Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 24

RENO WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 RGJ com On available the and Web: past online at issues Obituaries rgj.com are from Paid Obituaries Advertisement Dorothy Marie Rizzo MORGAN Dorothy Marie Rizzo passed away February 18. Beloved wife of the late Frank. Loving mother of Michele (Peter) Sansone. Devoted grandmother of Alex and Marissa. Also survived by one brother, Bill Rizzo and one sister, Sherry Rizzo.

Dottie lived in Reno from 1960 until 1992. She was employed by American Savings and Loan for many years. Dottie and Frank were active members in the catholic church and have many friends in the Reno area. A memorial service was held for Dottie in Philadelphia, PA. Gail Lynn SHARP Gail Lynn Sharp, 59, passed away on February 24, 2007 in Reno, NV.

She was born on September 20, 1947 in Denver, CO. She is survived by her husband, Stephen; her son, Daniel; daughters, Sherry and Simona; and nine grandchildren. Celebration of Life services will be held on Sunday, March 4, at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 627 Sunnyside Drive, Reno, NV. IN LOVING MEMORY Candace Sumner 2 years have now passed since God called you away from this Earth.

You are not forgotten by family and friends. We look to the day that all will be together again in the house of our Lord. Rest in Peace, Candy Ginger, Jocelyn, Larry Tony Linda A. (Rosaschi) KNUDTSEN Linda A. (Rosaschi) Knudtsen, 92, passed away in Bellingham, WA, on Thursday, February 22, 2007.

She is survived by her niece, Margaret "Peggy" Kent and family of Bellingham, and her nephew, Dr. Kenneth Craig Kent and family of New York, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Bellingham. LANDABURU Bert passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2007 with family by his side.

He was born April 12, 1924 in Chilcoot, CA to Bertrand and Margaret Landaburu. He married his life partner, Violet (Jerry) Jeffreys, on February 23, 1946. They spent 61 wonderful years together. They moved to Reno in 1948 where they raised their three daughters. He served in WWII in the Army from January 16, 1943 to January 24, 1946.

He worked hard everyday of his life whether in his day job at Vaughn Materials where he retired from in 1984 or the many projects he kept himself busy with. Everything he built, painted or fixed had to be done by hand with help from many family and friends. He and Jerry took many trips, went on cruises, and most importantly they never missed their annual trips to Yuma, AZ. He was also an active member of the Senior Dance Club. They rarely missed a Friday Dance, dances in Verdi, or a Jazz Festival in Graeagle.

Bert is survived by his wife, Jerry, his daughters; Dorla (Randy) Barton, Vicki (Jesse) Williams, Jamee (Mike) Bieber, grandchildren; Kristi, Jeffrey (Kathy), Tony (Jessica) Dominic (Shawna) and Jamee (Tim), nine step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren; Colby, Cambria, Corrina, Joshua, Cierra, Cameron, and Dante, Sisters; Marion, Carmen, Alma, Evelyn, Jean, Nancy, and Alyce, Brothers; Lawrence and Jim, and many nieces and nephews. Services for Bert are being handled by Walton's Funeral Home and will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, March 3, 2007. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Services will be held a 12:15 p.m.

Reception will immediately follow in the Reception Hall at the Church. He will be laid to rest at Mt. View Cemetery. Walton's Funeral Home, 875 W. Second Reno, NV, 89505 is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to American Cancer Society, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Cure Parkinsons, Inc. "You taught us all many things that we will carry through the rest of our until we meet again. We love you we'll miss you." Edna Seaton Bert BRIGHAM Edna Seaton Brigham, beloved wife of the late Robert I. Brigham, died on February 22, 2007. She was born to Ezra and Winifred Seaton in Glen Carbon, IL.

Edna maintained ties with family, teachers and friends in Glen Carbon throughout her life. She met Bob while completing her college degree at Illinois State University. They married on September 7, 1947 and began 57 years of a truly remarkable partnership. well as being a devoted wife, mother and friend, Edna maintained active involvement in educational, civic and social service organizations for her entire lifetime. She was a founder and co-owner of the Fountain Gallery of Art (Portland, OR).

Edna was a consultant with the Foundation Center (New York, NY) and took on the role of acting President of the Organization. In 1972, Edna began a long career with the University of Nevada System. She worked in Reno as a development consultant and officer for the School of Medical Sciences. Edna worked on fund raising and project coordination for numerous medical center buildings, including the Edna S. Brigham Clinical Education Building and Family Practice Center.

