KINGS COUNTY OBITUARIES

Virginia D. Gonsalves, 89, a lifelong resident of Hanford passed away in her home on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. She was born May 2, 1919 to immigrants of the Azores, Manuel and Francisca Deniz.
   In 1942, she married Peter Gonsalves. They were married 46 years, and together they had two children. Virginia was a housewife, mother, farmer and businesswoman. In 1945, she and her husband became business partners in Gonsalves Flowers & Nursery, which remains family owned and operated. Virginia was a creative woman. She loved flowers, decorating and gardening, which was evident in her home as well as her business. Virginia and her husband also farmed together until his death in 1988. She was a member of the SPRSI. No one was a stranger to Virginia. She would embrace children and families into her home, provide them with meals and lots of love and care.
   She is survived by her son, Garry Gonsalves and daughter-in-law, Mary of Hanford; a daughter, Colean Duty and son-in-law, Carlton of Lemoore; eight grandchildren, Carlton Duty Jr., and wife Ann of Orange, Aaron Duty and wife, Jenn of Santee, Ryan Duty and wife Julie of Lemoore, Rollin Duty and wife Sara of Stratford, Peter Gonsalves and wife Amy of Lemoore, Gary Gonsalves Jr., of Hanford, Richard Gonsalves of Fresno and Sarah Gonsalves of Hanford; three great-grandsons, Gavin, Brian and Jason; and one great-granddaughter expected in April; two sisters-in-law, Mary Fasso of Tulare and Doloris Gonsalves of Hanford; five generations of nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and her companion dog, Tazz. She was preceded un death by three brothers, Manuel, Al and Clarence Deniz and four sisters, Mary Gomes, Alvina Nunes, Francis Nunes and Billie Alvernaz.
   Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24 at Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Services Chapel in Hanford. Recitation of the Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 26 at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Hanford, followed by burial at the Calvary Cemetery in Hanford. Hanford Sentinel, 12/24/2008. Submitted by JC.

ORTIZ, BENNY

Benny Ortiz, 53, of Visalia passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007.
Benny was born in Hanford on July 23, 1953. He worked as a janitor for many years at the Kings Rehabilitation Center in Hanford. He enjoyed watching old movies and loved attending church and bible studies. Benny had an infectious smile and made you feel better about yourself. He always had a positive attitude about his life and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his adopted mom, Carol Crum of Visalia; a brother, Ralph Miranda of Mesa, Ariz., and a cousin, Chris Martinez.
Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia. A Memorial Service will be at 2:30 p.m., Monday at the Kaweah Delta Transitional Care, 1633 S. Court St., in Visalia.
Condolences may be e-mailed to salseranddillard@aol.com. Hanford Sentinel 4/7/2007. Submitted by JC.

PARKS, ROBERT

Robert Parks, a Hanford resident passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, at the age of 89. Robert was a Chester, S.C. native, son of Mrs. Matilda Pagan Rivers of Chester, S.C.
   Robert Parks was a veteran of World War II, a soldier of the United States Army, he honorably held the rank of Tech-5. Robert had the distinguished honor of serving his country as an enlisted soldier with the 372nd Infantry Division, "G" Company, as an Anti Tank Gunner. Robert's enjoyments in life were being outdoors. He was born into working on farming land, before he served in the military. Robert liked to fix things and do odd jobs. He held a high love for his family, especially his children and grandchildren, which had soon followed in the course of his life. Occasionally he loved to take walks and enjoy a cigar or two. Robert was an easy going fellow and a God fearing man and he is truly well missed.
   Preceding Robert's death were his beloved wife, Rosetta Parks of Charlotte, N.C., and his eldest son Robert Lee Parks of new York City. His son also served in the military as an honorable United States Marine. Robert had loved and remained married to Rosetta for 54 years until her death.
   Robert is survived by his children, his one and only daughter, Jeanette Parks of New York City: his two sons, Curtis Parks of New York City, and Darryl Parks of Hanford, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie M. Parks of Hanford. Robert had numerous grandchildren, from the East Coast to the West Coast, totaling the number of 27 grandchildren.
   We like to remember Robert as having a full life. May peace and blessing of God be with you Robert.
   Remembrance Service will be at 8:30 a.m.. Monday, Jan. 12, at Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Services Chapel in Hanford, followed by a Military Service at the San Joaquin National Cemetery, Gustine, Ca., at 12:30 p.m. Hanford Sentinel, 1/9/2009. Submitted by JC.

PRIOR, JEANNE

Jeanne Marie Prior of Lemoore, beloved wife, loving mom, grandmother and friend passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 29, 2008 at the age of 59.
Jeanne was born and raised in Santa Cruz where she met her husband of 40 years, Delbert Prior. They started a family and moved to Lemoore where she lived the past 30 years.
She will be remembered for her kind heart and enthusiasm for life. She loved to travel, take pictures of her family and nature. She always had her camerain tow. Reluctant as they may have been to smile for the camera, the photos are now much cherished memories. Her children were her pride and joy.
Jeanne was a very creative individual, enjoying scrapbooking, sewing, gardening and baking.
She is survived by her husband, Delbert Prior; two children, Tammie Mattos and husband Ronny Mattos of Hanford, Jason Prior and wife Lisa Prior of Stratford; five grandchildren, Paige McConnaughy, Lane Prior, Makynzie Prior, Payton McConnaughy and Ronelle Mattos.
She was a very special person to her friends and family and she will be dearly missed.
Services to celebrate her life will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2, at the South Valley Community Church in Lemoore.
In lieu of flowers friends who wish can make remembrances in Jeanne's memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 381, Hanford, CA 93232.
Arrangements are under the direction of Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore. Hanford Sentinel, unknown date. Submitted by JC.

YANEZ, TEYA

Teya M. Yanez, 81, of Hanford passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008.
Teya was born on June 3, 1927. She was a social worker for 25 years.
She is survived by a son, Joe Yanez of Hanford; four daughters, Gloria Hernandez of Coalinga, Mary Yanez of Hanford, Jessie Yanez of Fresno and Stella Yanez of Hanford; three sisters, Susie Lopez of Huron, Alice Montijo and Dori Moya both of Selma; a brother, George Moya of Armona; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Yanez, mother, Jessie Moya, father, George Moya and a sister, Josie Yanez. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4 at the Palm Memorial Coalinga Chapel, 486 N. Fifth St., Coalinga. Resitation of the Rosary will be at 6 p.m., Sunday at the Palm Memorial Chapel. Mass will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 5 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Coalinga. Burial will be at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Coalinga. Hanford Sentinel, 1/1/2009. Submitted by JC.

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