Mendocino County Obituary clips

Appeal Democrat, December 14, 1968

Found Dead On Sutter Road

A Rio Linda man was found dead in his car parked East Levee Road north of Riego Road about 4:25 p.m. Yesterday, according to the Sutter County Sheriff-Coroner's Office. Lewis William Hoagland, 41, died from a single gunshot wound in the head, according to a coroner's report. A loaded .22 caliber rifle with one spent cartridge and a bottle of wine were found on the seat beside him, according to the sheriff's office. No explanation of the fatal shooting has been found, deputies reported. Hoagland's body was discovered by a game warden. Hoagland, a native of California, lived at 6735 West Second St., Rio Linda. Survivors include four daughters, Louise, Louann, Luiu and Lois and one son, Dusty; and two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Bruno of Sacramento and Mrs. Gilbert Cardoza of Healdsburg. Chapel of the Twin Cities in Yuba City is in charge of arrangements.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Aug. 13, 1984

Virgil Perry Frye

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at First Assembly of God Church in Covelo for Virgil Perry Frye, 84, of Covelo, who died at his home Saturday. Pastor Tom Nace will officiate. Interment will be in Valley View Cemetery in Covelo. Arrangements are by Anker-Lucier Mortuary in Willits. Mr. Frye was born in Meridian on Feb. 21, 1900. He made his home in Covelo since 1976. He came here from San Carlos where he was an insurance broker for 20 years. He was a member of the Lions Club, Covelo Flying Club, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and he was a member of the board of directors of Covelo Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance. He is survived by his wife, Pauline of Covelo; one brother, Delmar Frye of Sisters, Ore.; one sister, Margaret Herman of Folsom

Ukiah Daily Journal, April 8, 1964

Final Services Conducted For Mary Britton

Covelo – Funeral services were conducted Saturday for Mrs. Mary Britton, 75, who died Wednesday at her Covelo home. Mrs. Britton was born in Covelo and spent all her life in this area.

Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Ruby Simmons, Covelo; Mrs. Gloria Comer, Ukiah, and Mrs. Fay Mason, Barberville; her sons, Carlino Swearinger, Colusa; Frank Britton, Covelo, and Kenneth Britton, Healdsburg; and her sister, Mrs. Frances Tillotson, Covelo; 38 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Services were conducted at the Round Valley Methodist Church by the Reverend John M. Foster, pastor of the Willits Methodist Church. Interment was in Nomalacki Cemetery, Covelo. Anker-Mortuary, Willis was in charge of arrangements.

Ukiah Daily Journal, July 12, 1955

Accident Victim Dies Monday at Willits Hospital

Byron F. Peters died in the Howard Hospital in Willis yesterday from injuries received a week previously in an auto accident a mile north of there. Peters and seven members of his Covelo family were injured when the car he was driving went off a curve on highway 101 at 2 a. m. July 5. A ninth person in the car escaped injury. The California highway patrol said the accident occurred when Peters attempted to pass a truck at high speed on the two lane highway. Mr. Peters died from internal injuries. His wife, Eva, 36, is till in the hospital, after her right foot almost severed in the wreck. Mr. Peters was removed to the Zimmerman Mortuary in Ukiah. Deputy Coroner Curtiss Hollingworth examined the death.

Ukiah Daily Journal, July 13, 1955

Covelo Funeral For Byron E. Peters

Funeral services for Byron E. Peters of Covelo will be held from the Covelo Methodist Church, Wednesday afternoon, July 13, at 2 o'clock with Rev. North officiating. Interment will be in the Covelo Cemetery with the Zimmerman Mortuary of Ukiah in charge of arrangements. Mr. Peters died July 11 from injuries received in an automobile accident on July 4 near Willits. He was born at Covelo and lived his entire life in Round Valley, occupied with farm work. He was a veteran of World War 11, 43 years of age. Surviving members of the family are his wife, Mrs. Eva Peters, who also injured in the accident and is still hospitalized, and the following children; Phyliss, Edward, Edwin. Arlis, Leonard and Louella Peters. Lillian Shields and Caroline Cards of Covelo are his sisters.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Dec. 26, 1963,

Rancheria Man Slain By Spouse

Archie Wantt, 30-year-old Talmage Rancheria resident, died early today of two gunshot wounds in the stomach reported fired by his common-law wife, Ines Mitchell Wantt, 36, who is being held in the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of murder. The shooting was a double one, with a friend of the couple, Albert Arms, 36, Ukiah, suffering a minor leg wound from a stray bullet, one of “four or five.” shots allegedly fired by the woman at 1:45 a .m. today in front of an E. Perkins Street bar. Wantt died at 2:05 a .m. in Mendocino County Hospital. His body was taken to Zimmerman Mortuary, where funeral arrangements are pending. Ukiah police, who investigated, indicated that the shooting was apparently the climax of a long – standing quarrel between the couple, who came to Ukiah some years ago from Garberville. The shooting took place as Arms sat in a pickup and Wantt was by the open door of the vehicle, police reported. They say Ines Wantt came out of the bar and fired “at least four shots: from a pistol. Two of them struck him in the stomach as he turned to face her, and one stray bullet slightly wounded Arms, who was treated at the County hospital and released. He was being questioned today by the coroner's office and the police about circumstances of the shooting. Nature of the quarrel leading up to the shooting was not immediately known but apparently the disagreement between the Wantts had been manifested before. The couple reportedly been drinking but police report the woman did not appear to be intoxicated.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Dec. 30, 1963

Covelo Services Held for Shooting Victim

Funeral services were held in Covelo yesterday for Archie Wantt, 30, Ukiah Rancheria, who died of a gunshot wound outside a Ukiah bar early the morning of Dec. 26. His common-law wife, Ines, has been arraigned for the slaying. Wantt, a Korean veteran, is survived by a son, Archie Wantt Jr., of Garberville; by three brothers, Ralph Wantt, Alderpoint; Adrian Wantt, Eureka; and Robert Whipple, Healdsburg; by three sisters, Donna and Nada Stillwell, Alderpoint and Garberville, respectively; and Glenes Leggett, of Alderpoint; and by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wantt, Alderpoint. Funeral arrangements were by Zimmerman Mortuary, with interment in Covelo cemetery.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Jan. 14, 1964

Inez Wantt Enters Not Guilty Plea

Inez Wantt, Ukiah, charged with the murder of her common law husband, Archie, and with assault with a deadly weapon with Intent to commit murder, pleaded not guilty to both charges at her arraignment in Ukiah Justice Court yesterday. Judge Fred Goss set 3 p. m. Thursday as the time for her preliminary hearing. Wantt was shot to death in the early hours of Dec. 26 on Perkins Street by a pistol reportedly fired several times by the woman.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Feb. 11, 1964