She worked to consolidate many independent funds into an endowment fund to generate more capital to improve the University and received many recognitions. Edna served on the Board of Directors for the Reno Cancer Center, and on the Board of Trustees of the Desert Research Institute. After retiring from the University of Nevada Medical School, Edna was instrumental in the construction of the Fellowship Hall for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada. She devoted many hours to the landscaping around the Fellowship Hall. Edna loved trees, flowers, birds and any part of nature.

Edna is survived by three children; Ann (Jerry) Brazil, Ken (Dewie) Brigham and Tom (Nancy) Brigham. A fourth child, Sarah Gruber, preceded her in death. Edna children and was blessed with seven grandchildren; Paul (Rochelle) Boyd, Richard Boyd, Curtis (Leticia) Brazil, Travis Brazil, Adam Brigham, Robin Brigham, and Kelly Brigham. She had five great grandchildren; Jesse, Castle, Kaylin, Brishay and 1 Easton. Edna was also preceded in death by her sister, Fay O'Hare, and her two brothers, Glen Seaton and Lester Seaton.

She had many dear friends, both old and new. Edna could make you feel like family, even when meeting her for the first time. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada (775) 851-7100. In honor of her and her love of nature, contribution may be made to the Garden Fund at The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada, 780 Del Monte Lane, Reno, NV 89511.

HENSON Steve was born in Thayer, NE on February 14, 1918, Kenneth "Steve" Valentine's Day and passed a way in Reno, NV on February 23, 2007. Steve had a zest for life being a contractor in 1950's Alaska and then on to Santa Barbara, CA where he started a guest ranch. He named it Hidden Valley ranch and then created the original Hidden Valley salad dressing and 1 in 1970 he brought the salad dressing company to Reno. He acquired many friends along the way, all who had great affection for him. His wife, Gayle passed away in 1983.

He is survived by his sister Twila Pettit of Ventura, CA, son and daughter-in-law Nolan and Carol Henson of Reno; his daughter Konny Sergent of Reno; grandchildren Kenny, Dawn and Joe Henson all of California. All of us will miss his quick wit, charm and infectious 1 laugh. He always could tell a story and make it better. A memorial service will be planned for at a later date. William "Bill" POLK Bill Polk, 59, of Sparks, NV.

passed away suddenly on February 20, 2007, at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno. A native of Maryville, TN, Bill was the son of William G. and Mary Beth (Floyd) Polk, both of whom preceded him in death. He. is survived by his wife, Marcia L.

Polk and son, Michael Polk. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2007, at 10 a.m. at O' Brien-Rogers Crosby Funeral Home, 600 West Second Street, Reno, NV. In lieu of flowers Bill's family requests that he be remembered with donations in his name to the American Heart Association, 1281 Terminal Way, Reno, NV, BEZMAREVICH Jeffrey (Geoffrey) A. MARTIN Jeffrey A.

Martin, 64, has gone home after fighting a battle with cancer on February 25, 2007. He was born January 12, 1943 to George Simon Martin and Barbara Fix in Oakland, CA. Beloved husband, brother and friend is survived by wife Donna M. Meacham-Martin; brother Gerald Martin; daughter Kimberly Martin; stepdaughter Jan Harris; stepson Ray Matison; grandchildren Brandon, Andrew and Samantha. Other surviving relatives are two aunts Lorraine Giovantti residing in Hawaii and Louise Perry residing in Kentucky three nieces and four cousins.

There will be a celebration of life held on March 18 at 1 p.m. in memory of him. The details will be published at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the fight against cancer are requested. Mary Ball Ferguson McLELLAN Mary Ball Ferguson McLellan was born June 30, 1913, in Twin Falls, ID to Eva Ball and James Barlow.

Mary left us on February 25, 2007 to be with friends and family. We know she is at peace. Cremation will be handled by Northern Nevada Memorial Cremation and Burial Society. In lieu of flowers or cards, it would be preferred that donations be made to the SPCA of Northern Nevada in Mary's name. Norma E.

WADE Norma E. Wade, 80, of Reno, NV passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2007 in Reno. Norma was born on February 26, 1926 in Pennsylvania and attended Bible College in Allentown, PA. She was in charge of housekeeping at Yosemite National Park i in the 60's and moved to Reno in the early 70's. Norma taught elementary school in the area for many "Miss Wade" made learning Her family will be having a "Celebration of Life" on Saturday, March 3, 2007...

