Peers-Lorentzen

June 10, 1973 – October 9, 2026

Kenneth Wayne McAfee Jr. passed away peacefully at home on October 9, 2026, with his dad by his side and his mom and brother close, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and unconditional love. Born on June 10, 1973, at 9:14 AM, Kenny was an 8 lb. 5 oz. baby who brought pure joy to his family right from the start.

Raised in Tulare, California, Kenny worked in the dairy service industry for many years before starting his own dairy service business, installing foot baths for dairies throughout Tulare County, CA, and other states. Later, he joined his father and brother Brian in building ornamental iron fences. Kenny was a jack of most trades and very good at what he did. He will be missed very much.

Kenny grew up knowing—or being related to—just about everyone in town. To Kenny, there were no strangers, only friends he hadn’t shared a laugh with yet. Walking into a local restaurant with Kenny was an event in itself, as he made sure to walk the room and shake hands with everyone in the place.

Kenny lived life with infectious enthusiasm and a larger-than-life energy. A die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, one of his ultimate highlights was taking his beloved mother to AT&T Stadium to watch the Cowboys take on the Eagles—and of course, the Eagles won. He had a deep passion for golf, loved telling stories, and was always reminiscing about old times.

Among his favorite adventures were the peaceful getaways to Shaver Lake with his best friend and beloved companion, Whitney—their special haven to relax, recharge, and spend quality time together. Kenny often shared that his time with Whitney was the happiest time of his life. Kenny cherished every opportunity to work and spend time alongside his dad, and he loved tuning in to watch the Big Bear bald eagles with his brother, Brian. Above all, nothing brought him greater pride or happiness than his family, especially his parents who were his rock. He loved his children, and they were the greatest joys in his life. He also shared a truly special bond with his one and only favorite niece, Haylee, whom he loved dearly and who loved him just as much.

Kenny is survived by his mother, Barbara McAfee; his father, Ken McAfee; his brother, Brian McAfee; his best friend and beloved companion, Whitney Moffett; his daughter, Macie; his four sons, Javan, Caleb, Jakeb, and Kaiden; his beloved niece, Haylee; and his four cherished grandchildren, Brayden, Hunter, Ryder, and Emmie.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jason; his grandparents, Woodrow and Pauline McAfee, and Lester and Wanda Pollard; as well as beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services and a celebration of Kenny’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare, CA 93274.

A brief graveside service with military honors will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Tulare Cemetery (Kern), 900 E. Kern Ave., Tulare, followed by a memorial service at 1pm at the Tulare Veterans Memorial Building, 1771 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare. A reception with light refreshments will immediately follow the close of the memorial, at which time individuals & organizations will have the opportunity to share their remembrances and tributes.
Memorial gifts in Steve’s name can be donated to Tulare Animal Services at 3817 South K Street, Tulare, CA 93274 or Tulare First United Methodist Church at 228 W. Kern Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274
TULARE, CA – The City of Tulare is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Vice Mayor Stephen C. Harrell, who passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
A lifelong Tulare resident and dedicated public servant, Vice Mayor Harrell devoted much of his life to serving and protecting the community he called home. Elected to the Tulare City Council in 2020, he brought decades of experience in public safety, emergency services, and community leadership to his role.
A second-generation Tulare native, Harrell graduated from Tulare Union High School and began his career in public service as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 15. He later served with the California Division of Forestry before enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years.
Following his military service, Harrell returned to Tulare and began a distinguished career in law enforcement. He served as a deputy sheriff with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Tulare Police Department, where he spent 25 years and retired with the rank of lieutenant. Throughout his career, he remained committed to public safety and emergency medical services, including serving on the Tulare County Emergency Medical Care Committee for 20 years.
Harrell’s commitment to his community extended well beyond his professional career. He served on the Tulare Local Health Care District Board of Directors, held leadership roles in emergency medical services organizations, coached youth soccer, and remained actively involved in his church and community.
“Tulare has lost a dedicated servant, friend, strong father, and loving husband,” said Mayor Isherwood. “Councilman Harrell served this community with integrity and honor. Having known Steve for over 25 years, and having been elected to the Council together in 2020, the sudden loss of a friend and colleague hits especially hard. He was anchored in his love for Tulare. Our utmost condolences go to Barbara, his sons, family, and friends. Tulare mourns a leader whose lasting impact on our city will not be forgotten.”
Vice Mayor Harrell’s decades of service reflect a lifelong dedication to the people of Tulare. His contributions to public safety, local government, and community organizations leave a lasting legacy.
In honor of Vice Mayor Harrell’s life and dedicated service to the Tulare community, Mayor Isherwood has ordered flags at all City facilities to be flown at half-staff until further notice.
The City of Tulare extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Barbara, his sons, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

In Loving Memory of Juan Aragon Juarez May 16, 1945 – September 9, 2026

Juan Aragon Juarez, 81, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, hard work, kindness, and service to others. Juan was born in EL Paso, Texas, on May 16, 1945. At just eight years old, he moved
with his family to Tulare, California, where he would spend the rest of his life building a family, friendships, and a lasting place in his community. As a young man, Juan worked in the fields before beginning his career at the Prestolite Battery factory in Tulare County when he was 18 years old. He worked hard throughout his life and made many lasting friendships along the way. Juan was a man of strong faith. Anyone who knew him would tell you that he was a godly man and that you always knew where you could find him on Sundays, at church.

