Lake County News,California

Obits

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 29 April 2023 02:27; 29 April 2023

Lorna Mae Mahar

Lorna Mae Mahar
March 14, 1950 — April 7, 2023

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Lori Mahar passed away at her home in Kelseyville after a courageous fight with cancer on April 7, 2023, with her husband of 47 years, Steve, and son, Keefe, by her side.

Lori was born in Oakland, California, and grew up in Hayward. As a child she knew she wanted to be a teacher and often played “school” with the neighborhood children.

She graduated from Hayward High School in 1968. She worked for the Military Sealift Command in Alameda for a few years before going to Cal State Hayward to get her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she worked as a student teacher in Castro Valley while earning her full teaching credential.

Lori and Steve moved to Lake County in 1982 for her first job as a fully credentialed teacher. Once they arrived in Lake County, they never left, though she forever rooted for the Oakland Athletics.

Lori taught third grade for over 30 years at Kelseyville Primary and Riviera Elementary, focusing on hands-on science projects and interactive learning. Some of her proudest achievements as a teacher included initiating the Science Fair with her colleagues at Kelseyville Primary, starting a recycling program at the school, and receiving the “Teacher of the Year” award.

When Lori wasn’t teaching, she loved traveling around the western United States and Canada. She enjoyed being out in nature and observing wildlife and was committed to environmental issues in her local community and around the planet.

Anyone who met Lori knew that she loved all dogs, but wolves in particular. Some of her favorite spots included the Smith River, Fort Bragg, and always coming home to beloved Lake County.

She is preceded in death by her father, Marvin “Babe” Lewis; mother, Ruth Lewis; brother, Donny Lewis; and brother-in-law, Mike Mahar.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Mahar; sister, Nancy Williams; son, Keefe Mahar (Michelle Stephens); and brothers-in-law, John Mahar (Sandy) and Kevin Mahar.

She will be missed by her numerous nieces and nephews and all of the students she taught through the years.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Nature Conservancy in California or your local animal shelter.

Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, telephone 707-263-0357, www.chapelofthelakes.com.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 22 April 2023 02:21; 22 April 2023

Thomas Rothstein

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Born Dec. 24, 1934 to Oliver and Nannie Rothstein in Minnesota, Tom moved west to Richmond, California with his family during World War II where family members worked in the shipyards.

In 1957, Tom married sweet Lorraine (Lorrie) and they raised three children together.

Tom and Lorrie both worked full-time and shared home responsibilities equally, although that was not popular at the time.

The family enjoyed camping and waterskiing, and neighborhood kids often appeared at their home while the camper was being packed, hoping to be invited along.

Tom coached and supported his children and their friends in every sport they chose to play. His children say they cannot imagine a better father.

Tom started out working at Doggie Diner, then moved on to United Grocers where he learned to drive trucks.

After retirement, Tom and Lorrie enjoyed traveling the United States in their motorhome and it was at that time Tom learned to dance. He often encouraged young couples to take up dancing as well.

Tom and Lorrie moved to Cobb Mountain in 1990. Tom played racquetball, tennis and golf, and took long bike rides into his 80s, determined to remain active and fit.

Lorrie would survive lymphoma only to develop Alzheimer's, and Tom cared for her lovingly and unflaggingly for many years until her death. He was never heard to complain.

In 2006, Tom and Lorrie suffered the loss of their beloved daughter, Kelley. Life would never be the same.

Still, Tom remained active and continued to enjoy dancing. In 2015, beautiful Valerie danced into Tom’s life, as if a gift from God. The two married and spent the next six-plus years dining and dancing and making trips to the ocean.

They thoroughly enjoyed life together, living to the fullest. Valerie and Tom attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake.

After many years as a caregiver, the past year it was Tom’s turn to be taken care of. Valerie saw to Tom’s every need. After taking a fall in January 2023, Tom was unable to recover.

Still, Tom and Val remained inseparable. From Valerie’s loving arms, Tom quietly tip-toed into heaven on April 14, 2023, as Val reminded him what a good man he was and how very much his family loved him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Valerie; boys, Michael (Kathy) and Tim (Susan) Rothstein; son-in-law, Al Leong; grandchildren, Matt (Jill) and Theresa (Ploy) Rothstein, Che (Susan) and Leslie Valdez; and seven great-grandchildren.

He will be fondly remembered.

Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336 www.chapelofthelakes.com, telephone 707-263-0357.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 15 April 2023 02:50; 15 April 2023

Timothy Nolan Hill

Timothy Nolan Hill
Oct. 19, 1950 — March 3, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Tim was born in Lakeport to Edgar and Esther Hill and raised on the family farm in Big Valley.

He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1968.

Tim married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Gardner and they had two daughters, Candi and Katie, before divorcing.

He went to Armstrong College for accounting for a year and then joined the U.S. Air Force in 1970.

He served a tour in the Philippines and then Washington, D.C., where he met and married Patti Boling, from Kentucky. Tim and Patti had a daughter, Sara Jean, before divorcing.

Tim worked for many years as the bookkeeper for the Hance-Meyer Truss Co. in Lakeport. He had his own tax service for many years while employed by the Lake County Health Department as bookkeeper and payroll officer.

He later married Judy Dibble, often saying the third time was a charm. They remained lovingly married for 33 years before she died of cancer in 2018.

Sadly, after losing the love of his life, Tim grieved for four years until he finally joined her in death by natural causes.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister, Kathy.