Inez Wantt Guilty Of Murder

Superior Judge Wayne Burke this morning found Inez Wantt, Ukiah Rancheria, guilty of second degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Judge Burke set Feb. 27 at 9:30 a. m. as the time for sentencing. Mrs. Wantt was charged with murder and assault with intent to commit murder following the shooting in the early morning hours of Dec. 26 of her common law husband, Archie Wantt, Ukiah Rancheria, She was also charged with assault as the result of slightly wounding Albert Arms, Humboldt County, the victim's companion. Second degree murder carries a term of from 5 years to life in state prison. Judge Burkes based his decision on a transcript of proceedings during the preliminary hearing before Judge Goss in Ukiah Justice Court and arguments by opposing counsel. John Golden represented Mrs. Wantt. Deputy District Attorney David Luce prosecuted. Wantt, Arms, and a female companion had left the E. Perkins Street bar where they had been celebrating during the evening. Arms and the woman climbed into a pickup truck which was parked in front of the bar while Wantt stood beside the vehicle. Mrs. Wantt emerged from the bar, took a pistol from her purse and fired four shots. One struck the victim in the abdominal area, severing an artery. Another nicked Arms in the leg, a third lodged in a tire and the fourth went wild. Mrs. Wantt was taken into custody by Ukiah police.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Sept. 6, 1960

Rider and Horse Killed when Hit By NWP Freight

A man on horseback in the rugged territory near Nashmead, 10-miles north of Dos Rios, was hit by a freight train at 4 a.m. Saturday morning and both rider and and horse was killed instantly, the sheriff's office reported today. Floyd Edward Wright, 36, a native of Covelo, was returning from an evening at Dos Rios when a freight train came around the curve and was unable to stop before hitting the horse and the rider along the railroad track. Wright, survived by his mother, Mrs. Rafelo Want of Alderpoint, was a mill worker. Funeral services were scheduled today at Mission Church in Covelo.

Ukiah Daily Journal 21 Feb 1991

Dorothy Adeline Britton, 78, of Covelo, died Feb 16, 1991 at her home. Mrs Britton was born in Covelo on July 18, 1912 and was a lifelong community resident. She was the first Native American to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge at the ceremonial opening in 1937. She was adorned in her native ceremonial clothing at the event, a very proud moment for her and her parents as the teenage girl crossed the bridge. Mrs Britton attended Haskell College in Lawrence, KS and was a homemaker. Mrs Britton is survived by her husband, Mervin Britton Sr of Covelo; two daughters, Sharon Howe and Murial McCoy, both of Pierre, South Dakota; a son Mervin Britton, Jr of Redwood Valley; her mother, Grace Wilsey of Ukiah; a sister, Eleanor Cummings of Covelo; seventeen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. 

Ukiah Daily Journal, Jan. 4, 1991

Franklin Douglas Wilsey

Lifelong Covelo resident Franklin Douglas Wilsey, 67, died Monday, Dec 31, 1990, at Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits. A visitation was held Thursday at the Round Valley Methodist Church in Covelo. A funeral was held at noon today. Mr. Wilsey is interred at Headquarters Cemetery in Covelo. Mr. Wilsey was born in Covelo on may 11, 1923. He had lived in the community all his life. He worked as a logger for 20 years. Mr. Wilsey is survived by his wife, Barbara Wilsey of Covelo; two sons, Sam Wilsey of Ukiah and Douglas Wilsey of Covelo; his mother, Grace Wilsey of Ukiah; two sisters, Dorothy Britton and Eleanor Cummings, both of Covelo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements are under the direction of the Anker-Lucier Mortuary in Willits.

Ukiah Republican Press, July 20, 1949

Fred Wilsey, 59, Dies at Covelo

Final rites were held for Fred Wilsey who passed away July 8 at his home in Covelo of a heart attack were held at Methodist Mission July 10, at 2 p. m. Born in Round Valley on March 2, 1890 he was 59 years of age. He lived the greater part of his life in Round Valley and attended school here later going to Phoenix, Arizona where he graduated from a school. An interesting chapter in his life was a freight route in which he drove a four horse team on the road between Ukiah and Covelo about 40 years ago. Later in life he became a farmer and was actively engaged in that work at the time of his death. On October 30, 1909 he married Grace Anderson and to this union was born 3 daughters and three sons. He was a kind and loving husband and father and always a good provider. His wife Mrs. Grace Wilsey, two sons, Franklin and Floyd of Covelo, two daughters Mrs. Eleanor Cummings of Oakland and Mrs. Dorothy Britton of Ukiah, a brother James, step-mother, Mrs. Ollie Wilsey, four grand children, other relatives and a host of friends are left to mourn.

Ukiah Daily Journal, July 6, 1965, Pg. 1

Drowning Tragedy On Coast (headline)

A Covelo youth was killed early Saturday morning when he was run over by a pickup. Fatally injured was Sidney Lee Britton, 17, a Round Valley high school student, who had apparently fallen asleep on Commercial Street, one-half mile north of the center of Covelo.

Everett Merrifield, 22, of Covelo, driver of the pickup, told the investigating deputy sheriff that he was on his way to work at 5:30 a.m. When he saw what he took to be a box in the road. He swerved but was unable to miss the youth. The body was taken to Anker Mortuary. Among survivors is his father, Earl Ray Britton of Covelo.

Ukiah Daily Journal, July 7, 1965

Service Held for Britton, Accident Victim

Covelo – Funeral services were held at the Covelo Methodist Mission today Tuesday for Sidney Lee Britton, 17, who was killed Saturday when he was run over by a car. The youth was lying on the pavement when he was struck by a car being driven by Everett Merrifield, 26, of Covelo. The sheriff's department reported Merrifield was unable to see the victim and he was not cited. Investigating officers were Ross Duke and Gordon Knott, Covelo resident deputy sheriffs and Doyle Cogburn, CHP. The youth was a student at Round Valley high school. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Britton, his brothers, Harold, Lawrence, Jerry, Earl and Eugene Britton, all of Covelo and a sister Mrs. Birdie Lockhart of Ukiah. The Rev. John M. Foster, officiated at the services and burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Covelo. Anker Mortuary, Willits, was in charge of arrangements.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Nov. 29, 1992

