News

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Carol Lee Barrett LeVasseur Gridley passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at her home in Clearlake, with loving family by her side.

Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, and formerly of New Hampshire and Washington state, she was a resident of Lake County for over 30 years. Carol was a waitress for over 25 years.

She volunteered work at Salvation Army REACH Program and the Clearlake Community Center and also the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed knitting and reading.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, James Gridley of Clearlake; daughters, Lesley (Will) Dreger of Goldendale, Wash., Georgette Russell of Keene, New Hampshire, Bobbi Sue LeVasseur of Whinchester, New Hampshire, and Evelyn (Rick) Patty of Clearlake; brothers, Lyman Barrett of Springfield, Ore., and Gene Barrett of Montgomery, Ala. Carol is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her son, Robert LeVasseur; granddaughter, Stormy LeVasseur; and parents, Winston and Mary Barrett.

There will be a graveside service at the Mountain View Cemetery in Goldendale, Wash., beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 23, followed by a celebration of life at Fathers House of Fellowship.

Carol’s family would appreciate any donations be made in Carol’s memory to Highlands Senior Center, PO Box 180, Clearlake, CA 95422.

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel. Please share your loving memories of Carol by signing her online guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Spring in Clearlake means sunshine, fun on the lake and a new flag flying over Austin Park.

City police and fire officials, joined by a number of first graders from the Konocti Unified School District, raised the huge new American flag.

The Park Study Club once again donated the flag, which Lake County Fire Protection District firefighters, Clearlake Police officers and Clearlake Public Works staff carefully raised to the top of the 60-foot flagpole with the help of the excited schoolchildren.

The flag is expected to fly over the park until this fall, when it will be taken down, officials said.

A video of the event can be seen above.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Lake Transit Authority recently was named the “Outstanding Rural Transportation Project” at the annual conference of the California Association of Coordinated Transportation, or CalACT.

The citation read during the awards presentation ceremony acknowledged Lake Transit’s excellent service to the community despite three years of disasters, including the Valley fire and Clayton fire, and recent flooding which displaced hundreds of residents.

Even though these events disrupted the entire community including many Lake Transit employees, and threatened its facility in Lower Lake, the agency has managed to increase ridership by over ten percent each year.

This remarkable achievement can be attributed to Lake Transit’s commitment to being a responsive agency that could be relied upon during times of crisis.

Reflecting on the significance of this award, General Manager Mark Wall said, “Rural transit agencies operate on shoestring budgets to connect people and services over long distances and difficult terrain. This is important because people in rural areas often need to travel a long way to access medical specialties, higher education, shopping opportunities, and jobs. Lake Transit connects people across an entire region with transit operations in three counties.”

CalACT is the largest state transit association in the United States, with more than 300 members dedicated to promoting professional excellence, stimulating ideas and advocating for effective community transportation.

Lake Transit has been a member for the past 21 years and is one of approximately 90 rural transit
agencies serving communities throughout California.

“This is a real honor,” said Wall after receiving the award. “Lake Transit is often thought of by our peers as a great example of rural transit. Lake Transit stands out because we provide many services and carry a lot of passengers, given our size and funding. Much of this success is due to the hard work and
dedication of our board, management, drivers, dispatchers and maintenance staff. We have a great team.”

Additional information about Lake Transit services and schedules can be found at www.laketransit.org .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Douglas Kirk Marshall, age 55, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born in Morris, Ill., but spent most of his life in California.

Doug was a loving husband, great Dad, and a caring friend to all! He was such a giving person with a heart of gold that would help everyone and anyone in need!

Doug worked in construction for Helmer & Sons for over 20 years. He was a hard worker, keeping busy from dawn till dusk, whether working for the company or working on his land providing a beautiful home and life for his family. He was the handyman God needed in heaven!

Doug is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Jennifer Marshall, his spouse of 20 years; his children, Christopher Marshall of Napa, Courtney Marshall of Napa, Nathaniel Oberdorf of Lower Lake, Dustin (Jordan) Marshall of Napa, siblings Roxanne (Rich) Sargent of Napa, Walter (Beverly) Marshall of Hidden Valley Lake, Brenda (Brett) Breeze of Medford, Oregon, Bonnie (Wayne) Hanks of Utah, mother-in-law Carol (Glen) Davis of Florida, brother-in-law John (Catherine) Oberdorf, and sister-in-law Joanne (Mike) Buckley; three grandchildren, Dominic, Veronica and Hollie; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends. Also, an honorable mention to his devoted and loyal companions Baby Blue, Bear, Chewy, Stryper, Nynja and Little Lou.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Doug’s life on Friday, May 5, beginning at 11 a.m. at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Lake.

After the service there will be a reception with a light lunch and desserts to spend time together and share stories about Doug.

Please share your loving thoughts and memories of Doug by signing his online guestbook at  www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .

LUCERNE, Calif. – Wendy Lee Torrigino, 55, from Lucerne passed away peacefully, April 29, 2017, at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa from kidney disease.

Wendy was born Aug. 17, 1961, and was raised in San Anselmo, Calif., by her parents Victor and Judy Bologna.

She attended St. Anselm's Catholic School and then graduated from Sir Francis Drake High School, class of 1979.

She married her husband Steve Torrigino on Jan. 3, 1987, and they moved to Petaluma. On Aug. 19, 1993, their son Tony Torrigino was born.

Wendy worked for Mrs. Gossman's Paper Co. in Petatuma for 17 years before moving to Lucerne.

She enjoyed boating and fishing on Clear Lake, sitting by the pool with friends and family, the coastal beach and her kitty cats. Wendy had a great sense of humor and loved to giggle.

Wendy is survived by her her loving husband of 30 years, Steve Torrigino and son, Tony Torrigino, both from Lucerne; parents, Victor and Judy Bologna of Lakeport; sister, Vicky (Blyine) Magill and nephew, Jesse Magill from Finger, Tenn.; uncle, Joseph (Carol) Bologna of Novato, and all of her cousins.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, Vito and Jennie (Russo) Bologna and Charles and Enes (Ghiorsi) Walker.

Funeral service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport, at noon on Thursday, May 4, with interment to follow at Upper Lake Cemetery.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

Sandra Kay Hearn
July 01, 1947 - April 28, 2017

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Sandi Hearn, loving daughter of Dean and Verla, sister of Guy Smith and Patti Smith-Salinas (deceased), passed away in peace with her husband Rick and her son, Rick holding her hands. 

Survived by daughters, Michelle Hill and Julie Hearn; and sons, Frank Fernandez, James Fernandez, Edward Fernandez, Michael Fernandez and Richard Hearn.

In lieu of services and flowers, Sandi requests a kind donation in her name to Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453 or call 707-263-6222.

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