All Obituaries

Richard William Bench of Shafter, California passed away in Bakersfield on August 13, 2018. Born and raised in Taft, Richard graduated from Taft Union High School; he also studied at Taft College and Bakersfield College. He was the former owner and entertainer of Richie Rich Productions. He attended and graduated from T.C.M.I. Bible College and was a teacher, advisor, choir director and bus driver for Teen Challenge in Shafter. Richard is preceded in death by his mother, Wanda Pierce, his...

Long time Maricopa resident Barbara Ann Huddleston, passed away on July 12, 2018 with her loving husband by her side. Barbara was born in Oklahoma to Jack and Margaret Cloud. Barbara went to beauty school and worked in a beauty salon for many years. She Loved her family greatly and greatly enjoyed cooking and baking. She was a very talented musician, in addition to having a beautiful singing voice, she could play the piano, the guitar, accordion, harpsicord and the clarinet. Barbara is...

Don Charles Osborne passed away on June 12, 2018 in Bakersfield, California at the age of 95. Don was born near Fellows, California on November 7, 1922 to Mary Ellen Barden and Dorcy "Doc" Osborne. After Graduating from Taft High Don moved to Long Beach, California where he was employed as a carpenter for Douglas Aircraft. He joined the military and was trained as a B-17 gunner, flying thirteen successful missions over Europe. He was shot down over Germany in October 1944. Don...

Jim Kelley was born in Taft, California October 12, 1944 and went home to be with the Lord, June 9, 2018.  He was preceded in death by his mother; Muriel "Midge" Elaine Dickey stepfather: Floyd Austin Dickey.  He leaves behind sister; Sunnie Sumner, sister and brother in-law; Dawn and Jim Padgett, niece; Shawn Holmes, niece and husband; Valli and Jeff Storm, niece and husband; Heather and Scott Niblett, niece and husband; Laney and Mike Pait nephew; Dale Padgett, niece;...

Peggy Joyce Rutledge, 83, went to be with her Lord and savior May 30, 2018. She passed peacefully with her family by her side. Peggy was born March 14, 1935 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She married Willie Fay Rutledge in June of 1950. Together they lived in Buttonwillow, CA and raised their two sons, Rod Rutledge and Alan Rutledge. Once their boys were grown, Peggy and Fay moved to Taft, CA and lived the rest of their 62 years of marriage together. Peggy was a friend and grandma to everyone she...

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 10AM for longtime Taft resident James Minor (79) at Westside District Cemetery. Viewing will be 5-7PM June 4 with Rosary at 6pm at Erickson and Brown Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in James’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, 4203 Buena Vista Rd, Bakersfield, Ca 93311.

Long time Taft resident Wesley Ray Furrh was born on December 3, 1948 in Rubottom Oklahoma and died on May 8, 2018 in Bakersfield, California. Wesley is survived by the love of his life, Brenda. His best friend and faithful four-legged companion, Buddy. His children, Wesley Ray Furrh, Jr., Anita Burrows, Lisa Shane Navel, Jeanette Tomlinson, Lori Frazier, 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. His siblings Everette Furrh and Hazel Hough. He was an avid...

Our loving mother and grandmother, Charlotte Leaf, was called to her heavenly home on May 8, 2018.  Charlotte was born in Taft, California to Robert and Bessie Wagner.  She attended Midway School in Fellows and graduated from Taft Union High School in 1951.  A fateful meeting at Bakersfield Speedway led to 66 years of marriage to Galen “Swede” Leaf.  Charlotte worked in the restaurant business for many years.  She was an amazing cook.  She was an...

William was born March 23, 1924 in Emlenton, Pennsylvania to Carlton Spangler and Almeda Bradenbaugh and passed away in Los Angeles, California on May 5, 2018. William moved to Taft, California from Ohio in 1954. He worked as an owner and repairman at A-Del TV and Air Conditioning. William married Earline Flanagan in 1967. He joined the United States Army in 1943. He is Proceeded in death by his wife; Earline and his parents; Carlton and Almeda. He is survived by his children and their...

Emelia Hinojosa Arroyo was born November 13, 1948 in Mexico and passed away April 29. 2018 in Bakersfield.  She is preceded in death by her husband Pablo Hinojosa.  She is survived by 10 brothers and sisters; Lorenzo Arroyo, Arturo Arroyo, Ismael Arroyo, Todosio Arroyo, Ruberto Arroyo, Celia Arroyo, Maria Salud Hernandez, Gloria Arroyo, Olivia Arroyo, Audelia Arroyo; 7 Sons; Fernando Hinojosa, Eduardo Hinojosa, Cesar Hinojosa, Jorge Hinojosa, Pablo Hinojosa, Ricardo Hinojosa,...