Monday, 25 November 2024

Obits

Jeanne Elsie Clapper passed away peacefully at her San Lorenzo, Calif., home on Sept. 25, 2013, after 92 wonderful years.

Jeanne was born July 8, 1921, the daughter of Herbert and Elsie Franzman.

The family moved to Oakland shortly after her birth and Jeanne graduated from Oakland Tech High School. She entered UC Berkeley in 1939 and after World War II and three children, she earned her teaching credential from San Jose State in 1959.

She is survived by her three children, Jay of San Ramon, Marjean (Dave) Johnson and Lita Clapper of San Lorenzo, along with her sister Joann Deacon of Kelseyville. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Marvin, her parents and her sister, Janet Franzman.

Besides her family, music and education were Jeanne's passion. Jeanne's father bought her a harp when she was 9 years old and she went on to play in the San Francisco Youth Symphony, the San Leandro Symphony and the Oakland Symphony.

During her time living in Lake County after retirement she was a founding member of the Clearlake Performing Arts.

Jeanne and Marvin opened their home to exchange students Christine Raspillere of France and Timo Petteri Vuorio of Finland, both of whom have kept in contact with Jeanne.

Jeanne's teaching career spanned 22 years, all at Del Rey Elementary School in San Lorenzo. She always looked forward to the last day of school, when many of her former students would stop by to say hello.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Jackie Funcheon for her loving care in Jeanne's final days.

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

davidferrellobit

David Allen Ferrell, age 29, of Clearlake, Calif., passed away on Sept. 8, 2013.

He leaves behind his wife, Felicia; children, Leigha, Isaac, Ce’Nedra and Kyarra; parents, Lorrie and Richard Harris; brothers, John, Michael, Richard, Dustin, Jason and Cameron; sister, Chandra; and many other family and friends too numerous to name.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Indica.

David will always and forever be his family’s hero.

Donations may be made in David’s memory at Mendo Lake Credit Union Acct#70002726.

Please sign David’s guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A memorial service for Eddie “Butch” Surryhne will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The service will begin at 11 a.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport.

Surryhne passed peacefully at his Hayward, Calif., home on Sept. 15.

Family prefers donations to Hospice of Hayward.

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

jimryanobit

James Arthur Ryan Jr., 60, passed away of natural causes on Aug. 26, 2013, at his home in Clearlake, Calif.

He was born on May 19, 1953, in San Francisco to James and Estelle Ryan.

Growing up in Pacifica, Calif., he attended Westview Elementary School and graduated from Terra Nova High School in 1971.

As a member of Second Battalion, Platoon 2040, he completed Marine Basic Training in June 1975.

Known to friends and family as Jim or Jimmy, from an early age he had an interest in any type of vehicle with a motor. From mini bikes and motorcycles, to cars and trucks, he enjoyed tinkering with any he owned.

Jim was a free spirit, traveling around the country as he wished, making an honest living taking advantage of any employment opportunity which came his way.

He was a lover of dogs, spending the last 11 years of his life with his canine companion Spankers at his side.

He will be missed and remembered by more than he would ever know.

Jim was predeceased by his father, James, and is survived by his mother, Estelle; sister, Janet; brothers, David, Daniel and Tom; daughters, Juliet and Lizzie; son, Brian; and six grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered at a private memorial gathering of family and friends.

genethoreseon

Gayle passed away peacefully Sept. 9, 2013, in Lakeport, Calif., after a series of illnesses.

She was born June 15, 1928, to Charles Ellis Brooks and Fay Hall Brooks in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

After the untimely death of her mother in 1935 Gayle lived with and was raised by grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

In 1943 she went to San Jose to live with her Aunt Jewell and Uncle Bill Hall, attended and graduated from Campbell High School.

Her brother David Brooks of El Paso, Texas, preceded Gayle in death.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Thoresen of Lakeport; children, Steven Gouley of Miranda, Calif., and Paula Gouley of Carlotta, Calif; stepchildren, Leann Thoresen of Eureka, Calif., Richard Thoresen of Portland, Ore., Katherine Thoresen of Emerald Hills, Calif., and Susan Thoresen of Sacramento, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

During her first marriage to Dick Gouley, Gayle lived in Garberville, Calif., where she raised her two children, worked in retail, was active in Civic Club, ESA Sorority and the Community Church.

In 1971 Gayle married Robert Thoresen and lived in Banning, Calif., for 34 years. In Banning she again worked in retail and then became a teachers aide for the local school system. She particularly enjoyed her work as a teachers aide.

In 2005 she and Bob moved to Lakeport. They built a home in north Lakeport in order to be closer to family.

A memorial gathering is scheduled for her at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Friends and neighbors are invited to join Gayle's family at 4395 Emilee Court in celebration of her life.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Lake County or organization of your choice.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.

lorettafranchini

Loretta “Lori” Franchini, a much-loved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great grandmother, passed away Aug. 22, 2013, while in the hospital in Spokane, Wash.

Lori was born Feb. 21, 1934, to Oscar and Marguerite Leonhardy in Carbondale. Colorado.

Lori lived in Lake County, Calif., for many years where she was co-owner of a TV store and bar with Jim Doyle in Clearlake.

She later married Roy Franchini, and they enjoyed golfing in their backyard along the Buckingham Golf Course.

Lori and Roy retired to Robin Hill in Lakeport, Calif., before moving to Cottage Grove then Drain, Oregon.

Roy and Lori were married for 17 years before he passed away in 1994.

Lori worked many jobs but she always said she felt like she made a difference as a teacher’s aide at the Happy Day School in Kelseyville in the early 1980s.

She helped out with the Special Olympics and loved to help kids and adults with special needs. She was known as “Miss Lori” to all of her students and their families.

Lori lived in Pierce, Idaho, with her last love of eight years, Robert “Bob” Blanke. There she was involved with the Lions Club and local town events and fundraisers.

She enjoyed playing cards such as 3-13 and pinochle; she also enjoyed camping, cooking and going out on the quad for hunts with Bob or just going for a ride in their truck.

Lori is survived by her only child, Linda Hammes, and son-in-law Gene Hammes of Clearlake; grandsons, Jim and Michael Hammes; granddaughter, Ladina Hammes Williams and her husband Andrew Williams.

Lori had seven great-granddaughters: Kourtney McKissick, Jessica Hammes, Taylor Williams, Abigail Williams, Kaitlin Hammes, Kelsey Hammes and Kassidy Hammes; and last, but not least, her great-great grandsons, Jayden, Giovani, Brody and soon-to-be-born Brantley; along with many nieces and nephews from Oregon to Germany and cousins from all over.

She also opened her home to many children through the years, fostering a few of those children, including Carol, Robyn and Sophia.

Lori will be missed dearly by all of her family and friends that loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Marguerite Leonhardy; and three brothers, Curtis, Don and Billy Leonhardy.

Lori had decided to be cremated and next spring/summer her family will be taking Lori to her final resting place(s). She always felt Cottage Grove, Oregon, was her home and she loved her home in Idaho with Bob as they enjoyed their snow-filled winters (always bragging about having white Christmases). She loved the beautiful green spring and summer seasons as well, where the lilacs – her favorite flower – would grow wildly next to a stream.

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