Alan Norman Little, 55, died on March 31 in his Little Ranch home near Watsonville after a yearlong battle with primary brain cancer. Born on June 22, 1948, Little went to elementary and high school in San Jose. Before his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and he trained at Fort Ord and at Fort Lewis in Washington. He spent several years in Vietnam and Germany before he was first discharged after 12 years of active duty. He returned to active duty with the National Guard as a sergeant at the Armory in Gilroy until retirement in 1993. Throughout his military career, Little earned nine medals, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

In 1978, Little became known as the Road Ranger, helping stranded motorists along Highway 17 between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. For his volunteering services, he appeared as a special guest on radio stations and on the television show Real People.

A devoted uncle, Little took his nephews on trips, including travels to Yosemite, British Columbia and Southern Asia.

Little is predeceased by his father, Norman Evan Little. In addition to his nephews, he is survived by his mother, Mary Scott Mueller of San Jose; his sisters, Bonny le Pape and Donna Sheehan; two brothers, William and Roger Little; his son, Trevor Little; and his daughter, Heather Little.

The family is putting together an album of Little's experiences as the Road Ranger. Those wishing to share stories can do so by sending them to 1115 Trafton Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039. These stories will be filed with the local historical museums.

Friends and family can visit the family on April 17 at the above address from 1 to 4 p.m. Little will be the sixth-generation Californian in his family to be buried in the Pioneer Cemetery in Snelling. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Cabrillo Stage, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003.

Joanne Brekke Dennis

Joanne Brekke Dennis, 73, died peacefully on March 18 with her family by her side. She was a Los Gatos resident since 1967.

Born in Milwaukee, Wis., Dennis was the daughter of Josephine and Charles Brekke. Also known as Jo, Dennis was a devoted wife, mother and teacher. She taught at Dartmouth and Union middle schools for more than 20 years.

Her hobbies included watching basketball and rooting for her favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting and making quilts for Binky Patrol, a nonprofit organization that helps children in crisis.

Dennis is preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Dennis. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Lynch; her children, Lori, Jonathan, Jeff, Jaye, Jodi, Marylee, Jim, Reg and Jeri; her grandchildren, Brian, Jennifer, Andy, Jillian, Amanda, Jamie and Kyle; and her cat, Spike.

A memorial service was held on March 27 at the Neptune Society in San Jose. Donations can be made to Binky Patrol in care of Nancy Edwards, 4856 Kingridge Drive, San Jose, CA 95124.