News

James Eldred McKinney (100)

James Eldred McKinney died peacefully in Madera on December 3, 2014 at the age of 100. He was born April 19, 1914, in Gordonsville, Tennessee to Myrtle and Eva McKinney. Eldred was the fourth son in a family which eventually grew to 11 children. Although he wasn’t the youngest, they nicknamed him Little Boy. He grew up surrounded by many close relatives.

As soon as he was old enough, Eldred began working on his parents’ 160-acre farm. There he developed a lifelong love of farming. In 1932, he became the first in his family to graduate from high school. He hoped to complete college, but he had to return home after only 6 months to help on the farm. Later that year, he left Tennessee to join his older brother Buddy, who was working for their uncle, J.R. Gibbs, in Madera.

Richard Ryan Ortiz Jr. (22)

Richard Ryan Ortiz Jr. was called to heaven on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at a young age of 22. A lifelong resident of Madera, he attended Sherman Thomas Charter School and Madera High where he graduated as a Coyote. He was a member of the Christian Church Good News Ministries.

Richie is remembered as a loving son, grandson, brother, nephew, and a friend. Richie enjoyed participating in baseball and soccer. He enjoyed watching boxing and MMA. Richie also loved the LA Dodgers and Dallas Cowboys.

James L. Cappelluti (74)

James L. Cappelluti (74), passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday August 22, 2014 at Hinds Hospice in Fresno, Ca. after a short battle with cancer. Jim was born on October 17, 1939 at Dearborn Hospital to Leo and Dolly Cappelluti. His family lived in Madera for many years and were active in the community and with many service organizations.

Jim Graduated from Madera High School in 1957 and was both a percussionist and drum major of the Madera High School Marching Band. After graduation, enlisted in the Army National Guard and attended classes at Fresno City College before embarking on an impressive 40 + year career as a salesman with both Scott Paper and Central Sanitary Supply, where he was respected as a mentor to the new sales representatives.

Duane A. Imrie (86)

Duane A. Imrie (86) was born in Modale, IA on October 12, 1927 and went home on August 19, 2014. He was a resident of Madera for the past 62 years where he worked for the Madera Unified Transportation District as a Bus Driver until his retirement. Duane was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Navy and a member of the Fourth Street Church of God in Madera.

Retired Chowchilla Fire Fighter Passes at 85: Frank Borba

Frank Borba, 85, a resident of Chowchilla since 1948 passed away on Friday, August 8, 2014. Frank was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2007 and with the loving care of his daughter Joyce Borba and granddaughter Jolie Borba he was able to remain at home even in the midst of declining health.

Frank was born in Dixieland, CA to Joseph Cardoza Borba and Telvena Mary Alves-Borba. He was the third of eight children, Joe Borba, Evelyn Robinson, Mary Borba, Inez Lovelace, Elvera Garrison, Telvina Chumbley, and Albert Borba. He was raised on a dairy and attended school in Dixieland.

Local Butcher Dies at 45: Derek Sambueso

Derek Kent Sambueso (45), born on April 17, 1969, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 25, 2014 at his home in Madera at the age of 45. His parents, Dim and Julie Sambueso, raised Derek in Madera.

Derek attended Madera High School and graduated in 1987. He was a member of FFA and received numerous awards. Derek worked along side his father and uncle at Gus' Food Locker for 26 years. He was a member of Madera Elks Lodge and St. Joachim's Catholic Church.

Virginia Lee Rose 79

Virginia Lee Rose 79 was born September 27, 1934 in Rayville LA and passed on Saturday July 12, 2014 at Kaiser Hospital in Fresno, CA. Her death from an aneurysm was sudden and unexpected but peaceful. She was surrounded by family.

Virginia graduated with an AA Degree from Merrit College in Oakland, CA and was a Probation Aide with the Alameda County Probation Department in Oakland, CA until she retired and moved back to Madera to live on the family property purchased in 1953. Once John and Virginia had built their retirement home, Virginia decided it was time to give-back to her beloved Madera County.