Recent Obituaries in Long Beach

April 3, 2026

William Berret Kessler Jr., known to family and friends as Bill, lived a long, thoughtful, and consequential life defined by intellectual discipline, professional excellence, service to his country, and an abiding love for his family. He passed away leaving behind a legacy that spans generations and reflects a life lived with purpose, integrity, and devotion.

Bill was born on January 12,...

March 28, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Samuel Dietenbeck, known as “Uncle John” to many, he was a beloved stepfather, uncle, great-uncle, step-grandfather and friend, who departed this world peacefully at home on March 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on February 17, 1939, in Zanesville, OH. John was the son...

March 27, 2026

Services are pending

March 26, 2026

Larry “Ben” Benjamin Carr, 61, of Yorba Linda, California, passed away peacefully at Kaiser Anaheim Hospital on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from congestive heart failure and renal failure. Ben was born on April 24, 1964, in Tulare, California, to Larry Dean and Patricia Ann (Waller) Carr. Ben’s father was serving in the Army in Korea when Ben was born, and...

2026

SERVICES ARE PENDING

March 24, 2026

Mary Ellen Koller Neton, 67, passed away peacefully at her home in Long Beach, CA on Saturday, March 22.

Mary Ellen (known by many as M.E.) was born on October 14, 1958 in Milwaukee, WI to John (Jack) Koller and Eileen (Varilla) Koller. She graduated from Brookfield East High School and received her Bachelor’s from Marquette University.

After Marquette, M.E. made her...

March 19, 2026

Jason Craig Smith, born on December 3, 1979, in Harbor City, California, passed away on March 19, 2026, in Lakewood, California. After a courageous and relentless battle with aggressive cancer, Jason is now free from pain and suffering, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and resilience.

Jason's journey was marked by a fierce determination and an unwavering spirit. Those who...

March 18, 2026

Jeanne L. Neumann, age 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Long Beach, California.

A longtime resident of Long Beach, Jeanne lived a life defined by love, dedication, and quiet strength. She devoted many years of service to Long Beach City College, where her hard work and commitment touched the lives of those around her.Above all else, Jeanne...

March 17, 2026

Peggy Turner was born on February 22, 1949 in Upland, California. She is survived by her daughters Sandee Sapinoso and Loree Turner, her grandsons, Simon Sapinoso and wife Olivia, and Seth Sapinoso, her favorite son-in-law, Edmon Sapinoso and her sister Patricia Coble, as well as, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In the fall of 1971, while working at Kmart, her friend and...

March 14, 2026

Barbara C. Benefiel, a beloved wife, mother, aunt, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026. Born on June 21, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, Barbara lived a life marked by kindness, humility, and a dedication to those she loved and cared for.

For over three decades, Barbara devoted herself to her career at Douglas Aircraft Company, where she worked...

March 13, 2026

March 12, 2026

John L. Sullivan, age 87, of Los Alamitos, CA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on March 12, 2026. Born on March 5, 1939 in Mount Vernon, New York, “Jack”, as he was known to his family, was the son of John and Mildred Sullivan, and younger brother to his sister Carol.

John’s father served in the US...

March 10, 2026

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The world lost a quiet hero, a devoted family member, and a steadfast friend. Thomas Albert Plante, age 81, of Lakewood, California, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of courage, kindness and love that will never fade.

A proud member of the United States Marine Corps, Tom served from 1963 through 1967. He served with...

March 10, 2026

Martha Frances Tinkle Burkey, 99 years young, of Lakewood, California, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. Martha held many titles throughout her life, but was most recently known as "GiGi" for her final role of Great Grandmother.

Martha was born May 07, 1926 in Greenwood, Indiana to Guy Edwin Tinkle and Rebecca Ellen Christian Tinkle. Martha was sixth in the...

March 9, 2026

Robert “Bob” Gillette was a man devoted to his faith, his family, his friends, and his life’s work. He lived each day with purpose and intent and was a ray of light to all around him. 

Bob was born April 2, 1928 in Los Angeles, CA to Robert and Josephine Gillette, who originally hailed from Senora, Mexico. He was the eldest...

March 7, 2026

Alexander (Al) Rodriguez Sr., 95, passed peacefully in his sleep on March 7, 2026. He was a simpleman with a simple life story. Al was born on Christmas Eve in 1930 with his twin Salvador, toimmigrant parents. His mother, Josefina, passed away during their birth, leaving Alexander to beraised by his father, Rejino, along with his other siblings, Edward, Alvaro,...

March 6, 2026

Elsie Josephine Pruitt, affectionately known as "GG," passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, in Lakewood, California. Born on June 29, 1928, in Maywood, California, Elsie lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and devoted service to her family and community.

Elsie graduated from Lynwood High School and went on to dedicate 25 years of her career as a Clerk...

February 24, 2026

Carole Joy Mestas Vallez was born on May 31, 1936, in Los Sauces, Colorado, a small farm town in the beautiful San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado. She was raised there and remained until she ventured away for a year of college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Her time away from farm life sparked a desire for greater...

February 23, 2026

Franklin D. “Dee” Hatridge passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born on January 25, 1933, in Oklahoma to Clem and Carmen Hatridge. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Duane.

Dee later moved with his family to Vista, California, where he graduated from high school and formed friendships that...

February 16, 2026

"Patrick Joseph Dunne entered into paradise on February 16, 2026 after a 6 month long health battle. He was born October 6, 1963 in Orange, California to Mary “Lou” Ellis and Donald “Don” Dunne. He was the third son of four boys. He grew up in Huntington Beach before his parents divorce, after which he split his time between living...