His faith was not only something he spoke about, but something he lived every day through his kindness and generosity. Juan had a heart for helping others. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He often took his grandchildren with him to pass out food to people in need, teaching them by example the importance of compassion, generosity, and serving
others. Juan was also a familiar and beloved face throughout Tulare. He enjoyed riding his bicycle around town, stopping to catch up with friends and visiting with people along the way. When Juan rode by, people knew him and knew they were seeing someone who was always ready with a smile, a conversation, or a helping hand. His greatest joy, however, was his family. Juan loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He would take his grandchildren to school, spend time with them, and bring them along as he served others in the community.

Through these simple moments, he created memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Juan is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Mary Juarez, and his daughter, Isabell Juarez. He leaves behind his sons, Lorenzo Juarez, and John Juarez, and his daughters, Juanita and Michelle Juarez. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry his memory and the lessons he taught them.

Juan lived an amazing 81 years, leaving an impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to hard work, faith, family, generosity, and love for his community. Though Juan is no longer riding his bicycle through the streets of Tulare, his presence will continue to be felt in the lives of the people he touched. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and all those who were blessed to know him. Juan’s life was a gift, his love was a blessing, and his legacy will live on forever.

Services:
Viewing September 21,2026 at 5pm
Peers Lorentzen Funeral Services
132 W Kern Ave, Tulare, CA 93274

Burial services
September 25, 2026 at 1pm
Tulare District cemetery
Tulare California

Loving Sister, Wife, Mother and Grandmother

Lois Jones, a loving mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on September 16, 2026, in the loving arms of her family. She was a longtime resident of Tipton, California, before moving to Tulare to be closer to family.

Lois was born at Lindsay Hospital on February 25, 1944, with her twin sister, Joyce Gentry, to Oder and Susie Gentry. She was the older twin. On January 11, 1963, Lois married the love of her life, Harvey Jones, and they proceeded to have three sons: Kenneth, Terry, and Randy Jones.

Anyone who met Lois could not forget her passion for life and her joy of family. She truly loved life to the fullest through simple pleasures: chatting with friends and family, snacking, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and enjoying time with her ten grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren. Lois had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Anyone who knew her knew of her love of decorating for the holidays.

Lois is survived by her three sons; their wives, Joni, Gesa, and Melissa; her ten grandchildren— Ashley, Kyle, Eric, Sabrina, Elisabeth, Christina, Katharina, Lorenzo, Ciarra, and Susanne; and her ten great-grandchildren—Kylynn, Dax, Emily, Conner, Arden, Daimon, Peyton, Avery, Chelsea, and Rylee.

Service Information
Visitation — Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peer-Lorentzen
Funeral Services, Room 1.

Graveside Service — Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Tipton-Pixley
Cemetery.

Celebration of Life — Pixley Memorial Building.

Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Grissom, 67, of Tulare passed away on September
9, 2026 . She was born to Paul and Joann Reberry on January 1, 1959.
A lifelong resident of Tulare, Debbie attended Kohn School, Cherry Avenue
School, and graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1977. She
married Joe Grissom in 1981. She was a long-time employee of Morris
Levin and Son in the contracting office. She was a member of the Crest
Memorial Baptist Church and also attended Tulare First Assembly of God.
Debbie had a heart for serving the Lord by working with children in church.
Many summers she took children to Preteen Youth Camp at Three Rivers.
She cheerfully led music for Vacation Bible School and made it fun for all.
Later, she took middle school and high school youth to Centrifuge Church
Summer Camp at Jenness Park. Debbie taught Sunday School and
Wednesday night bible study for the youth as well. Many lives were
touched by Debbie’s service for the Lord.
She is survived by her son Justin and daughter-in-law, Deanna, and their
two sons, Landon and Luke. She is also survived by her parents, Paul and
Joann Reberry, sister Paula Dodson, and her husband, Roger, and their
sons, Jonathan (wife Ana, and their children, Sofia, Olivia, and Jacob) and
Brandon (wife Stephanie), sister-in-law Nancy Gregg (husband Rusty), and
cousin, Mary Lee (her children J.L. and Channel). Debbie was preceded in
death by her husband Joe.
Memorial Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 24,
2026 at 10:00 AM at the Tulare District Cemetery. Arrangements are being
handled by Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service.
Remembrances may be made to Crest Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box
1826, Tulare, CA 93275, or Tulare First Assembly of God, 316 South
Mooney Blvd, Tulare, CA 93274.

