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Sylvia Romo Zaitz (Feb. 9, 1946 – Feb. 7, 2026) passed away peacefully just two days befre her 80th birthday. Born in Texas, she moved to California as a teenager and spent most of her life in San Diego’s North County.
Sylvia was an accomplished dancer in her youth and later worked for many years as a secretary with Vista Unified School District. In the early 2000s, she became a novice with the Poor Clares and spent time living in Ireland at the order’s motherhouse. After returning to California, she continued her service working at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Vista.
She is survived by her daughter Cyndy and son Jason; grandchildren Haley, Harper, Emily, Cyprus, and Shannon; and great-grandson Dante.
A memorial service will be held April 17 at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rancho Coastal Humane Society in her memory.
Celebration of Life: Alan E. “Spike” Harvey (1940–2026)
Alan E. “Spike” Harvey passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 3, 2026, leaving a legacy of service, community, and family. Spike was born on July 7, 1940, to Eugene and Orbee Harvey, and grew up in Vista, California. After graduating from Vista High School, he earned his AA from Palomar College and attended San Jose State University. He served two years as Company Clerk for the U.S. Army on Oahu, Hawaii.
In 1982, Spike founded Harvey Interiors in San Diego, operating the business for 20 years. He served as board member and president of the Vista Historical Society and volunteered at the local American Legion and the San Diego National Football Foundation. He was active at North Coast Church in Vista.
He is survived by his devoted wife Beth, son Russell Harvey (Linda), and daughters Sherri Winans (Jeff), Beckie Kloos (Dan), and Tresa Gliponeo. He was a proud grandfather to nine and great-grandfather to three. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Fields, nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Imoto.
Spike’s life was a testament to his values: hard work, dedication to community and hometown, and love of God and family above all else. He will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched in Vista and beyond.
A memorial service to celebrate Spike’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, April 24th, at North Coast Church, located at 2405 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92084. In his memory, donations may be made to ministries at North Coast Church, Got Your Back San Diego, or the Vista Historical Society.
Service Information Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM -Allen Brothers Mortuary – 1315 S. Santa Fe Drive, Vista. A celebration of life will follow at our home
Marilyn Sue Cook, born in Joplin, MO on September 26, 1945 peacefully entered heaven on March 11, 2026. She resided most of her life in Vista, CA shadowridge community and a final few years in Gulf Breeze FL. Marilyn, a graduate with honors from Point Loma High School, she also finished and upheld until 2017, Certified Emergency Nursing Degree which she acquired at Palomar College in San Marcos CA.
Marilyn, also known as Suzy, is survived by her three children, eldest daughter Teresa (Gianvito) Loparco, her only son Gregory (Holly) Cook and youngest daughter Natalie Cook, seven grandchildren Brian, Matthew, Gianluca, Giselle, Cambrie, Jonah, Kylan, and 3 great grandchildren Jacob, Jayleen, Jayden (deceased).
A loving mother and dedicated ER Nurse, Marilyn is remembered as a strong woman, a beautiful young lady who beat all the odds, surviving a near fatal car accident collision at the young age of 32. With lifelong injuries, Marilyn was unable to return to vigorous hospital work, but was able and dedicated 15 years to the T.I.P. Trauma Intervention Program in San Diego Country, giving care and support to families in emergency situations. She also volunteered as a S.A.R.T. nurse for several years. A true American Patriot, she donated to Wounded Warriors, volunteered at church, The Fourth of July was her favorite holiday and among all those that know her, she really was a “firecracker” shining bright as ever, lighting up the room and conversations with a caring smile, generous heart and plenty to say! Raised in a loving Christian home she is preceded by her loving parents Barbara & Milon Sr and stepfather Walter Whittier. Marilyn was a member of North Coast Church in Oceanside and also attended many years at North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad. Mom loved all people, animals especially her cats, baseball, football, country music, the olympics, classical ballet, and most importantly relied on our Lord Jesus Christ and our Holy father God. Guided by the Spirit, Now, She is flying on wings of the dove in heaven watching over her favorite country, The United States of America!
Celebration of Life for Marilyn Sue Cook, will be held this Friday March 27, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Greenwood Memorial Park (4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113 ) graveside service.
Ronald Stanton Newman (Retired) SGT MAJOR/USMC (March 22, 1944-February 10, 2026), departed this earth after a valiant fight with a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Marie Rose Newman (nee Cuscito) for whom he was deeply devoted and having spent 58 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children, Anthony Newman (Stepheny) of Vista, CA; Daniel Ochoa of Sacramento; Terese Newman-McKay (Stephen) of Connecticut, Michael Newman (Elese) of Washington, and Michelle Kidwell (Ron) of Kansas. He also survived by his siblings: Mayrene Herinckx, Marletta Schreiber, Bobbi Reynolds, and Bryce Caldwell (Lynn).
Ronald was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was most pleased to connect with his Northwest and other relatives through Facebook.
His greatest gift was also one of biggest joys in life, and that was raising a family alongside his wife. There was no shortage enjoying family fun – acquiring a variety of pets, fishing in streams, rivers and the ocean, mini-bike riding, camping trips, grunion hunting, bicycling, long drives to various US destinations, boating, building furniture, creating stained glass works, taking his three sons on secret “don’t-tell-mama-adventures,” watching shows about Alaska and gold mining, and later in life, his amazing wood intarsias that he enjoyed bestowing upon his loved ones and friends.
Known as “Ronnie” as a very young boy, he started his own bait sales shop in Washington, where he first acquired his love of fishing. Later, as a young man, he joined the Marine Corps and spent two tours in Vietnam, stints in Okinawa, Lebanon, and other exotic locations where he went from a Private to his final assignment as a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps.
