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Carol Ann Hancock, 80, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Southern California. Carol was born on November 3, 1944, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the only child of Norman Haley and Mavis Rhodes. She grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1962. Carol graduated on a Thursday and began working the following Monday at Continental Oil Company (CONOCO). Over the years, she worked in multiple departments, eventually becoming the Secretary to the Vice President of Marketing before moving to Tulsa in 1969. In 1970, Carol married Dave Hancock, becoming a loving stepmother to Dave’s four children—Lisa, Rick, Rusty, and Miki. In December 1971, Carol and Dave welcomed their son, Greg. In 1974, as Dave’s company expanded, his job relocated to Northern California, where Carol, Dave, and Greg moved. Many of Dave’s co-workers became lifelong friends of the couple. A talented cook, Carol perfected her own recipe for Shotgun Willie Chili (named in honor of their friend Willie Nelson) and began competing in chili cookoffs hosted by the International Chili Society (ICS). When Carol entered a competition, other cooks knew they were in for a battle! A fierce competitor and true master of her craft, she won the World Championship Chili Cookoff in 1985. ICS founder Carroll Shelby quickly recognized that Carol’s talents extended far beyond the kitchen—she was a beloved figure in the chili world and a true friend to “Chili Heads” everywhere. In 2001, Shelby personally asked Carol to lead the International Chili Society. Under her leadership, the ICS flourished, and she eventually became the owner of the organization. To many, she was simply known as the Chili Queen. For Carol, chili was not just a hobby—it was a legacy. In 1994, Carol and Dave moved to Hermosa Beach, where they embraced the coastal lifestyle. They cherished evening walks along “The Strand” and spent countless nights on their balcony, watching the sun set over the ocean. In 1999, when their longtime friend Mike Cooper founded Xpress Data, Inc., he convinced Dave to join him. This led Carol and Dave to move to Coto de Caza, CA. What started as a move for work became something far greater—their home became a hub of friendship, laughter, and celebration, with neighbors who became like family. For over 20 years, Carol’s dedication helped shape the ICS and the World Championship Chili Cookoff, ultimately helping raise nearly $100 million for various charities. When she retired, she made the difficult decision to sell the ICS, which was later acquired in 2020 by the founder of the World Food Championships. Carol’s passion, leadership, and warmth will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in every simmering pot of chili and in the countless friendships she helped forge. Carol and Dave did everything together. As devoted Willie Nelson fans, their interactions with the band blossomed into friendships that spanned more than 40 years. They were privileged to travel with Willie Nelson and Family on tour, creating unforgettable memories around the country. In 2020, Carol and Dave celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Later that year, Dave passed away, leaving Carol heartbroken. But she was uplifted by the love and support of the hundreds of friends whose lives she had touched. In November 2024, Carol celebrated Thanksgiving and her 80th birthday with a Denim & Diamonds theme—fitting for a woman who embodied both grit and glamour. Family and friends gathered to share stories, laughter, and, of course, a BBQ feast. Carol may have been just 5’2”, but her presence was larger than life. She never met a stranger, and when she walked into a room, you knew it. She treated everyone with kindness and respect and had an unmatched ability to make people feel valued. She loved her family and friends fiercely. We were lucky to have her in our lives, and her impact will live on in our hearts, our memories, and our actions. A celebration of life will be held in the coming months, where friends and family will gather to honor Carol’s extraordinary life. Honor her memory by embracing life with the same zest she did. Raise a glass of gin & tonic (with two limes!), play a Willie Nelson song, and share a story of the good times you had with her. Carol’s spirit will live on in the laughter and love she brought to those around her. Carol is survived by her daughter Lisa and her husband, Rodney; her son Rick and his wife, Kim; her son Rusty and his wife, Beth; her daughter Miki and her husband, Scott; her son Greg and his wife, Holly; her brother-in-law Warren; nine grandchildren—Kaleb (and wife Darenda), Zachary (and wife Candice), Colt (and wife Lauren), Aubrie (and husband David), Brooks (and wife Anna), Austin (and wife Madison), Mackenzie, Parker, and Brady—and six great-grandchildren—Brooklyn, Brody, Cason, Cori, Cami, and Hollis. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Braille Institute in Carol’s name by clicking the “Dedicate this Donation” link towards the bottom of the donor page. This organization helps those experiencing vision loss and Dave was given access to a free audio book library that he thoroughly enjoyed as it became more difficult for him to read: https://www.brailleinstitute.org/donate