Susan Kay (Nealy) Lorentzen was called home by our Heavenly Father on September 1, 2026.  She leaves behind a lifetime of love and cherished memories.   She is now lovingly welcomed into her eternal home by her son, Paul Nealy Lorentzen; her parents, Helen and Byron Nealy; her brother, Robert Nealy; and her sister, Judy Smith.  
After being separated during this earthly life, Susan is now reunited with her eternal companion, Paul Coats Lorentzen.  They can walk together for all eternity in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father. 
Though our hearts are heavy with the sorrow of losing her, we find comfort in knowing that Susan’s love will continue to live on through the family she cherished so deeply.  She will be forever loved and missed by her surviving children, Karen Lynn Lorentzen-Fox, Kristin Lee Burden, and Robert Coats Lorentzen; and by Mark Smith, whom she loved as much as a son and cherished as a nephew.  Susan will be especially missed by her devoted, longtime earthly companion Dwane Stevens. 
Her greatest joy was her family and the beautiful grandchildren who brought so much happiness to her life:  Joshua Lorentzen, Tyler Lorentzen, Johanna McBride, Juliet Lorentzen, Jacob, Noah, Samuel and Benjamin Fox, Carson, Kaya Burden and Tui Lorentzen, along with Alena Woodruff, William Lorentzen, Rees Lorentzen and Leuma Lorentzen. 
Her love continues into the next generation through her beloved great grandchildren: Jagger, Journey, Jet, Emmy, Olivia, Pella, Flynn, Everly, and Owen, with another precious great-grandchild soon to arrive.  Through each of them, a part of Susan’s love, laughter and legacy will live on. 
Born April 21, 1942 in South Gate, California, Susan and her siblings were raised in Southern California, enjoying the beaches and sunshine.  After graduating from Newport Harbor in 1960, Susan continued her education at Orange Coast College, majoring in Home Economics.  Around that time, she met Paul Coats Lorentzen and they married on November 11, 1961.  In lieu of a honeymoon, the new Mr. and Mrs. moved east to Kentucky so Paul could report for his draft call into the U.S. Army.  During his time in the Army Susan and Paul started their family. Paul was honorably discharged, and they moved back to Orange County.  Eventually moving to Twain Harte.  After a few short years they moved again and settled in Visalia.  Susan would spend the rest of her years raising children, teaching school, and 4H Home Ec classes.  Years later, she managed two retail stores.   
Since retirement, she enjoyed her grandchildren, her great grandchildren and long drives with her wonderful companion, Dwane. 
Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel 4000 W. Caldwell, Visalia. 
12:30 pm viewing 
1:00 pm Service 
2:00 pm Luncheon   

All who knew and loved her are invited to attend 

Wilma Faye Tolbert, born November 6, 1942, went to be with the Lord September 3, 2026. Wilma is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dean A. Tolbert and four children: Todd (Lisa) Tolbert, Tambara Lomonaco, Tracy (Jennifer) Tolbert, Tyson (Kim) Tolbert; 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Lindsey and Minnie Foster, brother Clarence Foster, and sisters Stella Tucker, Evelyn Heinrichs, Ada Tucker, and Lois Braden. Born in the state of Oklahoma, her family migrated to California when Wilma was only two years old, the family settling in the town of Reedley where she grew up. Her father Lindsey worked for the railroad. After graduating Reedley High School, she would soon meet Dean—the love of her life, at a local Assemblies of God Youth Rally. They married September 7, 1962, and would later move to Visalia in 1967. In addition to raising her family, Wilma spent much of her life’s work as an educational aide to unwed mothers of Tulare County and working in children’s day-care. She professed faith in and love of the Lord Jesus and as a result was active in her local church community. She loved to laugh and possessed a great sense of humor. Like her four sisters that proceeded her, she was also a great cook and homemaker. She will be dearly missed.   

There will be a Graveside service on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10:00 am at the North Tulare Public Cemetery. 

Tulare- Rachel Saenz, 67, of Tulare, peacefully passed away on Friday August 28th, 2026. She was born on September 17th, 1958 to Henry Mora Sr and Ramona Mora in Tulare, CA. She was raised and lived in Tulare her entire life. She married Rocky Saenz on January 7th, 1975 in Reno, Nevada. Together they raised their two daughters, Angela and Arlene.

