Earth Felt The Wound

about this page
map of the deceased

Rosemary Caldwell Collins, 51

Died December 22, 2020.

Clearwater High School, Clearwater, FL

Music

Local news:

A community in Clearwater is mourning the sudden loss of a beloved music instructor and singer.

Trinity Presbyterian Church and the Florida Vocal Association confirmed that Rosemary Caldwell Collins died on Dec. 22. She was 51.

The Tampa Bay Times reported Collins had tested positive for COVID-19.

The Florida Vocal Association said Collins attended high school in Pinellas County and returned to her hometown after earning degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana University.

In Pinellas, she taught at Ponce De Leon Elementary, Safety Harbor Middle School and recently at Clearwater High School, where she was the choral director since 2017.

“Rosemary was a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend whose absence will be felt deeply by many. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers,” the association wrote on Facebook.

A sentiment former student, Hannah Zazzarro echos.

“She’s like just one of the lightest people. And she brought so much joy to so many people. She left light and music with all of us,” Zazzarro said of her mentor and friend who had the ability to instill confidence in others.

And while she’s been aware of the heartbreak other’s have experienced through losing a loved one to COVID-19, she says experiencing it first-hand was different.

“So many people are dying from this and it’s a totally horrible thing, but when it happens really close to you it’s a completely different experience,” she said

Collins was also the music director at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The church on Wednesday shared a touching tribute to Collins that includes a song she recorded with another church member last week.

The association said information about services and memorials will be shared as it becomes available.

Kelley Gaines, 47

Died December 20, 2020.

Hart County Middle School, Hartwell, GA

Engineering, Video Production

Obituary:

Mrs. Kelley Paige Cordell Gaines, 47, of Northlake Drive, Hartwell, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Oconee Memorial Hospital, Seneca, SC.

Born on July 5, 1973 in Atlanta GA, she was the daughter of the late Guy Brent Cordell and Lee Tumlin Cordell. Mrs. Gaines received a Masters Degree from Liberty University and was a middle school teacher for 21 years. The last few years she taught at Hart County Middle School where she was a STEM coordinator, TSA advisor, and was named the Teacher of the Year 2019-2020. She was a travel agent for Destinations to Travel.

Kelley was passionate about her community and souls in need of Christ. She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where she was the director of the Children’s Ministry, Ladies Retreat team leader, Sunday School teacher, former church staff, and assisted with the church’s Video Ministry.

Survivors include her husband: Greg Gaines of the home; three daughters: Savannah Gaines, Cassidy Gaines, and Karlee Gaines, all of Hartwell; two brothers: Charlie Cordell (Julie) of McDonough, GA, and James Thomas (Susan) of Hartwell; three sisters: Janet Perkins (Jeff) of Mansfield, GA, Myrna McCrary (Alan) of Canon, and Vicki Meshaw of Hartwell; father & mother-in-law: Wade & Brenda Gaines of Nuberg; brother & sister-in-law: Kevin & Erin Gaines of Hartwell; and several nieces & nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Bowman. Other times the family will be at the home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Kelley Gaines will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Bowman with Rev. Chris Pritchett and Rev. Shane Curtis officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Everyone will be asked to socially distance and wear a mask. Kelley’s service can be viewed on Pleasant Groves Facebook page.

Kelley lived a full life flowing with love and compassion and is now in Heaven with the Savior that gave his life for her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kelley Gaines TSA Scholarship Fund c/o Pinnacle Bank. Donations can be made at any Pinnacle Bank branch.

Donnie Kirksey, 57

Died December 28, 2020.

Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Chicago, IL

Dean of Students, Basketball Coach

Local news:

Donnie Kirksey was a lifelong Chicagoan who helped thousands of basketball players during his career as a coach. Kirksey, 57, died from complications of the COVID-19 virus, the morning of December 28. He was the head boys’ basketball coach at Chicago Vocational Career Academy at the time of his death.

Kirksey served as an assistant coach at DePaul, Chicago State University and University of Illinois-Chicago during his career.

“The UIC Athletic Department and men’s basketball program is saddened to learn about the passing of former men’s basketball assistant coach Donnie Kirksey,” began a statement from UIC Sports Information Director Dan Wallace. “A legendary figure in the Chicago basketball community, Donnie was a beloved member of the Flames Family during his years at UIC from 2010-14. Donnie played a vital role in the Flames reaching the postseason for the first time in nine years in 2013. On behalf of the entire UIC community, our thoughts and condolences go out to Donnie’s friends and family.”

Known as a jovial and fun guy off the court and a stern tactician while on the bench, Kirksey was revered by all in the community. He was often seen at his favorite restaurants on the South Side speaking to all those who knew him. A charismatic guy, Kirksey was the kind of person who made others feel good.

“Donnie brought smiles to the faces of people wherever he went,” said retired basketball coach Rick Harrigan. “He was just a fun guy who really loved and knew basketball.”

The year 2020 has been especially hard on the basketball coaching community in Chicago.

Kirksey’s death comes just two weeks after former UIC Head Coach Jimmy Collins passed away. Earlier this year, former legendary King High School Coach Sonny Cox passed away. This spring, Steve Hudson, who was a large figure on the travel basketball scene and who along with his wife helped hundreds of basketball players achieve college scholarships, passed away from COVID-19.

He played his high school ball at Chicago Vocational. He was excited when presented the opportunity to return to the school. Kirksey was known as a coach who could see any player, see his potential and make him better, said those who knew him.

Coach Kirksey also served as the head basketball coach and athletic director at Hyde Park Academy from 2007-10. He spent three and half years (2001-04) in Los Angeles where he worked for SFX Basketball Group, LLC. While there, he worked with several high-profile professional basketball clients, helping athletes transition into professional life.

Kirksey graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration – Management in 1985. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He and his wife lived in the Pill Hill community.

Zelene Blancas, 35

Died December 27, 2020.

Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary School, El Paso, TX

First Grade

Local news:

Zelene Blancas, a first grade bilingual teacher who posted a viral video of her first grade students giving each other friendly greetings two years ago, died from COVID-19, according to a former co-worker.

Blancas, who taught at Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School, allegedly died of COVID-19 and passed away this week, former Socorro ISD colleague Patty Flores said on social media.

“Ms. Blancas was a dedicated teacher who loved her students and provided a positive, loving environment for them. She had a light that shined from within and was a positive influence on all those around her,” Flores said in an email.

In her social media post, Flores said she and Blancas worked together as fourth grade bilingual teachers.

“She was my colleague and friend and simply a beautiful person all around. She will be greatly missed but her legacy of kindness, love and joy will carry on with all those who were blessed to have known her,” Flores said.

According to a GoFundMe page seemingly started by her family to raise money for her treatment, Blancas tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 20, had to be hospitalized on Oct. 24 and was remanded to the intensive care unit.

An update was posted to the GoFundMe page this week, stating Blancas was still fighting in the ICU as of Dec. 26. The GoFundme page had raised $18,250 of its $15,000 goal with more than 400 donors to the campaign as of Tuesday afternoon.

Hundreds of people were still donating money to the fund on Tuesday, some writing comments praising Blancas for her character and her work teaching children.

Flores said she worked with Blancas three years teaching fourth grade, before Blancas began teaching first grade and Flores moved to teach at another elementary school within the district.

“Regardless of the grade level she taught she was an inspiration and motivation for her students,” Flores said. “What she taught all of us about creating that positive environment, even during long distance learning, will never be forgotten.”

The video showing Blancas’ students giving one student high fives, hugs and handshakes received more than 13.6 million views in November 2018 and had 22.2 million views as of Tuesday.

According to a prior story written about the viral video in the El Paso Times, the video showed an example of a new educational initiative at the time called social-emotional learning, which teaches young students how to cope with their emotions, handle conflict and develop interpersonal skills.

One student was chosen at random to be the recipient of friendly greetings and classmates chose one of four greetings from a set of four greetings pictured on an adjacent wall.

As the students left for the day, they lined up and chose which greeting to bestow on the selected student, allowing students to feel in control of greetings they receive and allowing them to go home happy, Blancas told the Times.

“I want them to go home feeling like I’ll be waiting for them here the next day, or for them to feel like they’ll have a safe place to come back to and learn in a safe environment,” Blancas said two years ago.

Friends praise Blancas for teaching, advocacy

Viry Lujan’s children loved their teacher, Ms. Blancas. Lujan’s son was in Blancas’ class two years ago and her daughter was in Blancas’ most recent class.

“My children loved her very much, just like us,” Lujan said. “The news really broke our hearts, we’re going to miss her a lot. She was an excellent person and she easily won everyone’s heart.”

After Blancas’ video of her students went viral, she became involved in a nonprofit organization called Pinksocks Life, Inc. which aims to promote human connection around the world “by socially supporting other public charities,” according to its website.

A Pinksocks member sent Blancas a pair of pink socks after seeing her video and then 32 pairs of pink socks were given to Blancas’ first grade class. In 2019, Blancas’ now second grade class gifted pink socks to her new first grade class.

Following the 2019 mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart, 1,337 pairs of pink socks were sent to students at Shook Elementary School and on Nov. 19, 2019, a “Kindness” pep rally was held, encouraging students to wear their pink socks on Mondays and teaching them about kindness in the process.

Nick Adkins, co-founder of Pinksocks, said Blancas was an example of the best of humanity.

“The ripple effect of love and kindness that she put out into the universe through teaching her kids through the years is immeasurable. Ms. Blancas and the entire staff and students at Shook are what we should all strive for each and every day, each and every now. She lives on in the love that she taught and spread. I am grateful for her. We all are,” Adkins said.

