Obituaries for Friday May 5, 2008 edition

(Updated: Friday, May 02, 2008, 2:44 PM)

Arlene Helen Spinker

Arlene Helen Spinker, 83, died April 28, 2008. She was born in Zearing, Iowa on Feb. 9, 1925 and spent most of her life in Dundee, Ill. She moved to Oakhurst to be with her daughter, Susan Johnson. Mrs. Spinker was a factory worker and homemaker.

She is survived by her daughter; sons Tom Spinker of Valdosta, Ga. and Kenneth Spinker of Dundee, Ill. and grandchildren Melanie and Bret Johnson of Oakhurst.

Janie (Pryor) Severns

Janie (Pryor) Severns was born in Phoenix on June 6, 1930 and died in Clovis on April 27, 2008. She graduated from San Jose State College in 1952. She taught elementary school for 25 years in Dos Palos and Coarsegold. She retired from Rivergold Elementary School.

Her life was dedicated to her three children and seven grandchildren. She will be remembered for her love of education, books and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Sammy Bolt.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Severns Bolt of Mariposa, her son Dave Severns and his wife Julie of Fresno, and her son Rob Severns and his wife Barbi of Los Banos; grandchildren Darcey, Jordan, Hailey, Hannah, Zach, and Nate; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Ralph Wilson of Los Banos and their children Mary Jane, Monty, Julie, and Janie and their spouses and children.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3 at New Harvest Church in Clovis. She has requested that family and friends plant a few daffodils in their gardens. Donations may be made to Friends of Oakhurst Library for the children's section or to the American Lung Association.