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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2025 | 69 Richard Taylor, aka Richie, was born on the same day as Elvis, January 8, 1935, a point of pride he shared with others. Richie and his wife, Jan, moved to Sun Lakes in 1997. For 28 years, they were blessed with wonderful friends and a wealth of activities from happy hours to game nights to sports. Their lifestyle was more akin to an active university fraternity than a retirement community. Richie loved playing golf and bocce ball. His warmth and big-hearted spirit were especially prevalent on stage at the Sun Lakes Follies. As a talented multi-media artist, he delighted folks on the Fourth of July with his memorable floats, for example, his 10-foot tall dog with the caption, "Support our troops. They're doggone good." Richie always had a smile to give, a joke to tell, and a hand to help whoever needed it. His good nature and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Richie passed on March 4, 2025, after celebrating his 90th birthday. Louise Rose Valdez (née Basile), passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025. Louise grew up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, the fourth of six children in a large Italian-American family and close-knit community. Her Italian heritage remained central to her identity and has been preserved through photos, antiques, and treasured family recipes. The family relocated to sunny Ontario, California, in the 1960s following the tragic early passing of her father. Louise quickly found her footing, working at Bank of America and soon after meeting her future husband, George Valdez. After marrying, Louise and George fell in love with the city of Chico, California, eventually settling there to raise their family of two boys and many pets. A dedicated mother and homemaker, Louise created a warm, welcoming household for friends and neighbors. She worked tirelessly managing family affairs while also finding time to garden, cook, and work outside the home — most notably at Lifetouch. She was also active in the PTA and local community. Later in life, Louise relocated back to Southern California to be closer to family and played an active role in her granddaughter's life. Socializing and travel brought her joy; she easily formed friendships wherever she went, including many dear neighbors in the Sun Lakes community. In 2023, Louise and her family embarked on the trip of a lifetime to Bracigliano, Italy — her father's birthplace — where she reconnected with distant relatives and immersed herself in her ancestral heritage. Louise is survived by her sons, Matthew and Gregory; daughter-in-law, Flora; and her beloved granddaughter, Simona. She is also survived by her siblings, Carmella and Albert, and was preceded in death by siblings Frank, Annie, and Jimmy, as well as her former husband, George. Per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered in Bidwell Park in Chico, a place she loved deeply. Flowers can be sent to 1973 Riviera Ave, Banning CA, 92220.