Jamie Seitz, 51

Died December 27, 2020.

Lincoln Charter School, Denver, NC

Physical Education, Basketball, Volleyball, and Golf Coach

Local news:

Teachers and students remembered a beloved Lincoln County teacher and coach, who died Sunday night after a weekslong battle with COVID-19.

Jamie Seitz coached basketball, volleyball and golf, and he was a physical education teacher in Denver at Lincoln Charter.

He spent weeks in a hospital and was put on a ventilator before passing away.

A vigil was held for Seitz Wednesday in the school gym.

“Great man,” teacher Donna Wells said. “Great friend. Caring coach, teacher, father, husband, just a great all-around man. And it’s a loss we will feel for a long time.”

Outside, people sat in their cars and listened to the service on the radio to safely honor the coach during COVID-19.

Several people spoke about how many lives Seitz touched.

The service was called “Shine the Light.” Everyone in attendance lit a candle or shined a flashlight in Seitz’s memory.

Seitz’s former basketball players said he was the type of teacher everyone in the school knew and loved.

“He did a lot of things to where it’s just a little bit to change a person’s life and that’s what Coach Seitz did,” Jeremy Collonia said. “It didn’t matter who it was. He touched everybody.”

“He was a very nice guy,” said Timothy Fowler, a senior. “He had a big open, heart for everyone.”

Seitz taught at the K-12 school for more than a decade.

“He kept the class very fun, made it entertaining,” Fowler said. “(He) made us want to go to that class.”

School leaders said Seitz wasn’t afraid to show his personality in class.

“He was a big Buffalo Bills fan,” said Jonathan Bryant, chief administrator. “He got all of his classes to do ‘Let’s go Buffalo’ chants.”

Monday night, the Bill’s official radio station in Buffalo talked about him.

“Got word today the Bills Nation lost a special fan down in Denver, North Carolina. Jamie Seitz, a native of Newfane. His father Denny was a longtime coach in Newfane. Jamie passed away last night due to complications from COVID. Our best wishes to his family, his wife Liz and children Carter and Peyton.”

Lincoln Charter said it is teaching virtually until at least Jan. 11.

Jeff Larson, 60

Died December 25, 2020.

Milton High School, Milton, FL

Science, Football Coach

Local news:

Jeff Larson, a longtime Milton High School science teacher and football coach, passed away on Christmas Day due to COVID-19.

Larson was 60 years old and had been a teacher at Milton High for the past 25 years.

Santa Rosa County School District Superintendent Karen Barber confirmed Larson’s death to the News Journal, saying the school and entire Milton community had lost an incredible teacher and man and that he would be missed by his students and fellow faculty members.

“Jeff had been sick, he had not been in school for the previous two weeks (before Christmas break),” Barber said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “He had been in the hospital for several weeks receiving treatment for COVID before he passed away. It had been a long, very, very difficult treatment, they were trying to save his life.”

Larson’s wife teaches at Rhodes Elementary School and their daughter teaches at Pace High School, Barber said.

In a public Facebook post, former Milton Mayor Wesley Meiss honored his late coach and mentor, saying Larson was a “Christian (who) set an example for my own walk with Christ.”

“He was more than a coach; he was a mentor who helped set the stage for my adult life,” Meiss wrote. “Many have wondered just how he took a group of average/undersized offensive linemen and delivered them to the doorstep of a Florida State Championship? Answer: ‘Technique.’ … His technique turned young boys into the men we are today.”

Larson’s death is the latest in a string of COVID-19 deaths to rock the Milton High community.

The school’s longtime track and field coach Joe Austin died in July after battling the disease for many weeks, leaving behind his wife and young son. The school’s assistant principal, Benjie West, also lost his 80-year-old father to COVID on Christmas day. The elder Benjamin Howard West was laid to rest on Tuesday.

“We’ve had so many loved ones pass away, we’ve had mothers and fathers, spouses,” Barber said. “It’s just one of the worst things I’ve had to deal with as superintendent. We have monthly meetings with our senior staff, principals and vice principals, and this month I made us meet virtually, because having 70 people in a room right now maybe isn’t the best for mitigating the spread of the virus.”

Barber has consistently stood by her decision to keep Santa Rosa County schools open despite the rising COVID cases, saying health department inspectors have determined spread is not happening within the schools.

Barber said grief counselors will be available for students and faculty once school is back in session on Jan. 4.

Jennifer Cunningham, 42

Died December 28, 2020.

Bluejacket High School, Bluejacket, OK

English

Obituary:

Jennifer Christina Shaffer Cunningham, 42, of Grove died on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, from COVID-19 related complications at INTEGRIS Grove Hospital, Grove.

She was born on April 16, 1978 in Vinita, to Clyde and Karin Shaffer. In November 1978 the family moved to Rohrbach, in Hessen, Germany where they remained until 1991, when they returned to northeast Oklahoma.

She attended Bluejacket Public Schools seventh grade until graduating in 1996. German was her first language and she taught herself English after returning to the states.

A graduate of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami with an associates degree in business administration; Jennifer completed a degree in meetings and destinations in hotel management with a minor in marketing at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

While a student at NSU, she met Wes Cunningham in 2001. The pair married July 19, 2003 and have two daughters: Victoria, 17, and Annaliese, 11.

A career in child welfare first in Ottawa, then later Delaware County gave Jennifer a desire to help children on a deeper level; leading her to pursue an alternative Oklahoma teaching license.

She began teaching middle school science in 2013 at Fairland Public Schools; before transferring to teach the same at Will Rogers Middle School in Miami in the fall of 2014.

In fall 2019 a chance to return to her alma mater, Bluejacket, led Jennifer to teach ninth to 12th grade English and yearbook. She was completing a master’s degree in education administration at Western Govenor’s University, having just finished her Praxis test and LEC comprehensive exam.

She strived to make the world a better place for both her students and her daughters. Outside of education, she was involved first as a stage mom, then actress and later board member with The Playmakers Community Theatre in Grove.

Inspired by her grandmother Erika Poeschl’s own writing career, Jennifer often contributed her own poems to Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry contests. Her first published work, I Remember, is part of Word Daubers, an anthology published after the 2019 Summer Poetry Challenge.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Erika and Alfred Poeschl; paternal grandparents Goldie and Thurman Shaffer Sr.; uncle Carl Shaffer and great uncle Joseph Poeschl.

Survivors include her parents of Bluejacket; her husband Wes and daughters Victoria and Annaliese of Grove; her brother Marc (Joelle), three nephews Parker, Achilles and Elijah, and one niece Sophia, all of Bluejacket; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family members established a GoFundMe account to help Wes and the girls at https://gofund.me/9c1642d5. Services are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove.

Jennifer Dawn Gerhard Wightman, 37

Died December 7, 2020.

Kent Elementary Intensive Learning Center, Wyoming, DE

Special Education

Obituary:

Jennifer Dawn Gerhard Wightman, of Dover, died December 7, 2020 in her home. Jennifer passed peacefully in her sleep due to a pulmonary embolism following a recent leg injury and COVID-19 diagnosis. She was 37.

Jennifer was born, March 12, 1983, in Dover, Delaware to Randal T. and Laurie Betts Gerhard.

She was a devoted student and graduated from Cape Henlopen High School with full scholarships to the University of Delaware. She was the first in her family to attend college. Jennifer graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a concentration in Social Welfare and also minored in Music and Women’s Studies. Later, she earned her Master of Education in Special Education from Wilmington University and was selected the 2016 Student Commencement Speaker for her leadership and dedication. Jennifer also held an advanced certification in At Risk Youth from Central Texas College.

Jennifer was a lifelong music lover. She played many instruments including the flute in the high school and college marching bands. She especially loved playing in the University of Delaware Symphonic Band and Flute Choir. During college, Jennifer proposed to her husband Billy. She presented him with an Army themed engagement ring signifying her willingness to become an Army Spouse. Together they explored the Great State of Texas and Jennifer bravely faced the many challenges of military life.

Jennifer started her career as a Social Worker but later found her true passion as a Special Education Teacher at the Kent Elementary Intensive Learning Center. She was an exceptionally devoted Teacher and loved Kent County’s most vulnerable students as much as she loved her own children. Wightman (as she was affectingly called) was a trusted mentor to her fellow teachers and paraprofessionals and was going to be recommended for Teacher of the Year before her death. Jennifer’s influence spread far outside her classroom and she was a past Odyssey of the Mind Coach and a current Girl Scout Leader for Troop 1431.

Jennifer’s talents and interests were nearly endless. She loved cooking and craftwork and competed yearly at the Delaware State Fair in Culinary Arts and Arts and Crafts. She won countless ribbons including the Judge’s Awards, Governor’s Day Award, and Best in Show. Jennifer loved the natural sciences, bird watching, photography, gardening, environmentalism, and visiting National Parks. She also loved reading, Irish and Celtic culture, King Arthur tales, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Dr. Who, and almost any science fiction or fantasy show. Jennifer was personally invested in LGBTQ equality throughout her life and was dedicated to her personal values of Care, Kindness, Compassion, Empathy, Trust, Honesty, Cooperation, Happiness, and Integrity.

She was preceded in death by her great grandmother, Madeline Dorothy Wise, and niece, Jessie Leeanne Gerhard.

She is survived by her husband of 15 years, William (Billy) H. Wightman III; children, Xavier Joseph, Liam James, and Adeline JoyAnne Wightman all of Dover; brothers, Jason Todd, Jesse Lee, and Jacob Willey Gerhard all of Ellendale; sisters, Jeanna Kate Gerhard of Milford, and Jacquelyn Susan Gerhard of Longneck; and many nieces and nephews.

