Sunday, 12 May 2024

Obits

Gloria Rivas. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Gloria Jean Rivas was born on May 6, 1966, in Pittsburg, California, and passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2023, at her home in Lakeport.

She is survived by her husband, Marc Edward Rivas; son, Marc Daniel Rivas (Vanessa); sisters, Donna Gill and Sharon Sonafrank (Greg); mother-in-law, Irene Rivas; brother-in-law, Eric Rivas (Donnete); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, Wanda and Leroy Gill, and sister, Katherine Kruenegel.

Gloria graduated high school in Kelseyville, California. She had a long career as an escrow officer and in her later years as a deputy assessor recorder.

Gloria’s biggest joy in life was raising her son with her husband of 27 years, and spending time with nieces and nephews, with whom she shared her love of music and art.

Not only was she loved by her family but also by many friends in her lifetime. Her knowledge and life experience benefited many, and will not be forgotten. But her love will be truly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m.

A celebration of life will be held the same day at her home starting at 6 p.m.

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

Anna Faahs. Courtesy photo.

Anna Marie Faahs
Oct. 31, 1937 — June 25, 2023

Anna Marie Faahs passed away on June 25, 2023 at the age of 85.

She was born on Oct. 31, 1937, to Frank and Catherine Eggen in Iola, Kansas.

She married Ernie Faahs on Dec. 24, 1955, and graduated high school in the class of 1956. Together they raised three daughters.

Anna attended cosmetology school and opened a couple of hair salons, and then a women's clothing store in Ukiah, California. Later on, Ernie and Anna moved to Burney, California and opened a consignment shop.

Anna was active in the Soroptimist Club and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, bunco groups, cooking and family gatherings.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ernie; her daughter, Karen; granddaughter, Megan; brother, Robert; and sister, Donna.

She is survived by her children, Debbie (John) Finney, and Phyllis Faahs; grandchildren, Jacob (Jenny) Finney, Jennifer (Tyrell) Dokken, Jessica (Will) Peterson, Jill (Gabe) Canales, Casey Faahs-McCoey, Mollyann, Dillon, Phoebe, Charlie and Logan Faahs-Stewart, Matthew and Melanie McKnight; as well as 17 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held by her family in the fall.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-94-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Val Hanchett. Courtesy photo.

Val Howland Hanchett was born May 8, 1945, and died on June 9, 2023. He was 78 years old.

He was born in Everett, Washington on Victory in Europe — or VE — Day while his dad was still engaged in the conflict in the Pacific.

Growing up in a newspaper family, Val would find himself helping from the age of 10 when his family moved to Woodland, Washington.

His parents, Ross and Bonny, had purchased the Lewis River News and that is where Val got his first taste of the “back shop” and hot metal printing. He learned how to operate the large sheet fed press and by the time he was a teenager, he was setting type on the Mergenthaler Linotype.

Val was among the last of the printers to know the craft well, perfecting his printing and graphic arts skills from the time of hot metal through the transition to cold type.

After owning and operating the paper in Woodland, the family, which now included two sisters and a baby brother, moved to Lower Lake, California, where Ross and Bonny had purchased the Clear Lake Observer.

Val began 30 years of helping to develop one of the best weekly papers in Northern California. He toiled many hours alongside his Dad putting the paper out every week. After a transition to offset printing, the grind lifted but it was still difficult.

As he worked at the Observer, he attended Lower Lake High School where he graduated in 1963.

Several of his friends entered the printing trade as well, learning their craft while working at the Observer. The Observer was truly a “family” newspaper, with two and sometimes three of Val’s sisters working there along with younger brother Jon who was a photographer and pressman.

Val married young to Sandy Jones. They had daughter Lisa in 1964. After divorcing Val continued working at the Observer and met his second wife Franki Lininger who worked with him there. They had two children: Ross and Janelle.

Val was a stickler about the look of the paper; he knew typefaces like the back of his hand and after transitioning to offset he was soon publishing newspapers with full color photo features on page one, a difficult accomplishment in those days. He was a talented and creative man.

The Observer was the first to print the popular skateboard magazine Thrasher. Val used his graphics expertise to produce fine images and establish the concept for the still-existing magazine.

Val and his partners established a wine country magazine called The Wine Country Review; he was also a founder and board member for the Clear Lake National Bank.

The Observer sold in 1987 and the Hanchett family eventually came into possession of the Cloverdale Reveille newspaper. By then Val had moved to Santa Rosa but was soon working as publisher at the Reveille alongside his then-widowed mom and his younger sisters, once again.

Val Hanchett. Courtesy photo.

Soon his current wife, Neena Tripathi, was at his side and the couple worked to produce another fine weekly paper until its sale in 2013.

During his time growing up in Lake County the family owned a home on Clear Lake in the Jago Bay area. Val had fond memories of swimming and diving off the community pier there on his few days off in the summer. He remained very fond of Lake County and retained many friendships there.

Val was a bright and complicated man. He had challenges but overcame them. In his later life he was a mentor to fellow members of his AA Fellowship offering important support and advice. His sense of humor was legendary and he was never above self-deprecation.

He was close to his sisters and forever grieved the loss of his younger brother Jon who died at the age of 46. His children remember him as a dad who loved them and did his best to be there for them.

Val leaves his loving wife, Neena of Cloverdale, and three children, Lisa Davey-Bates and her husband, Perry Bates of Ukiah; Ross Hanchett and his wife, Sara Katey Hanchett, of Lincoln; and Janelle MacDonald and her husband Mac MacDonald in the Netherlands.

He is survived by his sisters, Mary Stowell of San Diego; Roberta Lyons of Lower Lake; and Kathryn McKaig of San Jose.

He will be missed by six grandchildren: Lauren Young and Lindsay King, John, Lucy and Oliver Hanchett, and Ava, Charles, Georgia and Arlo MacDonald.

He also leaves four great-grandchildren. His two nieces and a nephew will miss him as will his cousins in Washington and Idaho and his many good friends all over Northern California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Bonny Hanchett, and his younger brother, Jon.

The family is planning an open house in remembrance of Val’s life to be held in Cloverdale on Aug. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fire Creek Lodge at Clover Springs, 210 Red Mountain Drive.

All of Val’s family and friends are welcome.

Val Hanchett at the Linotype machine. Courtesy photo.

Ronnie and Dena Boyd. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Ronnie Lawrence Boyd Jr. was a proud father, caring husband, devoted Papa and diligent public servant.

Ronnie passed away suddenly on June 11, 2023, at the age of 51 after a motorcycle accident that took the life of both him and his wife Dena Boyd.

Ronnie was born to Nora Pixler and Ronnie Boyd Sr. on May 17,1972. He was the oldest of three, with brothers Jessie and Guy.

In December 1990 Ronnie married Christine Ingalls and together they had two children, Kevin and Rachel. Of all his achievements in life, Ronnie always claimed that his children were his greatest accomplishment.

Ronnie Boyd and his children, Kevin Boyd and Rachel Weidner. Courtesy photo.

After 19 years of marriage, Ronnie and Christine divorced in 2010. In 2013 Ronnie remarried and was wed to Dena Wynn. Dena and Ronnie were preparing to celebrate their 10 year anniversary prior to the accident.

Ronnie was widely known for his almost 30-year career as a firefighter, both locally and throughout the state.

His career began in 1995 when Ronnie joined the Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Association and began serving the community, while also working at Homestake Mine.

He rose to the rank of captain despite being a volunteer and became an integral part of the development of the department, training and mentoring many other young firefighters.

In 2003, Ronnie made firefighting his primary profession and began working for CDF (now known as Cal Fire).

Ronnie Boyd. Courtesy photo.

In 2015, Ronnie retired as a volunteer in order to focus on family, but continued on with Cal Fire. In 2016, he was promoted to captain for the Humboldt-Del Norte Unit. Ronnie held this position up to his passing.