Born on May 19, 1961, in Port Arthur, Texas, to the late Lieutenant Colonel William R. Collins and the late Carrie L. Dudley Collins. From the beginning, Greg brought light and joy to everyone he met. On May 27, 1981, Greg answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. During his service, he worked diligently to support his unit and embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment. His time in the Navy was a testament to his dedication and love for his country. Greg was honorably discharged on May 26, 1985, marking the end of his formal military service, but his pride in being a veteran remained with him throughout his life. On October 20, 2006, Greg married Diana Bennett Buggs. Although they later separated in April 2016, Greg cherished Diana’s daughter and grandson as his own and held fond memories of their time together. Gregory was a man who radiated joy. He loved God, his family, and the simple pleasures of life. A diehard Lakers fan, Greg’s passion for basketball was as strong as his love for the beach and the occasional indulgence in a good beer. Anyone who met Greg couldn’t help but be captivated by his humor, his kindness, and his infectious smile. In 2015, Greg’s life changed dramatically after a devastating car accident that triggered early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the challenges that followed, Greg maintained his faith and positivity. When he found himself in a VA homeless shelter in 2016, the only name and number he could remember was that of his cousin, Ruby Felton. This began a nearly 10-year journey together, during which Ruby’s unwavering love and dedication became a lifeline for Greg. With the help of the VA and dedicated social workers, Greg was able to live independently for several years until the pandemic in 2020 necessitated his move to a nursing home for his safety and well-being. Even then, Ruby continued to support Greg, staying in frequent contact with him and the nursing home staff, attending treatment team meetings, FaceTiming every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and visiting him regularly from Alabama to California. She made sure Greg felt loved, cared for, and remembered by sending him lunch every other Friday via DoorDash and celebrating special occasions with him, no matter the distance. Over the last year of his life, Greg’s condition declined significantly, as is common for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. In its final stages, the disease often robs individuals of their ability to communicate, recognize loved ones, and perform basic functions. Despite these challenges, Greg’s spirit of gratitude and faith remained a testament to his resilience. His frequent declaration, “I’m blessed,” was a reminder of his unshakable positivity and deep faith. Gregory Keith Collins passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. His life was a testament to resilience, joy, and the power of connection. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

William Lavern Smith (Bill) 94 of Huntington Beach California, passed away on Sunday Oct 6, 2024, in Newport Beach, Ca. Bill was born in Wyandotte County Kansas to Hollis and Lena Smith on May 31, 1930, Bill went to H.S at Wyandotte H.S. in Kansas City Kansas and graduated in 1950.  Bill served our country and enlisted in The United States Airforce in 1951 where he exceled at being a Radar Tech and served overseas in Japan and Korea. He received an honorable discharged in 1955 with a Rank of Staff Sargent. Bill fell in love and Married Elizbeth Smith from Kansas City KS in 1957.Bill went on to earn a BSEE degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas University in 1959.After moving to Santa Monica Ca, He continued his education in Computer Science, Digital design, and signal theory in communications At UCLA AND UCI from 1961 to 1969.During this time He and Beth were raising 3 children. In September of 1959 he entered into the MacAuto division of McDonald Douglas as a Network Engineer and retired from Douglas after 34 years. During his time at Douglas Bill and Beth had bought a home in Huntington Beach, Ca. and had 3 more children. Bill enjoyed Bowling, Scuba diving, coaching sports, Building Kites, Reading, He also learned Mors code and was in an amateur Radio club. Bill was also a mason in his younger years and was involved in countless other clubs throughout his life. Bill went back to school and got his CISCO Certification at the age of 81. He received multiple honors, trophies and awards throughout his life. But Bill would say the best accomplishment in his life would be his family and the endless pursuit of Knowledge.  Bill would continue to be a student his entire life as well as a Mentor to many. William is survived by his daughter Kathy Smith of Huntington Beach, Son, Sean Smith of Huntington Beach. Son, Danny Smith of Anaheim, Daughter, Ann Smith of Huntington Beach. Sister Mary Newby. Grandchildren, Caitlyn Smith, Hayden Smith, Ryan Spellins, A.J. Spellins, Jasmin Holbrook, Hailey Holbrook, K.J. Holbrook. He is preceded in death by his Wife Elizabeth Backus Smith, Daughter Susan Smith, Son David Smith, Brother Ted Smith, Brother Fred Morche, Granddaughter Whitney Lynn William’s service was held on Saturday October 19, 2024, at 10 am at Heritage Dilday, 17911 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA.

Our beloved dad, Dr. Bao  Duc Quach 89, of Fountain Valley, California, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 16th, 2024..  Born on Jun 4th, 1935 in Hanoi, Vietnam. We find comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever.

Cynthia Louise (Becker) Kuntz died unexpectedly in her sleep at her home in Huntington Beach on August 26, 2024. She was born in Rahway, New Jersey on October 30, 1953, the daughter of George and Mildred Becker. She was 70 years old at the time of her passing. She met her husband David on January 1, 1971 and they married on September 11, 1976. They lived in their hometown of Colonia, New Jersey. Together they had three wonderful children. In 1985 the family moved to Orange Park, Florida and later in 1988 they relocated to their current home in Huntington Beach, California. She is survived by those who loved her as much as she loved them: her son, Brian Christopher Kuntz, his wife Alyda, and their two children Kourtney and Ashley; and by David Randall Kuntz of Huntington Beach; and by her daughter Kimberly Diane Doyle, her husband Thomas, and their two children Madeline and Thomas of Prince Frederick, Maryland. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister Barbara Fitzgerald of Mocksville, North Carolina, her nephews, Warren (Buddy) Hulick, and James Fitzgerald; and by nieces Gary Lee Savage, and Barbara Jo Allsopp. Cindy graduated from Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey in 1971. She attended Middlesex County College to study Business before taking on professional administration roles in Central New Jersey at Kirsch Company and later at Midlantic Bank. She worked as a school administrator for the Ocean View School District for fifteen years before retiring in 2011 to become “grandma’s daycare” following the birth of her first granddaughter in Huntington Beach. Cindy was a loving mother to all her children and their friends and always put family first. Together with David, her husband of 47 years, they had traveled the world extensively and she was always looking forward to the next trip. She was an active member of several running clubs in Southern California and loved to be a cheerleader for runners everywhere. In keeping with her wishes, there will not be any services or end-of-life celebrations.