Covelo Man to stand trial for murder

A Covelo man who died nine days after a severe beating had suffered numerous injuries to his face, neck and shoulders, the doctor who performed the autopsy testified last week. Dr. Ervin Jindrich, the Marin County coroner, said Rupert Duncan, of Covelo, died Nov. 5 as a result of injuries to the brain. After the preliminary hearing, held Monday afternoon, Mount Sanhedrin Municipal Court Judge Henry Nelson ordered the man suspected of beating Duncan, 18-year-old Franklin Whipple, to stand trial for murder in Superior court. Whipple of Covelo, is accused of beating Duncan Oct 27. Duncan was hospitalized as a result of the beating and died Nov. 5 without regaining consciousness. Whipple is scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court Dec. 11. Jindrich, who performed the autopsy in early November, testified Duncan suffered numerous visible bruises to his head, temple, eyelids, lower lip, collar bone, shoulders and legs as well as a fractured nose. There were also abrasions on his chin, he said. There was also non-visible injuries and swelling to the brain, Jindrich testified. But Jindrich said, Duncan did not suffer any injuries to his hands. According to law enforcement authorities, Whipple was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after short foot pursuit by a deputy who witnessed the fight in an open field area near Howard and Perry Streets in Covelo. He was originally booked into Mendocino County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail, but the bail was increased to $100,000 after Duncan died. Whipple told deputies and investigators he and Duncan became involved in argument that escalated. Duncan had apparently accused Whipple of informing law enforcement officials of his cousin's whereabouts, Whipple told investigators. On Monday, Deputy David Tiller testified he was on patrol in Round Valley the day of the fight and had given Whipple a ride from his home into downtown Covelo. Tiller testified he dropped Whipple off near the Legion Hall when he noticed a car containing a suspect wanted on a misdemeanor warrant. Tiller testified he stopped the car and arrested Edwin Duncan on the warrant and transported him to the sheriff's substation a short distance away. Meanwhile, he testified, before leaving for the substation he noticed Whipple and Rupert Duncan had struck up a conversation near his patrol car. After he had arrived at the substation, tiller testified, a woman drove up and reported a fight, he said. “She said there was blood all over” Tiller testified. Tiller drove to the area when, he testified, he saw Whipple kick a man lying on the ground in the head two or three times. He said he recognized Whipple by his clothing. Tiller said he chased Whipple about 50 yards and after a brief struggle on the ground, handcuffed him. Tiller testified he returned to the victim to find him lying on the ground spread-eagled, covered with blood. He said he knew Duncan was badly hurt because he could hear him gurgling blood. “You could actually see blood coming from his mouth,” he testified.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Jan. 25, 1987

Marjorie Maize

Rosary will be at 7 this evening at Eversole Mortuary for Marjorie Maize, 67, who died Jan. 22 in a Ukiah hospital. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday Jan. 26, at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. Fathers Gary Lombardi and Ted Oswald will officiate. Interment will be in Ukiah Cemetery. A native of Ukiah, Maize was born July 2, 1919. She spent her entire life in this area, and was a homemaker during her adult life. Surviving her are her husband, Francis Maize of Ukiah; seven children, Marjorie Maize, Lill Dougall, Verle Anderson, Loretta Maize and Edith Scott, all of Ukiah, Ralph Maize of Arizona and Harold Maize of Hawaii; seven grandchildren, Darrell and Craig Maize, Allison Scott, Robert Young, and Andrea Maize, all of Ukiah, Tony and Francis Lee Maize of Hawaii; a great grandson, Daniel O'Neal Long of Ukiah; a brother, Francis Lockhart of Sacramento; and a sister, Lois Forrest of Ukiah. Grandson and Curtis Dale Hall will be pallbearers.

 Ukiah Daily Journal, April 12, 2000

Francis Maize

Recitation of the rosary for Francis Maize will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, with funeral services at 2 p.m. Friday at the Eversole Mortuary. Father Ted will be officiating. Interment will be in Ukiah cemetery. Mr. Maize died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at the age of 84. He was born June 15, 1915, in Santa Rosa. He was employed with the City of Ukiah as a pipe fitter, and was a member of the Redwood Empire Lions Club. Surviving are five daughters, Verle Anderson, Lilli Dougall, Loretta and Marjorie Maize, and Edith Scott, all of Ukiah; two sons, Harold Maize of Willits, and Ralph Maize of Ukiah. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eversole Mortuary.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Nov. 14, 2001, Pg 2

Francis Lockhart

Francis Lockhart, age 75, of Willits, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001, in Willits. Private family services will be held 7 p.m. Thursday at Anker-Lucier Mortuary Chapel in Willits, with Rev. Father Bruce Lamb officiating. Mr. Lockhart was born March 8, 1926, in Ukiah. He worked as a cook for the State of California, and was a tribal elder of the Sherwood Valley Rancheria. He was also a World War ll Navy veteran. He is survived by a sister, Lois Lockhart; two sons, Edwin and Vernon Lockhart; two daughters, Oneida James Lockhart and Marilyn Roman; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Lockhart in 1974, and a son, Ernest Lockhart, also in 1974. Donations may be made to Sherwood Valley Rancheria, attn: Trinia. For information, contact Anker-Lucier Mortuary, Willits, 459-5515

Ukiah Dispatch Democrat, Feb. 13, 1948

Covelo news

Tom Crabtree, old and respected resident of the Indian reservation in Round Valley, passed away at his home Wednesday morning, February 5. Mr. Crabtree was 8- years, 5 months and 19 days old and had spent most of his lifetime in Round Valley. He herded sheep for many years for G. F. Johnson and was a good and dependable hand. One man said of him, “I was at his camp one time. I never saw a cleaner camp nor more whole-hearted hospitality anywhere else.”

Ukiah Daily Journal, Feb. 4, 1960

Cecelia Crabtree Succumbs at Age 90

Funeral services are pending at Zimmerman Mortuary for Cecelia Crabtree, 90, of Covelo who died Wednesday at a local hospital. Born in Willits, deceased has resided her entire life in Mendocino County. A brother George Dalson of Covelo survives; also two grandchildren – Ruby Hoaglen of Calpella and Negie Fawlis of Sacramento and numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Feb. 22, 1989

Lucy Emma Van-Bebber

Willits – A graveside service for Lucy Emma Van-Bebber, 77, will be 2 p.m. Today at the Willits cemetery. Van-Bebber died Feb. 19 at home. She was born May 3, 1911 in Cedarville and lived in Willits most of her life. She was a homemaker. Survivors are her daughter-in-law, Linda Van-Bebber of Pollock Pines, sisters Millie Bartolomei of Ukiah and Bernice Morgan of Santa Rosa; brother James Morgan of Milton Sweetwater, Ore.; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions to the Willits Hospice are preferred by the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Anker-Lucier Mortuary.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Nov. 19, 1956

Tuesday Rites For Branscomb Man

Rosary will be recited this Monday evening at 8 o'clock at the Zimmerman Mortuary for John Gregory Campbell of Branscomb, who passed away at Hillside Hospital, Ukiah, Saturday, November 17. Mr. Campbell was a native of Fort Bragg, where he was born December 13, 1914. He was a mill worker and the family home had been at Branscomb for the past five years. Funeral services from the mortuary will be held Tuesday afternoon, November 20 at 2 o’clock with Father Isadore Kennedy of St. Mary's Catholic Church officiating. Interment is to be in the Potter Valley Cemetery. Mr. Campbell is survived by his mother, Mrs. Delia Campbell of Fort Bragg and two daughters, Dolores and Gertrude Campbell of Laytonville. Also surviving are three brothers and two sisters, Benjamin Campbell of Willits, Thomas and Leonard Campbell of Branscomb, Bertha Macias of Los Angeles and Patricia Williams of Fort Bragg.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Sept. 27, 1999

