Martinez Death Notices: Drug Education Pioneer, Green Thumb, Vietnam Vet

Barbara Case, a native of Martinez, died on Ja. 9 at the age of 85. A graduate of San Jose State University, she married Bob Case in 1948. They celebrated their 64th anniversary before Bob died in 2012. Barbara developed a school nurse program for Catholic schools in the 1950s. She also developed a drug education program for elementary students in the 1960s. She is survived by her four children and her eight grandchildren. There will be visitation on Thursday, Jan. 16  3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Connolly & Taylor Chapel. A rosary will follow from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Martinez.

Steven (Papa) Ferguson, a resident of Martinez, died on Dec. 20 at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife Shirley, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Thomas Edward Hall, a lifelong resident of Martinez, died on Jan. 2 at the age of 64. A graduate of Alhambra High School and Vietnam veteran, Edward is survived by his three sons and two granddaughters.

Elizabeth “Betty” Hewitson, a resident of Martinez, died on Dec. 27 at the age of 81. She graduated from Alhambra High School in 1950. She is survived by her daughter and four grandchildren.

Lorene Richardson, a resident of Martinez, died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 96. A native of Oklahoma, Lorene learned how to till fields with a horse-drawn plow. She and her husband moved to California with their children in 1956. Her husband, Chester Richardson, died before her, as did a son, a daughter and a grandson. She is survived by five children, 19 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 19 great great grandchildren.

Daniel S. Rochin, a resident of Martinez for 47 years, died on Jan. 8 at the age of 83. A pioneer in the gardening and landscaping business in Contra Costa County, Daniel was known for his ability to graft fruit trees. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, their nine children, 23 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Johanna Helena Weltz, a resident of Martinez, died on New Year’s Day at the age of 73. Born in the Netherlands, Helen emigrated to the United States in 1950 and graduated from Alhambra High School. She worked at Martinez Community Hospital.