Substitute
Irma Ouimet, 73
Died February 23, 2021.
Unatego Central School District, Otego, NY
Substitute
Irma A. Ouimet of Otego, a native of Peru and Unatego Central School District teacher, passed away Feb. 23, 2021, in the ICU at Bassett Hospital from complications related to COVID-19.
Irma Alejandrina Villegas Ormachea was born in Calca (Cusco), Peru, and became a teacher serving young children in the mountains of Peru. Irma came to live in the U.S. upon her marriage to her husband Gene Ouimet in 1984.
Irma continued her teaching career after moving to Otego and served as a substitute teacher at both Oneonta and Unatego Middle and High Schools. Irma loved working with her colleagues and enjoyed the students, especially sharing her knowledge of Peru with students in Spanish classes.
Irma loved gardening, cooking and painting. She volunteered at Harris Memorial Library in Otego, tending to the flower beds and received a certificate of recognition for her service on Dec. 3, 2011. Irma also loved animals and was a devoted caretaker to her pets and other neighborhood dogs and cats.
Irma is survived by her husband of 36 years, Gene Ouimet of Otego; three stepchildren, Cheryl Ouimet, Jeff Ouimet and Scott Ouimet and his wife, Toni Ouimet; brothers-in-law, Fred and Andre Ouimet and his wife, Caroline Ouimet. Irma also leaves behind five loving siblings, Maria Isabel, Raul, Oswaldo, Americo and Luis, all living in Peru; nieces, Sandra and Alessandra; and nephews, Andres and Sergio. Irma’s special friend Sidlia Torres from Peru, as well as all her beloved friends and neighbors in Otego, were very dear to her during her life.
Irma’s family extends its thanks for all the prayers and support received from family, friends and neighbors during Irma’s illness. The family also expresses its sincere appreciation to the professional, caring and respectful ICU staff at Bassett Hospital who cared so compassionately for Irma during her stay.
A memorial service for Irma will be held in the spring.
Donations may be made in Irma’s name to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 NY-28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Abel Mojica, 71
Died January 26, 2021.
Grand Prairie Independent School District, Grand Prairie, TX
Substitute Administrator
Abel Mojica, a longtime resident of Royse City, Texas, age 71, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for eternity, on January 26, 2021.
He was born November 1, 1949, in Uvalde, Texas to Elias Mojica Sr. and Olivia DeLaRosa Mojica. Abel grew up in Uvalde, Texas. He was a loyal Coyote and graduated from Uvalde High School in 1969. Following high school, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1973. He also walked on and earned a spot on the Lumberjacks baseball team. He later went on to receive a Masters in School Administration.
Abel was a loyal and obedient Christian. He attended Fellowship of First Baptist Church in Royse City, Texas and served as a deacon. He also taught Sunday School to high school students, assisted with the food pantry and Fellowship en Espanol. He also enjoyed going on mission trips. He had the heart of a servant and was always ready to lend a helping hand to others. He was an active Rockwall and Kaufman County CASA (court appointed special advocate) for children, and above all he was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Abel taught and coached in DISD from 1974-1990, primarily at North Dallas High School and Carter High school. He joined Grand Prairie ISD in 1990 as an Assistant Principal at South Grand Prairie High School for 2 years. He later worked as a principal at Jefferson Middle School (2 yrs), Lee Middle School (9 yrs) and Bonham Elementary (6 yrs), until his retirement in June 2009. He continued to substitute as an administrator with GPISD until the time of his death. He loved interacting with his students and teachers.
Abel had a passion for most sports, especially baseball, football, track, golf and fishing. He and his wife loved to travel, fish, watch and play in many sports. He was also an avid Aggie fan. Abel was a funny guy and people loved to be around him because he was so fun loving. His wife, Marilynn was the love of his life and they were inseparable.
Family was very important to him. He leaves behind many friends and family that will miss him dearly. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years: Marilynn of Royse City, Texas; his daughter: Olivia of LA, California; his son: Mickey Joe of Royse City, Texas; and his brother: Elias Mojica Jr. and wife Debi of Kyle, Texas; brothers and sisters-in-law: Chase and Gwen Hatcher of Flower Mound, Cris and Carla Hatcher of Rowlett, and Clint Hatcher of Terrell. He is also survived by nephews: Michael Hatcher, Charlie Hatcher and Jonah Mojica; and niece: Chasin Hatcher. Abel was preceded in death by his father: Elias Mojica Sr.; mother: Olivia DeLaRosa Mojica; and sister: Norma Mojica.