Benjamin “Benny” Edward Gravier

Memorial services for Benjamin “Benny” Edward Gravier will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Round Valley Recreational Center in Covelo. Mr. Gravier died Friday, Sept. 24, 1999 at the age of 64. He was born Sept. 22, 1935 in Ukiah. He was a life long resident of Covelo, and he was a retired employee of Louisiana-Pacific Corp. Mr. Gravier was an avid outsdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and sporting events. He played minor league baseball in Albuquerque, N. M. and later in life spent much of his time coaching and following youth athletics. Mr. Gravier is survived by his wife, Pauline; daughter, Darlene Shipley; son-in-law, Bobby Seng of Livermore; sons Edward and daughter-in-law Stephanie Gravier of Ukiah and John Gravier of Cloverdale. He is also survived by a grandson and granddaughter Chris Bogna and Drew Gravier; a brother, Richard Gravier of Laytonville; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Anker-Lucier Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ukiah Daily Journal, August 3, 1984

Arthur Eldon Duncan

Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 6, at 2 p. m. at Round Valley United Methodist Church for Arthur Eldon Duncan, 66, of Covelo, who died Wednesday, Aug. 1, at the Round Valley Indian Health Clinic. Interment will be in the Nomalaki India Cemetery in Covelo. Mr. Duncan, who was born in Covelo March 3, 1918, lived his entire life in that community. He worked as a farm laborer for over 40 years for Zola Bauer in Round Valley. He was a member of the Round Valley United Methodist Church. Surviving are two sisters, Thelma Smith and Ona Freeman of Covelo; numerous nieces and nephews.

Willits News, The (CA) - Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Willis Minton Fales was born on January 7, 1930 to Minton "Mac" and Beulah Fales in Klamath Falls, Oregon. His Father was born in Redwood Valley and worked in sawmills for most of his life in northern California and Oregon, they went where the work was and eventually "stayed put" in Willits where Willis and his three Sisters, Shirley (Wagner), Carol (Crouch) and Arlene (Hamilton) grew up and attended school. 

Willis attended Pine Street School and Willits High and worked at various odd jobs as a boy eventually going into the USAF at the young age of 16, with his Mother's help in changing his birth date by one year. He was proud to have served as a Fireman (Crash-man) at Westover Field in Massachusetts and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1949. 

He met Betty Gagnon while in the service and they were married after his discharge. They had one child, Nancy (Stipe). He lost the "love of his life" in 1956 when Nancy was 6 years old. In 1959 he met and married another wonderful woman, Ann Landry who had a young son, David. Willis and Ann married in Massachusetts and had a daughter Sally (Schnitzius) and a son, John. They headed back to California in 1960 to settle back in Willits with his family. In the 80's his marriage to Ann ended in divorce and he eventually married Markie Flint and helped raise her children, Don and Michiline. 

Willis worked at several places during his lifetime the longest being Seaside (Little Lake Industries). He talked of loading thousands of board feet of redwood into boxcars for 50 cents per thousand bf. He eventually became a foreman there and enjoyed the people he worked with very much. At the end of his career he was designing redwood furniture for Little Lake and Leisure Time Products in Nevada. In 1986 Willis broke his neck in a fall at Little Lake and that ended his career. Willis and Markie moved to Portola, California for a few years where he enjoyed many hours in his shop creating things out of redwood. He made hundreds of redwood "fiddle clocks" to give to friends and family. 

He ended up back in Willits in 1996 on his own. He bought an RV and put it in the RV Park at the Golden Rule Mobile Home Park. He loved living at "the ranch," a favorite spot from his childhood. He became the "unofficial" camp host there sharing stories of life in Willits and the Howard Family and Seabiscuit to all the people passing through. He said he thought he'd met someone from every state. As a young man and as a provider for his family, he was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent many hours driving up and down our coastline looking for surf fish and rock picking for abalone, but in his later years became a true lover of nature. He was known on the ranch as "Will, the man who hand feeds the deer". The deer would press their noses to his screen door looking for him. Will was able to remain in his beloved home on the ranch until two days before he passed peacefully at his daughter's home on June 20, 2014. 

Willis was preceded in death by his wives, Betty and Ann, his parents, his three sisters, two half-brothers, Earl and Ray and his grandson Christopher Schnitzius. He is survived by his children Nancy (Roger Stipe) and John (Lynn) of Willits, Sally (Raul Madrid) of Maryland and David (Leslie) of Washington, Don (Kim) Flint of Marysville and Michiline Flint of Lincoln, and Brother-in-Law, Bud Crouch of Bodega Bay. He is also survived by 20 Grandchildren, 31 Great-Grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, and his two good friends at Golden Rule, Rick and Mark. 

Ukiah Daily Journal, Sept. 29, 1991

Shirley Piver

Shirley A. “Sham” Piver, a Fort Bragg resident for 44 years, died Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Mendocino Coast Hospital after a long illness. She was 53. Mrs. Piver, a Eureka native, moved to Fort Bragg with her family when she was 9. She remained in Fort Bragg, attended local schools and raised her family there. She loved country music and enjoyed dancing and visiting North Coast beaches when she was young, and later in life she enjoyed watching her grandchildren play school sports. Besides her daughter, Shirley Bazor, she is survived by her mother, Hazel Dunsing, of Ukiah; children, Darla Hull of Minnesota, Gaylynn Piver, Terri Piver, Shelley Piver, Julene Piver, Tina Piver, Sherry Piver, Julene Piver, Tina Piver, Sherry Piver and Kim Piver, all of Fort Bragg, Larry Piver of Eureka and Marlee Piver of Lodi; sisters, Patrica Dunsing of Ukiah, Loretta Davenport of Fort Bragg, Gladys Dunsing of Ukiah, Marion Butterworth of Idaho, Jackie Carey of Ukiah, Joan McNabb of Fort Bragg; brothers, Russell Dunsing of Washington, Arthur Dunsing of Santa Rosa, Michael Dunsing of Cloverdale, Richard Dunsing of Potterville, Marvin Dunsing of Calpella, Elmer Dunsing 11 of Ukiah, Wayne Aldridge of Sacramento; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services were held Saturday at the Chapel by the Sea in Fort Bragg. Private cremation will follow at Rose Memorial Park. Contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, 3033 Cleveland Ave., Suite 104C, Santa Rosa, 95403

Ukiah Daily Journal, Dec. 4, 1972

Long Illness fatal to Willits boy

Willits – Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 p. m. at Covelo's Church of Latter-day Saints for six year-old Raymond Earl Britton, Willits, who died Saturday in a Ukiah hospital following a long illness. A student at Brookside elementary school in Willits, young Britton is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Britton, Willits, and by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Herschel Folks, Willits, and Mrs. Norma Britton, Covelo. Two brothers also survive, Clayton and Johnny Britton, also of Willits. The Covelo LDS church is presently meeting in the WICC hall in Covelo. Officiating at services will be Bishop Ronald H. McCallum Jr. Interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, Covelo. Anker-Lucier Mortuary, Willits, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Sept 28, 2004

Death Notices

Wanda Lynn Want, 57, of Covelo died Thursday, Sept 23, 2004. A visitation will be held 3 p. m. Tuesday at the Covelo Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Covelo Nomalaki Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Ukiah Valley Mortuary.

