Alice Louise Yaryan (10/27/30 - 1/27/14)
Alice Louise Yaryan (10/27/30 - 1/27/14)
Alice Louise Yaryan died on January 27, 2014 at home in Calimesa, CA with her family. She was 83 years old. Alice was a popular teacher, community leader, mentor, club advisor and inspiration to her numerous high school students, considered her extended family. She was also a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to many.
Alice was born in October 27, 1930 in Venice, CA to Frederick Rankin Hummel and Marjorie Glider Hummel and had four siblings (preceded in death by sisters Carolyn Moye, Francis Shires and brother Frederick William “Fritzy” Hummel; survived by her brother Jack Hummel). The family moved to Bakersfield in 1934 where they were all raised. Alice was a graduate of Kern County Union High School. She loved ballroom dancing, sewing (a fine seamstress who would make shirts for her older brother) and a fantastic cook (from a long line of great cooks).
Alice loved American motorcycles (Harleys and Indians) and shared a passion for motorcycling with her husband Charles Raymond Yaryan (aka “Big Ray Yaryan” founder of the original Ghost Riders Motorcycle Club, who died in 1987). They went on many motorcycle rides together, including “poker runs” throughout California and beyond. When Ray became ill, Alice went to college to earn two degrees to help their family – a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture with an emphasis on animals and a MA degree in teaching.
She taught agriculture at Arlington High School in Riverside, CA for 32 years. There she founded the Equestrian Team in the early 1970s. Alice was a unique and dedicated teacher with a year-round schedule -- bringing her students to statewide fairs and parades throughout the summer months. The team took top prize in major statewide championships for years as a member of the California State Horseman’s Association. Alice was greatly involved with 4H and the Arlington High School Future Farmers of America. She raised Lamancha goats and Cotswold sheep with her family on their land in Calimesa.
After retiring from teaching in 2006, Alice enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She went to Paris, Alaska and many other beautiful destinations.
Alice Yaryan is survived by her brother Jack Hummel of Lake Shasta, CA; sons Robert Yaryan (and his wife Kris) of Calimesa, CA and Donald Yaryan of Calimesa, CA; four stepsons: Doug Yaryan (and his wife Glenda) of Shady Cove, OR, Ken Yaryan (and his wife Nancy) of Denison, Texas; stepdaughter Judith Odom (and her husband Neal) of Denison, Texas; 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A community memorial service is planned for Alice Yaryan on March 29, 2014, 4 - 8 p.m. at Riverside Rancheros (Riverside, CA), including a performance by the Riverside Rancheros Junior Equestrian Team, remembrances, slide show and potluck dinner – hosted by Arlington High School FFA Alumni. For more information, contact divia1799@aol.com. A memorial fund has been created by Alice’s nephew Russell Shires on PayPal at: aliceyaryan.azurewebsites.net. Rest in peace Alice Yaryan, you have touched many lives and you will be missed.