Peers-Lorentzen

In Loving Memory of Betty Jewel Harper • December 16, 1929 – August 24, 2026

Betty Jewel Harper passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, with her granddaughter by her side. Born to William and Millie Horn in Arkansas on December 16, 1929, Betty lived a life rich in faith, family, and hard work. In 1942, Betty and her sisters traveled from Russellville, Arkansas to Fresno, California, working in the local fields and orchards while living in old barns. That same year, she married the love of her life, James Vernon Harper. Together, they became successful business owners, operating Tulare County Concrete and Septic Tank Inc. for over 40 years. Following James’s passing in 1992, Betty resiliently continued to run the family business. She also loved tending to her garden alongside James, nurturing both her plants and her family.

Betty was a woman of deep and unshakeable Christian faith. Rather than attending just one church, she loved them all and often visited many different congregations. Everywhere she went, she was well-known and warmly welcomed. She was famous for singing worship songs all day and night, and she cherished every opportunity to pray with and for people. Her undeniable love for her family shone through the quiet times they shared together; she loved sitting out on the back porch snapping green peas with her grandchildren, playing tennis with friends and grandkids at local parks, and going to the lake where she taught her grandchildren how to water ski. She also had a deep passion for adventure, traveling to many different countries, states, and towns throughout her vibrant life. Remarkably, Betty held her pilot’s license and loved flying her family to destinations for go-kart races. Over the years, she grew her passion for aviation—initially flying her 1976 Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, she later upgraded to a Cessna 400 four-seater plane bearing the tail number N3062F (3062 Foxtrot) and eventually went on to purchase a six-seater aircraft.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Vernon Harper; her parents, William and Millie Horn; her daughter, Glenda Allen; her two sons, Gary Harper Sr. and James Harper III; her siblings, Nellie Hoagland, Violet Pruitt, Hubert Horn, Vera Michaelis, Murel Horn, Leland Horn, and James Horn; her grandson, Michael Parr; and her great-granddaughter, Aryale Quinonez.

Betty’s legacy of love survives through her sister, Patricia Gray; her granddaughters, Tina Sunderland (Jim) and Chrissie Harper; her grandsons, Gary Harper Jr. (Jodie) and Danny Allen; her great-grandchildren, Vanidee Quinonez, Ashley Mullins, Branden Harper, and Gary “Boogie” Harper III; and seven cherished great-great-grandchildren.

Services

• Public Viewing: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Home, 132 W. Kern Ave, Tulare, California.

• Graveside Funeral Services: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the South Tulare Cemetery, 900 E. Kern Ave, Tulare, California.

Services are under the care and direction of Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Home.

In Loving Memory of Raymond Hernandez Avila

The world became a little less bright on August 7, 2026, our Raymond Sr., a gentle soul, kind-hearted, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 89. Raymond was born  April 7, 1937 to Joe and Aurora Avila in Tulare.  He was the eldest child with two sisters and one brother, raised in the Tulare community he loved.  Raymond was a proud and hardworking man who loved being a truck driver for Nielsen Freight Lines, Kern Valley Trucking and retired with DiSalvo Trucking at the age of 62. He worked hard to provide for his family and took great pride in his work and participated in truck rodeos that he enjoyed. After retirement, Raymond worked part-time driving trucks for FoodLink of Tulare County which he was so proud  knowing he was helping the ones in need.

Nothing was more important to Raymond than his family celebrations, family holiday gatherings and the memorable family camping vacations to Morro Bay.  He loved being outdoors, surrounded by the people he loved, with good food and a cold beer. Raymond always believed that food tasted like more, and somehow, food and beer tasted even better while camping. Those vacation trips created countless memories filled with laughter, stories, and family time. Raymond was also a great bowler and truly enjoyed his time with the Tulare Twiliters Bowling League. Aside from camping and bowling, Raymond enjoyed his trips with Lydia to Laughlin, Nevada.  These trips gave them the opportunity to get away together, relax, have fun going to see one of his favorite musicians, Freddy Fender in concert and enjoy each other’s company. Memories that will forever be cherished. Even though Raymond loved going to Laughlin, he faithfully played the California Lottery on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the same six numbers in hopes of winning BIG some day.

Raymond had a gift for making friends wherever he went. He never needed much time to strike up a conversation, share a laugh, or make someone feel like an old friend. Blessed with a personality and sense of humor touched many people throughout his life.

Raymond passed away leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, hard work and this unforgettable moment with the family, when he would fall asleep in his reclining chair watching television and when someone changed the channel while he was sleeping, he would wake up, look at the television, and say,”Hey, I was watching that!” It was a classic Raymond moment that will forever live on in the hearts of his family.

Although our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing that Raymond and Lydia are together again.  Their love continues beyond this life, and the memories they created together will live on through their family for generations to come.

He is survived by his children Raymond Avila Jr.(Martha), Diana Ocampo, Art Avila(Lisa), Alfred Avila(Kathy), Joe Avila, Robert Avila, and Rosemary Holland(Mike) all of Tulare. He also leaves his brother John Avila(Jane) and Laura Ortega(Domingo) of Tulare. His treasured 14 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, Malakai gave him such great joy. He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, daughter, Elizabeth, son Freddy, sister Isabel Regalado and grandsons Zachary Avila and Angel Berumen.

The family is holding a private graveside service and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Maria Eduarda Co, age 65, of Tulare, CA. She passed away at Adventist Health Hospital in Tulare on August 7, 2026 after a courageous 7 month battle with cancer. 

Maria was born on June 14, 1961 in Faial, Azores, Portugal. She came to the United States at the age of 5. She spent her childhood growing up in Lawrence, Massachusetts and often reminisced about the great memories she made there. Her family moved to Tulare permanently in 1990. Shortly after, she began a 36 year career as an Electronics Technician at Voltage Multipliers, Inc. in Visalia. Our Maria had a love for music, especially disco. She was a happy, strong, supportive, lovable, funny, and caring woman. She loved her family more than anything and always took care of everyone. She was absolutely beautiful inside and out and will forever be cherished and missed. 

She is survived by her husband Ernesto Co, her daughter Sabrina Catanho and her partner Alex Ramirez, her stepchildren, including Chato Macias and her family, many step-grandchildren, her sister Sandra Diniz, her sister and brother-in-law Carla and Joe Mateus, her nephew John Pacheco, his wife Vanessa and their children Ivry and John, her nephew Mark Pacheco and his fiancé Crystal, and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Victor and Maria Luisa Diniz and her sister Maria Luisa Diniz. 

Please join us for her services as follows: 

Visitation and Rosary
Wednesday, August 19th 4-7pm
Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Home
132 W Kern Ave, Tulare
Mass
Thursday, August 20th 10:00 am
St. Rita’s Catholic Church
954 S “O” St, Tulare 

Burial will follow at North Tulare Public Cemetery 
4572 “J” St, Tulare

Johannes “John” Prins of Pixley, California, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 3, 2026.

     Born July 7, 1951 to Adam and Margaretha (den Boef) Prins in Oud Gastel, Netherlands, John grew up on his family’s farm with his sister and his 2 brothers.  He married Anneke Blom on January 30, 1975.  John and Anne welcomed their two sons, Jurgen and Arie into the world in October of 1975 and November of 1976.  They worked on the family farm in Oud Gastel until September of 1979, when they took a leap of faith and moved with their young boys to Nova Scotia, Canada.  In Canada, they farmed and John did service and repair work in the winter months.  

     Anybody who knew John knew that he hated the cold as much as he loved to “take the bull by the horns”; so it’s not surprising that after one vacation to Southern California in 1986, he decided that that was the place to be!  In 1988, he and Anne sold their farm, packed their belongings and boys into a converted school bus and drove to Chino, California, where John did repair work for dairies in the area.  In Corona in 1989, J & A Enterprises was born and the rest is, as they say, history!  John made a reputation for himself as an excellent and reliable mechanic and taught his sons to be the same.  With John and the boys in the shop and Anne in the office, J & A thrived and grew! John loved his customers and many great memories were made at the annual J & A Customer Appreciation BBQ!

