Kathy O'Daniel, former Bakersfield resident, killed in Santa Rosa crash
Was saddened to hear that Kathy O'Daniel, a former Bakersfield resident now living in Rohnert Park, was killed yesterday (Sept. 14) in a car crash near Santa Rosa. Kathy was 54. Kathy and her husband Chuck and their five children, lived in Bakersfield for at least a decade before they left in 2002. Chuck worked at The Californian as advertising director and one of his daughters, Kacee, also sold advertising here. Before that he was manager of the old Harris Department store at East Hills Mall. Early reports said Kathy was driving on Llano Road with one of her other daughters (15-year-old Kelcee) when they were hit by a late model Jeep. Police believe the driver of the other car may have been drinking, but that has not been firmly established. Kelsey has been hospitalized in critical condition. (Read the initial report of the crash here) (Photo courtesy of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat)
12 comments:
I knew Chuck when he was manager of Harris' Department Store. A very nice fellow. On a few occasions when I coordinated visits of international guests to Bakersfield, I made sure Harris' was on the itinerary. Chuck always was easy to work with and made the guests feel welcome. He also made me feel welcome when I was a customer in his store. I was sorry to learn of his loss.
David Lyman
I knew Chuck and Kathy long, long ago in Hemet Ca. Our families were close and we all attended Calvary Chapel together. Lots of fun nights playing Pictionary...my heart is sad for Chuck and his children, but I know Kathy is with our Lord and I will see her again.
Here's an update from the Press Democrat:
* Judy Shafer Forestville Woman Arrested For DUI Crash That Killed Kathleen O’Daniel A Rohnert Park Woman
Published by Scott Castruita on September 15, 2009
A Forestville woman has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter for a head-on crash east of Sebastopol that killed a Rohnert Park woman and injured her teenage daughter Monday afternoon.California Highway Patrol Sgt. Robert Mota said 55-year-old Judy Shafer was arrested in connection with the 5:20 p.m. crash on Llano Road north of Ludwig Road.Shafer was driving a 2002 Jeep Liberty north on Llano Road when it crossed the double-yellow line and struck a 1998 Honda Civic head-on, according to the CHP.The Honda’s driver, Kathleen L. O’Daniel, 54, died at the scene. Her 15-year-old daughter suffered broken bones and internal injuries and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Mota said.Shafer also suffered broken bones and was taken to Memorial Hospital.Llano Road was closed between state Highway 12 and Ludwig Avenue for more than five hours after the crash.
Please pray for the family- they are wonderful people, and this is very sad. Thank you.
I worked with Chuck at Harris for many years. He is the nicest and funniest guy. His family is just wonderful. I was truly saddened when I heard about this. My heart and prayers go out to him and his family.
I just read about this tragedy in The Californian today. As with all accidents involving people who drink and drive, it is so senseless. Kathy and Chuck are good people, good parents and members of the community. I worked for Chuck at Harris'. He was dedicated to his family first, friends and work. I just can not comprehend the depth of loss Chuck and the family are dealing with. My deepest sympathies go out to the family, you are in my prayers.
I recently worked with Kathy at Mattie Washburn when she was with us for about a month as a lunch lady. In the short time I knew her I got that strong sense of family from her. She was a very nice lady and my prayers go to her family and to the recovery of her daughter. I know she is looking down on her daughter offering her comfort thru this difficult time. God bless the whole family...
I didn't Know the family well, but their kid's went to school with me. Even though they are not my close friends, they are the most sincere and caring people I have ever met. The fact this happen is sickening... I hope Keslsy will recover quickly and they have my deepest Condolences. They will be in my prayers.
Kathy was my son's "other mom" watching over him when I couldn't be there. I know she will still watch over him, as the true Guardian Angel that she is, from a different place now. Her son continues to call me "mom" as we try to recover from the loss of my co-mom & friend. She was a wonderful person & her shoes will be hard to fill in the hearts & lives of those around us. Please continue to put your prayers together for the family to continue to be strong. This will be quite an adaptation to move around without our friend, parent and mother by our side, as we go about even our daily tasks.
Trish, neighbor & tag team mom to her youngest
Dear Sweet Kathy, We know you are at peace in heaven where all good souls go,but our hearts are broken. I will continue my prayers for you & those that are suffering here on earth,your husband,children,grandson,siblings,your father,all your other relatives, and friends. Your cherished memory will forever remain with us. We love you.
Just an update on how Kelcee is doing:
"Kelcee is doing amazing well. She is strong and brave and is adjusting to life at home. Her arm is soft casted because the surgery left 2 pins sticking out of it. But she is home and that is all that matters. Thank you Jesus for protecting Kelcee."
Thank you to all. Your comments truly warm my heart. The memories that Kathy and I have of Bakersfield, Harris' Department Store, and The Bakersfield Californian are only as good as the friends and family with whom we shared them.
With much gratitude and appreciation,
Chuck, Kacee, Erin, Tim, Mike, Kelcee, Michael Anthony (grandson).
We are friends from Chuck and Kathy's life here in Olympia, Wash. and Calvary Chapel. Kathy strived to let her service be a testimoney to God within her! Her dedication to her husband and then her children was a blessing to me! I am greatful that I was allowed to see her on her last visit to Olympia. I hope that her family as they adjust to her absence, will remember that she is present with her Lord! And we will all see her again! Love from the Heinzes'
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