A walk-through visitation with her family will be an hour before service time, 1 PM, Monday, December 14, 2020 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover.

Private Service which will be streamed live on torbertfuneralchapels facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a fund that will directly benefit the children of the Kent Elementary Intensive Learning Center in Jennifer’s memory. Donations can be made using the following GoFundMe account:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/kent-elementary-ilc-in-memory-of-mrs-wightman

David Tummons, 75

Died September 29, 2020.

Ash Grove R-IV School District, Ash Grove, MO

Bus Driver

Obituary:

David Arnold Tummons (1945-2020), of Bois D’Arc, Missouri, left this world for his eternal home on September 29, 2020 after a week-long battle with COVID.

David was boisterous. He had a zest for life, which he shared with all who knew him. He had hundreds of friends and never met a stranger. He found great joy in telling jokes, singing, and visiting with family and friends over a cup of coffee. David appreciated the small things in life, and he would get excited about even the smallest of victories. He only had one speed: full throttle. He ran 100% and 100MPH in everything he did. David approached life with unbridled optimism about the future; he lived deeply.

David dedicated his life to teaching youth. David was a science teacher, coach, pep club sponsor, and bus driver for 52 years, working in Mountain Grove (1968-1969), Miller (1969-1971), and Ash Grove (1971-2020) Schools. David invested his life in teaching kids. He valued hard work, honesty, and respect, and he held his students to a very high standard. He served as a project leader for Bois D’Arc Braves 4-H, Sunday School leader at Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church, and spent many nights and weekends driving the pep bus, chaperoning band trips and FFA events, and teaching driver’s ed/bus driving to everyone who asked. David hired youth each summer to help him with his custom hay operation, and his favorite part was teaching them how to operate and maintain equipment.

David was an avid agriculturalist. David grew up milking and showing Registered Shorthorn cattle at their farm in Willard. David milked cows while attending Willard High School (1963) and Southwest Missouri State University (BS Agriculture, 1967), then began working at the USDA Poultry Station Manager in Mountain Grove, Missouri. In 1970, David and Kay Ann moved to her grandparent’s century farm in Bois D’Arc, Missouri, where they raised hay, cattle, and kids. David was a tractor collector and loved his John Deere equipment. He took great pleasure in bringing bottle calves to elementary ag days, watching grandkids Sam and Sadie Tummons show their animals at the fair, and hosting hay rides on their farm. David was a charter member of the Ash Grove Young/Adult Farmers, the Ash Grove FFA Booster Club, and was a member of the Republic Steam Engine Association.

David was a man of action. David had a strong sense of right and wrong and acted quickly to help those in need. David was often the first to volunteer help neighbors and the community; no challenge was too great. In particular, David sought out youth who struggled in traditional school or who needed some extra help in life. He saw it as his duty to serve as mentor, life coach, and even second parent.

David was married for 53 years to Kay Ann (Buckler) Tummons, his high school sweetheart. Kay Ann and David enjoyed trips with family to Colorado and to the Gulf of Mexico. David is survived by Kay Ann and their two sons, Joe Bill Tummons of Bois D’Arc, and Dr. John David Tummons, wife Elizabeth, and grandkids Samuel and Sadie Tummons of Columbia. He is also survived by brother Richard Tummons of Columbia, sisters Kathy Wrinkle and Gale Jones of Springfield, and mother Martha Wommack Tummons of Willard.

David showed us how to savor each day, teach the next generation, find dignity in hard work, and take action on what is important. Acts 13:36

Visitation will be from 4:30PM-7:00PM, Friday, October 16, 2020 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. MO. Graveside services will be 10:00AM, Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Yeakley Chapel Cemetery, Springfield, MO. Masks and social distancing are appreciated.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to The David Tummons Dignity of Labor Legacy Scholarship. Checks payable to “Ash Grove FFA Chapter” with “Tummons” in the memo line. Donations may be left or mailed to the funeral home, PO BOX 217, Ash Grove, MO 65604.

Eleanor DeShields, 68

Died December 10, 2020.

Wilbur Cross Elementary School, Bridgeport, CT

Paraprofessional

Obituary:

Ms. Eleanor “Diane” DeShields was born on April 26, 1952 to the late Eleanor Williford DeShields and the late Wesley G. DeShields Sr. Diane entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center after her battle with COVID-19. She is predeceased by her sister, Valerie Simons, and her brother, Wesley G. DeShields Jr.
In her early years, Diane attended public schools in Bridgeport, CT. Upon her graduation, she matriculated to Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL and received her degree in social work. Diane loved children and was passionate about working with them. She was last employed as a paraprofessional at Wilbur Cross Elementary School for eleven years. When conversing with Diane, she often spoke of and referred to the students as “her kids”. She also loved and had great respect for her colleagues. Diane’s loving and caring spirit was also shown in the dedication to caring for her mother’s twin, Evelyn Sutton, for 15 years.

Among those who are left to cherish the memory of Diane’s loving and devoted life are her brother, Glenville DeShields (Wendy) of Devonshire, Bermuda; two sisters-in-law, Wanda DeShields of Spartanburg, SC and Gloria Lindsay of Newberry, SC; a brother-in-law, Calvin Simons of Devonshire, Bermuda; nephews, Wesley G. DeShields III of Irmo, SC, Dwayne and Dean Simons of Devonshire, Bermuda; nieces, Gene’a DeShields-Boykin of Irmo, SC, Brittany DeShields of Moore, SC, Kristy Simons of Devonshire, Bermuda, and Glennisha and Kennisha DeShields of Devonshire, Bermuda; a godson, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends. Diane also leaves behind two very devoted friends, Valerie Price and Leondra Harris.

David Husmann, 67

December 18, 2020.

Sacred Heart Catholic School, Hallettsville, TX

Football Coach

Local news:

David Husmann, a two-sport athlete at the University of Houston in the early 1970s who went on to become one of the winningest coaches in Texas high school football history, died on Friday. He was 67.

His death, at South Austin Medical Center, was confirmed by his daughter, Angie Ebrey, who said the cause was complications from COVID-19.

Husmann spent parts of three seasons as the backup and eventual starter at quarterback for the Cougars, including Bluebonnet Bowl appearances and final top-15 rankings in the 1973 and ’74 seasons.

As the backup, Husmann scored the final touchdown for No. 14 Houston in a 47-7 win over Tulane in the 1973 Bluebonnet Bowl at the Astrodome, completing a then-school record 11-1 season. The following year he led the run-based UH offense in passing with 524 yards as the Cougars finished 8-3-1 and tied North Carolina State 31-31 in the Bluebonnet Bowl.

Husmann later played catcher for the Cougars for two seasons from 1975-76.

After several stops as an assistant coach, Husmann built a dynasty in the early 1990s at Schulenburg, a Class 2A school about 95 miles west of Houston. During a five-year stretch from 1990-94, the Shorthorns went a combined 69-6 with two state championships and three perfect regular seasons.

Schulenburg won back-to-back state titles in 1991 and 1992. Under Husmann, Schulenburg won 139 games and made the state playoffs 11 times in 13 seasons from 1985-98.

He coached eight seasons at Gladewater, making a trip to the state semifinals in 2001, and five seasons at Weimar. He coached the Weimar girls golf team to a state title in 2011.

Husmann was never away from football for long, coming out of retirement on at least three occasions, his daughter said, including in August when he was asked to become athletic director and head coach at Hallettsville Sacred Heart.

Entering this year, Husmann had a career record 217-91-1 and 16 playoffs appearances in 26 seasons.

“He was his happiest on the football field,” Ebrey said. “He kept a sketchpad under his chair in the living room while he watched football on TV. He would write down plays and talk about them. I picture him in Heaven calling plays or walking up and down the sideline. It was his gift. He was definitely meant to do it. He loved football.”

A 1971 graduate of Madison High School in Houston, Husmann is survived by his wife and junior high sweetheart, Karen, and three children – Angie, Kristin and Bonnie – and 10 grandchildren. His father, Edward, played 11 seasons in the NFL with three teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (1960) and the Oilers (1961-65).

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Tracy Jean Larsen, 56

Died October 29, 2020.

North Sanpete School District, Mount Pleasant, UT

Special Education

Obituary:

Tracy Jean Larsen, 56, returned to her loving Heavenly Father on October 29, 2020.

Tracy was born on February 14, 1964 to Bert and Elva Porter. She married the love of her life, Chad Larsen, October 25, 1986. Together they raised their two beautiful daughters, Candice (Larsen) Holman and Lindsay (Larsen) Wootton in Spring City, UT. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti, UT Temple on their 20th wedding anniversary, October 25, 2006.

Tracy dedicated her life to helping special needs children. She started her career as a Paraprofessional with the North Sanpete School District in 1992. She touched the lives of many students over her 28 years of service.

Tracy was a devoted grandmother. She loved to go swimming, to the park, having sleepovers, reading and singing with her grandkids. Oftentimes you could catch her climbing through the playplace at McDonald’s. Her grandkids were her everything. She had always dreamed of becoming a grandma. She was loved deeply by her 3 beautiful grandkids, Keerah (Cook), Braylin (Wootton) and Dreyson (Wootton).

Tracy is survived by her husband Chad; children, Candice (Layne) Holman and Lindsay (Brady) Wootton; three grandchildren; mom, Elva Porter and sister, Kim (Dale) Sanderson.

Preceded in death by her dad, Bert Porter, grandma, Norma Jansson, aunt, Betty Jansson and great uncle, George Porter.