Rachel was a devoted wife, mother and Nana. She enjoyed sitting around and spending time with her family and friends. The past few years she and her husband enjoyed spending their weekends at estate and yard sales picking out “antiques” for their home. Rachel was a simple woman and enjoyed baking, watching movies and shows with her honeybun, and spending time with her grandchildren. Within this past year she enjoyed hosting Bingo nights at her home. Rachel enjoyed picking up her great-granddaughter, Isabella, from school each week and getting an after-school treat. She loved listening and dancing to music.

Rachel always made sure everyone who came to her home felt welcomed, loved, and happy. Those who had the blessing of being in her life knew that she was a kind, funny, and caring human being. She was always here to offer a listening ear to those she loved, and anytime someone in the family needed guidance or help she was the first to offer. Her and husband created the most loving and welcoming environment that was evident the minute you walked in the door.

Rachel is survived by her husband Rocky Saenz, three granddaughters, Danielle Lyons and husband Abram Lyons, great-granddaughter Isabella Lyons, granddaughters: Brianna Sigala, Victoria Sigala. Grandsons Rocky and Ruben Martinez. Son In Law, Mike Sigala. Her siblings Lois Mora, Alice Marquez and Angel Mora. She is preceded in death by her daughters Angela Sigala and Arlene Saenz, her parents Henry and Ramona Mora, in-laws Ray and Susie Saenz, siblings Henry Mora, Billy Mora, Linda Banales, Mary Sotelo, Tony Mora, Annette Renteria and Louie Mora and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel on Friday September 11th, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Rosary at 6:00 PM. A celebration of life memorial will take place on Saturday September 12th from 12:00-4:00 PM at the Tulare Ag Center.

Guadalupe “Lupe” Gonzales Yturralde was called home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born in Artesia, New Mexico, to Francisco and Tiburcia Gonzales and was the fifth of seventeen children.

   Lupe was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was the kind of person who made everyone who entered her life feel cared for and welcome. From a young age, she learned the value of hard work and the importance of always putting family first. She loved to dance and often reminisced about the many memories she made growing up in such a large and close-knit family.

On January 27, 1957, Lupe married the love of her life, Alfred Yturralde. They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and together raised five children: Lisa, Jim, Kimberly, Frank, and Raquel.

      Lupe was a talented florist and proud business owner while also being a devoted wife and mother. In the 1970s, she opened Yturralde’s House of Flowers on East Inyo Avenue, across from the Tulare Cemetery. The flower shop quickly became her second home. She loved creating beautiful floral arrangements, but even more than that, she loved talking with her customers and getting to know the people she served.

  Through her business, Lupe formed countless friendships throughout the Tulare community. Her kindness and genuine care for others made her much more than a florist. Whether she was creating flowers for a celebration, comforting a family during a difficult time, or simply sharing a conversation with someone who walked through her door, Lupe had a special way of making people feel cared for.

  After her husband Alfred passed away in 2000, Lupe retired from her business and devoted much of her time to her family. Although she was proud of everything she accomplished throughout her life, nothing made her prouder than being a grandmother. She cherished every moment she spent with her grandchildren, and her home was always a place where family knew they were always welcome.

    Anyone who visited Lupe knew they could expect to be offered a soda and invited to sit and visit for a while. She loved talking with her brothers and sisters and always looked forward to the next opportunity for everyone to be together. Family remained at the center of Lupe’s life throughout all of her 93 years.

   Lupe was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco Carrasco Gonzales and Tiburcia Nanez Gonzales; her beloved husband, Alfred Yturralde; her brothers, Daniel Gonzales, Catarino Gonzales, Felix Gonzales, Paul Gonzales, Frank Gonzales, John Gonzales, Leo Gonzales, and Manuel Gonzales; and her sisters, Virginia Rodriguez and Anita Mendoza.

She is survived by her sons, Frank Yturralde (Jeaneane) and Jim Yturralde (Lori); her daughters, Lisa Richey, Kimberly Ford (Brian), and Raquel Pena; her brothers, Jesse Gonzales and David Gonzales; and her sisters, Pauline Salinas, Mary Gonzales, Kathy Gonzales, and Grace O’Keefe.

She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish her memory. 

      To know Lupe was to love her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, humility, and love. She will forever remain in our hearts until we are reunited with her again. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. May she rest peacefully in the arms of Christ. God bless her soul and God bless you all. Amen.

Services are as followed: Wednesday, September 16 Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA

• Visitation: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM • Rosary: 6:00 PM

Thursday, September 17 Church service/Mass: 10:00 AM St. Rita’s Catholic Church (old location) 954 South O. St., Tulare, CA

Graveside service following mass: Tulare District Cemetery 900 E. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA