Lake County News,California

Obits

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 29 December 2023 23:37; 30 December 2023

Robert Leon Fred Sr.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Robert Leon Fred Sr., “Tadpole," was born in Lakeport on Jan. 4, 1956, to Robert and Leola Fred.

He passed away at home on Dec. 24, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Maryann; and his grandson, David.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; his brother, George; and his children, Ellen (Vincent), Robert Jr., Melissa, Angelina, Samantha, Brian and Valerie. He also leaves his grandchildren, Daniel, Samuel, Emil, Louisa, Eileen, Edward, Rachel, Nikia, Viveca and many others; great-grandchildren, Wallace, Sebastian, Kai, Emilia, Kiernan, Sammy Jr., Jeremiah, Alexander; and many others along with numerous nieces and nephews.

His main interests were yard work, cutting wood, spending time with his wife as well as the Driskell boys, his daughter Ellen and her children, and his daughter Valerie. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Traditional viewing will be at the family home, 1407 Mission Rancheria Road, starting Friday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. through Monday, Jan. 1, at 10 a.m.

Funeral service will take place on Monday, Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. Saint Mary's Cemetery.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 29 December 2023 02:42; 29 December 2023

Christian C. Plath

Christian C. Plath
March 16, 1933 – Dec. 22, 2023

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Christian C. Plath of Kelseyville was born on March 16, 1933, in San Francisco and passed away on Dec. 22, 2023, in Lakeport at the age of 90.

Chris spent his extensive career with the California Department of Forestry, retiring as administrative captain of the Konocti Conservation Camp.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Maggie Riessen-Plath of Kelseyville. He is also survived by his son and daughter, Christian Plath and Susan Plath.

As an avid fisherman, Chris loved living and boating with Maggie at their home in Kelseyville on Clear Lake.

Visitation will start with a blessing on Thursday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport. Visitation will continue until noon when the funeral service will start.

Interment to follow will be at Kelseyville Cemetery, 3375 Bell Hill Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’s name to your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 22 December 2023 03:12; 22 December 2023

Paul Kolb

Paul John Kolb was born on Nov. 30, 1948, in Melrose Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

He grew up in Mayfield, Illinois, but spent most of his adulthood in Northern California, working primarily in the field of engineering in the Bay Area.

He served his country as a helicopter pilot doing three tours in Vietnam.

He served his community by working with the NAACP and for the advancement of Native American rights.

Paul was an environmentalist who enjoyed hiking, travel and finding artifacts, which he did before and during his 22 years in Lake County, California.

His friends were many and diverse and Paul was as true a friend as one could hope for.

Later in life he spent his time conserving his property in rural Upper Lake, California.

He died unexpectedly and suddenly while working on his water treatment system on Nov 20, 2023, at the age of 75.

Services will be for family at his gravesite near his mother in Illinois.

Paul will be greatly missed.

In lieu of a funeral, please donate to the local charities for environmental, Native Americans or the NAACP of Lake County.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 29 December 2023 02:45; 29 December 2023

Nita Ladd

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Nita Ladd, 78, of Lakeport passed away on Dec. 16, 2023.

Born on July 7, 1945, in Clarksville, Arkansas, she leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Nita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Survived by her husband of 60 years, Vernon Ladd, Nita was a loving mother to Randy Ladd (Sarah) and Ron Ladd (Michelle).

Her adoration extended to her grandchildren, David (Kirstinn), Kody (Lia) and Scarlett, bringing her immense joy as she witnessed their growth.

A celebration of Nita Ladd's life will take place on Jan. 13 at Leisure Town Hall, 100 Sequoia Drive in Vacaville, California, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Friends and family are invited to join in honoring and remembering Nita as they gather to celebrate her remarkable life.

**Nita Ladd with her family. Courtesy photo.**

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 23 December 2023 23:51; 23 December 2023

Ruth Gaul

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Ruth Marie Gaul died on Nov. 7, 2023, at her home in Clearlake. She was 80 years old.

She was born Ruth Potter on July 9, 1943, in Los Angeles, and grew up in Southern California.

Ruth attended Paramount High School in Paramount, California, and later Artesia High School in Lakewood, graduating in 1961.

