Deaths in the Family

Donna Lynn Johnson Thomas Olivarez, our beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, cousin, friend and colleague, departed this life, unexpectedly, on 16 December 2022, at the age of sixty- nine. Oldest of three girls, she was born at Letterman Army Hospital, Presidio of San Francisco, California, to proud parents, Marion J. Johnson and Iris E. Johnson (née Wilkerson).

“Lynn,” as she was commonly known, attended the University of California at San Diego and had a Certificate in Ministry.

Lynn met and married Curtis Thomas, deceased, and then was married to Henry Olivarez in 2004.

She spent most of her professional life happily working in the insurance industry, for such companies as AIG and Mitsui Sumitomo, specializing in Workers’ Compensation.

Most importantly, Lynn knew Jesus as her personal Savior and was a long time, faithful member of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California — she loved attending their Covenant Class. Lynn gave glory to God through her untiring, passionate work with the Prison Ministry helping ex-convicts, incarcerated juveniles, the homeless, and participating in the prayer ministry. Lynn was especially gratified with her past work with the Walter Hoving Home of Pasadena, a spiritually-based Home for women trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction and low self-worth. Lynn was extremely kindhearted and always greeted everyone with a smile.

She leaves to mourn, her parents, Judge Marion Johnson and Iris Johnson, as well as her stepmother, Bertha Johnson; two sisters, Renee Jewell and Diane Ford; two half-brothers, Marlon Johnson and William Johnson; one son, Vincent Thomas; one stepson, Charvus Thomas; seven grandchildren, Michael Thomas, Vincent Thomas Junior (deceased), Christopher Thomas, Da’Von Thomas, Destinee Thomas, Venetia Thomas, and Victoria Thomas; four great- grandchildren, Christopher Thomas Junior, Casson Thomas, Emani Thomas, and Bailey Thomas; four nieces, Carlyn Stacey Jewell, Dana Ford Buerger, Felicia Jewell Thompson, and Danielle Ford Pauljohn; one nephew, Brandon Jewell. (Nephew Stephen Ford is deceased); and, finally, a great-niece, Vesper Buerger; and six great- nephews, Brandon Jewell Junior, Jaden Jewell, Elijah Jewell, Jackson Pauljohn, Atticus Buerger, and Phoenix Buerger.

A memorial service will be held at the Chapel at Lake Avenue Church on Wednesday, January 18 at 11am followed by a reception.

Those Who Touch Our Lives … Stay in our Hearts Forever …

Margaret Joanne Staus (Culp) passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, November 13, 2022. She was the wife of Timothy Staus. Born in Los Angeles on March 19, 1946, to the late Harold and Lelia (Longcrier) Culp. Margaret grew up in Alhambra and graduated from Alhambra High School in 1964. She met Timothy at church, and they married in 1964. They eventually settled in South Pasadena where they began their family and raised their four children.

Margaret and Timothy were faithful members of the Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena where they shared their faith with family and the many close friends they met in their bible study. Margaret and Tim built a family business together and worked tirelessly before selling the business in the mid-nineties. Margaret was employed by the Paramelt Company in Rosemead for almost 25 years handling many accounting functions for the business. She enjoyed working and was planning her retirement for later this year. Margaret and Tim enjoyed camping in the Sierras over the years with their children and passed their love for the outdoors to them. Their last trip was in 2021, camping in Southern Utah enjoying family time. She loved to knit, watch cooking and home improvement shows, and every now and then she would get her cheers together for the Dodgers and Rams.
Margaret loved her large family, and she was most proud to be a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Even though her family was spread near and far, she always cherished the time when they visited her home and enjoyed backyard BBQs and swimming in the pool.

