LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Born in Denver, Colo. on Oct. 22, 1922, Darlene Howell started life with two older brothers who died in infancy, so she was raised as an only surviving child.

Her parents moved often as a result of her father’s work as a salesman for the Jewell Tea Co. and later for The Coca Cola Co.

She attended Northwest Christian University, Eugene, Ore. where she met her late former husband, Don Burke, with whom she had two children, Robynne and Randy.

Don in the early years of there marriage was a tent evangelist in Enid, Okla. When her daughter turned 3 and Darlene was still very pregnant with Randy, she was hanging out the clothes, which turned the color of the local soil before they were dry, a dark red; she went into the house and delivered an ultimatum to Don that she would be leaving, pregnant or not, for the West Coast, where her parents were now living.

They moved to Pomona where Don joined the police department.

When Darlene and Don divorced, the children were still very young. They all moved in with Darlene’s mother and father, who raised them well with love and the virtues of honesty, integrity, hard work and compassion.

Darlene devoted her life to their care, making sure they had a sound education and a loving home; she would wait 30 years to remarry.

During this time she worked as a Realtor and eventually received her real estate broker’s license. She also owned and operated a pet shop in Pomona, Calif., for 10 years. Following that time, she moved to Los Olivos to open a mail order pet pharmaceutical company.

She met Ernie Velarde in Los Olivos and they operated the mail order pet supply company in Los Olivos, Gardnerville, and Lucerne, Calif.

They began their adventurous and happy partnership when they were married in 1982 at the Ponderosa Ranch, made famous by the T.V. series Bonanza.

Wherever they traveled, they made wonderful friends and as they moved quite often, they had many!

After 20 years and many adventures, Ernie passed away, while working for a trailer park complex in Kelseyville.

Following Ernie’s passing, she moved for the last time to the Walnut Grove Family Home in Kelseyville, near Soda Bay, where she lived quietly for 10 years, attended by the most loving care givers who treated her as close family.

She passed quietly on Jan. 8, 2015, surrounded by the devoted staff of the Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport.

Her beauty, gentleness and wonderful smile will be missed by those close to her.

The family wishes to thank Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Walnut Grove Family Home, Kelseyville paramedics and all who showed great kindness for this mother of two.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Memorial services for Margaret Clair Connor, who passed away Dec. 4, 2014, will be held at United Christian Parish, 745 N. Forbes St. on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes at 707-263-0357.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Anna Laurine Combest entered into rest on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Middletown at the age of 92.

Formerly of Santa Rosa, a native of Fond du Lac, Wis., Anna had lived in Lake County for 25 years.

She loved to cook, family gatherings and vacationing in Hawaii.

Anna is survived by her son, Dennis Jagdfeld of Middletown; daughters, Lori Stober of Hanford and Patricia Redford of Clearlake.

She will also be missed by her 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Anna was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Roy Combest; son, Roy Prein; and daughter, Carol Ringstrom.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please share your memories of Anna by signing her online guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel.

 

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Calvin Weiper died on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Clearlake at the age of 88.

Born in Lower Lake, he lived in this area all his life.

Calvin served his country in the US Navy, being awarded the Asiatic Pacific with five stars, American Area and Victory medals.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, especially with his family.

He played the piano much like he lived his life; with humility, style, and grace.

Cal will be remembered as a wonderful, loving husband to his wife Gwen, who preceded him in death, and an outstanding father to his three sons.

His loved ones will miss Cal’s countless acts of love and kindness to his entire family.

He will be missed dearly by all who loved him.

Calvin is survived by his sons Jim Weiper and his wife Vicki of Bridger, Mont.; Jerry Weiper of Redding, Calif.; Jay Weiper and his wife Jeana of Clearlake, Calif.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, Lower Lake. Graveside services will be private.

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Lake.

Please share your loving memories on Calvins’s online guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Jackie Ziegler, a longtime resident of Lake County, passed away on Jan. 2, 2015.

She was a loving mother, wonderful friend, and one who always gave a warm and friendly smile to strangers.

Jackie always made sure laughter filled the room, and those who were close to her knew her as Sam. 

She is survived by dear family and many wonderful friends.

At her request, there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to an organization supporting the care of animals, or Stand Up To Cancer.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Larry Edward Moran passed away Jan. 6, 2015, after a five-year battle with Parkinson's and is now pain free.

He was born Aug. 19, 1934, to Edward and Eva Moran in Alhambra, Calif., where he met his high school sweetheart and beautiful bride of over 62 years, Janyth Moran.

Larry was the world's best father to his sons, Barry Moran and Gary Moran, and loving father-in-law to Gary's wife, Evelyn.

He was grandpa to Sheila and Shaun Bruins; John and Anna Mix; Yvonne Jones; Lisa Johnson; Ben and Michael Moran; and Laticia and Adam Rubino.

He was great-grandfather to Clinton and Hiddie Jones; Matt, Nathan and Ben Jones; Brianna, Seth, Rylee and Zachery Mix; Mylee and Evan Johnson; and Mason, Elijah and Oliver Rubino. He was great-great-grandfather to Xavier and Marley Jones.

Larry and Jan originally moved to Lakeport in 1969 where Larry raised pigs. From there they went to Missouri, back to Southern California and finally, in 1981, back to Lakeport. There Larry and Jan operated SDN for over 25 years.

Larry loved Clear Lake High School football and was on the chain gang for more than 20 years.

In 1970 he helped originate the United Christian Parish Church where he was an elder.

Larry will be missed by his family and many good friends.

There will be a memorial service at the United Christian Parish Church at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9.

Per Larry's wishes, in lieu of flowers please make donations to the United Christian Parish Church general fund.

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