Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Obits

Raelynn Allen Ricketts, age 69, of Santa Rosa, California, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in her home in Santa Rosa.

Funeral service will be held at Santa Rosa Memorial Park on Saturday, May 22.

Raelynn Ricketts was born in Fort Bragg, California, to Rosalyn and Donald Evans on Jan. 18, 1952.

She went to high school at Montgomery High and graduated in 1970.

She enjoyed the great outdoors, loved her pets, and never met a child she didn’t love and look out for.

Raelynn is survived by her two sons, Kenny and Shanti; six grandchildren, Talis, Taj, Zain, Wyatt, Dylan and Maggie; her brothers, Richard and Andy; and her sister, Betty.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Ricketts; brother-in-law, John; and her parents, Donald and Rosalyn Evans.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the residents of Santa Rosa and Clearlake, California, who helped make Raelynn’s life the best it could be. Thank you.

Bertha Davis. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Bertha J. Davis, 82, our beloved mother and friend, passed on May 3, 2021, at her home in Kelseyville.

She was born on Aug. 25, 1938, in Selma, California, to Earl and Veder Roper.

She was a part of many students’ lives in the Kelseyville Unified School District for over 20 years.

She was also a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 194 and curator of BJ’s House of Santas.

Bertha is survived by her daughter, Joyce (Mike) Merchant of Coos Bay, Oregon; her sons, Tommy (Jamie) Davis and Larry (Denise) Davis; and her legacy will carry on through her 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Bobby Davis; daughter, Barbara Davis; and son, Earl Davis.

Burial services will be privately held at Kelseyville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks, and Bertha would prefer you to make memorial donations American Legion Auxiliary Post 194, P.O. Box 411, Kelseyville, CA. 95451.

Care entrusted to Jones Mortuary FD 311, 115 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-5389, www.jonesmortuarylakeport.com.

Diana Smitham-Martini. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Diana Marie Smitham-Martini, age 45, entered into eternal rest April 15, 2021 due to an automobile accident on Highway 50 near Placerville, California.

Diana was born in Guyana, South America, on Jan. 7,1976, but spent most of her life in the United States.

Diana started her nursing career in Washington State, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, degree.

After she moved to California, she pursued her passion for nursing, going back to school to update her license for California as an LVN. She was working on her RN degree, with only a couple of more classes to go.

Diana was working at Redwood Cove Healthcare Center in Ukiah, California. She was regarded as “the light of the facility” and had a positive impact on her co-workers and patients.

“Her smile and laugh would brighten any room she entered,” they said.

During the Ranch Fire in 2018, her patients had to be evacuated from Lake County. She and her family followed her patients so she could continue taking care of them. She had an amazing soft spot for the elderly, and chose to work in convalescent hospitals.

Diana accomplished her dream of nursing all while raising a family.

Although they were separated, Diana is survived by her husband, Steven Martini; her children, Chase Vestre, Jerrod Ankeny and Paige Martini; and step-son, Garret Martini.

She is also survived by her siblings, Blake Correia of Toronto, Canada, Karen Hopkins (Pat) of Lake Stevens, Washington, Bobby Ranahan (Scott) of Everson, Washington, Guy Smitham (Rachel) of Helena, Montana, and Paul Smitham (Donise) of Sacramento, California; and her Witter Springs Ranch family.

She will be forever remembered by many. Although gone, she will never be forgotten.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no memorial service. A private celebration of her life will be held with her family.

Gail Good. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gail Dean Good, 88, passed after a long struggle with heart disease at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 26, 2021.

He was born on Feb. 7, 1933, in Nampa, Idaho, to John and Helen.

He married his beloved partner in life, Willadene “Dee” Davis, 61 years ago.

On Feb. 28, 1950, Gail enlisted into the United States Army and trained as a field wireman, a field and career he would build upon after he was honorably discharged on Feb. 28, 1953.

He earned several accommodation medals while in the service, including the Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korean Accommodation and the Presidential Unit Citation.

After his time serving, he worked for AT&T as a PBX installer for 35 years.

He will be missed by many and was loved by all who met him.

A private celebration of life was held at TnT’s on the Lake, Gail’s favorite place to eat.

Care entrusted to Jones Mortuary FD 311, 115 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-5389, www.jonesmortuarylakeport.com.


Richard Vander Jagt Sr. Courtesy photo.


Richard S Vander Jagt Sr.
1943 - 2021

Born Nov. 7, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Richard S Vander Jagt Sr. died April 12, 2021.

He was the only child of Cornelius and Cassie Vander Jagt.

Richard lived in Grandville, Michigan, before moving to Southern California and then Citrus Heights, Napa and Lakeport.

Richard served in the Air Force, was a dedicated Boy Scout Leader, a devout Mason, ham radio enthusiast and a father figure to many.

He became a widower in 2010 when his wife Lucille passed.

He is survived by his three children and five grandchildren.

He was a great Father and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Richard Vander Jagt Sr. Courtesy photo.




Inez Sands. Courtesy photo.

Inez Lucille Sands (Sanders), 76, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021, in Sacramento, California.

Inez was born on July 11, 1944, in Monterey, California.

Inez was predeceased by her husband, Stanford Sands; her first husband and father to her three children, Roger Smith Sr.; daughter, Deanna Smith; granddaughter, Paula Smith; sisters, Severine Mitchell (Boggs), Gertrude Lozano (Boggs) and Darlene (Imogene) Boggs; and parents, Minerva Downs and James Sanders Sr.

Inez is survived by her daughter, Polly Smith-Juarez of Hopland; son, Roger Smith of Nice; brothers, James Sanders Jr. (Sam) of Lucerne and Earl Sanders (Mick) of Nice; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our mom, grandma, auntie, cousin, friend will be missed immensely. Mom had something so special about her personality making everything more exciting. Her smile and the love she showed us will always be in our hearts.

Mom was a very thoughtful person, she had gifts saved with someone special in mind. She always had lots of extras for any event or outing. We were prepared and comfortable. All the kids gathered around her to see what surprise or snacks were about to be given.

Mom raised many children and we are forever thankful for her keeping us connected and taking care of us the best way she could. We stayed connected to our cultural heritage, and mom was devoted to her church services. Mom also enjoyed playing bingo and gambling later in life.

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty were her favorite singers. I will always think of mom when listening to old country music.

We had fun swimming, going to Bigtimes, birthday parties, graduations, oh man we did lots of stuff together. Her famous potato salad will live on through her kids. She showed up to all the gatherings no matter what. We spent quality time together and laughter.

Mom was a good friend to many, loved talking on the phone making that connection, her bestie was Linda Cooper of Upper Lake.

Mom was a homemaker most of her life. Although, I remember her going to beautician school to do hair in the late 70s, possibly early 80s. She would give perms like nobody’s business, I know I loved mine.

Words cannot express the love we shared. We are so blessed to have had all those many years making cherished memories. Fly high our beautiful angel. Until we meet again. OH!

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


Inez Sands, center, and her family. Courtesy photo.

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