Obituaries

Apr 11, 2026

Alfred B. Gonzales passed away peacefully at home in Watsonville, Ca, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 97.

Alfred B. Gonzales was a loving and caring man who was deeply devoted to his family. He was the proud son of parents from Zacatecas, Mexico, and was born in Chicago, Illinois. Known for his kind heart and strong work...

Apr 4, 2026

Juanita Lawrence passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the age of 93.

She was born on January 2, 1933, to her parents Glen and Leavie Sykes in Oklahoma. She graduated from Watsonville High in 1952. She married the love of her life James Robert Lawrence Sr. who she lovingly called “Bob” and was married to for 59 years. A...

Apr 4, 2026

Kenneth Wayne Benson, age 77, of Soquel, California, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California, after a hard-fought battle with a brain tumor. He was surrounded by the family he loved and who loved him.

Kenneth was born in Watsonville, California, on October 1, 1948, to Bo and Betty Benson. He was known for...

Apr 3, 2026

On Friday, April 3, 2026, Lina Larice passed away at the age of 95. Lina was born in Itay, raised in France and came to the US with her husband Novello in 1953. They settled in Watsonville before moving to San Carlos for 30 years, returning to Watsonville in 1994 to be closer to family. Her greatest joy was spending...

Apr 1, 2026

Bill R. Anderson, a longtime resident of Santa Cruz County, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at the age of 94. A native of Arkansas, Bill made Santa Cruz County his home for over 85 years, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and community.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War....

Mar 29, 2026

Mary Luz “Toncha” Vasquez passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at the age of 95.

She was born on February 17, 1931, to her parents Juanita and Eusebio Martin. She married the love of her life, Rudy Vasquez and was a long-time resident of Moss Landing. She was a sharecropper and worked in the canneries for over 30 years. When...

Mar 25, 2026

Janel R. Olguin was born in Watsonville, CA on March 27, 1980. Janel spent her working years as a school Attendance Specialist at Rolling Hills Middle School. Janel attended McQuiddy School, E.A. Hall, Watsonville High and Renaissance High school where she graduated top of her class.

Our sweet Janel Olguin went home to be with the Lord at the age of...

Mar 23, 2026

Ramon Orante Chavez passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 16th, 1970, in San Jose, California.

Ramon leaves to cherish his memory his loving Mother, Artemiza Orante Chavez and late Mariano G. Chavez; late wife Miriam “Mimi” McGowan; his brother, Mariano "Greg" Chavez and his wife, Lena Monique Chavez, all of Aromas,...

Mar 9, 2026

On Monday, March 9, 2026, Velma Rose passed away at the age of 96.

Velma was born and raised in Watsonville, graduating from Watsonville High in 1947. Her working years were spent supporting families at Watsonville Children’s Center. Once she retired, she enjoyed traveling to new destinations, watching her grandkids play sports, listening to country western music and watching as many...

Mar 8, 2026

Flora Rocha Castillo nació el sábado 11 de marzo de 1944 y falleció el domingo 8 de marzo de 2026 en el Hospital Dominican de Santa Cruz a la edad de 81 años. Nativa de Gómez Farias, Michoacán, México, Flora vivió en Watsonville por 50 años. Flora siempre fue una mujer fuerte, de familia, y trabajadora. Aparte de ser madre...

Mar 8, 2026

Teresa Ramirez-Piña passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026 at the age of 85. Born on December 1, 1940 to her parents Gregorio Piña and Maria Trejo in San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico and later became a resident in Watsonville, CA for many years with her husband, Domiciano Ramirez Arredondo.

She was a cherished mother whose warmth and love touched...

Mar 8, 2026

Don Yana Lazo, a lifelong resident of Watsonville, California, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at the age of 80.He was born on May 15, 1945, and spent his life dedicated to his family, community, and country. Don proudly served his country as a Vietnam veteran in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968. After his military...

Mar 7, 2026

Patricia Anne Fear passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 at the age of 86.

Patricia was born on February 7, 1940 to her parents Kendall Marvin Luedkta and Mary Isabelle Hume. She was a native of California and a resident of Aromas for many years. She married the love of her life, John Stanley Fear, on August 24, 1962 and...

Mar 5, 2026

Alfredo Madrigal, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away on March 5, 2026. He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, generosity, and deep pride and love for his family, friends, culture, and heritage.

Alfredo loved music and enjoyed singing traditional songs with family and friends. Mariachi music held a special place in his heart, and his favorite song,...

Mar 3, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lauren Graciela Chames, who left us unexpectedly at the age of 42. Born on April 8, 1983, in Watsonville, California, Lauren was a proud resident of Castroville and a woman whose warmth and strength touched all who knew her.

Lauren attended Moreland Notre Dame Elementary, Watsonville High School and earned...

Feb 28, 2026

Maria D. Grajeda Garcia, a longtime resident of Watsonville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 28, 2026.

She was born on March 5, 1940 in Tangancícuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, and carried her beautiful traditions, faith, and strength with her throughout her life.

Maria was the devoted wife of Roberto Grajeda Sabedra and a proud and loving mother to her...

Feb 25, 2026

Rosa Hernandez, age 69, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026. She was born on January 31, 1957, in Tangancícuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, and later made her home in Watsonville, California.

Rosa retired from UCSC Custodial Services after 29 years of dedicated service. She completed her G.E.D. at Watsonville Adult School and was a faithful and active parishioner of Holy Eucharist Catholic...

Feb 24, 2026

Christopher P. Holmes passed away unexpectedly at his home in Watsonville, Ca on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

He was born on November 26, 1963, in Colorado Springs, Co to his parents Dale and Mary Holmes. Chris graduated in 1982 from Widefield Highschool in his hometown, and would go on to work as an HVAC Technician for more than 20 years, a...

Feb 22, 2026

Salvador Jose Pesqueira, a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz, California, passed away on February 22, 2026, at the age of 66.

Salvador enjoyed cooking, loved football and baseball, and treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved being outdoors and creating memories with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Renee Pesqueira; his children, Sarah,...

Feb 22, 2026