Hello everyone. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying this very pleasant weather.

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Today I would like to honor the life of a very special man … John Villeggiante. This great man was the Dad of an equally great woman, Sally Chrisman of Valley Home. John Villeggiante took Sally in as a teenager; he and his wife Jill raised Sally as if she were their own daughter. He was a man of great strength, he loved God and he loved his family with all his heart. He roped and rode from the time he was a little boy until the time he passed. He raised his own children, and he raised the children that he took in … Sally, Adam and his two daughters, Wendy and Courtney, who Sally considers sisters to her. He would travel between Arizona for winters and Idaho for the summers. He loved to rope in both Arizona and Idaho. He had a lifelong passion for roping. His countless buckles serve as wonderful memories to his family. He lived his life as a God-fearing man and a true cowboy. He taught Sally to be grateful for all things in life. He had a huge heart and he continued to help and guide each of his children throughout his lifetime. He loved and lived the American dream. He was a team roper and a cowboy.

When he came to California, his favorite spot was Shively’s in Valley Home. He would come and stay with Sally and Jeff and the kids; he loved being with them. During his stay here in Valley Home/Oakdale, each Friday night would find John, Sally and Jeff at Shively’s. John enjoyed his cold beer and catfish after a hard days’ work. He actually lived in Valley Home a short period of time with Sally, Jeff and the kids. He worked at Jack Rabbit in Ripon as a welder. He loved his grandchildren more than anything and was blessed to be able to meet one great grandchild before he passed. He will truly be missed by all that have come to know him and love him. He was a man of his word and believed in the strength of a handshake among friends. His word was important to him. His handshake was strong. His belief in God was strong. John Villeggiante, thank you for being a cowboy this world could always count on to do the right thing. May you rest in heavenly peace.

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This week we are excited to share the amazing story of a very talented Valley Home woman. Valley Home resident Kathy Burghardt-Cobb participated in the OakdaleArts 2026 Small Works fundraiser event. The event was held at Gallery Custom Framing in Oakdale on June 18, 2026.

Most paintings were available at a preset price while select pieces were displayed and up for bid at a Silent Auction during the reception in the hopes to raise additional funds.

Kathy submitted three of her original paintings for this fundraiser. Her three paintings were all unique and composed of different subject matter. A beautiful western theme painting with a cowboy riding his horse at sunset, a colorful scene of a clover filled pasture with butterflies (inspired by her farm in Valley Home) and an ocean scene with the colorful flying Gurnard Fish. Kathy, her husband Glenn, Valley Home friends Virginia Kuhn, Gina Betschart were all excited that the flying Gurnard painting was selected for the silent auction. All of Kathy’s paintings sold at the OakdaleArts fundraiser event. Congratulations Kathy, Valley Home is so proud of you. Kathy is the daughter of the late Glenn and Laura Burghardt of Valley Home.

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As always, you may reach me with your news by email at: winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.

Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”