Peers-Lorentzen

January 10, 1948 – March 3, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ronnie Paul Christiansen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather “Papa”, brother, and friend, who lost his battle with ALS and left us on March 3, 2025. He was 77 years old.

Born on January 10, 1948, in Seattle, WA, to Perry and Eileen Christiansen. He graduated from Marysville High School before embarking on a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. Ronnie proudly served for 26 years as an Air Traffic Controller, where his commitment to service and excellence earned him the rank of Major. He earned a degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

He served his church, Tulare Bethel, proudly for decades as Head Usher and Board Member. Though he was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Audry Christiansen, and Don and Eileen Kalma, and Bonnie Kalma, his other mom whom he held dear, Ronnie’s legacy lives on through his family. He was also preceded by his brother, Alan Kalma, and his son, Joshua Christiansen, both of whom he loved deeply.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Dawn Bartholomew Christiansen, with whom he shared a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Ronnie also leaves behind his children: son David (Rebekah) Christiansen, daughters Lisa Christiansen and Nichole (Will) Ballesteros, and his cherished grandchildren: Brett, Nathan, Eve, Madelyn, Velina, Skyla, Max, and Sebastian, to whom he was an unwavering presence, never missing a game or performance.

Ronnie is also survived by his brothers, Casey (Beth) Kalma and Perry Christiansen Jr., and his sisters, Shari Steffensrud and Robin Briganti.

Ronnie’s love for his family, his dedication to service, and his unwavering support for those around him will always be remembered. His sense of humor, his loyalty, and his deep love for the Lord are his legacy. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Instead of gifts, please donate to the ALS Association.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10am at Tulare Church of the Nazarene, with reception following. Rest in peace, Ronniebabe. You will never be forgotten.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Anna was born in Oklahoma on September 9, 1938. She passed away Thursday, February 13, 202,5 in Pixley, California at the age of 86
Visitation will be held Friday, February 28, 202,5 from 9:00 to 10:00 am Pixley First Assembly of God Church, Pixley, California. Following the Visitation a Church Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am.
Final Resting place: Tipton-Pixley Cemetery- Tipton, California.

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Taylor’s mom, Kerry’s wife, a daughter, a sister, and friends to many; Patricia Lynn (Pat) Kelton went to be with our Savior Jesus Christ on 2/14/2025, in Loma Linda, California, after an unexpected illness. Pat has now reunited with Kerry in heaven celebrating together. It has been a long 11+ years for the two of them. Pat was born on December 25, 1962 (Christmas Day), in Exeter, California along with her twin sister Pam to parents Ronald and Doris Eidson. The arrival of Pat & Pam has been a story we have all heard for many years, Mom (Nana) did not know she was having twins…SURPRISE!

After graduating from high school, Pat went on to college and attended College of the Sequoias and later became and faithful Bulldog at Fresno State University and graduated with a Business Administration degree in 1986. After graduating from college, Pat went to work for VMI (Voltage Multipliers, Inc.) and had worked there for 37 years, where she loved her job and the people she worked with, it was her home away from home for sure. 

On April 17, 1993, Pat married the loved of her life Kerry Duane Kelton in Sparks, Nevada with family present to witness this great marriage. The greatest joy of both her and Kerry’s life, arrived on December 30, 2000, Taylor Marie Kelton. This child of God has been the center of Pat’s world here on earth and will continue to be in heaven. With the passing of Kerry in July of 2013, Pat became a single mom and raised her amazing daughter Taylor to become a wonderful, respectful and kind human being.  Pat took pride in making sure Taylor had everything she needed and made sure Taylor received that college education that she and Kerry dreamed about for Taylor (who became another faithful Bulldog…GO DOGS!!)

Pat enjoyed traveling when she could to our Central Coast and Mountains. She was a GREAT cook and took pride in her cooking and was always sharing her food and recipes with others. She also took pride in maintaining a beautiful home for her family. Pat will be remembered as someone who spoke her mind but was always a giver and always appreciated those that supported her and Taylor after Kerry’s passing.