     In January of 1999, John saw an opportunity to expand J & A Enterprises and they began manufacturing their own feed boxes and wagons in Garden City, Kansas.  With Jurgen at the helm in Kansas and Arie holding down the fort in Corona, John could do what he loved most- getting out there and selling feed mixers!  Now, instead of the BBQ in Corona, customers would gather at the J & A booth at the Tulare farm show for a cold beer and a good look at that bright green J & A equipment!  John was always ready with stories and jokes and t-shirts, bags, cups, and pens…all in J & A green!  In 2003, J & A Manufacturing moved from Kansas to its current location in Pixley, Ca.  

     John was dedicated to his business and his customers for the rest of his days.  The only thing he loved more than his work was his family.  In recent years, you could never find a bigger smile on Opa’s face than when he was surrounded by his grandkids- and the louder they were playing, the better! He was so proud of them and all of their many accomplishments!  He loved his boys and was so proud of them, as well.  We are sure he is truly rejoicing at being reunited with Jurgen!

     John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and hard work.  He will be so greatly missed. 

     John is survived by his wife, Anne, of Texas, his son Arie (Erin) of Texas, and 9 grandchildren; Abbigail (Christian) of Minnesota, Arie of Arkansas, Willem of California, and Sara, Anna, Tommy, Alice, Heidi, and Claire of Texas.  Also by his sister Ank (Klaas) and brothers Ari and Wim of the Netherlands, as well as his beloved nieces and nephews in the Netherlands.

     He is preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Margaretha, and his son, Jurgen.  

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14 from 4:00 to 7:00pm in the chapel at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services at 132 West Kern Ave. Tulare, Ca.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 am at the North Tulare Public Cemetery at 4572 J Street Tulare, Ca.

A meal will follow the services at the International Agri-Center at 4500 South Laspina St. Tulare, CA.  All are welcome!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BreakthroughT1D.org, a type 1 diabetes research foundation.

Patricia Joyce Hailey Brown was born to Ezell Hailey and Thelma O’Keith Hailey on December 7, 1949, in Tulare California. She entered eternal life on June 16, 2026. 

Patricia had a successful academic career starting at Lincoln Elementary promoting to Cherry Avenue Junior High School. She then attended Tulare Union High School. After graduating, she attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California. Patricia continued college and graduated with Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University, Fresno. 

Patricia married her high school sweetheart Dwayne Joe Brown. To this union, Kimberly La Shon Brown and Kya La Staciree Brown were born. The family lived in Tulare, Visalia, Frenso and Oakland. While living in Oakland, Patrcia and family welcomed her only grandchild, Maxwell Atticus Brown. 

The majority of Patricia’s career involved accounting. 

Patricia’s hobbies included cooking. She loved to test her cooking knowledge with learning different types of cuisine such as French and Chinese. She excelled at baking cakes and pies and always contributed to family gatherings with desserts. 

Patricia continued the family hobby of sewing and crocheting. Patrica was an avid quilter and would attend county fairs to study the work of other quilters. She could analyze a quilt in minutes, stating the type of square and pattern. 

Patricia returned to her childhood home of Tulare where she lived for the rest of her days. 

Patricia had a long history of advocacy and continued that activity with the Tulare County Alliance of African American Women.  

In addition to being survived by her daughters and grandson, she leaves behind three sisters: Ms. Sandra Stone (Sacramento, CA), Ms. Brenda Early (Goodyear, AZ) and Ms. Jaceita (Keda) Harris (McDonough, GA). She was proceeded in death by Mr. Ezell Hailey and Mrs. Thelma O’Keith Hailey and her brother Mr. Henry Eugene (Gene) Hailey.  Other surviving family members are Mrs. Eleanor O’Keith Smith, aunt, of Tulare, CA; Mr. Lawrence O’Keith, uncle, of Compton CA, Mr. Gary Cooper, cousin, of San Antonio, TX; Ms. Carloyn O’Keith, cousin, of Sacramento, CA; and Sheila O’Keith, cousin (Visalia) as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Patricia’s celebration of life will be held 11:00 am,  Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Claude Meitzenheirmer Community Center at 830 Blackstone St, Tulare CA 93724. 