 Ukiah Daily Journal,April 14, 1975

Death calls George Want

Round Valley - Funeral services were held today at Round Valley Methodist Church for George James Want. Want, a Covelo native, died in a Ukiah hospital last Thursday at the age of 72. A resident of Ukiah most of his life, Want worked as a ranch foreman. He leaves his wife, Aura and a daughter, Erma Crabtree, both of Ukiah, two other daughters, Ora Cordova and Vera Smith, both of Santa Rosa, a son, Fhilbert Anderson of Laytonville, two brothers, Al Want Jr. of Alder Point and Dudley Dorman of Covelo, 20 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held in Ukiah at Zimmerman Mortuary last night. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Covelo.

Ukiah Daily Journal, April 18, 1989

Dewey Whipple

Covelo – A funeral for Dewey Whipple, 87, of Covelo will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Round Valley United Methodist Church in Covelo. The Rev. Robert Anderson will officiate. Whipple died Monday, April 17 at a Willits hospital. He was born Jan. 25, 1902 in Covelo and lived there all his life. He was a heavy equipment operator for 20 years, last employed by the County of Mendocino. He was a member of the Round Valley United Methodist Church and served in the U. S. Army during World War 1. He is survived by his wife, Alda Whipple of Covelo, and nine children; James, Walter, and Ethel Whipple and Bertha Gonzales, all of Covelo; Douglas Whipple of Escondido, Norman Whipple of N. C., George Whipple of Sacramento, Phyllis Rohoff of Los Angeles, and Rosalee Davis of Hat Creek; a brother, Franklin Whipple of Oakland; sister Elsie Short of Covelo; 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Interment is at Headquarters Cemetery in Covelo. Arrangements are under the direction of Ankier-Lucier Mortuary.

Ukiah Daily Journal, April 21, 2002

Donald Carlos Azbill

Visitation for Donald Carlos Azbill will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. At Ukiah Valley Mortuary. Rosary will follow at Ukiah Valley Mortuary at 7:30 p.m. With Father Mike Clooney officiating. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, at 11 a.m. At the Headquarters Cemetery in Covelo. Father Bruce Lamb will officiate. Mr. Azbill died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco following a recent illness, He was 67. A lifelong resident of this community, Mr. Azbill was born Jan. 28, 1935, in Lakeport. He lived in Potter Valley for the past 20-plus years. He is survived by his brothers Delmar and John Azbill of Covelo; sisters Lorraine Sloan of Laytonville, Pearlene Azbill of Sacramento, Judith Annis of Santa Rosa, Alice Dildine and Audrey Enos of Covelo and Brenda Azbill of Ukiah. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Ukiah Daily Journal, August 10, 1990

Andrew Azbill

Andrew Azbill, 90, of Willits, died Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon, and a burial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the Round Valley Methodist Church. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Covelo. Mr. Azbill was born Oct. 7, 1899 in Covelo. He had lived in Willits 18 months, but was a resident of Mendocino County for 70 years. Azbill enjoyed the outdoors, and was fond of hunting and fishing. He was also a Little League coach. He is survived by three sons, Donald Azbill of Potter valley, Delmar Azbill and John Azbill, both of Covelo; six daughters, Lorraine Sloan of Laytonville, Pearlleen Swearinger of Sacramento, Audrey Enos of Fort Washakie, Wyo., Alice Dildine, Brenda Pudilo and Judy Annis, all of Ukiah. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Arrangements for Andrew Azbill are under the direction of the Anker-Lucier Mortuary in Willits.

Lake County Record-Bee from Sept. 23 to Sept. 29, 2011

Delmar "Shot" Allen Azbill of Covelo, CA passed away at his daughter's home in Nice, CA on Monday, September 19, 2011 surrounded by family. He was 74.

He is survived by his children, Delmona and Lydale Azbill, Patty, Vicky and Danny Eagle; siblings John, Judy, Audrey and Brenda. He had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Janice; parents Andrew Azbill and Isabelle Crabtree and sons Allen and Marvin Azbill and Tony Eagle.

Viewing will be at Chapel of the Lakes in Lakeport, CA on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A wake will be held at the Methodist Church in Covelo, CA on September 27, 2011. Services will be held September 28, 2011 at 11 a.m. followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Jan. 12, 1999

James Perry Whipple

Covelo - Services for James Perry Whipple will be held at noon Wednesday at the Covelo Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Covelo Methodist Church. Mr. Whipple died Monday, Jan. 11, 1999, in Willits. He was 68. He was born June 29, 1930, In Covelo. He was the director of Round Valley Indian Housing. Anker-Lucier Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ukiah Daily Journal (CA) - Sunday, July 27, 2014

Elsie Whipple (also known as El) was born on May 20, 1929 to Violet Britton and Samuel Cachora, in Covelo California. She lived in Covelo most of her life except when work took the couple to other work areas. She passed away on July 11, 2014 at 85 years old. Elsie married James Whipple on July 19, 1948. The following year in August of 1949 she gave birth to her daughter Cynthia O'Ferrall. El attended Grammar School at the Round Valley Reservation School. She graduated in 1947 at the Round Valley Unified High School, and later attended Mendocino College receiving an AA Degree in Business. After college she worked as a secretary for the Round Valley Tribal Council. She then worked many years as the Bookkeeper for Round Valley Indian Health. Elsie and Jim worked together with others to bring forth the establishment of the Round Valley Indian Health Center; she also helped her spouse bring forth The Round Valley Indian Housing Authority. El was very proud of the many hours she spent working for the Tribal Reservation and all the progress they helped to accomplish. Her personal skills included: she was a beautiful seamstress, and could do fine embroidery work. She loved to bake and her later years she liked to play Bingo. El loved the fact she could take herself to and from Bingo showing her independence, that in dependency was a huge factor in her life. Through out El's life there was never a day where she didn't have a book she was reading and she loved to discuss the books with you. She loved all types of music, her favorite being Country Western. She was a every special Mom, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and loved her son-in-law like a son. Her friendships were long lasting from grammar school to her adult life. She is survived by daughter Cynthia O'Ferrall and husband Roy (George) O'Ferrall. Sister: Barbara Wilsey, Pauline Gravier, and Susan Betts. Two Great Grand Daughters: Amanda (O'Ferrall) Hoyle and Jamie (O'Ferrall) Brown. Five Great Grandsons: Casey O'Ferrall, Trevor O'Ferrall, Matthew O'Ferrall, Hunter (O'Ferrall) Guerra, Dyaln (O'Ferrall) Guerra. One Great Great Grandson: Roy E. O'Ferrall II. 3 Nieces: Darlene Seng, Karen Gonzales, Vicki Vogel. Five Nephews: Armelio Breedlove, Samuel Wilsey, Douglas Wilsey. Numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by James Whipple (Husband), Margaret Breedlove (Sister), Bill Britton (Brother), Violet Britton (Mother), Samuel Cachora (Father), and Mackenzie Eileen O'Ferrall (Great Granddaughter)