He is survived by his brother, Gary (Pattie); brother-in-law, Ross; his three daughters, Candi, Katie and Sara; four grandsons, Nick, Alex, David and Darron; two great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

Tim was a quick wit and had a great sense of humor, even during his last days.

He will be missed by his family and many friends, especially Bruce Jones and cousin, Skip Hyder.

We will all miss seeing him driving his 1950 Chevy pickup, “Beulah.”

According to Tim’s wishes, there will be no service.

Cremation arrangements were made by Chapel of the Lakes in Lakeport. He wanted his ashes scattered with Judy’s.

Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, 707-263-0357, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 27 April 2023 02:34; 27 April 2023

Catherine A. Gomez

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Catherine A. Gomez was born June 27, 1948, in San Jose, California.

She was a tribal elder of the Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians in Lakeport.

She was a very strong, loving and caring person, full of joy and always fun to be around. She would tell you like it is no matter what.

She fought very strongly during her 74 years of life and never gave up! She always had faith and did everything with a good heart. She always opened her doors to the family and helped if she could.

Catherine enjoyed family time, loved her puzzles, telling stories, House TV shows, comedy movies and shopping.

She Always enjoyed good music, dancing and the color purple, always making sure she was matching when she got dressed for the day.

She will truly be missed!

She passed on April 23, 2023.

Catherine is predeceased by her parents, Mitchell Gomez and Mildred Berryessa; and her siblings, Ona, Zelda, Casey, Manuel, Arnie and Norma.

She is survived by her sister, Janet Sonnenfelt; godson, Billy Fred; godmother, JoJo; and countless nieces, nephews, grandchildren, family and friends who loved and cared for her very much.

We will all miss you so much “Aunt Cat,” “Soupie,” “Darling”! ‘Til we meet again. Rest in peace!

Traditional visitation at 585 Yellow Hammer Lane, Lakeport, will take place from Wednesday April 26, at 11 a.m., through Saturday, April 29, concluding at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. graveside service on Saturday, April 29, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lakeport.

Care is entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, 707-263-0357, www.chapelofthelakes.com.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 15 April 2023 23:27; 15 April 2023

Robert 'Bob' Anton

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Robert “Bob” Anton was born July 3, 1920, to parents John and Inez Anton.

He and his brother Baird were the fourth generation to be born in Lakeport.

Bob lived a long, active life! At 102, he still drove over the mountains weekly with his cat Finley to spend time with his family and friends in Chico.

Bob went home to be with the Lord on March 5, 2023.

After college, Bob worked as an aeronautical engineer at Lockheed Martin in Burbank, and then served in the Army Air Corps teaching night flying.

During his time of service, he married the love of his life, Janice, and they were married for 68 years. Bob and Jan had two children, Lynda and Tom who were also born and raised in Lakeport.

Happy to be back home with family, Bob became co-owner of Lake Chevrolet for 25 years. After that he sold real estate at Anton Realty for several years and then he became the Lake County appraiser for the VA for several more years.

Bob was a longtime member of the Lakeport Rotary Club, and 75 years in the Hartley Masonic Lodge. He was also honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Lake County Rodeo in 2021.

At the age of 80, Bob finally retired, and he and Jan often enjoyed traveling to Mexico with friends to spend time fishing and relaxing together.

In 2011, Jan passed and since that time Bob has continued to cherish the close relationships with his beloved family and his wonderful friends in both Lakeport and Chico.

Bob really enjoyed golfing, fishing and meeting regularly with his loyal coffee friends.

He was a very hard working and a loving family man who will be greatly missed!

Bob is survived by his daughter, Lynda; his grandchildren, Erin and Amber and their families, including great-grandchildren Natalie, Kaiden, Kaya and Maliya; and his niece and nephew, Jean and John Anton.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport. All are welcome!

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 14 April 2023 02:26; 14 April 2023

Evelyn Flaig

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Evelyn Rhae Flaig, age 87, of San Mateo, California, passed peacefully on April 3, 2023, at her home in Lakeport, surrounded by family.

She was born April 24, 1935, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Ray and Marvina Jensen.

The family, including her sister Norma, moved to Indiana in 1942. At the age of 10, she moved to Arizona with her parents.

In 1960, she moved to California, and met the love of her life, Ray Flaig, and they married a few months later on April 29, 1961.

They raised five children in San Mateo and became business owners in Los Altos while welcoming 15 grandchildren.

After retiring to their family vacation home in Lakeport, they added five great-grandchildren to the party.

Over the years, Evelyn enjoyed many hobbies, loved sailing, traveled the world, was PTA president, sold Tupperware and touched many, providing daycare services to neighborhood kids.

She will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her husband, Ray; her five children, David (Denise), Michael, Jenny Schmidt (Steve), Curtis (Kelly) and Suzanne Shepard (Jim); 15 grandchildren, Heidi Flaig, Erika Flaig, Kyle McDowell, Chad McDowell, Holden Flaig, Tyler Schmidt (Heather), Zachary Schmidt, Emily McIlhaney (Danny), Brandon Flaig, Paige Flaig, Kayla Flaig, Kyle Parker, Quintin Shepard, Alexis Lleras (Brayan) and Madelynn Shepard; five great-grandchildren, Sean McDowell, Lucy McDowell, Lincoln McDowell, Brooklyn Schmidt and Olivia McIlhaney.

Graveside services were held at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto on Monday, April 10.

Donations may be made to her neighborhood HOA for a memorial in her honor: Evelyn Flaig, Lands’ End HOA, P.O. Box 804, Lakeport, CA 95453.

Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, 707-263-0357, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.