California Funeral Home Records

Funeral Log Books

This page links to known California Funeral Records whether they be available online or offline. Funeral records are an invaluable source of genealogical information that can provide insight into the lives and deaths of our ancestors. They offer a wealth of details on the deceased and their family, including their names, ages, dates of death, causes of death, and other key information.

Biographical Sketch of E. W. Florence

E. W. Florence is a prominent figure in the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, having begun his career with the organization on February 2, 1901. A Chico native and a graduate of Healds Business College, Florence spent 8.5 years representing the company in Chico before moving to Fresno for two years. He has been based in Redwood City for the past four and a half years, solidifying his reputation within the industry.

Biography of Hon. James B. Reavis

Hon. James B. Reavis, born in 1848 in Missouri and educated in Kentucky, has been a steadfast advocate for public justice throughout his legal career. Noted for his integrity and courage, he successfully represented vulnerable clients against powerful adversaries, such as in a high-profile case against a mob. Reavis served in the territorial council, promoting significant legislation, and has held influential positions, including on the board of regents for the State University. He remains a driving force in Yakima’s development, respected as a lawyer rather than a politician.

Biography of Samuel P. Cox

Samuel P. Cox, born on December 16, 1828, in Kentucky, moved to Missouri as a child. He enlisted for the Mexican War in 1847 and returned to farming after his discharge. Cox entered the mercantile business in 1851 and later pursued cattle driving to California. Active in the Civil War, he rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Missouri State Militia. After the war, he engaged in various business ventures, including hospitality and sales. He and his wife, Mary, had six children and were esteemed members of their community.

Biographical Sketch of Martin V. Smith

Martin V. Smith, born in Maine in 1833, was a quintessential pioneer who journeyed to the Pacific coast in the early 1850s. After initial ventures in gold mining, he transitioned to farming and stock raising across various counties in California. His resilience was evident as he faced hardships, including the loss of livestock during harsh winters. A devoted family man, he married twice and had four children. Smith was active in his community, notably as a Union supporter during the Civil War, and was appointed a census enumerator in 1900, earning respect for his integrity and contributions.

Biography of Andrew B. Anderson

Andrew B. Anderson, born on February 21, 1846, in Louisville, Kentucky, moved to Idaho in 1869. He initially engaged in mining before transitioning to stock raising near Weiser, where he became a prosperous businessman. Anderson is the president of Weiser Bank and has served as chairman of the Washington County board of commissioners. A life-long Democrat, he was elected to the territorial legislature in 1872. He was also a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, earning respect as a community leader.

Biography of Isaac F. Smith

Isaac F. Smith, born on July 28, 1854, in Butte County, California, serves as the clerk of the district court and auditor of Washington County. He was educated in Nevada and California, later contributing to the region’s development through mining, mercantile, and agriculture. After relocating to Weiser in 1880, Smith became actively involved in public service, being re-elected multiple times. Married to Harriet Hunt, he has six children and is active in several fraternal organizations and the Episcopal Church, holding a unique stance as a silver Republican.

Smith, Florence – Obituary

Florence E. Smith, born September 17, 1912, in Gridley, California, passed away on January 7, 2004, at her home in Elgin at the age of 91. A memorial service will be held on January 10 at the United Methodist Church in Elgin. An accomplished student and graduate of Eastern Oregon Normal School, she taught and later worked in jewelry. Active in her church and community, she was known for her gardening, cooking, and kindness. She is survived by two brothers and a sister.

Smith, Henrietta Esther – Obituary

Henrietta Esther Smith, aged 99, passed away on May 6 at her home in Elgin. A service will be held at the Elgin United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Elgin Cemetery. Born on February 25, 1893, in Minnesota, she married Ira Smith in 1911 and dedicated her life to homemaking, gardening, and farming. She is survived by her sons, daughters, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital or the church memorial fund.