Ronnie is remembered by his family, friends and colleagues as an incredibly hard worker, a friend to all, and the life of the party. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.

His greatest joy however remained his family and with the latest title of Papa Ronnie, he was fully content in his life.

Ronnie is survived by his brothers, Jessie and Guy Boyd; his son, Kevin Boyd (married to Emmalena); daughter, Rachel Weidner (married to John); his granddaughter, Raegan Weidner; stepchildren, Jesse, Cole and Marissa Wynn; and step-grandchildren, Tyler, Karsyn, Riley, Savannah, Makenna, Abbigale and Lillie-Mae.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 29 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport. All are welcome to attend.

Ronnie Boyd loved being Papa to his granddaughter, Raegan Weidner. Courtesy photo.

Ronnie and Dena Boyd and their granddaughter, Raegan Weidner. Courtesy photo.

From left, John and Rachel Weidner and their baby daughter, Raegan, and Ronnie and Dena Boyd. Courtesy photo.

Jasmine Myers. Courtesy photo.

Jasmine Myers
2001-2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Jasmine Myers, 21, sadly left us on June 21, 2023, due to a car accident.

She is survived by her mother and father, siblings, relatives, friends and more.

A service will be held to honor her starting at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 6, to Sunday, July 9, at the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Center, 9470 Main St. in Upper Lake.

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

Mario Mirabella. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Mario Tito Mirabella was born Nov. 20,1990 at Deer Park, California, and entered tragically into rest at Clearlake, California on June 23, 2023.

Mario was the first born of a first born of a first born of a first born of Italian and Irish immigrants, making him an extra specially cherished person in the family. He was a good, sweet and kind soul who had the best of intentions. He brought much joy and laughter to family and friends and loved and cared most deeply for his children, Gabriel and Alexandria.

Mario graduated from Cornerstone Christian Academy and furthered his education in his passion, IT and computers. He always looked for ways to better himself and his family. He had a curious mind and many skills and talents that he used to help not only those he cared for, but anyone in need that crossed his path. Mario enjoyed the ocean, his pets, and spending time at the family cabin in South Lake Tahoe.

He is survived by his grandmothers, Carol Rodriguez, Linda Saccato and Sonya Mirabella; grandfather, Dennis Salomonson; mother, Denise Loustalot (Pete); father, Steven Mirabella (Belinda); stepfather, Peter Loustalot; sisters, Lauren Lambert and Lacey Loustalot; stepbrothers, Matthew Loustalot and Justin Loustalot (Jacqueline); stepsister, Amanda Mirabella; and children, Gabriel and Alexandria Mirabella.

He is also survived by his great-grand aunt, Carol Timmons (Pat); grand-uncles, Larry Saccato (Valynn Curry), Paul Saccato, James Saccato and Ray Johnson; grand-aunts, Marlene Saccato-Schollard and JoAnn Saccato (Jim Leonardis); second cousins, Ceara Saccato and Dayan Saccato; nephews, Logan England and Eruvey Muzquiz; niece, Mireya Muzquiz; along with numerous relatives in Napa County and Northern Italy, all who loved and cherished him.

Services will be held on Tuesday, July 11, at 10 a.m. at Jones and Lewis Memorial Chapel,16140 Main St., Lower Lake.

Internment will be at the Saccato family plot, Lower Lake Cemetery, 9040 Lake St., Lower Lake with a potluck gathering for fellowship and remembrance following at the Brick Hall, 16374 Main St., Lower Lake.

Arrangements by Jones and Lewis Memorial Chapel, 707-994-6417 or www.jonesandlewismemorialchapel.com.

Upcoming Calendar

12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day
14May
14May
05.14.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at Library Park
15May
05.15.2024 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Free veterans dinner
18May
05.18.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
21May
05.21.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at Library Park
22May
05.22.2024 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Lake Leadership Forum
25May
05.25.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
27May
05.27.2024
Memorial Day

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