16 April 2025

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William P. Phillips  1939-2025 ….

William P. Phillips 1939-2025 ….


William P. Phillips 1939-2025 William P. Phillips, “Bill” or “Phill,” devoted husband, father, loyal friend, skilled gardener and neighborhood advocate, passed away on Monday, Jan. 6, at 2:05 p.m. at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. Suffering from a smorgasbord of ailments, a full cardiac arrest is what finally got him in the end. William served his country by joining the Navy as petty officer then transitioning as an engineer with Hughes Aircraft Company. William is survived by his wife, Hastie, and his middle daughter, Janet. A celebration of life will be held in Clubhouse 3, Room 1, in Leisure World on Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m., RSVP at 714-722-4149 by April 27. Drinks and refreshments will be provided. All are welcome and stories and rumors are encouraged to share.
02 April 2025

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Patricia “Trish” Russell  1934-2025 ….

Patricia “Trish” Russell 1934-2025 ….


Patricia “Trish” Russell 1934-2025 Patricia “Trish” Russell, a Leisure World resident for over 30 years, passed away on Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025, just three days after her 91st birthday. Services will be held at Holy Family Church (13900 Church Place, Seal Beach) on Thursday, April 10. Viewing and Rosary will be at 9:15 a.m., followed by Mass at 10. Burial will be at All Souls Cemetary (4400 Cherry Ave., Long Beach) at 11:30 a.m. with a reception immediately following.
26 March 2025

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12 March 2025

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Edna Lenore 
	 Radmall Barnhurst ….

Edna Lenore Radmall Barnhurst ….


Edna Lenore Radmall Barnhurst 1929-2025 It is with deep sadness, but also a sense of celebration for a life well-lived, that the family announces the passing of Edna Lenore Radmall Barnhurst, who peacefully left on Feb. 20, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on Nov. 11, 1929, in American Fork, Utah, Lenore’s early years were spent living with her family on an Indian reservation, a time that shaped the kindness and resilience she carried throughout her life. Lenore was welcomed into the arms of her beloved husband, Victor, and her son Darrell, along with her dear sister, Alice and other loved ones who preceded her in death. She leaves behind two of her three children, Judy and Gene; four grandchildren, Sarah, Deva, Aaron, and Bradley; and five great-grandchildren, Sakkara, Lincoln, Nicolai, Carlee and Copelan, along with countless friends who cherished her presence. A lifelong lover of square dancing, Lenore and Victor traveled extensively, visiting 49 states together, creating memories across the country. After Victor’s passing, Lenore continued her passion for square dancing, attending dances three to four times a week until she suffered a stroke in 2019. In addition to dancing, Lenore was an avid traveler. She explored every state in the U.S., as well as the Caribbean, China, Peru, Mexico, Italy, and even ventured through the Panama Canal—always embracing the beauty and adventure of life. Lenore was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, contributing many years of service at the Los Angeles Temple, where she shared her faith and devotion with all who knew her. Her joy for life, unwavering love for her family, and the many friendships she cultivated will forever be remembered.

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•••  In Memoriam  ….

••• In Memoriam ….


••• In Memoriam Andree’ G. Grantham Andree’ G. Grantham of Seal Beach passed away on Feb. 20, 2025 after being hospitalized and suffering a short bout with cancer. She was 87. During her illness, she was comforted by her daughter, Barbara Quinlan. She was a great lady and a friend who was loved by many—in Leisure World and Seal Beach in general. She was a member of the El-Dorado Dance Group of Long Beach and attended practically of all the Leisure World dances and other functions. Andree’ was always helpful with everyone and everything, wherever needed. She will be surely missed, as she is already. The family says, “God bless you, our dear Andree’.”

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•••  Hendrik “Hank” Barto ….

••• Hendrik “Hank” Barto ….