Ukiah Daily Journal (CA) - Sunday, March 3, 2013

Norman Wayne Whipple 11-24-1933 to 2-28-2013. of the Round Valley Indian Tribes of Covelo, CA. Norman loved his family, especially attending his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's birthday parties, graduations and school activities. Norman loved the land and enjoyed ranching and pushing dirt for the Pacific Railroad and Central Valley rice fields; hauling heavy equipment for construction, and Oklahoma oil fields; also hunting and fishing as a young man; and greeting the sunrise from the bay window of the kitchen. Norman loved his country and proudly served for twelve years as a Demolition Team Navy Seal that included the Korean War. He said he didn't need to travel out of the country extensively as he had "been around the world twice." Norman loved his Native American Heritage and served on the Round Valley Tribal Council from the 60's through the 90's that included being on the founding committee for the Indian Health Services (establishing Health Clinics throughout Northern California); working with the Round Valley Housing Authority; and being Tribal Council Chair for at least four terms. His duties involved extensive travel to Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA as well in-state and out-of-state workshops and meetings. He was respected for being well-read and informed on all issues related to tribal and political issues that affected the governing and policy-making regulations of the RVIT. He listened intently, spoke when he believed it was necessary, and earned his listeners' respect even if it involved controversy or heated discussions. Additionally, he served as a member and chair of the Board of Education of Round Valley Unified School District in the late 90's. Norman is survived by his present wife, Andrea, and former wife, Annabelle. He and Annabelle have three children: Deborah Oliver, William Whipple and Kimberly Stillwell. There are ten grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. From a family of nine children there remain two sisters, Phyllis Rohloff and Berta Gonzalez, as well as one brother, Dewey Whipple, Jr.; and there is a surviving Aunt Thelma who lives out of state. He will be missed by numerous family members, friends and professional colleagues. Anker-Lucier Mortuary is conducting the funeral arrangements. The wake will be Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the Round Valley Methodist Church beginning at 4:00 P.M. Services will be held Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the Round Valley Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at the Nomalacki Cemetary in Covelo. A Reception at the Round Valley Senior Center will follow the interment.

Willits News from February 6 to March 5, 2013

Florence Violet Manual was born in Covelo on April 29, 1923, to Mr. Britt Pomeroy and Mrs. Florence Ann Hoaglen. Florence entered into rest on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at her Ukiah home at the age of 89, surrounded by loving family members. She passed away after a short battle with cancer.

Florence was a Wailacki/Concow elderly tribal member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes in Covelo, where she resided the majority of her life, until she had to move to Ukiah within the last few years.

Florence attended and graduated from Sherman Institute in Riverside, Department of Interior, Office of Indian Affairs, on May 2, 1942, majoring in rural home living. Afterwards, she moved to San Francisco to become a nanny, which she did for approximately two years.

Florence was well known for her kindness and hospitality; her extraordinary home-cooked meals and baking, especially for special family members and friends. Her door and kitchen were open to all, with nothing but lots of love and happiness. We all knew that if you wanted a good meal, a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa with some pie or cake, and some good company, Florence's house was the place to go. She was known to most of us as Aunt Florence or "Grandma."

Services were held Tuesday, February 5, at 1 p.m., at Anker-Lucier Mortuary in Willits, Pastor Ray Davis officiating.

Burial services will be held at a later date.

Florence is survived by daughter Sheila Martin and son Stanley Wilburn, both of Ukiah, and a brother, Claude Hoaglen of Dos Rios. Florence also helped raise her niece, Claudette Britton, and grandson David Guerreo. She also leaves behind many, many numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Round Valley News, Dec. 10, 1992

Wanda McLaughlin 1943-1992

Wanda McLaughlin was a devoted wife and mother. She was born in Round Valley on December 11, 1943 and fell asleep in death on November 24, 1999 in San Diego, Calif. At the age of 48 years, where she had made her home for 35 years. She leaves her beloved husband, Harold “Tony” McLaughlin; five children, Debra McDole, Wayne McLaughlin, Sondy Truby, Troy McLaughlin, Michelle McLaughlin; five grandchildren, Sharee and Tammy McDole, Joshua and Brandon Truby and Jordan McLaughlin ; four brothers, Lester Azbill, Armstead Want, Roy Britton and Merlyn Azbill, all of Covelo; five sisters, Irma Hoaglin and Barbara Anderson of Covelo, Linda Medina of San Jose, Calif., Henriette Simmons of Redmond, Oregon, Viynica Whipple of Sacramento, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews and friends. Wanda will be truly missed by her immediate family but also all of those who could just pop in at anytime. She was always there with a warm heart and listening ear. She used to mention our home is “Like Grand Central Station”. She became involved early in her children's lives with school activities, room mother, softball and Little League. She was their number 1 sports fan. She lead a busy life of a wife, mother, and grandmother right up until her illness. Her primary concern was her family and she was secondary. She learned of the Resurrection Hope, which brought her great comfort and peace which is from the Book of Acts 24: 15, which spoke of the Resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous.

Mendocino Beacon, June 1, 1967

Frank Gene Fales was killed May 25, 1967 when a tree he was felling crushed him against a stump - six miles east of Fort Bragg. Born in Dos Rios July 19, 1934, he lived most of his life in Fort Bragg working in the woods. He married Lorraine Dunsing in Mendocino April 2, 1955. She survived along with children: Frank Gene Jr. 10, Russell Ray 9, Connie Lea 7, Charles Dean 6. His parents, Vernon Fales of Willits, two brothers and four sisters also survived: Vernon Jr and Thomas Fales, both of Fort Bragg, Laurie Muns of Sutter Creek, Esther Jones of Los Angeles, Elaine McClure of Rhonert Park and Mary Ann Tryon of Fairfield. His funeral was on the 27th led by Rev. Richard H. Larsen. Burial was at Rose memorial.

Beacon, June 2, 1967

Frank Gene Fales Killed Last Thursday In Woods Mishap

Frank Gene Fales was killed in a tragic woods accident last Thursday afternoon, east of Fort Bragg. The Rev. Richard Larsen of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church officiated for the last rites on Saturday, May 27th, at the chapel of the Cannarr-Fairlee Funeral Home. Interment followed at the lawn section of Rose Memorial Park. His wife, Loretta Dunsing Fales survives at the family home Fort Bragg as do four children, Frank Gene Fales, Jr., Russell Ray Fales, Connie Lea Fales and Charles Dean Fales. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Fales, Sr., of Willits and the brother of Vernon Fales, Jr., Fort Bragg; Thomas Fales, Fort Bragg; Laurie Mons of Sutter; Esther Jones, Los Angeles; Elaine McClure, Rohnert Park and Mary Ann Tryon of Fairfield. Mr. Fales was born July 19, 1934 at Dos Rios and spent most of lifetime in Fort Bragg. He was a member of the Druids Lodge of Point Arena. Bearers for the final rites were Vernon Piver, Kenneth Jackson, Aldo Mattiuzzo, Arthur Piver, Jr., Theodore Ceriani and C. L. Williamson.