A funeral services will be held Saturday November 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Moroni Stake Center. Viewings will be held Friday, November 6, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Rasmussen Mortuary and Saturday, November 7, 2020 from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

The State of Utah and Tracy’s family ask if you are attending please wear a mask.

Robert Troy Humphrey, 53

Died December 11, 2020.

Walnut Bend Independent School District, Gainesville, TX

Superintendent

Obituary:

Robert Troy Humphrey, a lifelong educator and administrator, passed away unexpectedly on December 11, 2020 at the age of 53 in his home in Gainesville, Texas.

Troy is survived by his wife, Sheila (Young) Humphrey; his children, Reese Taylor and Robert Tyler Humphrey; his brothers, Marcus and Ryan Humphrey; sisters-in-law, Nicki and Amy Humphrey along with several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Earl and Jerry Sue Humphrey and his grandparents, Mary Jewel Bowers and Earl C. and Grace (Bressie) Humphrey.

Troy was born on September 2, 1967 to Robert “Bob” and Jerry Sue Humphrey in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He grew up in Bethany, Oklahoma where he graduated from Putnam City West High School in 1986. He received a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and later received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. He also earned a superintendent certification from West Texas A&M. Troy worked as a teacher, coach and school administrator his entire career. He started in Oklahoma and then moved to East Texas where he started teaching in the Linden/Kildare school district. He taught and coached in several districts throughout Texas and was most recently the principal/superintendent at Walnut Bend ISD outside of Gainesville, Texas.

Troy married his wonderful wife, Sheila (Young) Humphrey on September 7, 2002 and they went on to have 2 children, Reese Taylor and Robert Tyler. He was a devoted husband and father to all of them and enjoyed music, movies and most of all watching and attending sporting events with them. Troy had a love for history that was evident in every classroom he taught in and he passed that on to his students by making history come to life for them. He also was a dedicated coach of many sports during his career and always made his student athletes feel like a part of his family on and off the court. Troy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held at Bethany Cemetery in Bethany, Oklahoma on December 19 at 2:00pm for family members. There will be viewing/visitation at Mercer-Adams Funeral Home on December 18, 9am-9pm, with family present from 6:30pm-8:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Friends of Putnam City West Foundation (7209 NW 146 St. OKC, OK 73142) or to the Walnut Bend ISD Scholarship Fund.

James Lampkin, 52

Died December 16, 2020.

Washington Public Schools, Washington, OK

Physical Education, Cross Country & Golf Coach

Obituary:

James Otis Lampkin, age 52 of Washington, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020, following a courageous battle from complications with COVID 19. James was born April 7, 1968 in Hobbs, New Mexico, the 5th of 6 children born to Paul and Nell (Billy) Lampkin. He was raised in the Davis and Wynnewood area, graduating with the Savage Class of 1986. While in school, James excelled in any sport he chose to play. He was a fierce competitor, a true leader and a proud member of championship teams. By age 16, James had met the love of his life, a young lady named Amie Butler. And though they were young, they both knew they had found the one. A young father, James worked hard, balancing school and working full time to support his young family. They first welcomed son Tylor, then son Kale, and finally a daughter, Dagan. James finished school, graduating with both a Bachelors, and a Masters Degree in Education.

His first coaching/teaching stop was in Dickson. He then coached at Plainview for a time, before moving back home to Wynnewood in 1999. In 2004, he began working for the Chickasaw Nation in youth services. He was both a manager, and then the director of the wellness center, until becoming sick and retiring. It wasn’t long until James found himself on the golf and cross-country course and in the classroom, when an opening at Washington came knocking. James started coaching golf and teaching elementary P.E. for the Warriors, and later the Cross-Country Teams and Golf Teams for both Jr. High and High School girls’ and boys’ teams. Sports played such a meaningful role in James life, and he was able to share many of the life lessons he learned with his student athletes, including his own children. He was an avid OU Sooners fan, and had a knack for finding little hole-in-the-wall diners on road trips. He was a wonderful cook, and will be forever remembered for his legendary breakfast. James was a man of great faith. He cherished his family and lived for his students. He was incredibly proud of his Chickasaw Heritage, and even to the time he entered Heaven, he remained “unconquered and unconquerable”. Rest well Coach!

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Paul and Nell Lampkin; brother Jerry Lampkin; and sisters, Ardena and Cindy Lampkin.

James is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Amie Lampkin of the home; sons, Tylor Lampkin and wife Alyssa of Davis, and Kale Lampkin and wife Mika of Ada; daughter, Dagan Lampkin and Tanner Wilcox of Cache; Brother, Cotus Lampkin and wife Charl of Davis; sister, Paula Knighten of Sulphur; 6 grandchildren, Teagan, Rigby, Ripkyn, Kane, Daisy and Lilli; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

A Celebration of James life will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 21, 2020, at the Washington Warrior Event Center. Burial will follow at the Washington Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on our website, www.wilsonlittle.com and on our Facebook page, Wilson Little. Please feel welcome to dress comfortably, and represent your Warrior, Wolves, Savage, or Sooner pride. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

Wayne Emery McGhee, 77

Died November 17, 2020.

Crow Creek Tribal School, Stephan, SD

Bus Driver, Grounds Keeper

Obituary:

Wayne Emery McGhee, AKA “Flookie”, was born December 20, 1942 in Crow Creek, SD to Hilda McGhee. Wayne graduated from Pukwana High School in 1962. “GO WILDCATS!”

He lived most of his adult life in Fort Thompson, SD with the love of his life Denise Archambeau. He was a man of many trades, a heart of gold, and a sense of humor that will be forever remembered.

In 1991, he found his true calling as a bus driver/grounds keeper at Crow Creek Tribal School in Stephan, SD for the past 29 years. He enjoyed going to Demo’s, working on cars, and making sure his lawn looked like a golf course.

He loved his family and his grandkids held a special place in his heart. As well as most of Fort Thompson Community and all the staff at CCHS.

Wayne entered the Spirit World on November 17, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 77 years due to complications of COVID-19. Flookie is survived by his wife Denise C. Archambeau, his nine sons Kelly McGhee Kirby McGhee, Kevin McGhee, Jeffery McGhee Sr., Jason McGhee, Gregory “Bim” Seeking Land Sr., Daniel Archambeau, Kyle McGhee Sr., Nathan Shangreaux; two daughters Nancy McGhee and LaDonna Shangreaux; a tribe of grandkids and great grandkids, his sister Rosemary Ducheneaux, and two brothers Bernie Longcrow and Alvin Longcrow.

Preceding him in death were his mother Hilda Longcrow, his brothers Robert “Bumpy” McGhee, Chauncey Longcrow, and his grandparents Frank and Mercy McGhee.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Judy Nye, 58

Died December 17, 2020.

Ogden High School, Ogden, UT

Special Education

Obituary:

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Judy, our loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, twin, family and friend. Judy tragically died of complications from COVID-19 on Thursday, December 17, 2020.

Judy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Dee Nye; sons: Michael Berlin, Quincy (Baylee) Nye; stepdaughters: Laci Butterfield, Stevie (Becky) Petersen, Randee Nye, Rachell Nye; grandchildren: Daeden, Koda, Evan, Ryan, Ryder, Makhi, and Trey; siblings: Kim (Richard) Morrison, Josie (Steve) Wankier, Robb (Angie) Judkins, Jan (Paul-deceased) Walters; 15 nieces and 9 nephews; In-laws, Gary and Susan Nye, as well as numerous family and friends. Her cat, Annabelle and cherished dog, Lilee will never know a love greater than Judy’s.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Tammi (Brent) Field.

Judy was born on July 27, 1962 to Bonnie Jean Howard and Joseph Eugene Judkins. During her school years, Judy was set for a career in dance. She was a truly talented ballerina. She started dancing at age 8 and went on to become a member of the Junior Ballet West Company. She danced in numerous productions including Ballet West’s Nutcracker and the Opera, Aida. Judy’s young diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes may have changed her path in dance, but not her passion for life.

She found her passion and true calling when she began working in the Special Education Department for the Ogden School District in 1992. She cared deeply for her students and worked relentlessly to ensure all her students had equal opportunities for success. She loved her peers and faculty in her current position at Ogden High School.

Judy was always looking for new learning experiences. She continued with her higher education. Her interests never waived from her student population, but just in a different direction with her second job with Reliance, an employment agency for adults with disabilities. Her advocacy for the underserved, was one of her greatest qualities. She will be missed by all her students and clients.

Judy was a peacemaker and someone who was so sensitive that she could actually feel the pain or suffering of another. This gift compelled her to continually give of herself unselfishly. The people closest to her knew the blessing of having Judy in their lives and will forever be grateful.

Because Judy so often tried to help others, she found herself in situations when she became “Dick Tracy”. She seemed to thrive on solving the mystery or problem. Her latest sleuthing involved a 5 1/2-month search for her stolen dog, Lilee. With her drive and convincing nature, Judy had retired cops and county sheriff’s taking her dog chase to a new level.

Family was everything to Judy. She was always thinking about the children. Her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children. Whenever kids visited, Judy had some activity or prize ready. Judy never missed a chance to spoil her precious grandbabies. She cherished the countless camping trips, holiday parties, bonfires, and absolutely adored her dates nights with Dee. Everything she posted on social media was about her love and gratitude of her family and all those special occasions with them.

Gardening was a joy for Judy. She cherished her roses and enjoyed planting favorite flowers for her yearly hummingbird visitors. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Judy. She loved sitting on her deck, watching the birds, and play with her pets. Her newest joy and pleasure was huggin’ and a squeezin’ her newest grandbaby, Trey. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met.

