In Memorial
Blackford High School
Deceased Class Members

The following are classmates that have passed away since our graduation. If you would like to contribute
some thoughts or have updates for the list, please email to webmaster@blackfordhs.org. Please include
the class year so the proper record can be updated.



Cynthia Aspesi
March, 2008
Cynthia Aspesi

Graduated class of 1972, born 06/20/54 in San Jose California. Cyndi was homecoming queen and loved by all. She died of ovarian cancer in San Jose CA Survived by brother Ron Aspesi and mother Geri

- Emily Hinds


Marjie Chauvaux
October 29, 2021
Marjie Chauvaux was born on February 8, 1954 in San Jose, CA to her parents Arthur and Alyce Chauvaux. She identified as a “Flower Child” growing up near the San Francisco scene of love, peace, and freedom. She graduated from Blackford High School, Class of 1972. She was a lover of the theatre arts and music and enjoyed sewing costumes. She was also into computers and electronics. She worked as an Electronic Technician for Cubix Corporation and as a Slot Machine Technician for various casinos in Lake Tahoe and Carson City. She believed in equal rights, justice, animal rights, environmental conservation, metaphysics, and spirituality. She was active in politics, human rights, saving endangered species, and protecting the planet. She had several hobbies like collecting music, books, movies, Jerry bears, and Star Trek paraphernalia. She was involved in a Trekkie group and loved the Medieval times. She is preceded by her 3 children whom she raised solo: Fawnia Chauvaux, Lara Hansen, and Brian Rhynes and her grandchildren: Mya Chauvaux, Harmony Rhynes, Dorian Hansen, and Harper Rhynes. And her sister Janet Dulier. She was a compassionate being who would stop at nothing to ensure the well-being of her children. She would also welcome the friends of her children a place to stay and food to eat when they were struggling at home. She was an avid animal lover and frequently adopted other people’s pets when they could no longer care for them. She will always be remembered for her loving kindness and for never giving up on the people she loved. She passed away on October 29, 2021.

Fawnia Chauvaux



Mel Collins
Melvin Smith
April 23, 2003


Tony Gibilisco
November 4, 1998

Modern Language Club
Student Body Representative


Mike Gippetti
September 8, 2012

Varsity Football


Melissa Greer
February 17, 2021

Student Body Secretary
Junior Class Treasurer
School Mascot
A.G.A. Commission
Speech & Debate
Ski Club
Student Body Representative



Steve Grilley
December 27, 2006
JACK SCHROEDER

09/06/2008 10:09 PM


Hello: I just wanted to let you know that Steve Grilley passed away in Texas from cancer. I do not have the exact date, it was approx. two years ago. He was living in Midland Texas I believe at the time.


Kathi Harris
1998
Shelli Brennan

10/12/2010 11:38 AM


Class of 72, Kathi Harris. Survived by her mother and father, a daughter and two sisters. I don't know of the exact date, but it was  
about 12 years ago.


Brett Jackson
October 10, 1993


Andrew C Keil
June 1, 2012

Block "B"
Key Club
Honor Society,
Frosh/Soph/Varsity Swimming
Frosh/Soph Diving
Biology Club
Frosh/Soph/Varsity Football


Photo
Not
Available

Greg Melick
September 21, 2012




Carole Jean Navarro
Carole Jean Nelms
August16, 2006

Glee Club





Carole Jean Nelms

Born June 4, 1954. She succumbed to cancer and passed in her home surrounded by the love of her family on August 16, 2006 at the age of 52.

Loving wife of Brad, mother of Sheila, Molly, Leah, Scott and Sophie. Beloved daughter of Angel and Helen Navarro. She was preceded in death by loving mother Frances Navarro. Dear sister to Debbie, Bob and Danny. Loving daugher-in-law to Preston and Jean, and sister- in-law to Steve and Randy. Adoring aunt to many. Devoted friend to Carol, the Alderets, Judy, and many others too numerous to list here. Special thanks to Kaiser Hospice for all their help and care.

Carole was happiest sitting on the beach for hours and spending time with friends and family.

Services were held on Sunday August 26, 2006 at Lima Family Santa Clara.

Carole will be greatly missed and will live on forever in our hearts.



Lisa Otterlei Kottas
October 24, 2021

Choir
Glee Club


John Edward Pianto
April 27, 2020


Sharmaine May Quint Terrill
April 27, 2011

Head Flag Girl
Literary Affairs Commission
Band
School Plays
Choir



John Redfield
March, 2005

Art Honorary
Literary Affairs Commission
Drama Commission
Photo Commission
Photo Club



Jerry Seckman
December 7, 2012

Cheryl Dawn Slason Hardin
December 21, 2011



Cheryl Dawn Hardin lost her very courageous battle with cancer on December 21, 2011 at the age of 57. Although Cheryl had cancer she was doing well and unfortunately passed away unexpectedly to related complications. It was a blessing, however, that she passed away at her home with her life companion of 18 years and her only child by her side. Cheryl was born in Ridgecrest, CA on February 13, 1954 to Armand and Mary Slason. She grew up in Bullhead City, AZ where she attended elementary and middle school. She then moved to San Jose where she graduated from Blackford High School in 1972. Cheryl continued her education and received a Degree in Dental Assisting from Bryman Dental School in 1974. She worked in a number of dental offices through the years filling positions ranging from dental assistant to office manager. Cheryl married James Edward Hardin III on May 30, 1982 in Phoenix AZ. They became the proud parents of her only child/daughter Jolene Grace Hardin. Cheryl and her daughter relocated to California where she continued her dental career and eventually met her life companion, whom she referred to as her husband, Fredrick Ralph Mesker in 1994. Cheryl leaves behind her companion/husband Fredrick Mesker of Lincoln, CA, her only child/daughter Jolene Hardin of Grass Valley, CA, and her two grandchildren Chase Logan Johnson Jr, and Jossalin Grace Ross whom she loved and adored deeply. Cheryl is also survived by her Father Armand (Myrna) Slason, her Mother Mary Lee, brothers, Armand (Lois) Slason, Brandon Slason, and Jerry (Vicky) Slason, her uncle Donny (Leslie) Sands, her half sister Gina Flores, and a number of uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Cheryl was a wholly devoted mother and a faithful and loving companion and wife, a trusted and cherished confidant to her friends, a wise and joyful and always giving lady to the world in which she lived. We will miss her beaming smile, her unique and calming voice. We will miss her words of hope and encouragement in times of trial, and her outpouring of joy in times of triumph. We will carry her memory with us always, for it makes us better people. God bless her soul. A memorial in honor of Cheryl will occur on Saturday January 7, 2012 at Granite Springs Church 1170 E. Joiner Pkwy, Lincoln, Ca. 95648) at 2:30pm.
Please confirm with Jolene Hardin (916) 532-1053. Flowers or donations in memory of Cheryl may be forwarded to Granite Springs Church.

Published in Gold Country Media Newspapers on Jan. 1, 201



Joan Souza Wiseman
February 7, 2022

We are sad to share our sister Joan Wiseman (Souza) passed away on Feb. 7th. She was in the class of 1972 and spent the last 40 years living in Salt Lake City Utah with her husband Dave.

Joan is survived by her sister Merlene Souza-Crew (class of 1964) Santa Cruz, CA. Marcie Souza-Rice (class of 1976) Scott’s Valley CA, and brother John Souza (class of 1968) Bend, Oregon. She will be sorely missed by friends and family.

Merlene Souza Crew and John Souza



Ken Valdez

Dara Van Burgel Nolan
August 18, 2009

Lettergirl
Flower Girl
Pep Club
A.G.A.
Lance Staff
Honor Society