It was while she was attending Paramount High School that she met her future husband, Fred Gaul.

They married on Feb. 25, 1961, in Artesia, California, after Fred returned from serving in the Merchant Marines.

Fred and Ruth lived in Southern California until 1969, when they moved their four young children to the Bay Area, living first in San Pablo and later Richmond.

Ruth worked in retail at Kmart Corp. from February 1979 to October 1997 in roles including sales manager and receiving manager.

She began studying Spanish at Contra Costa College in 1997.

She was a member of Clinton Avenue Baptist Church for many years, before moving to Lake County, California.

In 1988, Ruth and Fred bought a home in Clearlake Park, California. Later, after retiring, they moved to Clearlake, California, in 2000.

**Ruth and Fred Gaul on their wedding day on Feb. 25, 1961, in Artesia, California. Courtesy photo.**

Ruth was a volunteer for many years with the Clearlake Police Department from September 2000 to December 2004, and again from March 2012 to January 2017. She also was a volunteer at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office from January 2004 to March 2012.

While working for those law enforcement agencies, she was a critical lifeline for seniors through the “You Are Not Alone” program, in which she made daily calls to check on program participants.

After 10 years of living with Parkinson's disease, Fred passed away on Sept. 9, 2018, at age 78, after 57 years of marriage with Ruth.

Ruth is survived by her four children, Randy (Stella) of Mesa, Arizona, Danny (Kim) of Milo, Iowa, Mike (Danielle) of Sandy, Oregon, and their only daughter, Cheryl (Gary) of San Francisco. She also is survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends.

She also leaves behind her beloved cats, Emma, Mommie, Sammy, Susie, Paddy and Minnie.

“Life deals you many things,” she wrote. “It is how you come through on the other side that counts. What you cannot go around you must go through.”

At her request, there will be no services.

Her family is seeking homes for her many kitties. If you are willing to give one or two a home, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ruth’s family and friends hold fast to the belief that Ruth is home with the Lord in time for Christmas, a holiday she loved.

**Ruth and Fred Gaul were married for 57 years. Courtesy photo.**

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 21 December 2023 02:40; 21 December 2023

Jeannie M. Ernst

**Mike and Jeannie Ernst. Courtesy photo.**

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — We are heartbroken to inform our family and friends about the loss of our beloved wife and mother, Jeannie Ernst.

Jeannie, and her husband, Michael Ernst, celebrated their 63rd anniversary this year and have lived in Lake County since 1970.

Jeannie was a happy, loving mother that centered on the needs of children as her life’s work. She enjoyed being outside and being surrounded by her family was her joy.

She obtained a degree, later in life, and she loved working with people. When she lived in San Francisco as a young mother and wife, she was like a second mom to many children living in public housing, taking them to church, field trips to parks and museums and baking cookies.

She enjoyed cooking and baking, freezing and canning. She was a superb seamstress and made dresses.

When she moved to Lake County, she volunteered at Big Valley Head Start for preschool age children. She worked for North Coast Opportunities and traveled around Northern California and to the State Capitol advocating for children (even with her own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.)

Jeannie outlived her illnesses. She had the diagnosis at 30, but always felt it wouldn’t get the best of her.

Jeannie had a great passion for health and gardening. In her 40s and 50s she was outdoors. She loved gardening and landscaping. Planting flowers around the county at local businesses.

Into her late 70s and 80s, she was loving being a great-grandmother and grandma. To her great grandchildren she was “Grammy Jeannie.” Even with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, she was able to remember everyone.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Ernst; daughters, Julie and Peggy; and son, Michael; four grandchildren, Janelle, Jonathan, Xavier and Sarah; and five great-grandchildren.

Her kind, caring, loving energy will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace, beloved.

An open service will be held at St. Peter’s in Kelseyville on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 at noon. All are welcome and a celebration of life will be late summer and will be announced.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Obits

Robert Leon Fred Sr.

Christian C. Plath

Paul Kolb

Nita Ladd

Ruth Gaul

Jeannie M. Ernst

Upcoming Calendar

Mini Calendar

LCNews

Newsletter

Search