Judy’s latest and greatest passion was quilting. She worked diligently, took classes, and ended up creating some of the most beautiful quilts people have ever seen. She generously gave them away as gifts, along with her many other creative crafts.

Judy lived a full life as a wonderful mother, wife, and worker. Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her sons strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

We will never get over losing Judy, but her sweet soul, love, and memories will live vicariously through her loved ones forever.

A private family viewing will take place on Wednesday, December 23, from 12:00 – 1:15 PM at Heritage Park Ward Church located at 250 North 1500 West, Ogden, Utah. Extended family and friends may watch the service on Judy’s obituary at Myers Mortuary website www.myers-mortuary.com at 2:00 PM.

A private burial service will be held at Washington Heights Memorial Park located at 4500 Washington Blvd. Ogden, Utah at 2:00 PM. An open mic to share memories will be available at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to American First Credit Union. Judy Nye Memorial Account number # 9118647.

Steven Aguilar, 49

Died December 10, 2020.

Lincoln Elementary School, Fredonia, KS

Paraprofessional

Obituary:

Steven Ray Aguilar, 49, of Chanute, Kansas left this world for his eternal home in heaven December 10, 2020.

Steven was born to Manuel and Rachel (De La Torre) Aguilar February 6, 1971.

He graduated from Chanute High School with the Class of 1989. After that he graduated from Neosho County Community College where he earned an associates degree, continuing to Pittsburg State University for more college credits.

Steven was united in marriage to Jennifer Larson on June 25, 2010, where they began sharing their life as one.

Steven worked as a Paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary School in Fredonia, Kansas, and was the head coach for the Fredonia High School softball team.

He was involved in a wide variety of public services and committees such as Knight of Columbus, member of the Mexican Fiesta Committee, VFW Auxiliary, and past Commander for the Sons of the American Legion. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Steven enjoyed playing pool, being a DJ, and had a huge passion for coaching softball. One of his proudest moments of his coaching career was being VIP World Series Tournament Champs two years in a row.

Steven is survived by his wife of the home; father, Manuel Aguilar Sr. of Chanute, KS; sister, Laura Garcia (Manuel) of Wichita, KS; and brother, Manuel Aguilar Jr. of Chanute, KS; nieces and nephews, Jakob and Lena Aguilar, and Daniel and Veronica Garcia.

Steven is preceded in death by his mother, Rachel, his Uncles, Manuel Lopez, Henry Lopez, Roman De La Torre, Rudy De La Torre, Reyes (Shorty) Bonilla, Lucio (Lou) De La Torre, and his Aunts, Esther Lira, Teresa Shultz.

Due to COVID-19, Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held for the family only at 10:30 am December 18, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Rosary being held prior to the service at 9:45 am. (Face coverings will be required) Inurnment will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Chanute, Kansas.

Live streaming of the service will be provided by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and can be viewed at

https://www.facebook.com/St-Patrick-Catholic-Church-2034379966601678/ or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkw2w4FTzrdPWTcUkMRhQCw

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to BC Sports Foundation and they can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

Milady Sy Quito, 47

Died November 11, 2020.

Independence Elementary School, South Gate, CA

Principal

Local news:

Milady S. Quito was an educator, a community organizer, an activist, an aunt, a sister, a daughter, a confidante and a friend to many. At work and among her friends and family, she was known for both her lightheartedness and unreservedly no-nonsense approach in making things happen—whether it be an advocacy campaign for trafficked women, or planning her school’s program, or travel with old friends. Milady died on November 11, 2020, of the coronavirus. She was 47.

After growing up in San Diego as part of an immigrant, military family (her father, Lady, was in the Navy), Milady moved to LA to attend UCLA. Although she started as a science major, she fell in love with Political Science and involved in UCLA Samahang and then, focused her activism on fighting for Pilipino Studies to be included in the curriculum.

When years later, it finally became a course of study as a minor, she celebrated the victory but thought it was but one of many critical changes that needs to happen in the overall US educational system. This is part of the reason she became an educator.

Milady started as a parent coordinator and then became an elementary school teacher at LAUSD and worked hard to become a Principal at Independence Elementary School. Milady was devoted to her students. She shared with them, among others, one of the things she most cherished—books. When at a bookstore, which was often and for long hours, she bought books, mostly fiction, for the kids. She wanted them to have a novel, a non-textbook, that they could take home and savor, something they could be with, connect with.

Milady was an unapologetic feminist. She co-founded the UCLA chapter of Gabriela Network, a US-based, Philippine solidarity organization for women. In this work, she was also an educator, leading educational discussions, creating content and using her crafting skills to make issues come alive. Milady traveled to the Philippines often because of her political work where she lived on the picket line with women workers, studied the environmental damage after the oil spills in Iloilo and never hesitated to speak out and support the militant women’s movement. When she couldn’t go to the Philippines, she helped to send medical supplies, educational supplies and of course, books, to the activists and their families.

Milady was generous like that. Her generosity came naturally, without fuss. It was just a thing she did, a reflex. She was spontaneously generous with her time and energy, stepping up to leadership, whenever needed, in organizing timelines for social justice projects, in taking charge of materials and unwieldy logistics. She also lent the same kind of methodical, detailed process in coordinating itineraries for fun trips. One of the latest ones being to Croatia to visit the place where Game of Thrones was filmed. She did love to travel- her favorite cities were Paris and New York, which she tried to visit often.

When she came to New York City, for something related to her activist work and/or to visit friends, she made time for a Broadway show or two. Her friends often teased her that she secretly wanted to be a Broadway star. Milady had a powerful singing voice. She loved to sing. That was not a secret, though she always scoffed at any praise that came her way.

Before being diagnosed with Covid-19, less than a week before succumbing to the virus, Milady had dinner with a few old friends (all subsequently tested negative for Covid).

Though she loved her lechon kawali, pansit bihon, and everything Filipino, at this last dinner with friends, she shared a rib-eye steak and mussels in white wine sauce, and, for dessert, a confection of chocolate. She loved her chocolate.

Milady loved her family and she was able to spend Halloween with them. She was the ate of two sisters, Helene and Carol and Auntie to their five children, Derek and Leia Jolly, Lei Anh, Jet and Cruz Drake. She dressed up with them, cheered at their soccer games and read them bedtime stories. She had an annual pass to Disneyland, and was always up to take the kids especially to the new Star Wars land.

The week before her death, Milady was in a group text with the same old friends and others living hundreds of miles away. It had been the week of the U.S. elections. There was much bantering and outrageous humor, typical of such gatherings (real and virtual) among her friends. She did love to banter. No topic was too big or too small—politics, the perils of social media, Filipino telenovelas, K-pop, books.

Milady’s favorite book was “Le Petit Prince” (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. She had copies of it in multiple languages. She either bought them herself or were bought for her by friends whenever they traveled and stumbled on a copy. Her life seemed to have mirrored the themes in that novella: open-mindedness as that of a childlike mind, growth through external and internal explorations, relationships being at the core of what it means to be human.

In her Principal’s message to her school community for the school year, Milady cheered on the students, the parents, and the staff, making sure everyone stayed motivated and connected, that all students were given support to access distance learning. Her school’s theme this year is “Be Brave.” She said, “Never give up hope, no matter how dark things seem.” As with The Little Prince, Milady urged them to remember to look up at the stars, whatever that may represent for them—light, direction, grit, community, hope…

Milady was a Filipina American, born in Japan and grew up in California. She is survived by her mother, 2 sisters, 5 nieces and nephews, and countless friends, women whom she referred to as sisters, in the most intimate and deepest sense of the word, from California to New York, from the Philippines to Holland. (Contributed by Annalisa Enrile and Dorotea Mendoza)

Tammie Sanford, 41

Died January 3, 2021.

Irwin County Elementary School, Ocilla, GA

First Grade

Obituary:

Tammie Tankersley Sanford, 41, of Irwin County, Georgia, died Sunday, January 3, 2021, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Georgia.

Graveside services will be held 3 PM, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at Frank Cemetery in Irwin County, with the Rev. Billy Stephens officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the cemetery.

Tammie was born May 14, 1979, in Tifton, Georgia to Shirley Broom Tankersley and the late Gary C. Tankersley. She was a 1997 graduate of Irwin County High School. She attended ABAC and South Georgia College and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University. She later earned her Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Tammie was a proud G.O. Bailey Bear having taught first grade in Tift County for 9 years. She had taught first grade since 2013 at Irwin County Elementary School. She was a lifetime Irwin County Indian who was dearly loved by her students and co-workers. She loved children and they were drawn to her compassion as a comforter. She went above and beyond as an educator. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She was a lifelong member of Ocilla Baptist Church where she helped with OBC kids and led the singing in the balcony choir.

She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Joe W. Sanford of Irwin County; daughter, Gaby Dena Sanford of Irwin County; son, Garin Wade Sanford of Irwin County; her mother, Shirley Tankersley of Irwin County; siblings and their spouses: Morris & Marcy Tankersley of Tifton, Nan & Cory Vassey of Irwin County, and Michael Tankersley & Melissa Redd of Irwin County; mother-in-law, Linda Sanford of Fitzgerald; sister-in-law, Jessica Sanford & Matt Gribshaw of Hamilton, Virginia; niece and nephews: Rob Vassey, Ally Tankersley, Cole Vassey, Maxton Gribshaw, Owen Redd and Baylor Redd. She was preceded in death by her father, Gary C. Tankersley and her father-in-law, Bobby Sanford.