••• Hendrik “Hank” Barto 1935-2025 Hendrik Jan Barto was born on March 22, 1935, in Dordrecht, Holland, to William Barto and Johanna Hein. He had an older sister named Dina. Hank was in Europe during World War II, playing tango, rumba, and polka on the accordion at dance clubs. He listened to the American Forces Network on the radio, which inspired him to become a jazz pianist. His influences were Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, and George Shearing. He formed a band that played at a jazz club in Rotterdam. In 1955, Hank came to America on a boat and docked in New York. With $40, he took a bus to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he shaped his jazz skills by playing at Lauree Club. In 1956, Hank went to California, where his new life began. While playing piano at the Big Top in Long Beach, California, he met Shirley Gene Lee, and after dating for a while, they were married in 1959. There was his soulmate, and that love grew for 65 years. Shirley already had two girls, Jackie and Trudy. Later, Terry and Todd arrived in the family when they lived in Westminster, California. Then Huntington Beach, where they resided while raising their four children through their high school years. In 1969, Hank played at the Disneyland Hotel, Jolly Roger Piano Bar, and other local Southern California clubs. He was a part of a duo with a girl singer doing top 40 hits and old standards. With Shirley, he owned an entertainment magazine called “On the Go.” Hank became interested in real estate as an investor and later as a broker. Music was always his passion, and he began a longstanding booking at Old Ranch Country Club. After his son Todd passed away in 1989, Hank and Shirley moved to Leisure World. Hank became involved in the community as a musician and sold real estate. He eventually created Leisure Living Resales, which specialized in selling properties for 55+ residents. He was devoted to his wife Shirley “till death do us part” when his true love passed away on July 31, 2024. Within six months, he would leave to be with her once again. On Jan. 16, 2025, Hank died of a broken heart. Please join the memorial— Celebration of Life at Clubhouse 4 on what would have been Hank’s 90th birthday on March 22, 2025, from 1-4 pm.
05 March 2025

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William Roy Spurrier 
	  ….

William Roy Spurrier ….


William Roy Spurrier 1924-2025 William “Bill” Roy Spurrier was born on Sept. 30, 1924 in Burbank, California. He grew up on his family’s chicken ranch in Chatsworth, California, with his parents Leta and Fred Spurrier and sister Betty Barksdale. They later moved to Long Beach, California. After graduating from Poly High School, Bill was drafted into WWII as a radio operator/ gunner on B-26 Marauders. Bill met his future wife, June Meckley, at Long Beach Community College. They were married in 1950 and raised three daughters, Cheryl, Gail and Karla. Bill was a firefighter with the Long Beach Fire Department for 29 years, retiring as deputy Chief. He was a co-founder of the Long Beach Search and Rescue and volunteered as an advisor for 35 years. Bill and June retired to Los Osos, California. Their retirement included golfing, traveling and time with family and friends. In 2005, Bill and June moved to Leisure World. June passed away in 2006. In 2008, Bill married Janet Bennett, a longtime family friend. They enjoyed traveling, WWII reunions and family dinners. In 2024, Bill celebrated his 100th birthday with his family. On Jan. 25, 2025, Bill passed away. Janet passed peacefully 12 days later. Bill is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Tom) Bailey, Gail (Mark) Curtis and Karla (Brian) Gibbons, two grandchildren Charley (Brooke) Curtis and Sarah (Matt) Harris, and three great-grandchildren Emily and Hazel Curtis and Adrian Harris. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William Spurrier to the Long Beach Search and Rescue and Long Beach Firefighters Museum. A Memorial will be held to celebrate Bill’s life at Leisure World, Clubhouse 4, March 21, at 2 p.m.

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In Memoriam 
	 Edith Sprauge-Sessa ….

In Memoriam Edith Sprauge-Sessa ….


In Memoriam Edith Sprauge-Sessa Edith Sprague-Sessa passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2025, at age 97 after a long battle with cancer. She resided in Mutual 10 for the past 11 years. Always wanting to volunteer and meet new friends, she became a building captain, joined The Woman’s Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and worshiped at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her friends knew her as Dee. She especially loved her best friend, Juanita Thompson. Per her wishes, she was cremated and will be put to rest in the family plot in Long Island.