Mendocino Beacon, October 11, 1968

Eric R. Ronan Passes in Reno; Services Friday

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 o'clock Friday morning for Eric Rogers Ronan of Little River, who succumbed after an illness of a week, at a Reno hospital. Mr. Ronan, a resident of Little River for about ten years was a widower. His wife Rita J. Ronan died earlier this year, in January. He was a retired carpenter, a native Californian, born in San Francisco February 1888. He died Tuesday, October 8. He spent his entire lifetime in California and was eighty years of age at the time of his passing. He was the brother of Bernita Crimmins of San Carlos and the uncle of Alice Miller, Garden City, Long Island, N. Y.; Philip Crimmins, San Carlos; and Bernard Crimmins of San Francisco. The Rev. John K. Tritenbach will officiate for the rites on October 11, at the chapel of the Cannarr-Fairlee Funeral home. He will be laid to rest at the Shirley family plot in Evergreen Cemetery beside his late wife, Etta Shirley Ronan.

The Willits News, March 6, 1957

Final Rites Held For Willits Man

Final rites for John Franklin Minton, 80, who passed away at a Ukiah hospital Saturday were held at the L. P. Anker Mortuary at one p.m. Tuesday with Rev. George Fletcher officiating. Burial took place in the family plot at Sawyers cemetery. Mr. Minton had been confined to the hospital for about two months. He was a native of Missouri. He had been a resident of Willits and vicinity for most of his life, working principally as a carpenter. Survivors include his widow, Edna, of the east valley and several children.

The Willits News, Saturday, January 10, 1914

Mrs. Minton Dead

Mary Ann Johnson was born October 27, 1822, in Pike County, Missouri. She was married to John Minton, November 30, 1843; there were eight children born to them, five of whom survive her. They are: James Minton of Sherwood, Mrs. Susan Ann Larson of Scotia, Mrs. S. B. Martin of Willits, and R. N. Johnson of Willits. She came to California first in 1882 and then went back to Missouri where she lived for several years, returning twenty-six years ago, and has lived here until her death. She has been a member of the M. E. Church since fourteen years old and was a faithful Christian. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. B. Martin, Tuesday evening, January 6, 1914. The funeral was from Mrs. S. B. Martin's Thursday afternoon. She was laid to rest in the old cemetery, Rev. Chrysler officiated.

Willits News, April 16, 1958

Services Conducted Here Wednesday For Local Resident

Final services for Edna Olive Minton of Willits, who died in a Ukiah hospital Friday, were conducted at the L. P. Anker Mortuary at 1 p.m. Tuesday with Rev. Willard Weeks officiating. Interment took place in Little Lake Cemetery. Mrs. Minton had been a patient in the hospital two days when she expired. She was 72 years of age and a native of Lake County. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, a year ago. In recent years she had made her home in Willits, Ukiah and Lake County. Survivors include four children, Dorothy Thauberger and Zella M. Walter, both of South Fork, Millie J. Harmon of Central Valley and Violet M. Moore of Ukiah; two sisters, Junaita Womack of Santa Cruz and Minnie E. Russe of Santa Rosa; and two brothers, L. E. Allen, Sr., of Santa Cruz and L. F. Stark of Newcastle, 4 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Willits News, Wednesday, June 13, 1956 

 Willits Man, 66, Claimed by Death 

 Death claimed John Minton, 66, of Willits suddenly at a Ukiah hospital, Saturday. He had been confined to the hospital only a short time. A native of Mendocino Co., Minton had lived in Willits, not a year. He is survived by a son, Edward, of Rohnerville (Humboldt County) and two other children. He was a cousin of Dr. Daisy Martin and Blaine Johnson, both of Willits. The remains were prepared for burial at the L. P. Anker Mortuary, shipped to Fortuna for funeral rites.

 

Willits News, March 30, 1923

Mrs. James T. Minton, a resident of Mendocino County for more than thirty years and of Willits for about thirty years died at her home here Tuesday. Mrs. Minton had been in ill health for several years. Kitty Van Bebber was born in Linn County, Missouri, July 19, 1855, and was 67 years, 8 months and 8 days old at the time of her death. He was married in Missouri in 1875 to James T. Minton. To them were born four children, Frank and Blaine Minton, and Mrs. Dollie Raymond and Mrs. May Fales. Mrs. Minton came to Mendocino County in 1881 with her husband and except for a short time spent in Humboldt county, she lived here since. The deceased is survived by her husband, the four children above mentioned, three brothers, Frank Van Bebber of Willits and two brothers in Hopland; also by a number of grandchildren. The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon from Watson's undertaking parlors, Chaplain Jones officiating. Interment was at Sawyer's Cemetery. During her long residence in this community, Mrs. Minton made many friends who sincerely regret her passing.

The Willits News, Friday, October 1, 1937

James Minton, Pioneer of Sherwood Valley, Dies

James Minton died at Eureka last Saturday, according to word received in Willits this week. Minton was a pioneer of this section, having settled in Sherwood Valley in 1880. He was employed as a a woods man for many years. About twenty years ago he moved to Humboldt county where he worked on redwood split stuff. Mr. Minton was a native of Missouri and was eighty-two years of age. Three children survive him, Blaine Minton of Weott and Mrs. John Harpe and Mrs. Bert Raymond of Willits. Thirteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren also mourn his death. He was well known in Willits by many of the old timers.

 Little Lake Herald, Wednesday, February 25, 1903

Mrs. Catherine Minton died at the sanitarium in Ukiah Sunday last . She was the wife of John Minton of this city and was aged ? Years.

Humboldt Co Paper, April 1930

John W. Minton Dies At Myers

Scotia, April 29. - John Wesley Minton, aged 69, passed away Sunday morning, April 27, at the home of his son, John W. Minton Jr. of Myers, following several months illness. He was born near Forest City, Holt County, Missouri on October 4, 1860 and came to this state 41 years ago, residing most of that time near Willits, where he was loved and respected by all who knew him. In addition to his son, he leaves to mourn his passing two sisters, Mrs. Susan A. Larsen of Rio Dell, Mrs. Jennie F. Martin of Willits; a brother, James T. Minton of Miranda; a half-brother, Robert N. Johnson of Fort Bragg and nine grandchildren, Jane, Eddie and Wesley Minton; Gertrude, Madeline, William, Audrey and Elmo Hopper and Mrs. Agnes Farnsworth, all residents of Humboldt County. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Methodist church at Willits and he will be laid to rest in the family plot in Willits cemetery where are buried his wife, Mary; his daughter, Mrs. Marcella Hopper and his mother, Mrs. Mary A. Johnson, all of whom passed on several years ago.

Ukiah Daily Journal, May 31, 2013

Denver Darrell Hoaglen, 58, of Covelo, died Thursday, May 16, 2013. Services will be on Saturday, at 1 p.m. At the Pine Grove Cemetery in Covelo. Arrangements are under the direction of Eversole Mortuary.

Mendocino Beacon, June 28, 2012

Paul Francis McNabb passed away June 21, 2012, at approximately 9 p.m. He passed in his sleep without difficulty and in peace. Born on May 29, 1919 in Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg, to John and Pearl McNabb, he was 93. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife on Friday, June 29 at noon. Friends and family are invited to attend the grave site services at the Rose Memorial Cemetery in Fort Bragg. Paul lived his entire life in Fort Bragg with the exception of six years in the U. S. Marine Corps during World War II. Some of the battles he fought in were Midway Island, Tarawa, Marianas Islands, Saipan, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Paul had spent the last number of months in the Fort Miley Military Hospital Community Living Center in San Francisco due to medical complications. Pail had many friends in Fort Bragg, many of which went to the Redwood Coast Senior Center. He enjoyed his long walks and conversations with his loving sister Lorna Coverston. His family and many friends love and will miss Paul. Semper Fi. He was predeceased by his wife Joan McNabb in 1982. Paul is survived by his daughter, Pauline Casey and sons John and Mike McNabb, grandchildren Patrice Cape, Anthony and Andre Cape and Miles Adams; great-grandchildren Ariana Fernandez, Nick and Lucas Hernandez and Catalina Cape.

Ukiah Dispatch Democrat, January 28,1928

A message was received the first of theweek announcing the death in San Francisco on Saturday night of LeviAnderson. The remains were brought in Monday evening and funeralservices held at the Reservation church Wednesday afternoon. Levi waswell and favorably known. He was the son of Lawson and PollyAnderson, was born May 24, 1896, being at the time of his death 31years and 8 months of age. About holiday time, he was taken worsethan usual and about three weeks ago was taken to Ukiah fortreatment. When it was found he was taken to San Francisco, but hesuccumbed in a few days. The cause of death was pronounced to betubercular meningitis. He leaves to mourn his passing a wife and fivechildren, the mother, a sister, Mrs. Grace Wilsey, and a half-sister,Mrs. Birdie Duncan. The father preceded him during the past summer.The bereaved family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends.

The Press Democrat, January 15, 2008
Clarence Cordova,
passed away peacefully at home in Santa Rosa on January 11, 2008 with his family by his bedside. He was 85 years old. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty years, Aura L. Cordova. Loving father of Rick C. Cordova and his wife Robin, Lannie C. Cordova, Sr. and his wife Felecia, Terri L. Martinez and her husband Andy, Gary R. Cordova and his companion Kali, Barry M. Cordova and his wife Valerie, all of Santa Rosa. Adored PaPa of 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grand children, and six step-grand children. Loving uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Clarence was born May 23, 1922 on Dry Creek Rancheria in Geyserville, CA and became a Senior Elder of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. Clarence took great pride in his family and he and his wife loved watching their children and grandchildren play sports. Clarence carried himself with class and style and was always dressed to the nines. He always had to have the best and was admired by all. Clarence was the perfect example of a true father figure, grandfather, uncle, and friend

He was always there for you. He was tough but could be soft and gentle. He was full of compassion, kindness and understanding.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 17 at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa, CA. A Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16th, also at the Funeral Home. Interment at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. If desired, donations in his memory may be made to Memorial Hospice, 821 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 525-3730

The Press Democrat, October 11, 2002

CORDOVA, Aura L. Passed away in Santa Rosa on October 8, 2002, at the age of 81. A native of Covelo, CA. Devoted and beloved wife of 60 years of Clarence Cordova of Santa Rosa; loving mother of Rick Cordova and his wife Robin, Lannie Cordova, Sr. and his wife Felecia, Terri Martinez and her husband Andy, Gary Ray Cordova and his companion Kali, and Barry Cordova and his wife Valerie, all of Santa Rosa; Adored Mi-Mom (Grandmother) of 16 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 6 step grandchildren; dear sister of Erma Crabtree of Ukiah, Vera Smith of Santa Rosa and Philbert Anderson of Laytonville; loving Auntie to numerous nieces and nephews. Aura loved spending time with her family, especially watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She always carried herself with class and was the perfect example of a true and decent Christian human being. With her soft and quiet, gentle spirit, she was full of love, compassion, kindness and understanding. She always saw the good in others...she was the epitome of a woman. Her belief in family and undeniable faith in God were unshakeable...with a mere touch of her hand she brought peace to your heart and spirit. We miss and love you Mi-Mom. Your spirit will be with us all...FOREVER. Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Monday, October 14, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES, 1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa. Interment to follow at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Santa Rosa Unit, 1451 Guerneville Rd., Ste. 220, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 or the American Diabetes Association, 2777 Cleveland Ave., #101, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Visitation will be on Monday, October 14, 2002 from 9:00 a.m. until the service.

Ukiah Daily Journal, February 26, 1980

Aura Mae Want of Ukiah died Sunday in a local hospital at the age of 78. Born in Covelo, she was a life-long resident of Mendocino County. She is survived by four children, Erma Crabtree of Ukiah, Aura Cordova and Vera Smith, both of Santa Rosa, and Filbert Anderson of Laytonville; sisters Victoria Frazier of Ukiah, Navarra Britton of Covelo; Sirilda Lozano of Cloverdale, and Alma Hollin of Tacoma, Wash.; brothers Byron Oresco, Robert Duncan and Ambrose Duncan, all of Ukiah, Alva Reeves of Covelo, Woodrow Duncan of Redwood Valley, and Lester Duncan of Fairfield; 21 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held tonight at 7 p.m. At the Round Valley Methodist Church in Covelo and tomorrow at 2 p.m. At the Zimmerman Mortuary. Rev. Jerry Campbell of the Mendocino United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Covelo.

Ukiah Daily Journal, August 26, 2009

Arthur Knoles 1924-2009 Art graduated to be with his Lord andSavior on August 16, 2009. Art was born on June 17, 1924 in San Bernardino, California. Art lived for many years in the Los Angeles,Mendocino, and Sacramento counties. Art proudly served in the Navydefending his country during World War II, and was retired assheet-metal worker. Ordained as a Minister later in life. Art wasknown for his sense of humor, his love for the Lord, his family andfriends. Art was preceded in death by his first wife Alice, sonsTommy and Ray Knoles. He is survived by his wife Loetta Knoles, sonArthur (Artie) Knoles Jr., daughters Janeen Cannon, and Elain Ruiz,stepdaughters Susan and Nancy Warren, seventeen grandchildren, andtwenty-four great grandchildren. A big hearted character, Art wasloved and will be missed by all who knew him. A funeral service willbe held in Ukiah at 2:00 pm on August 28, at the Russian RiverCemetery followed by a reception at Redwood Valley Community Church.

Gardenhire services set for Saturday

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Anker-Lucier Mortuary for William A. Gardenhire, 87, of Branscomb who died in that community Friday.

Willits Lodge No. 365 F & A. M., will officiate at the funeral and graveside services will be conducted at the Laytonville Cemetery. A native of Missouri, Mr. Gardenhire had made his home in California for many years. He was retired employee of California Division of Highways, a member of Chico Chapter No. 42, Royal Arch Masons, and Chico Commandery No. 22, Knights Templar. He was a veteran of World War 1. Surviving him are a son, Walter Gardenhire of Branscomb and three grandchildren; and a sister, Grace Laymance of Long Beach. Memorials contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Ukiah Daily Journal, Sept. 12, 1973

Updated January 3, 2017

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