Simone Parker, 46

Died January 2, 2021.

Trigg County High School, Cadiz, KY

Chemistry, Physics

Obituary:

Simone Elizabeth Parker, age 46, of Cadiz, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro.

Arrangements are being handled by Goodwin Funeral Home, Inc., 138 Main Street in Cadiz, where the family will receive friends after 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Funeral services will be at Goodwin Funeral Home at noon, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. Burial will follow in Trigg Memory Acres in Cadiz.

Born March 28, 1974, in Hopkinsville, she was the daughter of the late Harry Lee Whipple and Elizabeth Ann Rohrer Whipple. She was a 1992 graduate of Trigg County High School and a graduate of Murray State University, where she earned her B.S. in Chemistry and later attained her M.S. in Environmental Education. She worked briefly as a chemist at LWD in Calvert City before answering her true calling and beginning her teaching career at Trigg County High School in 2000. A respected teacher and colleague, she served as president of the Trigg County Education Association and was a member of KEA, as well as NEA.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Joseph Whipple, II; father-in-law, Charles Parker; and brother-in-law, Bryan Snowden.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 24 years, William Parker of Cadiz; sisters, Candice Anne Whipple of Cadiz, and Jennifer Lee Snowden of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; adopted brother, Jonathan Pepper of Cadiz; mother-in-law, Louise Parker of Lamasco; brother-in-law, Brian Parker of Cadiz; and uncle, Jack Whipple of Clarksville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Cadiz Rotary Club, In Memory of Simone Parker, P.O. Box 713, Cadiz, KY 42211.

Marie Linh Le, 69

Died January 3, 2020.

Kirk Elementary School, Houston, TX

Paraprofessional

Obituary:

Lê Phương Linh was born on October 26, 1951, in Hải Phòng, Vietnam. At the age of 69, she passed away on January 3, 2021, in Houston, Texas, at Methodist West Hospital. A victim of the coronavirus pandemic, she was not allowed to have her family members in attendance, however, an online group viewing was provided for the family before her death.

Linh was the daughter of Lê Minh Thịnh and Nguyễn Thị Liên, who had 4 daughters and 2 sons. Her father taught English to the Vietnamese people in Hải Phòng. In 1954, their family ran from the northern Communist party and escaped to South Vietnam. She went to a French Catholic school, Saint Paul, fluently speaking and writing in French. Linh went to the University of Law in Saigon and nearly finished her degree until her studies were interrupted when the country lost to the Communist party. She then became a junior high teacher, instructing on history and geography.

After the Vietnam War’s Fall of Saigon in 1975 and multiple attempts of escape, Linh was able to finally leave Vietnam in 1981 with her brother and sister. Escaping by boat, they were at sea without food or water for 3 days. Harassed by pirates, their boat was saved by a German ship, which they boarded and stayed on for a month before being dropped off in the Philippines. For months on the island’s refugee camp, Linh was the teacher aide and Vietnamese/English interpreter for the British volunteers who came to help the refugees transition to America. With the help from their oldest sister, they were sponsored in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On July 1981, Linh and her siblings were on a plane to their new lives in the United States.

Linh met and married her husband, Nguyễn Dang Linh, and moved with him to Houston, Texas, in 1982. They had two children, Christine Lan Vi Nguyen (1983) and David Vinh Nguyen (1984). She was naturalized and became a U.S. citizen in 1988. She worked as a teacher aide at Kirk Elementary School, and her hobbies were cooking, baking, traveling, socializing with friends, and exercising (she loved Zumba). Linh was the most loving and caring wife and mother to her family. A bright light and loved by all, most knew Linh for her sweet smile, kind words, and thoughtful gifts.

She is survived by her husband and two children, along with sisters, Lê Bích Từ, Hô`Phương Mai, Trần Phương Anh, and brother, Lê Thế Trường. Her saint name is Marie Lê Phương Linh.

Alicia Ugartechea, 67

Died January 1, 2021.

Fountain Lake School District, Hot Springs, AR

Bus Driver

Obituary:

Alicia Ugartechea, 67, of Hot Springs, Arkansas gained her wings on Friday, January 1, 2021. She was born July 18, 1953 in Mexico to the late Jose & Maria (Castillo) Moreno. She lived in the Fountain Lake community for over 40 years where she raised 4 children. She was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, and loving grandmother. She was employed by Fountain Lake School for 20 years and for 30 years ran her own sewing and alterations business from home.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured and embraced every moment she could with them. She loved her role as her grandchildren’s “Mimi” and she enjoyed spending all of her time with them. She had a heart of gold and always had a beautiful smile on her face. She loved traveling, shopping, sewing, cruising, cooking and hosting family dinners every Sunday. She was extremely talented when it came to her passion for sewing. She was so talented in her craft, that she could create anything by just looking at a picture. She was very well known in Hot Springs and surrounding areas for her incredible sewing abilities. She was a very family-oriented woman and she made sure to teach her children the importance of loving and respecting one another. She never left home without looking her best. She loved getting dolled up to go shopping every weekend. She was a strong, kind, caring, hard-working, genuine soul and she welcomed everyone with open arms. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years Sabas Ugartechea Jr.; children, Claudia Kloosterman (Chris), Cindy Ugartechea-Herring (Jade), Sabas Ugartechea III (Bethany), and Sandra Ugartechea-Vaughn (Jason); her siblings, Emilio Moreno, Virginia Moreno, Silvia Moreno, Luis Moreno and Jose Moreno; and grandchildren Caleb Herring, Alycia Herring, Cruze Ugartechea, Carsyn Ugartechea and Jace Vaughn. Given the current pandemic conditions, the family will hold a celebration of life in Alicia’s honor in the Summer of 2021. Cards and flowers can be sent to the family at 541 Quarry Mtn Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71901. The family is also accepting restaurant gift cards to be donated to the 4 West Covid unit nurses and/or the Covid ICU nurses at CHI St. Vincent.

LuAnn Klein Burns

Died December, 2020.

Stockbridge Elementary School, Stockbridge, GA

Kindergarten

Local news:

On Monday, teachers at Stockbridge Elementary School in Henry County will remember their colleague LuAnn Klein Burns, who died last week of COVID-19.

Parents and community members are invited to the 7:30 a.m. memorial for the kindergarten teacher at the elementary school.

Ms. Burns worked at Stockbridge Elementary since 2000. According to her faculty page, she and her husband Russ were married for 34 years and have two children, both of whom are music teachers. Her Facebook page bears the legend: “Teachers change lives.”

On her page, Ms. Burns wrote, “I spend my free time visiting my 85-year-old father who lives in Indiana. I can’t wait to meet you and share my love of learning.” Her funeral mass was held in Indiana this weekend.

A district spokesman declined to give a statement about Ms. Burns, saying, “We did have a teacher pass away but I can’t comment on or confirm the cause of death. Our condolences go out to this teacher’s family. Counselors will be available virtually for any students or staff needing to speak with someone.”

After the memorial Monday, six to eight teachers plan to meet with the principal of the school to discuss their safety concerns, said Jennifer Saunders, president of the Georgia Federation of Public Service Employees and an Atlanta teacher.

Saunders said teachers want reassurances the school will adhere to the COVID-19 playbook created by the district to ensure safety. “They want to keep their jobs,” said Saunders in a telephone interview Sunday night. “But they are naturally concerned for their own lives and their own safety and that of their students. They love teaching, but they love living more.”

There have been several teacher deaths in Georgia over the last two weeks including Cobb art teacher Patrick Key, Hart County science teacher Kelley Cordell Gaines and Irwin County first grade teacher Tammie Sanford.

Dominique Bordagaray, 72

Died January 4, 2021.

McKinley Elementary School, Bakersfield, CA

Special Education

Obituary:

Dominique Bordagaray, 72, passed away January 4th, 2021, due to complications of COVID19. He died peacefully at Memorial Hospital with his wife and daughter holding his hands. Nick was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born May 12, 1948, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno, California. He was the oldest child of Ernest Bordagaray and Ora Faye (Roe) Bordagaray.

Nick graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1966. He attended Bakersfield College and received an AA in 1969. After graduation he went to Germany to live with his mother and stepfather, Frank Spencer. While there he worked at the NCO Club in Pirmasens, Germany. While living there he was able to travel to many places in Europe, including the Basque Country where he met his extended family.

He returned to Bakersfield in 1972 and began attending Cal State University Bakersfield. During this time he met a neighbor, Kate Drost. They were married on August 26, 1974, at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Bakersfield. He continued going to school and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English and his teaching certificate in 1976. He taught college prep and Honors English at Garces Memorial High School for 15 years. Nick coached the Garces Academic Decathlon Team as well as the women’s soccer team. He also taught freshman English part time at CSUB. He switched careers and became a special education teacher in 1997. Since then he worked for Bakersfield City School District with students who have special needs.

Nick was a proud member of the Kern County Basque Club. While serving on the Club’s Board of Directors, he oversaw the Scholarship Program. He could be found in the kitchen washing dishes at most Club events. He really did that job well. Nick looked forward to attending Jaialdi in Boise, Idaho, this summer. Jaialdi is a Vizcayno word meaning Basque festival that brings everyone together every five years.

