Obituaries Sept. 30, 2008

Maribelle Esther

Leflang

Maribelle Esther Leflang died following a brief illness at the end of her almost 20-year battle with cancer. Surrounded by family at home, she succumbed on Sept. 16, 2008 in Altadena, Calif.

Born in Detroit, Mich., on June 27, 1926, she was the daughter of Charles III. and Zedonna Horr, formerly of Wellington. She had two sisters, Sally (Sarah) and Zedonna, and one brother, Charles IV.

Mrs. Leflang was a graduate of Michigan State University, having also attended Northwestern University for most of her education. Employed at Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory during the 1950s and 1960s, she was most proud to have been part of the Explorer I era. She married William (Bill) Leflang in September, 1968, in Pasadena, Calif. They have one son, David Charles.

She was very active in volunteer and docent activities in the Pasadena area. She was a member of the Assistance League of Pasadena. She was a longtime docent at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society. Most recently, she was very involved with Caltech Associates and was a member of the board of directors and also a docent for the Caltech Architectural Tours.

She was an avid collector of antiques and loved genealogy and family history. She heartily enjoyed her daughter-in-law's extensive family, happily attending many Orr family gatherings. She is survived by her husband, Bill, son David and his wife, Diane (Orr), granddaughter Olivia Larraine, step-daughter Cathy Robson, grandson Will Harps, her sister Sally (Jack) Ambrose and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding her in death were her parents, sister Zedonna and brother Charles IV.

A private burial will take place in the Horr family plot in Wellington. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caltech Athenaeum Architectural Preservation Fund, Attention: Marisu Jimenez, 551 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena, Calif., 91106.

Charles Ernest

King

Charles Ernest King, 78, died Aug. 16, 2008 at his home in Brea, Calif.

He was born Nov. 3, 1930 in Frametown, W.V., to Charles Everett and Myrtle King.

Mr. King spent his young years in the Rochester area, graduating from Brighton High School in 1948. He enjoyed returning to Ohio for the Brighton High Alumni reunions. He married Carol Hodges in 1965 and together raised their daughter Cynthia.

Mr. King, Ernest, as he was known to his family and friends, traveled the world during his 28-year career in the United States Marine Corps. After his retirement, he became a Certified Flight Instructor with many appreciative students in California, Florida and Alaska. He settled in California in 1995 to be close to his daughter, Cynthia.

Mr. King will be remembered for his generosity, his tenacity, and his strong will to survive his illness, colon cancer, for as long as he could, while not wanting to burden others in the process.

He was a man of few words, but enjoyed an active social life that included bowling in three separate leagues at Westminister Lanes, golfing, politics, boxing and horse racing. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter and loving caregivers, Cynthia and Larry Frick of Brea, Calif., sisters Merle Blair of Oberlin, Velma Young of Wellington, Kathy Babitt of Berea, Dora Miller of Rochester, and Lois Riggs of Greenville, S.C. He is also survived by brothers Edgar King of New London, Errol King of Willard, Elvin King of Cedarville, and Edwin King of Westerville and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. King is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Myrtle King, brothers Erman King in 1971 and Elton, an infant brother in 1935.

Funeral services were held in the Coastal Community Fellowship Church in Fountain Valley, Calif., on Aug. 29, 2008.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 at the Lorain County Metro Parks on Jones Road in Wellington. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 10:30 a.m. with a lunch following the service.