Patricia will be laid to rest at a later time at the Tulare East Kern Cemetery with her mother and brother. 

Celebrating the life of Charlena Sue (Shelton) Idell, a beloved wife,
mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Born on
June 26, 1941 in Houston, Texas. Charlena was the cherished daughter of
Wilton and Dorothy Shelton. Her journey through life was marked by her
unwavering love for her family and her deep faith in God, which guided her
and everything that she did. Charlena went peacefully to be with her Lord
and Saviour on July 29th, 2026.
Charlena married the love of her life Charles Don (Chock) Idell April 5,
1958. Together they shared 40 wonderful years raising two children, Sharla
(Idell) McCaskill and Shane Idell (Kristi) Charlena’s nurturing spirit
extended beyond her immediate family enveloping her grandchildren with
endless love and devotion. Known as Nenie to them. Grandchildren; Stephanie
Kirkland (Steven), Brittany Dunkin (David), Tiffany Mori, Stevi McCaskill,
Blake McCaskill (Pricilla), Taylor Tressar (Dallas) and Adrianna Gonzalez,
Great- Grandchildren; Kash, Sadie, Pablo, Melissadi, Weston, Paisley,
Maverick, Kimberly, Brodie, Brogan, Sawyer, Adriana, Addalynn, and Amberlyn.
As a child, Charlena grew up in Mountain Park Oklahoma. She was the oldest
of 11 children, surviving siblings include Larry Shelton and Ann of
Porterville, California, James Shelton of Lawton, Oklahoma, Shirlena Ayers
and Pat of Snyder, Oklahoma, Perry Shelton and Brenda of Altus, Oklahoma,
Anita Shelton of Mountain Park, Oklahoma, Janice Crume and Dennis of Snyder,
Oklahoma and Angela Shelton of Mountain Park Oklahoma, and many nieces and
nephews
Charlena’s professional life begin as a mental health technician at
Porterville State Hospital, where compassion and understanding made a
significant impact on the lives she touched. However, her most cherish role
was as a homemaker, dedicating herself to her family. She also played an
integral role as secretary and co-owner of the Moorehead and Idell land
leveling company. Her true fulfillment came from nurturing her children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren, making each feel uniquely special
and loved.
A devoted member of the New Life Harvest Church in Tulare. Charlena’s life
was a testament to her faith her love for Jesus was evident in her daily
actions and interactions characterized by her caring and nurturing spirit.
Her kindness and warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Charlena was proceeded in life’s journey by her beloved husband Chock, her
parents, Wilton and Dorothy Shelton and her siblings Brenda, Joe Mack, and
Leslie. Her legacy of love and faith continues to thrive through her
surviving family members who carry forward her values and spirit.
A service to honor Charlena’s life and legacy will be held at New Life
Harvest Church 1518 W Inyo Ave Tulare, at 10:00 am on August 10th, 2026.
Family and friends are invited to come together and celebrate her remarkable
life filled with love and devotion. Burial will be at the Woodville cemetery
and a reception at Tipton Memorial (all are invited). In lieu of flowers the
family request donations be made to New Life Harvest Church in Tulare.
Charlena Idell’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and
family. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched
inspiring future generations with her unwavering devotion and compassionate
spirit.  “UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN”

August 13, 1937 – July 22, 2026. Today we gather to celebrate the life of Pasco Curtis Bentley, who passed away at his home on July 22, 2026, at the age of 88.

Pasco was born on August 13, 1937, to Stella and Benjamin Bentley. Is preceded in death, his mother and father, Stella and Benjamin and his wife Patricia Ann Bentley. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. He is survived by his sons, Curt Bentley and Randy Bentley, and his daughter, Pam Cooke. He also leaves behind his granddaughters, Renee Bentley and Sarah Bentley, along with six great-granddaughters.