In addition to her husband Timothy, she is survived by her son Matthew (Michelle), daughter Victoria Kiah, daughter Rebecca Simpson (Mike) and son Jonathan (Cara), her ten grandchildren: Whitney Roberts (Eric), Taylor, Zachary, Jordan and Brandon Staus, Haley Martell (Kyle), Derek and April Simpson, Thomas Kiah and Aiden Staus, her great grand-children Brody and Brooklyn Roberts. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Susan Culp, sister-in-law Pamela Penner (Phil) and her nieces and grand-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Gordon Culp, brother-in-law Terry Staus and son-in-law Greg Kiah.

Celebration of Life ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Lake Avenue Church at 393 North Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 held in The Chapel at 11am.
Private Family internment burial will take place on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at Rose Hills in Whittier, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Margaret's name to either
Walter Hoving Home -  https://hovinghome.org/donate-now-button/
Door of Hope -  https://doorofhope.us/donate/

The Staus family would like to thank everyone for all the Prayers, Love, and Support.

Richard Lee (74) passed away on October 24, 2022. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Sharon (Andrew), sons Aaron (Kristen) and Jon (Karena) and 6 grandchildren. Richard participated in the men's fellowship breakfast, various small groups and Chinese fellowship. The memorial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale on Wednesday, November 16 at 9:00 am in the Little Church of Flowers. Reverend Matt Dunn officiating. No Floral Tributes Please. Donations may be made in his memory to the Men's Ministry at Lake Avenue Church. Please write Men's Ministry on the memo line.

Iris Lazarian, aged 95, went home to be with the Lord on October 17. She is survived by sons Steve Jr. and Stan, daughters Nancy Rose, Diana Lazarian, and Darlene Ward, along with 10 grandchildren and 23 great-children. Iris was a longtime member of Lake Avenue Church, a member of Kings Couriers class, sang in the choir and was involved in the women's ministry and Care Visitation program. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 20 at 3pm in the Worship Center. Joshua and Jeremy Rose will be officiating.

Robert Lawrence Aldera aged 79, passed away on September 15, 2022. He is survived by his wife Linda, 3 sister-in-law's and their families; Kathy and Ed Duffy, son Rob and wife Kirstie; Terry Cross; Barbra and Chris Riegel, daughter Kate and son Scott. Robert was a member of Galileans class, prayer leadership team and congregational life leader. Bob was a photographer, Bob Lawrence Photography.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lake Avenue Church in the Chapel on Saturday, November 19, at 11am. David and Jeanie Richardson will be officiating.

Janet Rae Wendling aged 78, passed away on September 21, 2022. She is survived by her husband Ken, sons Paul and wife Julie, Tim and wife Marci, Mark and wife Marianne, as well as 8 grandchildren. Jan was a longtime member of Lake Avenue Church and an LAC missionary in Asia. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lake Avenue Church on Friday November 18 at 11am in the Chapel. Rev John Wood officiating.

Barbara (Bobbie) Fletcher Niblo August 13, 1931 - September 12, 2022

Born August 13, 1931 in Sydney, Australia, Barbara Scott Fletcher Niblo, at age 91, died peacefully in her sleep at Villa Gardens, Pasadena, CA on September 12th.

Bobbie is survived by her sister, Wendy Scott Fletcher of Hampton, NH and Wendy’s children (nieces Heather and Sarah). Additionally, she is survived by her brother Doug’s children, niece Lisa Fletcher Arthur of Laguna Beach, CA, nephew Bradley Scott Fletcher of Gainesville, FL, niece Jennifer Michelle Fletcher of Huntington Beach, CA, and by all of their children.
Bobbie graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1953. She was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and served on their local board for many years.
Many who grew up in San Marino schools will remember having Miss Fletcher/Mrs. Niblo as their teacher. She was loved and respected by so many of her students. She expected the best from them, while also encouraging them to discover their own unique talents. Bobbie mentored so many people throughout her lifetime: family members, friends in Bible Study Fellowship, friends at Villa Gardens, and even former students often would reach out to her for guidance or encouragement. Her friends and family were always comforted by her wisdom, character, trustworthiness and her loyalty.

