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Obituaries for January 5, 2012 edition

Barry Frederick Ferris
Charlotte Louise Hagen
Keith Ward Joiner
Debra Sue Simmons
Vern Bennom Grimsley

(Updated: Thursday, January 05, 2012, 4:58 PM)

Barry Frederick Ferris

Barry Frederick Ferris died Dec. 25, 2011, at the age of 72.

Mr. Ferris was a resident of Oakhurst for 16 years.

He was born Aug. 8, 1939 in Oakland, CA. to Bill and Lois Ferris.

Mr. Ferris taught American history, social science and woodshop; and coached varsity basketball, football, baseball and golf for more than 30 years in Oakland -- many of those years at Oakland High School.

After retiring and moving to Oakhurst in 1995, Mr. Ferris managed the Wawona Golf Course, worked as a sports reporter for the Sierra Star and wrote a sports editorial titled "View From the Grand Stand."

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dancing, and the natural beauty of the Sierra and Yosemite.

Mr. Ferris is survived by Pam his wife of 50 years; sons Ryan and wife Carol, Scott and wife Kerry, Mitch and wife Laurie; daughter Rebecca; grandchildren Joseph, Sydney, Isabel and Rory; sister Lynnea Bell; brother William Ferris Jr.

A burial and gathering will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at Oak Hill Chapel in Oakhurst. An additional memorial service will be held at a later date in Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Optimal Hospice Care -- 6780 N. West Ave. Suite 101, Fresno, CA. 93711.

Charlotte Louise Hagen

Charlotte Louise Hagen died Dec. 22, 2011, at the age of 95.

Mrs. Hagen was a resident of Oakhurst for 34 years.

She was born Oct. 26, 1916 in De Smet, S.D.

Mrs. Hagen enjoyed spending time with her family every day.

She was a member of Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church in Oakhurst.

Mrs. Hagen worked as a teacher.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Hagen; son John Hagen; and brother Merle Coulson.

Mrs. Hagen is survived by son James Hagen of Coarsegold and wife Linda; granddaughters Kristen Hagen and Elizabeth Vila of Los Angeles; sister-in-law Frances Hagen of Oakhurst; nephews David, Robert and Eric Hagen, and Butch Rhodes.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends.

A burial will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Alta Mesa Cemetery in Palo Alto.

Remembrances may be made in Charolette's name to Alzheimer's Foundation of America -- 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001.

Keith Ward Joiner

Keith Ward Joiner died Dec. 28, 2011, at the age of 86.

Mr. Joiner was a resident of Coarsegold for 21 years.

He was born July 31, 1925 in Big Springs, Texas to George and Mary Joiner.

Mr. Joiner served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947 in the 11th Airborne Division stationed in the Philippine Islands.

He worked as a cotton rancher with wife Janet "Faye" in the Alpaugh area for 31 years, also ranched in the Wasco area from 1952 to 1959.

After retiring in 1985, the couple moved to Coarsegold in 1990.

He was a member of the Tulare County Sheriff's Posse for more than 10 years.

Mr. Joiner is survived by his wife of 64 years, "Faye" of Coarsegold; children Stan Joiner of Alpaugh and wife Marcie, Peggy Martin of Coarsegold, Kenneth Joiner and wife Toni of Wasco and Oildale; brother Odell Joiner of Bakersfield and wife Lynn; sister Pauline Vedenoff of Olympia, Wash.; grandchildren Steven Martin, Jr., Kellie Black, Ryan Joiner, Nikki Manning and husband Brandon, and Nicholas Joiner; great-grandchildren Katelynn Joiner, Alyssa Rocha, Sarah Black, Emma Black and Camron Martin and many extended family members.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 at People's Funeral Chapel -- 501 N. Douty Street in Hanford -- followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. also at People's Funeral Chapel. A burial will follow at Hanford Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made at peoplesfuneralchapel.com.

Debra Sue Simmons

Debra Sue Simmons died Dec. 28, 2011, at the age of 55.

Mrs. Simmons was a resident of Oakhurst for 18 years.

She was born Sept. 4, 1956 in Delano.

Mrs. Simmons enjoyed dirt biking, her miniature horses and her dogs. She was a member of the Red Hatters, Tops, and performed at the Golden Chain Theatre.

Mrs. Simmons is survived by her husband Dave Simmons; son Darin Simmons; niece Amy Dauro; and Amy's daughter Charlotte Dauro.

No public service will be held.

Vern Bennom Grimsley

Vern Bennom Grimsley died Jan. 1, 2011, at the age of 71.

Mr. Grimsley was a resident of Oakhurst for 25 years.

He was born Dec. 22, 1940 in Garden City, Kan.

Mr. Grimsley enjoyed playing the guitar and performed at many Oakhurst events.

He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1963 and was involved with the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Mr. Grimsley served as chairman for the Eastern Madera County Emergency Preparedness Committee, and was nominated as Oakhurst's Volunteer of the Year.

He is survived by wife Nancy S. Grimsley of Oakhurst; sister Mona Grimsley of Topeka, Kan.; niece Monica Hubert Miller of Oakhurst; and children Veronica, Cameron and Vanessa.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at Palm Memorial Sierra Chapel in Oakhurst. A burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst.