James W. “Bill” Miller passed away at home June 11, 2009 of cancer. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janice; sons Michael (Penny), Mark and Daniel (Peggy); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his mother Ann Miller; his sister Frances Fowler, one niece and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William F. Miller and infant son, David Miller. He was born in Bloomfield, Ind., 77 years ago. A former Marine, he was also an avid sailor and outdoorsman. At his request there will be no services, but a private scattering of ashes at a future date. The family thanks Hospice of Petaluma for their care and thoughtfulness during his illness and his doctors for all their care and concern. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, Calif. 94952. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Mike O’Donnell, March 14, 1964 to June 9, 2009, was many things to many people. All who knew him would agree that his outlook on life was positive and optimistic, and that he always had a smile to share.
As a father and a husband, Mike had the rare ability to be in the moment and truly enjoy his family. He would laugh at their stories over dinner, offer sound advice to his children and every day he would say “I Love You,” and mean it. Raising kind, well-rounded children was important to Mike, and he put the time in to make sure that happened. Riley, 13, and Renee, 11, are two girls Mike can be really proud of. Mike and his wife Alison agreed on the values and ideals they wanted to instill in their girls, and both knew what amazing, smart, sensitive, wonderful girls they were raising. Living a day-to-day life with a deep love and respect for each other was the key to Mike and Alison’s marriage.
Most of Mike’s day was spent working, something Mike enjoyed and took a lot of pride in. He worked hard, he worked smart, and he worked with an integrity that is recognized by all who worked with him. There was a lot of joy in Mike’s work day. He surrounded himself with a wonderful group of friends and co-workers, achieved highly respected relationships with home-owners, and rarely skipped the opportunity to rally a few friends for lunch. While so much more can be said about Mike’s contribution to the building world and the ability to be honest and genuine, you guys know who you are and how much it meant to Mike to have you on his team.
Even with long productive work days and quality family time, it was important to Mike to stay healthy. He worked out and stayed strong. A common comment he would make is that he wanted to live his life with “no limitations.” Mike did everything in his power to keep his body healthy and able to work, ski, bike, hike, lift weights, and master Mario Cart Wii.
Mike leaves behind a solid, loving group of friends who always appreciated his quick wit, genuine grin, Giants baseball stats, and his gift of spontaneity. Every event was always more fun when Mike was in the room, and he managed to keep it all real while sharing fun stories and once again, being in the moment.
It was important to Mike to give back to the community where he lived his entire life. He ate at local restaurants, shopped locally and utilized everything Sonoma had to offer. When Mike was still a teenager, he started coaching Little League – the VOM Eagles. Pure love of the game and the kids kept him coaching for years, and he was really good at it. Mike often reminisced about his Eagles days, and how different it is to coach boys compared to girls. For the last 3 years, Mike’s coaching attention was focused on Girls CYO Basketball, with his daughter Renee on the team. The patience and compassion he showed the girls while teaching them the competitive sport of CYO basketball was truly admirable.
One of the more difficult parts of Mike’s life to write about is his family. Mike and his parents were really close. They achieved the grown-up parent/son relationship that allowed them to view each other as equals. Mike has a huge respect for his mom and dad, and they always supported him with unconditional love. Mike’s younger brothers, Fred and Brad, were two people that Mike always wished he could protect and keep safe. He wished success and happiness for them, and hoped that they could see the value in living a good life in the present, be in the moment and know the importance of family.
There are so many family members who loved Mike and who Mike loved in return. From a wonderful great-aunt to darling nieces and nephews, Alison’s entire family, and every member in between. Alison, Riley and Renee O’Donnell, Jim and Diane O’Donnell, Fred, Gilly, Oscar and Ivy O’Donnell, Brad, Cindy Lou, Tucker and Angus O’Donnell, Cindy Press and Hannah, Kim and Jerry O’Donnell, Bob and Virginia Fassio, Eddie and Tiffany Hattam, Ryan and Bradley O’Donnell, Kari and Nelson Otero, Jimmy, Mina, Laila, Kelly Tobias, Dee and Glenn Mathews, Karen and Quincy Spaulding, David, Kathleen, Doug and Shannon Strange, John, Iris and Andrew Strange, Richard and Patti Strange. Mike’s infectious smile and positive attitude will be remembered by all.
Mike’s last few weeks were spent “playing by the rules.” Mike was determined to fight the leukemia he was diagnosed with, and did everything the doctors asked of him. He wasn’t allowed many visitors, but Alison stayed with him through the duration of his hospital stay, and Mike’s mom spent every day visiting, bringing lunch and offering sympathy and support. Mike’s team of doctors were brilliant and wonderful, and the nursing staff on 3West are the most dedicated group of people on the planet. No one predicted the complication that ended up taking Mike’s life. While sadness and a heavy weight of loss have replaced Mike’s twinkling smile and strong, capable hands, he leaves behind great memories and the hope that everyone takes the time to love and appreciate what’s right in front of them.
Donations to a memorial fund for Riley and Renee can be made at any Chase Bank: O’Donnell Family Fund, Chase Bank, 501 Broadway, Sonoma, 996.1082. A memorial service will be held at St. Leo’s Church on Friday, June 26, at 11 a.m., with a reception directly following.
Norma Lidia Esquivel de Martínez, 38, and beloved son Artemio Alexis Martínez, Jr., 7, departed us too soon on June 13, 2009. Norma was born in Mexico City on July 4, 1970. She married her husband Artemio Martinez in Uraupan, Mexico in 1994. Ten years ago, the couple moved to Sonoma in search of a better life. Artemio Jr. was born in Sonoma on March 3, 2002. He attended El Verano Elementary, where he leaves behind many friends and caring teachers. Norma was a deeply spiritual woman and very active in the First United Pentecostal Church of Sonoma. Her Pastor Jose Vargas said, “This is a huge shock for the entire community. She and her son were loved by all, especially by the youth whom she always helped.” Norma was an avid reader and beautiful author, said her husband Artemio Martinez. She was also an active volunteer at La Luz Center, where she lent a helping hand to many families in need. Kara Reyes of La Luz Center said, “She had a generous spirit and was an inspiration to all who knew her.” Norma leaves behind her dear husband Artemio and children Jonathan, 13, and Mariel Lizbeth, 10, as well as many other friends and family throughout California and Mexico.
Funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon, June 18, at the Craig Ave. Baptist Church, 18621 Railroad Ave, Sonoma, and burial is planned for Friday June 19, 10 a.m. at Valley Cemetery, 425 East MacArthur St. Sonoma.
Memorial contributions to help this family may be made to the bank account of Artemio Martinez: Wells Fargo (Sonoma Branch) Account #2909545481.
Ruth V. Clemons, 89, of Sonoma, passed June 12, 2009, in Sonoma.
Ruth is preceded in death by her loving husband Vince, son Buzz, daughters Darlene and Joan.
Ruth was born in San Francisco, August 19, 1919. After rearing her three children Ruth embarked on a career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in San Francisco in the mailroom, a position she truly loved and missed upon retirement.
Ruth is survived by her grandson Steve and wife Vicki, great grandson Joey as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
At Ruth’s request she will be cremated and interred with Vince, and again at her request there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent’s School for Boys in San Rafael, Calif.
A special note of thanks goes to the staff at Sonoma Health Care who made her last year as comfortable as could be expected, having actually exceeded expectation.
