Lake County News,California

Obits

: Lake County News Reports; Posted On Friday, 09 October 2020 02:16; 09 October 2020

John Richard Simpson

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – John Richard Simpson (1935-2020) of Kelseyville passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, 2020, in Kelseyville.

Rich made the most of his time in life and was loved dearly by his friends and family.

Rich was born in Alturas, California, and raised in Marysville, California, where he met and married his wife of 67 years, Oleta Simpson. Rich and Oleta raised their children in Marysville before moving to Kelseyville 40 years ago.

While living in Marysville, Rich worked for Pacific Bell for 35 years. He was also the past master of Corinthian Lodge #9. His love of kids and sports led him to coach and manage for Marysville Little League for several years where he had the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of many young men.

To stay busy after retirement, Rich ran his nursery selling beautiful flowers and vegetables. He was a very active member of the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, especially involved with the food pantry.

Rich also had many hobbies outside his work for the church and his nursery. He loved to cook, watch sports, spend time with friends and family, and drive his RV to Yuma, Arizona, in the winter.

He also was an active member of the Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville where he enjoyed talking with park attendees at the visitors center and teaching them about the beautiful mountains that he called home.

Rich is survived by his wife of 67 years, Oleta; sons, Kevin and Ron; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his loyal canine companion, Miss Boots.

He is predeceased by sons, Michael and Rick, and daughter, Pamela Brocker.

Memorial donations in his memory may be given to Kelseyville Presbyterian Church or your favorite charity.

Due to social distancing guidelines, a celebration of life has been postponed and will be held once the family is allowed to host a gathering.

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

: Lake County News Reports; Posted On Thursday, 01 October 2020 00:47; 01 October 2020

William Sterbenk

**William “Bill” Sterbenk. Courtesy photo.**

William (Bill) Sterbenk, a longtime resident of Lakeport, California, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2020, at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah. He was 89 years old.

Bill was born on May 7, 1931, in Oakland, California, to Frank and Edna Sterbenk.

At the age of 12, Bill moved to Lake County where he graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1949.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War on the Bon Homme Richard as an Aviation Ordnanceman in Fighter Squad 74. He received the Korean Service, U.S. Service, and Good Conduct medals.

After completing his military service, Bill returned to Lake County and settled in Lakeport where he worked for PG&E from 1953 to 1993.

He served as the chairman of the Lake County Republican Central Committee and was appointed as director of the Lake County Fair Board by Gov. Ronald Reagan.

Bill was a member of the California Republican State Central Committee and Chairman Association, the VFW, Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department and the Konocti Rod and Gun Club.

Bill received his pilot’s license from Lampson Field Airport in Lakeport. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling.

Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Valerie (Risi) Sterbenk of Cedar City, Utah; children, Melodee Reese, Mark (Lori) Sterbenk, Andrea Saunders and Erica Saunders (Kyle) Laws; and sister, Cheryl Newsom.

Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Jeremy Reese, Rachael (Brandon) Burgan, Alicia (Leo) Nunez, Kyle Sterbenk, John Polhamus, Nick Seils, Natalie Seils, Morgan Wiener, Mikayla (Sam) Moses, Zachary Wiener, Nathan Wiener, Samantha Wiener and Risi Laws; and six great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly Hage, and son-in-law, Jim Reese.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Wounded Warriors or a charity of choice.

Graveside memorial service with military funeral honors will be held at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport on May 8, 2021, at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow.

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

: Lake County News Reports; Posted On Tuesday, 29 September 2020 01:33; 29 September 2020

Catherine Marie Wayshak

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Sept. 16, 2020, we lost our Nanny, Catherine Marie Wayshak.

She was born to Dario and Minnie Romano on July 18, 1932, and married to James Wayshak who passed seven years ago.

Nanny spent her last four years in the home of Zeke and Cindy in Orchard Shores, Clearlake Oaks.

She is also survived by her granddaughter, Cristy Davis and her husband Randy; grandson, Jason Wayshak and his wife Amanda Knight. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Michael, Ian, Ashlyn and Jacob.

Nanny took great pride in being the most loving grandmother and great-grandmother and enjoyed every moment with her grandchildren.

She was loved by all that knew her and will be greatly missed by her loved ones, including all the folks at Orchard Shores, and her dog Missy, her walking buddy.

May God Bless you, Nanny. We love you.