He was a 30-year veteran who wore his stripes proudly yet quietly. He spent dozens of more years supporting his wife (and others) in his career in security. His last job for several years was as a security guard at the San Diego Credit Union in Vista, California where he made friends and regaled employees with his stories.
Ron was the pillar of strength to his family and friends, a man to be admired in all aspects, a military leader, and one of the most reliable human beings that ever existed. (At least in our eyes.) He was very much deeply loved and appreciated. His wonderful dry sense of humor and strong opinions about how the country “should be run” if only…were entertaining along with his rye smile. His generosity, love, and commitment to his family will be remembered as his true badge of honor. Mostly, he was a devoted husband who cared for his wife more than anything else.
Ron was born in March 1944 in Kelso, Washington to Genevieve Curtis (later Caldwell, deceased), and Stanton Ozrow Newman (deceased), and lived in Vista, California with Marie for many years.
Funeral Arrangements by Magallon Funeral Home, Vista, California.
Ronald Stanton Newman will be laid to rest with military honors at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122 on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 2:30p.m.
June 12, 1947 – August 9, 2025
The family of Gilbert Rojas is deeply saddened to announce his passing. Gilbert, a beloved brother, father, grandfather, and friend, was 78 years old. He was born in Oceanside, California, and proudly called Vista his home for all of his 78 years.
Gilbert is survived by his sister, Virginia Tapia, and brother-in-law, Epi Tapia; his brother, Martin Rojas Jr., and sister-in-law, Ann Rojas; his children, Beau Rojas, Kimberly Rojas, Cory Rojas, and Sharla (“ChaCha”) Rojas; and his grandchildren, Zoey Burlington and Joel Rojas. He is also survived by his faithful cat, Babe, who never left his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mary Rojas.
A proud graduate of Vista High School, Class of 1966, Gilbert enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, where he played on the Army Baseball Team and traveled throughout Europe doing what he loved most—playing baseball.
Following his military service, Gilbert pursued many careers with dedication and skill. He worked as a carpenter at Lusardi Construction Company, following in his father’s footsteps; became a licensed cosmetologist; owned and operated the Vista Fish Market; and later enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with Costco, retiring from the Vista location.
Gilbert’s greatest passion was fishing, a love passed down from his father. He spent countless hours on his father’s boat out of Oceanside and San Diego Harbors and cherished his time on chartered boats along the coast. He was also a talented artist, gifted in sketching and other creative pursuits. In addition, he enjoyed gardening, traveling with the Vista Culture Caravan, and attending concerts and plays at the Moonlight Amphitheatre.
Above all, Gilbert will be remembered for his love of family, his humor, and his generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Military funeral services with honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Jane Lynne Trammell passed away on August 13, 2025, finding peace by walking into the arms of our Lord. Most of her friends, family, and acquaintances lovely called her Janie, her chosen name of endearment. Janie lived her life with zest, reaching the age of 84. She spent her time playing cards with friends, working at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and being an active member of her community. She supported women’s education through a personal and family legacy involvement with P.EO. International – Where Women Motivate Women. She enjoyed
travelling the world, new experiences, and snuggling with her beloved dog Louie.
Janie was preceded in death by her parents Lincoln & Josephine, as well as her sister Joanne. She is survived by her children and their spouses Michael & Annette and Jennifer & Richard; as well as her 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, first and second cousins.
In loving memory, the family will be hosting an open house candle lighting ceremony for close friends and family to their say goodbyes. This will be taking place at the family home on Sunday, August 17th from 2-4 pm PST.
“Lord, our hearts ache with the loss of Janie. Wrap Your loving arms around our family. Give us courage to face each day and peace in our memories. Amen.”
Jane Ann (Lohrey) Latimer lived from August 10,1926 to Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, just a couple months shy of her 99th birthday. Born in the east, she moved west to finish college at USC in the mid-40s where she met her lifelong friends known as “the gang”. She married James H. Latimer in 1953, and they moved to Vista where she spent the rest of her life. Jane loved children and taught in Vista Unified School District from the 50s into the 90s. She had a general credential, so she taught all ages, in all levels, and many subjects. Jane taught at Lincoln Jr. High for many years. A lifelong learner, she continued to take math classes and loved teaching math. After her retirement, she continued to volunteer in a special ed class at Monte Vista well into her 80s.
Jane was devoted to her children and grandchildren. Every time her east coast family moved she was there to help pack or unpack, into her 80’s. For many years she picked up her Vista grandsons from school several days a week and sometimes from three different schools, bringing them back to her house for afternoon snacks. She travelled yearly to her east coast grandchildren, spending several weeks a year around Christmas, cooking up a storm. She
rented a place at Balboa Island every other year where all the family gathered, a tradition going back to the 1960’s. We have fond memories of her mock sword-fighting and playing Guitar Hero with her grandchildren.
Jane loved dogs and had a steady stream over the years, including a brother-sister pair named Suzie and Jax. Her favorite was Kodak, the last dog she had who died in 2020. She kept in touch with her extended family and her many close friends. She was active at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry and the Preschool Board in her 80s, and was a member of Vista Teachers Association, PEO, AAUW, The Vista Historical Society.
She was predeceased by her husband, James H. Latimer, who died in August of 1993. She is survived by her children, The Rev. Susan J. Latimer and Jack R. Latimer, both of Vista, and her grandchildren, Franklin L. Roberts, Cecelia L. Roberts, Kevin Latimer, Darin Latimer, and Stevin Latimer.
Her funeral service is August 9, 2 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Vista. In lieu of flowers, donations can go to All Saints’ Humanity Showers Ministry for the homeless, 651 Eucalyptus Ave, Vista, CA 92084.