He enjoyed going out to dinner (in the old days), fishing, reading, and listening to the Grateful Dead. The neighbors could find him every evening and most Saturdays and Sundays sitting in the front of the garage smoking a cigar and watching some type of sports show. Nick’s favorite teams were the Dodgers, the Forty Niners, and the Blackburn Rovers. He looked forward to completing the LA Times’ Crosswords every day and telling jokes with his very dry sense of humor. He had great times with his nephew, Trevor Waldon, who would visit and smoke cigars with his uncle Nick. His favorite activity though was watching his daughter, Mary, play sports and later watching his grandchildren, Dominique, Mia, and Karra D’Amato, play their sports.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest, and his mother, Ora Faye. He leaves behind his wife, Kate Bordagary, his daughter, Mary D’Amato (husband Eric, and their three children, Dominique, Mia, and Karra), 8 siblings: Michael Bordagaray (wife Brenda), Trish Cobb (husband Mike), Michele Williams (husband Kelly), Jennie Preo (husband Mark), Ted Spencer (wife Dieuwke), Catherine Waldon (husband Grover), Jody Spencer (wife Noelle), John Bordagaray (wife Lisa), many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is now in heaven and will be missed but remembered by family, friends, students, and coworkers.

There will be no service at this time. We want to make sure we can have a real celebration of his life with our family and friends without worrying about anyone else becoming ill with Covid19. We are hoping to hold the celebration in June or July 2021. Contributions in his name can be made to the Kern County Basque Club Scholarship Fund, 2301 South Union Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307 or the Independence Through GRACE Foundation, 1830 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 101, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

Michael Moore, 48

Died January 3, 2020.

Cleveland Middle School, Cleveland, TX

English

Local news:

A Cleveland ISD teacher who died as a result of COVID-19 and other health issues is being remembered as the “epitome of a true educator.” Michael Moore, a Cleveland Middle School teacher, died on Jan. 3 at the age of 48.

CMS Principal Chris McCurry called Moore “a dedicated teacher who was always willing to help a student or a fellow teacher.” For the last two years of his 11 years in education, Moore taught English-Language Arts to sixth-grade students at Cleveland Middle School.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Cleveland ISD Superintendent Chris Trotter said his thoughts and prayers are with Moore’s family as they cope with his tragic loss. Grief counselors will be available for students and staff this week at Cleveland Middle School.

Trotter said fortunately there hasn’t been an outbreak of COVID-19 cases among Moore’s students. The last time Moore was with them was prior to the Christmas break, more than two weeks ago.

Also on Wednesday, Trotter responded to concerns about the District’s handling of COVID-19 cases in his “In the Know” Facebook video series. Since the pandemic began last March, Trotter has posted 32 videos, many with COVID-19 as the main topic.

“We are doing everything we can, even throughout the break,” Trotter said.

The District has asked all students and staff to wear masks to avoid spreading the illness and custodial staff members are spraying every room at each campus three times a week to avoid the virus lingering on desks or other surfaces.

“We have plenty of cleaning solution to get us through Spring Break. Our purchasing department is getting us more spray for after Spring Break,” Trotter said. “We absolutely do not want to get kids or staff sick.”

Trotter said that masks, social distancing and cleaning protocols are the best defenses right now against COVID-19, and he is frequently in touch with Liberty County Office of Emergency Management and county officials to stay informed on the latest information about vaccines and case numbers.

“The District has a plan and I want to reassure the public that, if we were to change with information from the County, we could go to virtual learning with an overnight switch,” said Trotter.

He said he is working with local and state authorities, and other school district superintendents in the area to monitor vaccine rollouts.

“As the federal and state governments come out with opportunities, we are anticipating vaccines for teaching staff and employees in the Phase 2A and 2B rollout,” he said.

With the virus able to quickly spread from person to person, Trotter said it has been challenging to safeguard the health and safety of 9,000 students and 1,000 staff members, but he is confident in the safety protocols established by the District.

“We are going to continue following CDC guidelines. We have quarantined when we’ve needed it. We set up testing protocols with Texas Emergency Hospital. Thankfully we have had a low number of cases proportionately, but even one case is too many for me,” he said.

Cleveland ISD has set up several email accounts to address concerns and answer questions. To reach your child’s campus, send email to the proper email address listed below:

cottonwood.info@clevelandisd.org
eastside.info@clevelandisd.org
southside.info@clevelandisd.org
northside.info@clevelandisd.org
middleschool.info@clevelandisd.org
highschool.info@clevelandisd.org
douglass.info@clevelandisd.org

Stephen Daniels, 50

Died December 31, 2020.

Dr. Paul Rafalides School, Jersey City, NJ

Boiler Operator

Local news:

Two employees of the Jersey City Public Schools have died of COVID-19, the district confirmed.

Willy Emanuele, a 66-year-old bus driver died Dec. 30, followed by Stephen Daniels, a 50-year-old boiler operator at School 33 who died the next day, district officials said.

“Sadly our district lost two friends and valued colleagues this past week,” Superintendent Franklin Walker and Board of Education President Mussab Ali said in a joint statement.

“Our district grieves not only the passing of such tremendous individuals but also for the loss that their families have suffered. Our hearts and prayers go out to them at this difficult time.”

Emanuele and Daniels are the second and third district employees to die of the virus since the pandemic began. Treasy Brown, a crisis intervention teacher, died of the virus in the spring, Deputy Superintendent Norma Fernandez said.

Since March, when the pandemic started, 129 school district employees have contracted the coronavirus.

Just this week Ferris High School was closed to staff members when the district learned through contact tracing that a visitor tested positive for COVID-19, district spokeswoman Norma Fernandez said. The staff is expected to be back in the building Monday.

Fernandez said both Emanuele and Daniels were working up until the time they got sick, although it’s unclear where they contracted the virus, she added.

“With these two deaths we’re very saddened because in the span of a week we lost two friends and valued colleagues for many individuals in this district,” Fernandez said.

Daniels’ sister, Tamera, said he is survived by three sons, two brothers and two others sisters.

“He loved his family dearly,” Tamera Daniels said. “He was always the life of the party.”

Cherie Dandurand, 53

Died January 6, 2021.

Woodbury Central Middle School, Moville, IA

Social Studies, Volleyball Coach

Local news:

The Woodbury Central School District is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher who died of COVID-19.

Now, family, friends and loved ones are honoring the 53-year-old educator, wife, mother and great friend, who inspired her students and her community.

Loving, caring, kind, and amazing.

These are just a few words many use to describe Cherie Dandurand.

“Loved working with kids, was able to reach out, especially struggling kids and get them more involved in school,” Superintendent Douglas Glackin said.

Dandurand taught social studies at Woodbury Central Middle School in Moville.

Superintendent Glackin witnessed her hard work ethic firsthand, as she was heavily involved in numerous committees.

“She was part of our safety committee. She was part of our leadership team. She was part of our character counts team. She was part of our school improvement team,” Glackin said.

But now, her classroom sits quiet and empty after COVID-19 claimed her life Wednesday, Jan. 6th.

It was news that devastated not only the small town of Moville, but her past and present students, too, as well as everyone else’s life she’s touched.

“There was just such a deep feeling of loss,” Glackin said.

Dandurand’s sister-in-law, Laura Dandurand, was very close to her over the years.

“She always cared about her kids and her job and I mean kids, not just her own two boys, Richard and Ed, but her students,” Laura Dandurand said.

And, as Dandurand’s family and loved ones continue to grieve, they are urging the community to take COVID-19 seriously.

“You don’t want to be that person that ends up being the one that gets hit really, really hard. Just wearing a mask and everyone wearing a mask and, greatly help with that,” Dan Dandurand said.

This would’ve been Dandurand’s 30th year at Woodbury Central.

She was also a volleyball coach and a mentor to her fellow colleagues.

Dandurand is survived by her husband and two sons.

Wendy Fipps, 52

Died January 8, 2021.

Edgewood Elementary School, Whiteville, NC

Fourth Grade

Obituary:

Wendy Jenrette Fipps was born August 6, 1968 and passed away January 8, 2021 in McLeod Seacoast Hospital, Little River, SC. She was the daughter of Bettie Gore Jenrette and the late Harry Jenrette Jr. She is also predeceased by her Sister Jeanene Jenrette Lee.

In addition to her Mother, she is survived by her husband of 26 years Shawn Fipps; sister, Michele Jenrette Williams and husband Jonathan, nephew Jon; brother in law, Nelson Lee, niece Madison Lee Ward, nephew Harrison “Rett” Jenrette Lee, niece Chessa Lee, great nephew Nash Ward, great nephew Noxx Ward.

Wendy graduated from Nakina High School in 1986 and attended Pembroke University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Pembroke University. Wendy was an elementary school teacher in the Whiteville City School District for 30 years. Wendy has been a wonderful wife to the love of her life and best friend Shawn for 26 years. Wendy loved her two fur babies Snuggles and Hemi like they were her children. Wendy loved to travel, she loved the beach, and she loved to fish in the Waccamaw River with her husband. She loved to cook and have social gatherings at her home. Wendy also loved to read and play the piano. If you knew her she would light up the darkest room when she walked into it, with her beautiful smile and outgoing personality. She was previously awarded Teacher of the Year, teaching was her passion and she touched the lives of many students over the years. She has been a lifetime member of Old Zion Wesleyan Church. She served her Lord and Savior for 52 wonderful years. She loved her family more than anything. Her giving spirit and loving nature will be missed by all.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM in the Isaac Gore Cemetery, Miller Rd., Tabor City, NC.

Visitation will be held following the service in the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shawn Fipps, 2757 Miller Rd., Tabor City, NC 28463.

Candice Highfield, 62

Died January 7, 2021.

Hempfield High School, Landisville, PA

Social Worker

Local news:

As I write this, my heart is heavy and I feel like I took a punch to the gut. As we have watched COVID-19 cases and deaths climb, I have tried not to become numb to them. However, I must admit that this all came home to me last week. These numbers represent real people, and each and every one of them deserve to be mourned. Last week, I learned that a very special person has died from COVID-19 complications, Dr. Candice Highfield.

