Obituaries

Jose Barrios Cruz, 88

Jose Barrios Cruz died in Chico on Monday, April 18, 2022. He was born in Huejuquilla, Mexico, on Jan. 5, 1934.

He spent most of his life farming in his native Mexico and also worked as a migrant worker in Washington state in the 1970s and 1980s. He loved horses, his guns and living a quiet life.

He spent the last years of his life enjoying NASCAR races and El Chavo del Ocho on TV with his daughter and grandkids in Willows.

He is survived by his daughters, Nelida (Barrios) Chavez, and her husband, Felix Chavez, Consuelo and Elvia Barrios, and Rosa Valdez; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters Paula, Gloria, Ignacia, and Juana Barrios; brothers David and Martin Barrios; numerous nieces and nephews in the United States and Mexico, including Ernesto Barrios who was like a son to him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cruzita Reyes, who died on March 16, 2008.

A Rosary is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, followed by a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m.

Russell Melvin Calvert, 77

Lifelong Glenn County resident Russell Melvin Calvert died on Sunday, April 24, 2022, after a brief illness. He was born in Chico to Delbert Quinter and Alice Fern Calvert on Feb. 5, 1945.

He was raised in Codora, attending Codora Grammar School and Princeton High School before moving to Willows in the middle of his freshman year and subsequently graduating from Willows High School in 1963. He attended Yuba College, earned an AA, and continued to Chico State, graduating with a BA in Business.

He began working on the family farm but was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Vietnam and Germany for three years. Upon return, he worked on the family farm until retirement. 

He was a self-taught musician who enjoyed playing the keyboard and piano. He was a golfer and avid sports follower of golf, track and field, basketball, football and baseball.

He is survived by his sister, Mardell Bacon-Niemeyer; sister-in-law Eleanor Calvert; nieces Joyce England (Rich), Carlene Mann (Joel), and Lori Calvert; nephew Lester Calvert (Francine Ferriera) and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Carl Calvert; and nephew Rex Bacon.

A graveside service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 2, at the Willows Cemetery, followed by dessert and coffee at the local Elks Lodge.

Daniel Ramirez, 25

Daniel Ramirez of Williams died on Saturday, April 9, 2022, near Codora (Four Corners). He was born on April 5, 1997.

A hard worker, he graduated with two associate degrees before earning his certificate in welding. Watching movies, playing golf, and going fishing were among the many activities he enjoyed.

He brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. He was devoted to his family and friends. He was a beloved son, a cherished brother, devoted uncle, and a friend to all.

He loved spending quality time with the people he cherished. He was never without his big smile, a reflection of the big heart he held.

He is survived by his parents, Hermilo and Julieta Ramirez; sisters Christina and Julieta; and nieces Andrea and Emilia. He is missed dearly by his family, friends, and girlfriend.

A funeral service was set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at the Church of Annunciation Catholic Church in Williams, with Father Victor officiating. His loved ones find comfort in 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all you do be done in love.”