Loyal friend, devoted community member, and winemaker Bob Mullen passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on November 24, 2025, at the age of 99. His partner, Marsha Campbell, was at home with him. Robert Lee Mullen was born in Youngstown, Ohio on February 12, 1926, at 5:55 p.m. His family moved often before eventually settling in Peoria, Illinois, where he attended high scho...

Gayle Maehara Nakano, a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on August 25th, 2025, due to injuries sustained in an accident in a parking lot a few days prior. Gayle Kazue Maehara was born in Puunene, Maui. The daughter of Ichiro “Iron” and Florence Maehara, and older sister to brother Paul, she was raised surrounded by family, with a focus on education, and love of baseball. ...

Saye Noguchi, a longtime Palo Alto resident, retired Ohlone Elementary School secretary and beloved matriarch of an extended family, died peacefully at home Jan. 3. She was 102. Saye was a superb organizer, manager, cook and hostess. Determined and energetic, she set an example in caring for people in our lives. In the school office, she welcomed every child, family and staff member. At home,...

The world lost a little sparkle on October 2, 2025, when Caroline Lee Orr-Kissner peacefully passed away at age 76 - on her 49th wedding anniversary, surrounded by love. Born in Palo Alto, California, Cary lived a life full of heart, humor, family and friends. She was the beloved daughter of Lee and Cornelia Orr and is survived by her devoted husband Chuck Kissner, her sister Kathy, children ...

Mitzi Phillips was voted “Most Likely to Be Remembered” in high school — and that could not have been more true. She lived a full, colorful, and adventurous life that many of us could only dream of. A true steel magnolia, Mitzi was known for her unforgettable stories, her sharp wit, and her ability to find humor in any situation. Mitzi Casselberry was born on February 7, 1939, in Newp...

Joseph D. Putnam died peacefully at his home in Woodside on August 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old. Born in Gregory, South Dakota, Joe was one of six children of Francis and Bertha Putnam. He was raised on his family’s farm, where,  during the depths of the Depression and the Dustbowl, they carried their water to the house in buckets from a well, their heat was p...

Alonzo B. "Al" Ramirez, 86, of Palo Alto, California, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Born June 10, 1939, in El Paso, Texas, to Dalmira Chacon and Baldomero Ramirez, Al lived a life defined by patience, humility, intellect, and love. After four years in the U.S. Air Force, Al earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at El Paso through the GI Bill, followe...

Nan Ray of Menlo Park, CA passed away peacefully on November 8th. She was 91 years old. Nan is survived by her children, Lauren Lamb, John (Cynthia Lyon) Ray, and Paul Ray and her grandchildren, Kevin (Tiffany Marchbanks) Ray, Robert Lamb, and Alison Lamb. She was predeceased by her parents, Agnes Flach Engler and Paul Edward Engler, her husband, John Charles Ray, and her son-in-law, William Lamb....

A proud native of Stockton, CA, Roberta Williams grew up with her brother Robert and two loving parents, Earle (“Bob”) and Edith. Valedictorian at Lodi High School, “Susie” was a dedicated, lifelong student of piano and music more generally. At Stanford University, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music in 1969 and M.A. in Music Education in 1970. ...

Mary Frances Rominger (Sickenberger), a devoted patron of the arts, loving and supportive wife and mother, and community volunteer, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on December 11, 1931, in Manzanola, Colorado, Fran grew up with a deep appreciation for music that would shape her lifelong passions. She pursued her love for the piano as a music major at the Uni...

Dr. Richard “Dick” Remmel Rutter passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, in Emerald Hills, CA at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cloud and Marian (Remmel) Rutter. He is survived by his wife, Joanne (McHenry) Rutter, his brother Don (Marcy) Rutter, his daughter Karen (Mark) Weber, his son Jim (Cindi) Rutter, five grandchildren (Mackenzie, Allison, Jeffrey, Ava, and...

Gail Robbins Schwettman, an adored mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, died on October 8, 2025. Gail was born on January 13, 1936 in the Cincinnati, Ohio area to William and Gertrude Robbins. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelors of Science degree in Education and went on to teach at the grade school level before having three children: Alison, Jeanne an...

We celebrate the life of Sonia Gay Shepard, a fourth generation Californian, who passed away peacefully at her home in Atherton, California, on August 18, 2025, surrounded by her family, gardens, dogs, and devoted caregivers. Born in Visalia, California, on October 27, 1935, to Otto and Carol Lambert, Sonia’s early life was marked by both tragedy and resilience. Orphaned at the age of two whe...

Dr. Todd Smith of Palo Alto, California, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 85. He is survived by Sandy, his wife of 55 years; his sons Kevin (Alicia) and Alex (Elaine); his grandchildren Neal, Penny, Conner, and Katie; and his sister, Susan Noble (Ward). Todd received a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Cornell University and a PhD from Rice University. As a Stanford...

With deepest love and remembrance, the family of Jerome Lee Strom, “Jerry,” announce his peaceful passing at his home in Los Altos Hills on the morning of October 1, 2025.  Jerry was 89, born in 1936, the son of Victor and Edna Strom. Jerry was a graduate of North Dakota State University, Dickinson.  Prior to college, Jerry served honorably in the United States Army.  It was through this...

Mary Alice Thornton passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in Palo Alto, California, at the age of 87. She was born on May 7, 1938, in Zanesville, Ohio. She grew up in Denver, Colorado. Mary Alice shared 52 devoted years of marriage with her beloved husband, David Thornton. Together, they built a life rooted in learning, curiosity, service, and deep love for family. An avid traveler, Mary A...

James C. Van Horne, a long-time resident of Palo Alto and professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, died at Stanford Hospital on Monday, September 1st at the age of 90. Jim led an amazing and very fulfilling life. His love of family – his wife Mimi, three sons, and seven grandchildren – allowed for many wonderful times together. Jim was born on August 6, 1935 in South Bend, ...