Pat is preceded in death by her husband Kerry Kelton, her parents Ronald and Doris Eidson, brother Jeff Eidson, sister Catherine Grijalva, and both paternal and maternal grandparents, Ervin & Mildred James, and Bill & Marylou Eidson.

Pat is survived by her pride and joy Taylor Marie Kelton (Jackson Phillips), her twin sister Pamela Gruber (Tim), brothers Randy Eidson (Gina), Craig Eidson, father and mother-in-law Ralph & Carole Kelton, brother-in-law Kevin Kelton (Rosie), special friend/cousin by marriage Sheila McDaniel (Patrick); nieces, Jessica Eidson, Jennifer Eidson, Bailey Gruber and nephew Christopher Kelton, along with numerous of other relatives and friends who loved Pat.  

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Loma Linda Medical Center where Pat was receiving treatment, to VMI and staff for their support during this time, and especially to Sheila McDaniel for being there for Pat during these last few months; she was always there advocating for Pat with the doctors and hospitals when Taylor or Pam could not be there. 

Services will be held on March 12, 2025, 10 a.m. at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel 132 West Kern Avenue, Tulare, CA  93274.  Interment to follow at North Tulare Public Cemetery.  

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” –

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Ingrid was born in Guatemala on October 25, 1974. She passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Earlimart, California at the age of 50.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 25, 202,5 from 3:00 to 11:00 pm at the Pentecostal Church of God, Earlimart, California.
A Church Service will be Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 9:00 am Pentecostal Church of God Earlimart, California
Final Resting Place- North Kern Cemetery District, Delano, California.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Antonio Augusto Bettencourt was born on September 22nd, 1934 to José Augusto Bettencourt and Angelina Conceição, in Santo Antão, São Jorge, Azores. Antonio passed away peacefully in his home, holding on to his daughter’s hand. Antonio is preceded in death by his parents and by 9 brothers and sisters; Manuel Bettencourt, João Bettencourt, Jaime Bettencourt, José Bettencourt, Clemente Bettencourt, Amelia Bettencourt, Victoria Bettencourt, Serafina Morais. He is serviced by one sister, Trindade Nascimento. Antonio met the love of his life, Valentina, when she was 14. The family made them wait 7 years before they could get married. They were blessed with one daughter who meant the world to them. They were together for 68 years and were married for 60. Antonio was a very hard-working man. They were both devout Catholics.
He immigrated to the United States in 1976 with his small family and settled in Tulare, California; where he was a milker and a calf feeder, later in life, he was a very proud and skillful gardener. He loved animals and had a few goats, chickens, rabbits, and cats. Mom would always make her delicious goat cheese to share with friends and family. Antonio was a simple man who loved working in his “Faja”, as we all called it. A very special thanks to Dr. Howard and the amazing Hospice team. Antonio came home on Sunday and passed away the following Thursday. Antonio was never blessed with grandchildren by blood but he loved his “chosen” grandchildren as his own; Julia, William and Sophia Van Syoc. One of his favorite things was looking forward to “Sophia day”.
A Rosary Mass Combination Service will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm at St. Rita’s Catholic Church on South O St. Tulare, CA.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Rita Jeanette MacMillan, 90, died peacefully on February 3, 2025, at home with her family at her side. She died of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Jeanette was born February 6, 1934, in Tulare, California to George and Opal Redelsperger. She attended Tulare schools including Central School, Cherry Avenue, and Tulare High School. She excelled in business and secretarial studies, graduating from Tulare High School at the top of her class winning Bank of America’s Achievement Award in Vocational Arts. Jeanette also played drums for the band all four years. It was at Tulare High School where she met Don MacMillan.

Jeanette then attended the College of Sequoias, as did Don. She graduated at the top of her department there as well. They both graduated in June of 1953 and were married.  Jeanette moved to Tipton where Don farmed, and they began their life together.