Candice was an outstanding social worker in the Hempfield School District and was one of our team’s first hires after moving in service to the district. Candice was our first school social worker and set an extremely high bar — not only for Hempfield, but for surrounding districts.

She was a staunch advocate for our students and their families and did all she could to remove barriers to learning. With her leadership, we established a clothing bank and started a Hempfield Cares fund that was largely financed through the generous support of district employees. This fund was used to provide gift cards for gasoline, transportation and food, as well as furniture and other necessities for our families.

Candice had a heart of gold, but also a spine of steel. For anyone who thought they may take advantage of the generosity of our staff and funds, Candice let them know assertively that this would not happen. She provided both generosity and accountability.

More than a few times, Candice sought out our sponsors through the Market Street Sports Group, who provided funding to the district in return for naming rights and district advertisements. She persuaded them to provide, gratis, such help as hooking up a new stove for a family. In one instance, she convinced a sponsor to shore up a trailer that was the home of a student. She sat in that trailer as cockroaches were literally falling from the ceiling and realized that this student needed help.

Candice represented all that is good about the staff at Hempfield. She worked more hours than required and continually went above and beyond what was expected. She took on every challenge and would give her all to help students succeed.

To say she will be missed sounds almost trite. Her legacy is one of love, dedication and caring. To her family, friends and colleagues, I extend my most profound sympathy and caring. There is nothing I can say that will negate the loss we all feel, but I sincerely hope everyone in the education community, both at Hempfield and in other Lancaster County districts, will continue to do all they can to remain safe, take care and support each other.

Nicholas Glover, 53

January 8, 2021.

Carpenter Community Charter School, Los Angeles, CA

Fourth Grade

Local news:

Students, parents and faculty at a Studio City school are mourning the loss of a beloved teacher who passed away from COVID-19.

Nicholas Glover taught fourth grade at Carpenter Community Charter School.

In a statement sent out to parents, Principal Joe Martinez said Glover was diagnosed with the virus over the school break, but was resting at home and even felt he might be able to report to work next week. Unfortunately, his health quickly declined and he passed away at home.

Over the past 17 years, Glover had taught first and fourth grade classes but Martinez added that he wasn’t just a teacher, but an integral part of the community.

“He was oftentimes the voice of reason for the staff, provoking deeper thought and helping us to reflect thoroughly on decisions that impacted our school community. In addition, he always made a point of acknowledging others,” Martinez said in his statement. “In his classroom, he would take the time to build meaningful relationships with his students and their families. With our staff, he regularly acknowledged and congratulated his colleagues for their contributions. His wisdom (and his amazing sense of humor) will be missed by all.”

Glover is survived by his wife, Susan, and two children, Andrew and Emma.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help his family.

LAUSD counselors will be on hand to help the students through the grieving process when distance learning resumes next week.

Eddye Valenzuela

Died January 8, 2021.

West High School, Salt Lake City, UT

Special Education

Local news:

The Salt Lake City school community is mourning the death of a longtime para educator, who family in Peru confirmed passed away from COVID-19.

He died surrounded by fellow Salt Lake City educators, who made sure Eddye Valenzuela wasn’t alone in his final moments.

Valenzuela, or “Mr. V” as the kids called him, was known for his work with families and kids on the west side, at both Glendale Middle School and West High School.

Valenzuela’s colleagues described him as always greeting them with a warm smile and expressing genuine care for students.

Keri Taddie, Coordinator at Glendale-Mountain View Community Learning Center, got to know Valenzuela through his work at Glendale Middle School, which is in the same building complex as the Community Learning Center.

She said Valenzuela was great at “really making people feel welcome, making students and families feel welcome.”

According to those who knew him, Valenzuela worked at the Salt Lake City School District for 13 years, most of that time spent at Glendale. It was in the last year or so, they said, that he transferred to West High School to work in the Special Education Department.

“He took the time to get to know the kids,” said Chris Gesteland, West Network Director at the Salt Lake City School District.

Gesteland also knew Valenzuela well from Glendale, where Gesteland used to be the principal.

He talked about how Valenzuela was one of the few educators who was able to translate for Spanish-speaking families. He connected the families to resources, and helped students succeed in school.

“He provided an amazing bridge between us and many of our community members,” Gesteland said. “Because not only did he translate, but he was able to develop relationships with families.”

For Valenzuela, those relationships turned into a real sense of family.

“Because he didn’t have family here, the school community became that space for him,” Taddie explained. “And so, it was important to him. He really cared about the students authentically, and not just because it was his job.”

Valenzuela was alone in Utah, Taddie said, having moved here from Peru to pursue a job in education.

It was those school family members, like Gesteland, who stood by Valenzuela last Friday in the hospital.

“I was able to be at Eddye’s bedside when he passed,” Gesteland said.

While Gesteland and Taddie couldn’t confirm or speak of how Valenzuela died, Valenzuela’s family in Peru told FOX 13 the paraprofessional recently contracted COVID-19.

The family members said they believe he contracted it at home from roommates.

They said Valenzuela initially went to the hospital, but then was sent home with oxygen. They described how a week before he passed away, he had a fever and a hard time breathing.

Valenzuela went back to the hospital, where he died.

His cousins described him as a great person who did a lot for his community, and was always taking care of his mother and family back in Peru.

“His time was cut short,” Taddie said. “It wasn’t time for him to go. It was unnecessary, and I think that’s to me is the biggest tragedy.”

Valenzuela’s family had to say goodbye to him over video chat, as colleagues surrounded him in person on Friday.

“He got to message his family. He got to see videos shared from Peru. He got to see pictures shared from Peru,” Gesteland recounted. “He had a cousin playing him music, and there were all of these little pieces that were able to happen on Friday morning that I think brought Eddye a lot of peace in that time and space.”

While they brought Valenzuela peace in his last moments, his school family is now left with a devastating loss.

The Salt Lake City School District confirmed Valenzuela’s death, but could not confirm the cause, saying they can’t comment on private employee health matters.

Gesteland set up a GoFundMe to help raise the funds to return Valenzuela’s remains home to Peru, as well as funds to support his family.

Olivia Ramirez, 44

Died December 28, 2020.

Murnin Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Obituary:

Olivia Michelle Lopez-Ramirez, of San Antonio, TX, 44 years old, passed away on December 28, 2020 at North Central Baptist Hospital of complications related to COVID-19.

Olivia is survived by her 3 sons, Anthony Thomas, Jacob Michael, and Hunter Reed Ramirez. Her Parents, Benito and Hilda I. Lopez, sisters, Odelia Melissa Lopez-Brouse, Brother in Law, Jesse Brouse, and Ofelia Marina Lopez, all from San Antonio, TX. Niece and Nephew, Amelia and Benjamin Brouse.

Olivia was born March 17, 1976, on St. Patrick’s Day, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She attended Newman Elementary School and Mary Help of Christian School in Laredo, TX. She attended, Hobby and Zachary Middle Schools, and graduated in May 1994 from Taft High School. Olivia attended St. Mary’s University, Palo Alto College and received her Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cum Laude, from the University of Texas at San Antonio in May 2006.

Olivia was a dedicated and loving mother to her 3 sons. For 17 years she was a devoted Educator, who taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade for Northside ISD at Murnin, Elementary School. She was recognized by the State of Texas in 2014 as Educator of the Year. She loved to teach math, loved to read, and was admired and liked by her students and parents.

She is preceded in death by her Grandparents, Manuel and Delia Lopez of Corpus Christi, TX and Gilbert and Olivia Gonzalez of Robstown, TX.

Celebration of life mass will be held: January 23, 2020, Blessed Sacrament Church, 600 Oblate St., San Antonio, TX. Father Christopher Munoz Officiating.

ROSARY: 9:00 a.m. CELEBRATION OF LIFE MASS: 10:0A.M.(Livestream)

Interment will be at Cordi-Marian in a private ceremony with family only.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Olivia Michelle Lopez-Ramirez Memorial Scholarship, in support of future educators. Contact Linda Guerra at NEF, 210-397-8964 or to make donations thru this link. https://www.give2schools.org/cat.asp?id=57146BFCADBF40279F9E103228DBC87A

4 of 81 2 345 6 7 8

Rosemary Caldwell Collins, 51

Kelley Gaines, 47

Donnie Kirksey, 57

Sandi Laughlin, 60

Zelene Blancas, 35

Friends praise Blancas for teaching, advocacy

Jamie Seitz, 51

Jeff Larson, 60

Jennifer Cunningham, 42

Dorothy Myers, 64

Jennifer Dawn Gerhard Wightman, 37

David Tummons, 75

Eleanor DeShields, 68

David Husmann, 67

Philip Brownrigg, 49

Tracy Jean Larsen, 56

Robert Troy Humphrey, 53

James Lampkin, 52

Wayne Emery McGhee, 77

Judy Nye, 58

Julie Yeager, 56

Laurel Rose Swing, 50

Steven Aguilar, 49

Milady Sy Quito, 47

Tammie Sanford, 41

Deidre Moyers, 41

Librado Lee Navarro Jr., 67

Simone Parker, 46

Marie Linh Le, 69

Alicia Ugartechea, 67

LuAnn Klein Burns

Dominique Bordagaray, 72

Michael Moore, 48

Stephen Daniels, 50

Cherie Dandurand, 53

Wendy Fipps, 52

Candice Highfield, 62

Nicholas Glover, 53

Eddye Valenzuela

Olivia Ramirez, 44