Tempie (Tarter) Rowe. He and his family moved to California during 1929 and settled in Madera. Julius was a graduate of Madera High School. On June 15, 1952 he married Muriel Laverne Rowe. They had two sons, Ron and Randy.

Julius was quite man, known for his great sense of humor, high moral character and his love for his family and friends. Julius and Laverne were married for 67 years and she was the love of his life. They were a model couple for all of us. They enjoyed a deep loving relationship; they were truly best friends. The loved for each other they shared was amazing. They were blessed to be able to travel a lot and they loved to hook up to their RV and just take off.

Michael J. Ryan, Jr. (89) was born on January 11, 1930 in Fresno, California. The same birthday as his mother, Rosamond “Picky” Ryan. His father was Michael James “Jimmy” Ryan. Mike passed away on July 15, 2019.

He attended St. Therese Elementary School in Fresno and he was a proud graduate of San Francisco’s St. Ignatius High School. He was a two-time All-City football player at SI and was one of the stars of the first SI team to win the SF City football championship in 1945 when they played before 20,000 people at Kezar Stadium. He was a proud Wildcat throughout his life and remained close with his classmates at SI through the rest of his life. He treasured those bonds that were made then.

Ella Rose (Elly, aka Miss Elly) Clare Row passed into eternal peace on June 25, 2019 with her children at her side. She had a deep faith with her Savior and cared strongly for her church. She had a wonderful, long life, and would tell you so with a smile on her face.

Elly was born September 8, 1926 on the prairie of Alberta, Canada to Faye Allred and Robert G. Clare, both American citizens. At the age of six, she came to Madera where she has lived ever since. Robert D. Martin (Bob), her step dad was a Ripperdan farmer so Elly grew up a "country girl". Her cousins through Bob Martin; included the Martin's, Mortimer's and Wibbenhorst's. In the summer Elly became a "city girl" spending time with her Dad, Grandma and the Clare Clan in Hollywood.