Due to the current health of his family and in order to maintain the safety of family and friends, at this time a private service will be held Thursday, February 4th at 1pm at Fellowship Church Royse City. Rest Haven Funeral Home in Royse City is conducting the service. Interment will be in Campground Cemetery in Poetry Texas.
Carlos May-Gamboa, 74
Died January 10, 2021.
Berryville High School, Berryville, AR
Substitute Teacher
The death toll attributed to COVID-19 in Carroll County continues to rise, with one additional death reported since last week, bringing the total to 34.
According to data released by the Arkansas Department of Health on Tuesday morning, there have been 2,408 cases of the novel coronavirus reported in the county since the pandemic began, including 2,070 lab-confirmed cases. As of Tuesday, 2,209 were classified as “recovered” and 165 were still considered “active.”
Tuesday’s numbers represented an increase of 121 cases in the county, an average of more than 17 per day, in the past week.
Berryville School District superintendent Owen Powell confirmed last week that a teacher in the district had died from the virus. The district hasn’t released any more details or identified the teacher but posted a Facebook tribute on Jan. 13 to Carlos May-Gamboa.
“Our Bobcat Family has been heartbroken over the recent loss of Mr. Carlos May-Gamboa,” the post on the school district’s Facebook page says. “The students of BHS who entered Mr. May-Gamboa’s classroom were greeted with love, acceptance, joy, and humor. He is greatly missed already. Please remember and pray for his family, his friends, and our Bobcat Family.”
A death notice published Jan. 12 on the Harrison Daily Times website said May-Gamboa died Jan. 10 at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison. He was 74. A native of Merida, Mexico, he lived in Harrison, according to the notice.
Statewide, the health department reported an increase of 15,919 in the past seven days, bringing the total number of cases to 272,263, including 219,956 lab-confirmed. To date, 4,343 deaths have been attributed to the virus statewide.
Despite the statewide increases, Gov. Asa Hutchinson last week pointed out some positive signs during his weekly report.
“If you look in the middle right there, you’ll see that we have added 3,209 total cases over the last 24 hours,” Hutchinson said during his Jan. 12 report. “This is down about a thousand, I believe it is, from a week ago. Our testing is higher than it was a week ago. We have 10,600 that’s been tested, both PCR tests and antigen tests. The hospitalizations have decreased by 17, which is some some relief for our hospitals, but with the increase yesterday they before we’re still got a ways to go to give any real relief for our hospitals. That’s still a challenge for us.”
ADH data showed Tuesday that COVID-19 hospitalizations have decreased since last week, falling from 1,371 on Jan. 12 to 1,263, while patients requiring intensive care have fallen from 460 to 410. The number of infected people requiring the aid of a ventilator has also fallen from 268 to 216.
Vaccinations are also continuing across the state. According to health department data released Sunday, more than 131,000 Arkansans have received the vaccines since Dec. 14 at hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health providers, putting the state a bit ahead of schedule.
Hutchinson announced last week that since the vaccination plan was proceeding more rapidly than expected, the state planned to move on to two categories from Phase 1-B, which was initially intended to begin in February, on Monday. The two categories are Arkansans aged 70 and over and educators.
“These vaccines are available through your community pharmacies,” Hutchinson said. “The hospitals are participating in this. When they have the doses available, [people] can call ahead for an appointment, and there will be vaccine clinics and events that may be available in your area. This is a county-by-county approach in terms of the vaccinations, but we’re increasing that opportunity for those to get vaccinated.
“In terms of education, including higher ed and child care, the school districts will drive it.”
The rest of Phase 1-B, which includes food/agricultural workers, firefighters and police not in 1-A, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, child care workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, and essential government workers, is still scheduled to begin next month. In total, Phase 1-B is expected to include more than 400,000 Arkansans. Phase 1-C is planned for April.
According to the ADH website, local pharmacies participating in the vaccine effort include Economy Drug in Berryville, Harps Pharmacy in Green Forest, Holiday Island Pharmacy, Poynor Drug in Berryville and Smith Drug & Company in Eureka Springs.
“This is working from each county and community to assure that vaccinations are available across the state and not just in one area,” Hutchinson said.
George Bures, 73
Died September 23, 2020.
Nekoosa School District, Nekoosa, WI
Substitute Teacher
George Bures, age 71, passed away on September 23, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to Covid-19 with no pre-existing or underlying conditions.
George was born on July 6th, 1949 in Elgin, IL to the late Claire (Walter) and George Bures, Sr. He grew up in Fox River Grove, Illinois and graduated from Cary-Grove High School in 1967. He attended UW-Stevens Point where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. George was united in marriage to his wife, Karen, on July 21st, 1973 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Wisconsin Rapids.
George was a Senior Systems Analyst at Sentry Insurance and First Financial Bank in Stevens Point, Wisconsin before he left the corporate world to pursue a career in teaching. He spent 17 years as a band director in the Tomorrow River School District in Amherst, Wisconsin, and after retirement, continued to work as a substitute teacher for the Nekoosa School District. George also spent countless hours on the football field as a referee, officiating games for teams of all ages, from Rapids Raptors youth football to Division I WIAA Varsity football games.
George’s greatest gift was as a teacher, which extended far beyond the classroom and the podium as a band director. He loved to teach his grandsons how to fish and hunt and enjoyed special trips to Canada each summer with Karen and his “boys”. He also enjoyed his summers with Karen, entertaining friends and family by the pool, gardening, and attending many of his grandsons’ sporting events. In winter, George was usually found on a black diamond slope at Granite Peak ski hill, his favorite winter pass time. He was a nationally certified ski patrol and instructor, and was looking forward to another season at the hill this year.
George also spent time giving back to his community. He was an active member of Elks Lodge 693 in Wisconsin Rapids and served in many leadership roles, including Exalted Ruler in 2013-14 and 2015-16.
George is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters Cara (fiancé Ryan Parker) and Krista (Josh) Hafenbredl; grandsons Keagan and Carter Christy, Ethan and Alex Hafenbredl; brother Mark (Julie) Bures of Cary, IL; niece Maggie Bures of Chicago, IL; nephew Andy Bures of North Aurora, IL; and great-nephews Joey and Will Bures of North Aurora, IL.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Kris Lahren and all of the amazing nurses and caregivers in the Covid ICU Unit at Wausau Aspirus Hospital who took such extraordinary and compassionate care of George since due to restrictions we were not able to be by his side.
Damacio Bernal, 64
Died October 26, 2020.
Las Cruces Public Schools, Las Cruces, NM
Substitute Teacher
DAMACIO T. BERNAL, JR., was born May 30, 1956 in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. He was reunited on October 26, 2020 with his mother, Luisa T. Bernal, father, Damacio R. Bernal and his son, Jesus Bernal. Damacio was happily married to his wife, Maria V. Bernal since July 12, 1980. Together they raised 5 children; Jesus V. Bernal, Brandy B. Torres, Porfirio M. Bernal, Elizabeth B. Vigil and Damacio V. Bernal Jr III.
Mr. Bernal’s journey began with a passion of becoming a teacher. He taught in Midland, TX for 8 years and 29 years at Zia Middle School. After retiring he continued to substitute for 9 more years. Mr. Bernal not only dedicated his life to teaching but had a love for basketball and coaching. The love he showed for his community had no barriers and he continued to foster children with the help of his wife for 9 years. He attended La Primera Iglesia Bautista de Las Cruces where he served as a Deacon and was a faithful servant of the Lord.
His services will be held at 10 AM Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Seating is very limited to 40% capacity at La Primera Iglesia Bautista, 905 Chaparro Street Las Cruces, NM 88001. Services will also be available to those who want to view online on Facebook ( https://bit.ly/3phUbPu ) and YouTube ( https://bit.ly/36DOnHB ).
Ruthie Martinez, 49
Died October, 2020.
Winburn Middle School, Lexington, KY
Substitute Teacher
A Fayette County Public Schools employee’s death has been linked to COVID-19.
Ruthie Martinez was a permanent substitute teacher in her second year working at Winburn Middle School.
Principal Mike Hale sent a letter to families writing Martinez’s death was determined to be COVID-related. Hale said she was last on campus four days before she died.
“Ms. Martinez was a warrior and always will be a warrior in our hearts,” said Hale.
Shortly after, the letter states someone in her household tested positive for the virus.
A district spokeswoman said the school worked with the health department to do contact tracing. One staff member was quarantined for 14 days out of an abundance of caution, and certain areas of the building were deep cleaned.
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk said in a statement, “The news that her death has now been linked to COVID-19 is an important reminder for all of us that this virus is a very real health threat.”
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department confirmed Martinez’s exposure was not workplace-related.
Principal Hale said they did not know someone else in her household was positive until her death.
“We had one staff member that a week prior to the death had eaten lunch with Ms. Martinez and they were still 6 feet apart but when you’re eating lunch masks comes off,” explained Hale.
School leaders said only a handful of students had direct contact with her this year.
“She filled a lot of different roles for us both certified and classified, always eager to take on any responsibility and had a good rapport with the staff a good rapport with the kids,” Principal Hale said.
Caulk also acknowledged that this news comes as the district decides when and how in-person instruction will resume.
Martinez’s death was not included in the Fayette County Health Department’s COVID-19 report Thursday.
Principal Hale said school employees are creating a pin in honor of Martinez and other staff members who have died over the last five years.
He said teachers will wear the pin and it will be given to the families of those who died.
Amalia Gonzales, 73
Died November 26, 2020.
Milam Elementary School, Odessa, TX
Substitute Teacher
COVID-19 has struck hundreds of thousands of people across the United States, and it has struck here in West Texas once again.
This time, an ECISD teacher died on Thanksgiving. It was Amalia Gonzales’ 50th wedding anniversary.
Never skipping a beat, dancing, and singing. Amalia Gonzales was the life of the party.
“My mom was so much fun…she loved to travel. She said that her most expensive habit was my son, her grandson. My son Jacob was her only grandchild,” Rebecca Lopez, Amalia’s daughter, said.
For Rebecca, Amalia was her mom, but she was also more than that. She was a caring grandmother and a dedicated teacher to her students.
“She loved teaching her kids. She had actually retired many, many years ago, but she kept going back to substitute teach. I’m like ‘why do you keep doing this? Why don’t you just go and enjoy retirement?’ and she said ‘I don’t wanna just sit around the house and I love being there with the kids,'” Lopez said.
Teaching was more than just a job to Amalia. Rebecca believes that teaching was her mother’s calling.
“I think it was her purpose in life, teaching was her purpose. She impacted so many children in Odessa that she taught over her more than 40 years as a teacher,” Lopez said.
It wasn’t just those that she taught that she impacted, but everyone she met. She was the first person to volunteer, the matriarch of her family, a loyal friend, and a beloved family member.
Amalia was always trying to spread love and happiness. She was always trying to make people smile.
“That’s just who she was,” Lopez said.
A little more than a week ago, COVID-19 reached Rebecca’s family. The virus hit Amalia without warning.
“My mom started exhibiting symptoms on Monday, the week of Thanksgiving and she sounded like she had allergies,” Lopez said.
On Thanksgiving morning, just a few days after she began showing symptoms, Amalia died. Amalia and her husband Santos had been married 50 years to the day on Thanksgiving this year.
“It was their 50th wedding anniversary, and we had delayed celebration because we didn’t want to get together because of COVID. So she died on their 50th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving day. So that was just heart wrenching for my father. You know he used to call her ‘mi vida’ – ‘my life,'” Lopez said.
The hardest part for Rebecca was not being able to hold her father and her sister because they are also being tested for COVID.
“I think the hardest part of all of this is not being able to hold them and hold my dad and hug him and comfort him and comfort my sister and together you know just grieve as a family,” Lopez said.
As for the people who believe that this virus will impact them? Rebecca wants them to think twice because the virus is everywhere.
“They need to think twice because these statistics aren’t just statistics. There are people behind the numbers, and behind every number is a grieving family, is a grieving friend, there’s a grieving loved one,” Lopez said.
George Yarbrough, 74
Died November 10, 2020.
Conway School District, Conway, AR
Substitute Teacher
George R. Yarbrough (Mr. Ron), age 74, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, of COVID-19. He was born on April 26, 1946 in Conway, Ark. to the late George H.S. Yarbrough and Lois I. Yarbrough. He was also preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.
Ron is survived by his brother Larry Yarbrough, niece Vanessa Gwin (Ricky), nephew Laurence Yarbrough (Cheryl), his family by choice James Lane (Andy), God children Jennifer L. Cunningham (Merle) and James M. Lane (Valerie) and numerous great nieces and nephews, all of whom were his favorites.
Ron graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock for two years, after which he embarked on a nearly 30-year career in nursing home administration. After retiring as a nursing home administrator in 2003, he returned to Arkansas, where he worked for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the Conway (Arkansas) Public School System as a substitute teacher. In 2006, he discovered his true calling, substitute teaching in the elementary schools in Conway. During the summers, he traveled Arkansas in an attempt to visit every State Park. He managed a personal visit to 50 of the 52 State Parks.
The Conway Public School System has a contract with Kelly Services to provide its substitute teachers. In 2019, Kelly Services honored Ron with their Arkansas Substitute Teacher of the Year award, an honor he accepted with great pride and humility. During his years of substitute teaching (mostly in elementary schools) he touched the lives of innumerable children and their parents. He (and Mr. Moose-inside joke) earned the love and respect of those children. He was a favorite of the elementary school administrators and teachers.
Ron was a man of faith and a member of the Central Baptist Church in Conway.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be a public memorial service. At a later date, the family and Ron’s close friends will gather to remember him, miss him and share their many happy “Yarb” memories and stories. All who knew him were touched by his love and concern for them. He loved all the children with whom he had the honor to serve as a substitute teacher.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Theodore Jones Elementary, his primary school over the years, for their Child Welfare Fund or their Sunshine Fund for teacher needs and/or the Arkansas State Parks.
Melinda Mutti, 55
Died September 3, 2020.
Pella Community School District, Pella, IA
Substitute Teacher
Melinda Lee Mutti was born on August 4, 1965 in Maryville, MO to George and Marilyn Mutti of Hopkins, MO. She grew up in Hopkins, attending North Nodaway R-VI schools, graduating with the class of 1983. She passed away on September 3, 2020 at the age of 55 from the deadly COVID-19 virus, that has taken far too many lives so unnecessarily.
Melinda earned her bachelors degree at Central College, in Pella, IA where she majored in Spanish. A large portion of Melinda’s bachelors program involved study abroad in Spain. She loved the country, its people, its culture and its language. Her total immersion in Spain lead her to become quite fluent in the language. Upon her graduation, she taught high school Spanish in several Iowa high schools. She later pursued a masters degree in Spanish at The University of Northern Iowa. Melinda was a lifelong learner with numerous seminars and continuing education courses throughout her life.
Melinda’s wanderlust and sense of adventure lead to a Fullbright Scholarship to the country of Colombia. She moved to Bogata in the mid 90’s where she taught English at a couple of private Catholic schools. As in Spain, she embraced the culture and fell in love with the people and the natural beauty of the country. Melinda recently commented that a return to Colombia was high on her wish list ‘once the world gets back to normal’.
Following several years in Colombia, Melinda returned to the US where she settled in the greater Chicago, IL area and pursued opportunities in education and retail.
She moved to Pella, IA in the summer of 2019, where her sister Ann has been a longtime resident. One of the highlights of Melinda’s time in Pella was her involvement in Pete Buttigieg’s campaign for President. She worked tirelessly during the weeks leading up to the Iowa Caucuses. She shared her passion for the candidate with her brother and sister tightening her bond with her siblings.
Melinda was a unique individual who marched to the beat of her own drummer. She had a special empathy and ability to connect with others who were fighting their own unique battles. She had a great sense of humor delivering her classic lines when least expected. She delighted in serving others through her volunteer efforts at the Pella Community Food Shelf and had made plans to join her church (United Methodist Church of Pella) on its mission trip to Guatemala.
She is survived by her brother Joe Mutti, her brother-in-law Peter Oramas, her sister Ann Visser, her nieces Kaci Visser (Shane Cox), Lauren Mutti (Michelle Peak) and Alex Mutti, her great niece Simone Peak, her great nephews Jackson and Grant Peak, numerous cousins and special friends.