Please call 775-250-8360 for more info. After a brief illness, Sophie J. Bezmarevich, 87, passed away into eternal life on the afternoon of December 26, 2006, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls, ID. She was born on June 22, 1919, the seventh of Jovo (Joe) and Jula (Julia) Drakulich's twelve children in what was once the small mining camp of Riepetown, NV, where her Serbian parents had settled after immigrating into America around the turn of the century.

The family endured many hardships and as the two eldest daughters had died before her birth, from a young age it fell to Sophie to help care for her siblings, share household chores and assist with the boarders her mother kept to supplement her father's income as a miner. She attended school in nearby Kimberly and after completing her education was employed before marrying Bob Bezmarevich in 1938. They moved to Oakland, CA, in 1942 with their son and she later gave birth to their daughter. Sophie remained a homemaker until 1950 when she was compelled to find full-time employment, which she did with the Oakland branch of Longview Fibre Company. She remained in their employ for 32 years, working her way up from machine operator to plant quality control inspector (the first woman to hold that position in any of the Longview plants) to office production order writer, retiring from the Twin Falls plant in 1982.

An eager learner with a quick mind, she valued education and it was through her unceasing support and encouragement that both her children completed college. She was a true friend to many, several of whom, witnessing her integrity and compassion, entrusted her with handling their affairs and carrying out their final wishes, which she did to perfection. But above all it was her faith in God and her love for her children and their love for her that defined and sustained her life, and now abides with her memory eternal. "Love' bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

(1 Corinthians Sophie is survived by her beloved children, Rudy (Merrie-Ann) Bezmarevich of San Ramon, CA, and Joanne Bezmarevich of Twin Falls; grandsons, Michael (Stacy) Bezmarevich of Napa, CA, and Matthew Bezmarevich of Valley Village, CA; great-grandsons, Lucas and Noah Bezmarevich of Napa; sisters, Jennie Yelland of Sparks, NV. and Dorothy Cordova of Rock Springs, WY; and brother, Duke Drakulich of Reno, NV. She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Anka and Danica; and brothers, Vaso, Steve, Milan, Nick, Stanley and Sam. Eastern Orthodox funeral services were held on December 26 and graveside services on December 29, both officiated by Father Mark of St. Ignatius of Antioch Orthodox Church of Twin Falls.

Complete Cremation Memorial 827-9300 $595 Cremation and Burial SERVICES AVAILABLE 24 HOURS (no additional charges) 0000194915 To place an Obituary or Card of Thanks: Call (775) 788-6240 or (775) 348-7355 from 8 am 5 pm weekdays Ralph (Gene) E. SHREVE, SR. "For today and it's blessing, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude." Beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Michele entered into eternal peace the morning of February, 20, at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. A difficult battle with cancer took her young life, while she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Michele leaves behind her daughter Jessica Jacobsen, son in law Daniel Jacobsen, and her son Kenneth Depalo, in which her memory will always be cherished. She is also survived by her parents Richard and Rae Brown, her brothers Steve, Bill and Rick, her sisters, Julie, Marian, Jeanne, and Patti, and a large host of other family members and dear friends. She will forever be remembered for her contagious laugh, her warm touch, her passion for animals, her loving ways, her understanding and appreciation of life, her free spirit, her love for her family, her zest for life, and her eternal optimistic attitude. We were all truly blessed for the time that we had her in our lives. The family will hold a party to celebrate her life at the home for Richard and Rae Brown in Grass Valley, CA, on March 3, 2007.

If you wish to make a memorial donation please do so to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 1-800-ACS-2345. Walton's Chapel of the Valley has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please See Page 9C for more Obituaries Ralph (Gene) E. Shreve, 83, of Sparks, NV passes away on Friday, February 23, 2007 at home. He was born in Sheridan, WY on July 23, 1923.

Gene was a wonderful fiddle player, as well as a country music recording artist. He was a U.S. Navy Seabee in World War II, serving his country in the Pacific Arena. He later retired from Harrah's Casino in Reno, NV. He and his wife Lucile owned and operated the Nic Nac Shelf Ceramic Shop in Sparks, NV for over 30 years.

He loved fishing, hunting, camping, and instilled the love of the outdoors in those around him. He was also an expert ping pong player, as well as a metal sculpture. His favorite sayings were "I've got great kids," and I've been married to that lady for over 60 He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Ralph was preceded in death by son, Randy Shreve, and daughter, Sheila Shreve. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lucile Blevins Shreve; sons, Ralph (Gene) Shreve Jr.

and wife Pearl of Yuma, AZ; Gary and wife Ginger Shreve of Hereford, AZ; daughters, Sande and husband Roy Bryant of Woodstock, GA; Sherry Shreve of Sparks, NV; sister, Margaret Dillon of Odessa, MO; 11 grandchilden: Angie, Teresa, Shawnna, Steven, Jeremy, Adam, Justin, Mathew, Roy Michael, and Breeanna; and 11 great-grandchildren: Britney, Jake, Ashley, Liberty, Joshua, Haven, Little Joshua, Riley, Ethan, and Colin. Open House to be held at 270 Virgil Drive in Sparks on March 1 1, 2007, from 3 to 8 p.m. G. Grace Rosasco LAGOMARSINO Grace Rosasco Lagomarsino, born on a ranch in Mogul, just west of Reno, to Genovese Italian immigrants on June 27, 1912, died peacefully at Saint Mary's Hospital February 23, 2007 with her family at her side. She was 94.

Her mother and father, Mena and Bartolomeo Rosasco, had left their small villages in the hills above Genoa in 1900 to settle in the Truckee Meadows. They moved from the Mogul ranch to another ranch on Wedekind Road in Northeast Reno where Grace grew up. After graduating from Orvis Ring Elementary School, Northside Junior High and Reno High School, class of 1930, she went to work for Crescent Creamery in Reno as a bookkeeper. Her family thought of her forever after as keeping close and accurate books on everything in her life, every detail pretty much in the proper place. She married Mario Lagomarsino, himself son of Genovese immigrants, at St.

Thomas Cathedral in 1933. Their daughters Jean and Janet were born in 1936 and 1941. Mario and Grace owned rental properties on Mill Street near Washoe Medical Center and generations of young couples knew Grace as a hard working, no nonsense landlady who warmly welcomed them into her own adjacent family home for Italian dinners and summertime backyard picnics. As the renters moved on and developed their own homes, they returned year after year to visit their landlady who had become a second mother to them. Grace and Mario, who was known to all as Loggie, traveled to Europe together, spending enjoyable time with relatives in the Genovese villages, and after Loggie's death in 1977, she traveled to the Middle East, Scandinavia and China with friends on tours.

Grace was a member of Garden Gate Club, Reno's first garden club, and she maintained fruit, vegetable and beautiful flower gardens at her homes, first on Mill Street, later on Monroe Street. She was a member of the Madonna Della Guardia Women's Club and the Italian Catholic Federation of Reno. She was active in St. Thomas and Manogue PTAs. She was a member of Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church.

Grace reflected on earlier day Italian life in the Truckee Meadows in the University of Nevada Italian-American Oral History Project. Families gathered on Sundays to visit at each other's homes. This was their leisure time after hard-working days that ran Monday through Saturday. Men played bocce ball. Women baked cakes, cookies and pies for visiting families.

And out came the home made wine for refreshments. Grace took special joy every day in the lives of her daughters and their children and in the families of her three sisters as they gathered, numbering over 60, each summer for family picnic weekends at Lake Tahoe. Her family loved her good humor and good cooking, and they appreciated the hard work and energy she put into everything in her life. Grace was predeceased by her husband, and daughter Jean Miolini Zunino, who died in 2006, and by her sisters Julia Brown, Annie Serpentino and Elma Pincolini and brother Joseph Rosasco. She is survived by her daughter Janet and son in law Warren Lerude, grandchildren Eric Lerude (Stephanie) of Reno, Christopher Lerude of New York City, Leslie Lerude (Dan Soine) of San Francisco, Lisa Miolini (Harold White), Lori Stock (Matt) and Rick Miolini of Reno and great-grandchildren Brandon Beacher, Katy, Kara and Kortney Stock and Griffin and Ben Lerude, and son in law Norman Zunino, all of Reno.

The family thanks Grace's long-time friends Annie Compagnoni and Lena Carano and her many friends and the staff of Classic Residence in Reno, Wendy Simons of Park Place, Dr. Donald Van Dyken and family priest and friend Monsignor Leo McFadden and the Carmelite sisters of Reno for their many kindnesses. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Grace Lagomarsino's name to the Jean Zunino Scholarship Fund at Bishop Manogue High School, 110 Bishop Manogue Drive, Reno, NV 89511 or Our Lady of Snows Church, 1138 Wright Street, Reno, NV, 89509. Visitation will be at 5:30 p.m. and Rosary at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 1, at Walton's Funeral Home, 875 West Second Street. A Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 2, at Our Lady of Snows Church. Entombment will be at Mountain View Cemetery..