Obituaries
Mac Shivers Grizzard Jr.
Mac Grizzard was born June 26, 1926 in Branson, Missouri to Mac Shivers Grizzard Sr. and Eva Eakin Grizzard. He passed away in Santa Paula on July 4, 2013.
Mac and his family moved from the Ozarks to Ventura County in 1941. Mac enjoyed hunting and fishing in the Ventura River, with memories of catching steelhead trout in what is now Foster Park.
Mac was in the Army during World War II, seeing service in the Philippines. After his discharge in 1947 he returned to California, where he settled in Ventura County and raised his family.
He started in the mid-1950s working for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, proudly wearing his Stetson (until they switched to caps). He retired in 1976 with the rank of sergeant. He also worked as a ranger at Lake Casitas; and in later years he was back in a Stetson, working as a “cowboy” at several California ranches.
After retirement he eventually settled in Santa Paula, where he became involved with the local Oil Museum. His volunteer time as a docent included leading tours and putting his own spin on local history.
Dad enjoyed trips to the library, where he preferred mysteries and favorite Louis L’Amour westerns. His leisure pleasures also included sitting out in the sun smoking his pipe. He loved eating sweets, and he especially loved the mountains around Santa Paula.
He is survived by his children: daughters Suzi Skutley, Maxine McKaig and Lynn Grizzard; son Michael Grizzard; sons Shawn, Michael and Ryan Grizzard; and all their families, including numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On life, Dad was quoted in a 1989 Los Angeles Times article: “What’s the use of doing things if you’re not having fun? That’s my philosophy.”
A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 740 E. Main St. in Santa Paula.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mac’s memory be made to your local hospice.
James Kirby Ennis
James Kirby Ennis was born on March 4, 1918 in El Paso, Arkansas to goodly parents Rev. James Riley Ennis and Eunice Elizabeth Kirby. He was married to the love of his life, Mary Jarboe Nygard for 65 years until her passing. They are survived by two children - Cathy and David and an adopted child Rosemarie; three grandchildren – Patti, Heather and Nicole; and one great-grandchild – Lucas.
James moved to Santa Paula in 1957 with his family to manage the Firestone store on Main Street. His nickname in town was “Honest Jim”. He was a member of the Lions Club for 23 years and gave active service throughout the community.
He was a guiding light in his family and beloved by many. He will be greatly missed.
The family is having a graveside service on July 13, 2013 with military honors.
Hector Acosta
It is with a sad and heavy heart that we announce the passing of Hector Acosta, a loving son, brother, cousin and, friend. He is survived by his loving mother, Celia, brothers Jesse, Ernie, Louie, and Esteban. He had a large and devoted extended family that included his many nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren and close friends.
A kind and gentle soul, Hector was always there to hold out a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a loyal and supportive friend who inspired everyone who knew him. Always a sharp dresser with a keen eye for design and fashion, Hector filled our lives with love and laughter and will be dearly missed by us all. We take comfort in the knowledge that Heaven has been blessed with a new angel.
He was born on October 23, 1958 and passed June 21st, 2013.
The memorial service will be held on July 12 at Sacred Heart Church, 10700 Henderson Road, in Ventura. The service begins at 10 a.m. and there will be a reception held immediately following at Biederman Hall.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Sarah House in Santa Barbara.
We would like to thank all the angels that work at Sarah House for their kindness and compassion.
Victoria Navarro Smith
Victoria Navarro Smith, 87, matriarch of her family, of Santa Paula since 1940, passed away at Victoria Medical Facility in Ventura on June 23.
She leaves her daughters Karyl Fisher and Karin Macias, several grand and great grandchildren, brothers Mario of Whittier and Lu, aka Herb, and Marilyn Navarro of South Carolina.
A 1945 graduate of Santa Paula High, Vickie enjoyed photography and did weddings. She drove a school bus for Laidlaw, shuttling children throughout the Ventura and Oxnard school districts. The last ten years of her life, she cared daily for a centenarian neighbor. Vickie will be greatly missed for her kind and giving heart and loving ways.