Years of farming and raising a family alongside her husband followed. She accompanied him daily to irrigate and quickly learned how to help change the water when he was elsewhere on the ranch. Jeanette soon found herself pulling cotton trailers to the gin and hauling daughters to band practice and sports events.  There were Women’s Club meetings, Water Board meetings, Historical Museum events, and PTA. She even had a small column in the Pixley Enterprise.

Jeanette enjoyed playing the piano, and played the organ for the Tipton Methodist Church. She enjoyed the pipe organ, and especially enjoyed the one in the Poplar Methodist church when she would fill in there. She also played piano at Tipton School for the girls’ choir, and later on accompanied vocalists or musical soloists for weddings. She practiced at home daily, and the house was filled with music.

She had a deep and loving respect for nature and instilled this particular awe and wonder in her daughters. Seasons were celebrated alongside planting, cotton picking, and harvests. Foggy winters soon brought tiny green buds to trees; hot summers meant a trip to the valve behind the house. There was always something to be grateful for and something fun to do.

She enjoyed going for Jeep rides with Don to just about anywhere. She rode with him near and far: to the mountains, to the coast, and even to St. Louis once! 

Jeanette lived a full life of love and joy that was shared with everyone around her. 

She is survived by her husband Don, daughters Susan Winmon (Derek), Valerie Holmes (Curt), and Sharon MacMillan, three granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sons David and Mark MacMillan.

The family would like to thank Yvette Lopez, Samantha Gillon, and Emily Garbutt of Amdal In-Home Services for their loving care of Jeanette.  

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, February 18,at 10:00 AM in the Tipton-Pixley Cemetery. 
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Esther was born in Mexico on January 17, 1948. She passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Visalia, California at the age of 77.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel-Tulare, California. A Rosary will begin during the Visitation at 6:00pm.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, February 13, 2025, 10:00am St. Rita’s Catholic Church-
Tulare, California
Final Resting Place: North Tulare Public Cemetery- Tulare, California.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Earl was born in Fresno, California on July 11, 1930. He passed away Friday, January 31, 2025, at his residence in Tulare, California at the age of 94. Earl was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving in the Korean War.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel Tulare, California. A Rosary will begin during Visitation at 6:00pm
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00am at St. Rita’s Catholic Church-Tulare, California.
Final Resting Place: Tulare District Cemetery-Tulare, California.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Maria Magdalena Ludden born on May 29, 1939, in San Benito, Texas, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. She was one of 20 siblings and was among the last three surviving, with two remaining siblings residing in San Benito, Texas.

Maria was married to Darrell Ludden, who preceded her in death in 2001. Together, they built a beautiful family and raised two daughters, Susan Sanders (married to Lester Sanders) and Robin Yeager (married to Steven Yeager). She was a proud grandmother to Brandon Ludden, Reno Sanders, and Matthew Macedo and a beloved great-grandmother to Angelina, Lily, and Joseph.

Maria was born and raised in San Benito, Texas, before relocating to the San Joaquin Valley with her family. She worked as a dedicated field laborer in cotton and grape fields and later became a respected crew boss for many years. Her strong work ethic and leadership touched the lives of many.

Beyond her work, Maria found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing bingo, dancing, and listening to country music. A true matriarch, she had a passion for family and was known for visiting loved ones, bringing food, and ensuring everyone felt cared for. Her homemade tamales during the holiday season were a treasured tradition that will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of enjoying them.

Maria leaves behind an extended family filled with countless nieces and nephews, too many to count, all of whom were blessed by her warmth and generosity. Her love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family will be deeply missed but forever held in the hearts of those who knew her.

Services will be held at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, on Friday, February 14, 2025, with a visitation from 8:30 am to 10:00 am and a Chapel Service will begin at 10:00 am. Where family and friends will gather to honor her memories. Immediately following there will be a burial service at Tipton-Pixley Cemetery District. May she rest in peace, and reunite with her loved ones who went before her.

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.