Obituaries

Jun 3, 2025

Ralph Fritz Ranard was born in Munich, Germany on June 6, 1951, and died on June 3, 2025.  Carolyn Anne Kobe Ranard was born on March 13, 1954, in Bemidji City, Minnesota and died on June 8, 2025.

They met in 1967 through mutual friends in the Mission Hills neighborhood.  Carolyn was 12 and Ralph was 15.  ...

Jun 3, 2025

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Rufus Fuggs, a beloved U.S. Air Force retiree, American Patriot, passionate cook, community friend, and family man, who left us peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 91.

Norm was a proud serviceman who dedicated his life to serving his country in the...

May 24, 2025

In Loving Memory of Deborah Jackson

It is with a heavy heart that I write this obituary for my beloved sister, Deborah Jackson. I will miss her every hour of every day. For 73 years, we shared not only the bond of sisterhood but also a deep and lasting friendship.

Deborah was born...

May 22, 2025

Mary Wilder, long-time Lompoc resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, after a decline in her overall health. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Burt Wilder and is survived by her son Sam and his wife Sandi, her daughter Marlene and her husband Neal, and her stepdaughter Cherry, as well as seven grandchildren and 10...

May 21, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Morgan) Leeper.  After a long battle with cancer, she passed away in her home on May 21, 2025.  Being a wife and mother brought her much joy in her life.  She is survived by her husband Michael Leeper and their three daughters: Haley, Amanda...

May 19, 2025

Gerardo was the second-born child to Gabino and Estela Rodarte. He was born in Lompoc, CA where he resided his entire life. He is a  2014 graduate of Cabrillo High School. Gerardo enjoyed playing and watching live soccer games, his favorite teams were Chivas and Real Madrid!

Gerardo is survived by his parents, Gabino and Estela Rodarte,...

May 19, 2025

ALISON LYNETTE WALES

SEPTEMBER 3, 1968 – MAY 19, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend, who left this world far too soon after an eleven-year battle with cancer. Alison was a light in our lives-kind, compassionate, endlessly generous.

...

May 17, 2025

Jill Ivy Schaefer passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, May 17 from complications of a stroke, with her family present throughout the process. Jill had reached her 90th birthday in February.

Born February 18, 1935, in London, England, Jill's life was colorful and action packed, joyful and tragic, equal to the history of the time...

May 14, 2025

John Phillips, known affectionately as "Papa John" by his grandkids, was born on August 29, 1964, in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to Parents, Josephine and Johnie Phillips. John was raised in Vandenberg Village and attended local schools. He passed away suddenly on May 14, 2025.

John was a great musician and photographer, who shared beautiful music and...

May 13, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia "Pat" Gill. Born in 1949, Pat died peacefully on May 13, 2025 after leading a fulfilling and vibrant life. She was 75 years old. There will be a celebration of life in Lompoc, California on June 28, 2025.

Pat is survived by her devoted husband,...

May 11, 2025

"Howie" was born October 30, 1954, in Akron, Ohio, to Josephine and Stanley Hammeren.  He bravely faced his long battle with cancer and passed peacefully at home on May 11, 2025.

In March 1958, the Hammeren family of seven loaded up the station wagon, left Ohio, and journeyed across the country to begin their new life in...

May 7, 2025

Mrs. Rachael Thomas

Aiken, SC - A celebration of life service for Mrs. Rachael THomas, age 82, will be held 3:00pm Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Cole Funeral Home Chapel. Internment will follow 11:00am Monday, June 23, 2025 at the Lompoc Cemetery, Lompoc, California. Mrs. Thomas entered into rest on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 after a two-year...

May 6, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished patriarch, Jose (Joe) Marcelino Garcia Sr., who passed on May 6, 2025 at the age of 86.

A true Lompoc native, Joe was born on June 3, 1938 to Jesus and Juana Garcia. The eleventh of twelve children, he always valued the importance of...

May 3, 2025

Mrs. Crespin was born December 1, 1949 in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Bishop Diego High School in Santa Barbara, CA as Valedictorian of her class in 1967. She went on to Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles graduating Magnum Cum Laude in 1971. She moved to San Luis O'Bispo, CA to attend graduate school at Cal Poly...

May 1, 2025

Marian M. Petersen passed peacefully on May 1st, 2025. A beloved Mother, grandmother, and friend. Marian was born on Sept. 28, 1932, in Roseland, Nebraska. She was the youngest of nine children of Frank and Louisa Mangers. She enjoyed her childhood growing up in small-town middle America. She met her future husband, Delbert L. Petersen, at a barn dance....

Apr 30, 2025

Samuel "Buddy" Reece died peacefully on April 30th, 2025.  He was born in Appalachia, Va on May 21, 1925.  He lacked a few weeks being 100 years old.  He would marry his sweetheart, Nell Elkins, on April 4, 1947, and God would bless them with 78 years together.

Samuel was a WWII Navy Veteran.  He enlisted in...

Apr 30, 2025

Michelle Louise Newcomb (maiden name Donnelly), 53, of Lompoc, California, passed away on April 30, 2025, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.

Michelle's radiant spirit illuminated the lives of everyone she encountered. She moved through the world with joy and warmth, carrying an unwavering sense of tolerance and gratitude. Love was her constant companion, freely given...

Apr 28, 2025

Mary Bridget (Hyland) McCaffrey, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, in Lompoc, California. Born on May 8, 1933, in Banaho, County Cavan, Ireland, she lived a life marked by unwavering faith, deep compassion, and enduring strength.

Mom's journey from the rolling hills of Ireland to the heart of California was one defined by resilience...

Apr 27, 2025

Lovingly known as Nan, was born August 30th, 1938, in Prairie Home, MO to Margaret Hollis and Leo Robinson. In 1943, her family moved to Sedalia, MO where she attended Hubbard Lincoln school.

On Sunday April 27th, 2025, Nan was called home to be with the Lord while at home with her daughter TC, listening to the...

Apr 25, 2025

Lydia Rosa Martinez, 93, died Friday, April 25, 2025, in Santa Maria, after a brief illness.  Lydia was born on September 11, 1931, in Santa Barbara. She grew up the middle child of five and learned at an early age to be self-reliant.  In 1954, she married Tony F. Martinez and moved to Lompoc where they raised their children.  ...