Pasco enjoyed woodworking and loved traveling. Some of his happiest moments were spent making memories with his family, especially taking his great-granddaughters to Knott’s Berry Farm. Those moments of laughter and togetherness are memories his family will always cherish. Although we mourn his passing, we are grateful for the love, guidance, and kindness he shared throughout his life. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Viewing will take place on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 9 am to 10 am at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service, followed by a graveside service at 10:30 am at Tulare Public Cemetery on Kern. Reception is to immediately follow.

Juanita was born on August 15, 1939, in California.  She passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Tulare, California at the age of 86. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:00am  Tipton-Pixley Cemetery-Tipton, California

Archie O. Hawkins promoted to Glory on June 30, 2026. Archie was born to Blanchie and Archie Hawkins on September 30, 1939 in Arkansas City, Arkansas. Archie grew up in the countryside near the banks of the Mississippi River. In school he excelled in sports, especially basketball, and developed many lifelong friendships. At an early age Archie was called to Christian ministry. He was ordained as a minister to fulfill his life’s mission in service to God’s people. Archie graduated from Wayland Baptist University (College) in Plainview, Texas. While a student, he worked several jobs to support himself and simultaneously began his service in churches. Archie pastored in Texas, New Mexico, and ultimately in California, where he expanded his service to others as a funeral director for many years.

Archie is predeceased by his parents and siblings, sister Viola Borrow, brothers Frank (Betsy) Hawkins, Ben Hawkins, Guy (Mary Ruth) Hawkins, and Pete Hawkins. 

Archie is survived by his wife Christine Lawry-Hawkins, daughters Kennette (Rick) Tuttrup, Kyla (Mike) Fox, grandchildren Kellen (Abigail) Rogers, Ryan (Robin) Rogers, Curtis (Danica) Rogers, Tannisse Tuttrup, and Aubrey (John) Gaytan, great grandchildren Paul and Mark Rogers, Emma Rogers, and Peter Gaytan, sister Mary (Charles) Barnard, sisters-in-law Patricia Hawkins, Elaine Gilden, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Services will be at Peers-Lorentzen Chapel, 132 W. Kern Ave, Tulare, California, on Friday, July 17, 2026. Visitation will be at 9:00 am with services beginning at 10:00 am, followed by interment at Tulare District Cemetery, 900 E. Kern Ave. Tulare, California.

Mary W. Fagundes, born September 23, 1952, in Porterville, California, to Antonio Menezes and Querobina Menezes, passed away on July 3, 2026.

Mary grew up in Artesia, California, before later making her home in Tulare, where she started and raised her family. She worked at Tulare Western High School for 39 years, where she became a familiar face and part of the community for generations of students and staff. Above all, Mary was extremely dedicated to her children, and her love for them was at the center of her life.

Mary was kind, loving, and always ready for a good conversation. True to her Libra spirit, she was social, charming, and had a way of making people feel seen and heard. She never met a stranger, adopted everyone as her own, and could strike up a conversation with anyone who would listen — and even a few who maybe didn’t have a choice. She loved flowers, coffee, reading the newspaper, and if it wasn’t the newspaper, it was listening to the news. Mary was also an adventure seeker who loved to pick up and go, especially for a good drive.

In the later years of her life, Mary faced many physical challenges with incredible strength. After suffering a stroke, she lost movement on her right side and her ability to speak. She also endured the loss of both legs. Though her body changed, the love, spirit, and presence that made Mary who she was never left her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now whole again — walking freely, speaking joyfully, and at peace.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Querobina Menezes; her father, Antonio Menezes; her step-mother, Maria Menezes; and her beloved daughter, Savannah Fagundes.

Mary is survived by her children, Charmaine Fagundes, Toby Fagundes, and Roxanne Santos; and her grandchildren, Tyler Fagundes, Jewels Fagundes, Tobias Fagundes, Austyn Santos, and Sutton Santos.

Mary will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the joy of knowing her. Her family takes comfort in imagining her in heaven, reunited with loved ones, surrounded by flowers, drinking coffee, catching up on the news, talking again, walking freely, and probably enjoying a cigarette again.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Services. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Burial will follow the Mass at North Tulare Public Cemetery.