Smith, Thomas – Obituary

Thomas Ira Smith, 93, of McMinnville, formerly of Elgin, passed away on July 10. A memorial service is scheduled for August 9 at the United Methodist Church in Elgin. Born on September 22, 1914, Smith graduated from Elgin High School in 1932 and served in the Navy during World War II. He spent many years running a family electrical business and enjoyed outdoor activities, flying, and traveling. He is survived by four children, a sister, a brother, and six grandchildren, and was predeceased by his wife, Orlena Belle Smith.

Alexander, Susan – Obituary

Susan Lorraine Alexander, 57, of Elgin, passed away on October 24, 2009. Born September 3, 1952, in Oregon City, she was raised in California and graduated from Oroville High School. She married Doug Alexander in 1974, and the couple moved from California to Wallowa in 1977 and later to Elgin in 1993. Susan is remembered for her love of cooking and turtle memorabilia. She leaves behind her husband, three children, three grandchildren, and other family members. A graveside service will be held at Wallowa Cemetery.

Bathurst, Hazel E. Magoon – Obituary

Funeral services for Hazel E. Bathurst, 69, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Brusie Funeral Home in Chico, following her death in McKinleyville on November 23, 1972. Born in Oregon on January 16, 1903, she spent her childhood in Chico and operated businesses in the area for many years, later in McKinleyville. She is survived by her husband A. J. Slim Bathurst, a brother, and a sister. Interment will be at Paradise Cemetery.

Ormsby, Morris – Obituary

Rev. J. W. Kennedy is set to deliver a memorial sermon for Morris Ormsby, who tragically drowned in California on June 5, 1888, with his body still missing. The service will take place in Morrice on the morning of July 8.

Bathurst, Effie Imogene Franklin Lee – Obituary

Effie Imogene Bathurst, born July 14, 1878, in Marion County, Oregon, passed away at Taylors Nursing Home after a prolonged illness. A Chico resident for 49 years, she worked at Richardson Springs from 1920 to 1946 and married William J. Bathurst, Sr. in 1926. Effie is survived by her children, stepchildren, 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Her funeral services were held at Brusie Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Wendell Ensor, with interment at Chico Cemetery.

Biography of Marshall F. Price, M. D.

Dr. Marshall F. Price, born in 1834 in Ohio, had a distinguished medical career shaped by his service during the Civil War as an Assistant Surgeon in the Army of the Potomac. After enduring health challenges from battlefield conditions, he resumed civilian practice in Nashville and later in Topeka, Kansas. In 1885, he settled in Colton, California, where he became an influential physician and community leader. Dr. Price held numerous positions, including city health officer and Territorial Prison Surgeon, while participating actively in local medical societies and civic organizations. He married twice and adopted children from his second wife’s previous marriage.

Trindle, Donna Jean Jenkins Mrs. – Obituary

Donna Jean Trindle, 57, of North Powder, Oregon, passed away on June 26, 2003. A memorial service will be held at the Haines United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Sally Wiens. Born on January 26, 1946, in Oroville, California, she earned an associate degree in English and worked for over 20 years at St. Elizabeth Health Services. She is survived by her two sons and four grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to local organizations in her honor.

Ritsch, Lulu M. Steelman Mrs. – Obituary

Lulu M. Ritsch, 85, of Chico, California, passed away on June 3, 2003, at Chico Creek Care and Rehab Center. Born on March 21, 1918, in Vale, she graduated from Baker High School in 1937 and was baptized in 1957. Married to Henry Ritsch for 62 years, they lived in Butte County for 28 years. Lulu was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, sewing, and the outdoors. She is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings.

Ritsch, Henry – Obituary

Henry Ritsch, aged 88, passed away on May 24, 2002, in Chico, California. A native of Potlatch, Idaho, he was born on May 7, 1914. Ritsch married Lulu Davis on February 23, 1940, and dedicated 36 years to Collins Pine Co. He is remembered for his service as a logging supervisor, receiving recognition from the California Legislature. He was preceded in death by several family members and leaves behind his wife Lulu, daughter Mary, and grandchildren. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.