After retiring from work in the classroom, Bobbie continued her love of teaching and became a docent at The Huntington Library in San Marino, culminating in her role there for the Abraham Lincoln Exhibit. She was a member of other significant organizations as well, and served on the board of The Luminaires, an auxiliary group of The Doheny Eye Institute.

The family wishes to express its gratitude for the outstanding care that she received at Villa Gardens and to Silvia Samuelson, the Director of Resident Services. Their support for more than 20 years was greatly appreciated by Bobbie and her family.

To honor Bobbie’s wishes, no formal services will be held.

Damayanti Rani Chinniah passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5th 2022 at age 81 at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Bennet Chinniah, her sons David Chinniah and wife Renuka, Tim Chinniah and wife Sharla and grandchildren Analise and Joshua. She is the beloved sister of the late Balen Anketell and late wife Eva and surviving siblings, Dr. Inpam Arulanantham and husband Karunyan, Dr. Arul Anketell and wife Ranji, Suren Anketell and wife Christine as well as Gnane Anketell and wife Chandra.
 
Damayanti was born on October 6th, 1940 in Sri Lanka and was the daughter of the late Ernest Balasingham and Thapomani Anketell. Her mother passed away when she was only 2 months old. Her father remarried the late Susan Anketell whom she knew as her mother. 
Damayanti was a dedicated and beloved high school science and scripture teacher at Methodist College in Sri Lanka and after immigrating with her family to the US in 1984, taught at a Jr. High school for a limited time and pre-school for several years. She was loved by her students until she retired. She was known and admired for her organizational skills and resolve to live simply by her faith in God and values. She was also a voluntary Sunday school teacher and was involved with her local church, Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California along with her husband Bennet.
 
Damayanti loved music and singing and actively participated in choirs and singing events. She and her husband, Bennet moved to live with her younger son Tim and family in Maryland in January 2022 as it became increasingly difficult for her and Bennet to live independently due to age and ailments.
 
She had suffered from dementia over the past decade of her life but continued to have a love of singing and showed an amazing ability to remember the words of hymns and other songs despite her advanced dementia. She always lighted up the room with her singing and authentic spirit. She will be definitely missed by all close to her.

The memorial service is on Sat August 12 at 11 am at Faith Christian Fellowship Church
505 E 42nd St
Baltimore, MD 21218

Betty Hutchison went on to be with the Lord on June 15, 2022. After a 5-year battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully at home with her husband John and son John Michael present.

Betty was a woman with strong faith in Christ. She was raised in Virginia. She attended the University of Tennessee earning a BS in Business & Music. While attending she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, University Concert Choir, UT Singers, and Intervarsity. After graduating she went to work for Billy Graham in Europe. Upon returning to the United States, she attended Georgetown University earning her MBA and then began working for IBM. She then moved into Ethic Consulting which led to working for The Walt Disney Company. She then transitioned into working in Social Compliance Consulting beginning with PricewaterhouseCoopers and then Bureau Veritas.

Betty met her husband John through a mutual friend while they both lived in the Washington, DC area. However, they did not begin dating and eventually marrying until they both lived in Southern California.

Betty lived in San Marino for 22 years and was active in the community volunteering for many organizations. She was active in her son’s K-12 schools of Carver Elementary, Huntington Middle School, and San Marino High School. She was involved with the PTA, youth sports, athletic boosters, music & drama groups, drumline and scouting. She received Carver Elementary School’s Golden Nugget award; Huntington Middle School’s Huntington Halo, San Marino High School’s Terrific Titan, and the PTA Founder’s Day Honorary Service Award. She also was a member of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts.

Betty is preceded in death by her father Buell Cline. She is survived by her husband John and son John Michael; along with her mother Janice Cline and brother Richard Cline. Both her husband and son are very thankful to God for having Betty as part of their lives. She was a very loving & wonderful mother and wife. She will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 20, at 11am in the LAC Chapel. Pastor Steve Morgan officiating. The service will also be live streamed on utube.  https://youtu.be/iomu200gMn8