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

: Lake County News Reports; Posted On Friday, 02 October 2020 00:55; 02 October 2020

Larry White

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Larry Eugene White of Lakeport joined our Lord on Sept. 27, 2020.

He entered this world on Sept. 23, 1953, at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, to parents, Donald and Arlene White.

Larry grew up in Dublin, California, where he was an active young man, participating in and excelling at baseball also in the Boy Scouts of America.

After graduating from Dublin High School on June 16, 1971, Larry joined the United States Navy, the day after his 18th birthday. He proudly served on the USS Hancock in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.

Following his Honorable Discharge, Larry discovered he had the “gift of gab” and really enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life.

He found his charisma was well suited in the sales world where he got to meet, greet, and shake hands with countless people for the better part of 30 years.

During this time, Larry fathered three boys, Richard, Jonathan and Brett, all of whom he loved dearly and would often share stories of with anyone who would listen.

Larry retired from the sales world in 2003. After a brief time enjoying retirement, he found a new calling. He began working for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, where he assisted fellow US veterans by transporting those in need to necessary appointments.

Larry again retired, this time for good in early 2018 and on April 27 of the same year, Larry married the love of his life, Gail, in a small ceremony at Grace Church surrounded by their
immensely proud children, family and friends.

Larry and Gail loved to travel and, on a whim, would jump in the car and go exploring. He loved his trips to the California and Oregon coasts with Gail.

Larry’s memory lives on with his loving wife, Gail; his brothers, Richard and Steven; sister, Connie; his sons, Richard, Jonathan and Brett; and four grandsons, Jonathan, Troy, Carson and Dean White.

He is a man who lived his life. Although he is no longer with us, his inspiration will live on.

Care and arrangements entrusted to Jones Mortuary FD311, telephone 707-263-5389.

: Lake County News Reports; Posted On Tuesday, 29 September 2020 23:47; 29 September 2020

Kelly Lewis

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Kelly Lynn Lewis passed away surrounded by love on Sept. 8, 2020.

As an organ and tissue donor, she was able to give a second chance at life to several people and enhance the lives of numerous others.

She was born in Ukiah, California, on June 4, 1961, but lived in Healdsburg from three days old until 1984. She graduated from Healdsburg High School in 1979.

She was a resident of Lake County from 1984 until her passing.

Kelly loved gardening, but despite her best efforts, was completely terrible at it.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick with a smile and had an infectious laugh.

She also loved reading, animals, people, traveling and the ocean.

She is preceded in death by her dad, Bob.

She is survived by her mom, Diane; siblings, Rob (Beth) and Jacquie (Joseph); children, Amy (Dave), Tess (Joe) and Kristy (Josh); and her grandchildren, Devon, Ari, Tara and Jackson.

Due to the current pandemic, a celebration of life will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the SPCA or adopting a pet from a shelter.

: Lake County News Reports; Posted On Sunday, 27 September 2020 02:04; 27 September 2020

Danny Clements

A good man has left this place. Danny Scott Clements, born at McClelland, Arkansas, on July 2, 1939, died Sept. 18, 2020, in Richmond, California.

Danny is survived by wife, Priscilla (Pat); daughter, Carrie Sousa (Jeff); grandsons, Robbie Mason (Katie) and Wesley Mason; and great-grandchildren, Codey Mason and Ella Mason.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Wendy A. Clements; son, Danny D. Clements; brothers, Damon and Sonny Clements; and sister, Faye Sullivan.

Danny was born the son of a sharecropper at a home without electricity or running water. His was a sparse existence with a wood stove for heat and lanterns the primary source of light.

The stories he told were common in older generations, watching his mother wash clothes in a huge fire-heated pot and his father trapping small animals for food and trade as well as working his crop in the summertime.

He migrated to California in the 1940s, finished school, and began work as a carpenter. Danny was first employed in heavy construction then as a marine carpenter, finishing his career as carpenter superintendent for Stan Flowers Co. He was a proud member of Marine Carpenters Union Local 1149/2236 for 60 years.

Danny's past affiliations included Webelos leader of Cub Scout Troop 132, Richmond Ramblers Motorcycle Club and Rob Roy Golf Club.

Dan shall be remembered for his love of family, building, making furniture, hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, golf and willingness to help others.

A good man has left this place but the love and spirit of him will live with us until the end of our days.

Memorial service will be held in Kelseyville at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice.

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