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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend November 15, 2006 Click image for larger view Nena Medina, 13, pauses to look at the mementos, flowers and candles placed on a table in the memory of Kathy Davis and her 11-year-old son Tomas Aguilar-Valle Jr., who died after their duplex caught fire early Tuesday morning on South Columbus Avenue. Nena is friends with Davis� daughter Rosa (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven) Friends gather to pay their respects Fire victim Kathy Davis and her son, Tomas, will be missed By chris conrad Mail Tribune Family, friends and neighbors — past and present — gathered Tuesday evening to remember two of South Columbus Avenue's most welcoming residents. The air remained burdened with ash and the tang of charred wood as about 100 people lit candles near the home of Kathy Davis, 37, who died with her 11-year-old son Tomas Aguilar-Valle Jr. in a fire there early Tuesday morning. Following a short prayer, the crowd surrounded a table loaded with pictures of Davis and her children, candles bearing the image of the Virgin Mary, roses, three teddy bears and a pack of Werner Sour Neon Worms candy. Several of Davis' co-workers at Shaklee Corp. at Harry and David described a subdued day at work without Davis' assertive presence. "She wasn't afraid to speak her mind," Laura Case said. "And she was just always one of those people who were easy to talk to." Advertisement Case and Norma McMahan, both of whom worked with Davis for five months, said she was a great help in the plant because she spoke Spanish. "In the short amount of time she worked there, she earned a lot of respect," Case said. Samantha Chaparro and her young son, Beto, were welcomed by Davis when they moved to South Columbus Avenue three years ago. In fact, Davis was at the hospital when Beto was born. "She found a ride to go up there and be with me," Chaparro said. "She also threw my baby shower." Several people spoke with concern over Davis' other son, 10-year-old Alberto Aguilar-Valle, who was pulled from the apartment by a neighbor and is in critical condition at the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Sean Forbes, who lives across the street, said he was awakened early in the morning by his mother telling him Davis' house was on fire. "I was nearly asleep when she told me," he said. "I thought it was a dream." Forbes said his little brother, Shawn Conte, was good friends with Tomas. He described how they would hang out with Tomas and "play cards, color and stuff." Ten-year-old Shawn was unable to talk about Tomas because he was so overcome with grief at losing his buddy. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help