All Obituaries

Gary Joseph Polizzi, a dedicated contractor and father, passed away on July 17, 2023, at the age of 74. Born on November 26, 1948, Gary lived a life filled with purpose, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity that touched the lives of many.Gary's professional journey was marked by his invaluable contributions to schools all over Southern California. His expertise and commitment to upgrading infrastructure played a crucial role in improving the educational environment for...

Don Eugene Ekberg joined his heavenly family on August 18, 2023. Don was a long-time resident of Big Bear California.  Don was born on June 27, 1923, in Beatrix, Nebraska.  He graduated high school in Summerfield, Nebraska and moved to Manhattan, Kansas when his parents left the farm.  Don met the love of his life in Manhattan while working at a movie theater.  They married in 1948, raising three sons, Richard, Larry, and Steve. The family moved to La Mirada,...

John Leslie Gill  09-24-1957 to 08-03-2023 Died in his home in Big Bear City He is survived by his son James Gill, Big Bear Parents : A.L. and Joyce Gill, Santa Maria, California Siblings: Kathryn Drew and her husband Mitch Drew. Rye, New Hampshire, Cindy Houston. Pagosa Springs, Colorado Girlfriend & Companion: "Kat" Katherine Frese Many Church family, friends and co-workers at Holloways Marina. John was a long-time resident of 40 + years in Big Bear and...

Charles Edward Ruh Jr. also known as Chuck, passed away on June 22, 2023, in Sugarloaf, CA, at the age of 66. He was born on October 10, 1956, in San Bernardino, CA. Chuck was a beloved husband to Debi Ruh and a cherished father to Tammy Lindsay (Nick), Tara Andrews (Andy) and stepson Denny Silva. He was a proud grandfather to Kylie, Keira, Kamryn Andrews, Jack and Grant Lindsay, Drew, Ry, Presley, Lucy and Colbi. Chuck will be remembered for his warm heart, kind spirit and love for his...

On May 17, 2023, Josephine Santana Vasquez, aged 65, passed away at St. Mary Medical Center, surrounded by her husband and her five children. Her passing was sudden and unexpected and has left an unfillable void in her family and friend’s lives. Josie was born on September 25, 1957, to Felipe and Anita Santana, and grew up in Cypress Park, CA. She was the baby of the family, the youngest of six children. From a young age, Josie had a big heart; she tended to a wide variety of pets. It...

With heavy hearts, we make known the passing of Viorel Bot. A devoted husband, father, brother and friend has passed away peacefully and pain free after a 5 month long battle with Stage 4 Pleomorphic Sarcoma Cancer. He gave his all for the fight of his life and will continue to be our hero that lives in our hearts forever.   Viorel was born on October 20th, 1960, to Pamfil Bot & Maria Bot in Surduc, Romania. He was also the eldest brother to Marianna Ionutas and younger brother to...

Barbie's life was a whirlwind. Born 2mo early she started off in a RUSH and just kept going.  Born before social media and before every kid had a cell phone, it was the days of riding bikes, playing in the dirt, sand, ivy or any other dirty activity of choice.  It was climbing trees, digging for earthworms, bringing home stray animals, or rescuing baby birds in the spring when they fell out of their nest. It was afterschool camp/summer camp and going on...

Merrilee Ragsdale was a child of God, daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother, long time Big Bear resident of 34 years and caregiver to all who needed her. She left this world suddenly February 10, 2023 at the age of 64. She was born and raised in Fullerton, California on August 8, 1958 to parents Reinhardt and Patricia Radatz. She was the middle child with an older sister, Ronnalee, and younger brother, Darryl. Merrilee moved to Big Bear with her daughter...

It is with deep sadness that we share on January 23rd, 2023, Keith Andrew McFarlane III, also known as “Drew”, passed away at 23 years young after a tragic car accident coming down from Big Bear Mountain.   Drew McFarlane is survived by his parents, Keith and Tara McFarlane, his loving sisters, Rebeckka and Sara McFarlane, and the family dog he dearly loved, “Carly”.   Drew was born May 15th, 1999 to Keith and Tara McFarlane in Fort Pierce, Florida. He...

Our beloved Sherrell Shawna Patton of Big Bear Lake passed away on December 21, 2022, at the age of 54. She is survived by her husband Joe Patton and father Roger Schmidt, along with her mother, 2 sisters, 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Those who loved Sherrell know her to be very sentimental and a lover of life, friends, family and animals. Memorial services to honor Sherrell will be held January 14, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Community Church in Big Bear Lake.