Saturday, 23 November 2024

Obits

Dennis Church. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Dennis Leroy Church, age 77, of Kelseyville, died peacefully surrounded by family at his home on May 12, 2020.

The family surrounding him at the time of his passing was Scott Sprague (nephew), Laura McNee (niece), Ralph Sprague (nephew), Rebecca Sprague (great-niece) and Virginia Potter (sister).

Dennis was born to the late Virgil Sheppard Church and Lois Ruth Hunchinson on Sept. 22, 1942, in Grass Valley, California. He was a beloved father to his children Rhonda (Church) Shane of Sacramento and Richard Church of Fernley, Nevada; the cherished brother of Virginia Potter and Patricia Stewart; and grandfather to Ryan Church, Ashleigh Church, Emma Shane and Makenzie Shane.

Dennis attended Sacramento High School in Sacramento. He then entered the US Army where he proudly served his country.

Following his enlistment, Dennis worked for the Sacramento Army Depot as a forklift operator for 30+ years. He also served the US Army as a civilian contractor in Heidelberg, Germany in the 1980s. He will be honored by many for his dedication to those he served throughout his life.

Dennis enjoyed fishing and was an active member of the National Rifle Association.

A memorial service will take place at a later date at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lakeport. Our Dad will be laid to rest at Sacramento National Cemetery at Dixon, California.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in Memory of Dennis L. Church at www.woundedwarriorpoject.org/donate .

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

Robert Updike. Courtesy photo.

Robert Arthur Updike
Aug. 19, 1933 – April 30, 2020

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Robert Arthur Updike passed away peacefully of natural causes in Lakeport.

Robert was born to Benjamin Arthur Updike and Florence Webster Goddard in Lusk, Wyoming. The family relocated to Carmel, California in 1944.

Robert attended Carmel Mission School then attended Carmel High School. He was a very talented athlete. He excelled in basketball, football and baseball. Upon graduation, he attended University of Notre Dame for a year then returned to the peninsula where he studied physical education at Monterey Peninsula College and once again impressed many with his football and baseball talent.

Afterward, Robert enlisted with the Marines. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, where he served as radio operator and supply officer.

Following his service, Robert returned to Carmel where he worked at his father’s meat market, Kips on the corner of San Carlos and Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel. He also worked with his brother-in-law, William Conlan at Conlan Electric.

It was at that time that he became interested in firefighting. He spent countless hours at the fire station. Robert began training within the fire department and studied fire science at MPC. He joined the Carmel Fire Department as a volunteer in 1961 and in 1965 was hired as a paid fireman. He moved up the ranks rapidly. A year later he was appointed captain. In 1967 he became assistant chief and in 1970 he was named Chief.

In addition to his 27 years of dedication to the city of Carmel and the Carmel Fire Department, He was also an active volunteer with the Carmel Youth Center, participating in numerous fundraising events.

Robert was a very soft-spoken and modest man, rarely mentioning his accomplishments, He led by example.

Upon retirement, Robert and his wife, Ginny, whom he married in September of 1971, moved to Kelseyville where they settled at their home on Clear Lake. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and their many cats.

Robert was a devout Catholic with a very strong faith. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Church. He was a very kind and compassionate man, offering his assistance wherever the need. He will be dearly missed.

Robert was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Florence Updike; wife, Ginny Updike; mother-in-law, Wilma; sisters, Benita Updike and June Feeney; nephew, Ben Feeney and niece, Marguerite Feeney.

He is survived by his companion and dearest friend, Shirley Crawford; and his nieces and nephews, Bill, Jim and Bob Conlan, Florence Plinck, Mike Feeney, Therese Yee, Colleen Feeney, Tim and Sean Feeney, and Bobby Olivio.

A small family burial was held on May 8 at Kelseyville Cemetery. Memorial Mass will be held at a later date in Kelseyville and Carmel pending the shelter in place order.

Donations on behalf of Robert can be made to the SPCA of the Monterey Peninsula or Sponsoring Survivorship in Kelseyville California.

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

Thomas W. Chisholm. Courtesy photo.

Thomas W. Chisholm
1929-2020

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Willard Chisholm announce his passing.

Tom was born in Kelseyville on October 15, 1929. He lived his entire life in Kelseyville.

Tom died on May 7, 2020, at the age of 90.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara; three children, Judy/Bill Baker, David Chisholm and Steve/Cindy Chisholm; five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

At Tom’s request, there will be no services.

Christina Belka. Courtesy photo.

Christina Joanne Belka
1941-2020

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – My dear wife, Christina Belka, became ill in March and left this world on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, in our home to be with our Lord. We were fortunate enough to be together for over 50 years.

Christina's true love was her family, her husband Fred was the Love of her Life; her daughter, Nadine was her Angel.

She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses: sisters, Helen (Lee) Geoble, Henrietta Bellone and Eva De Spignanovicz; brother, Thomas (Carmen) Cornell; and sister-in law, Cookie Belka-Roberts.

Christina had three grandchildren, Christina Barragan, Bernadette Garcia and Ricky Belka, as well as four great-grandchildren, Christopher Galindo, Emily Belka, Jessie Belka and Alicia Castro. Several nieces and nephews all who loved her very dearly and knew her well.

Christina was born and raised in San Jose, California. She graduated from James Lick High School and retired from Intel Corp. Chris and Fred retired in Lake County where they decided to live and enjoy life.

The Belkas enjoyed owning and showing their classic cars and belonging to the No-Name Car Club which they were members of for many years.

Christina was a true leader. She started and developed the largest Red Hat Club in Lake County and became Queen of The “Whatever” Red Hats. She continued her support and friendships with these ladies for over 15 years. Some of Christina's other passions were BINGO and her kitty cat, Phoebalina Fox Face!

Christina was also a member of the Sons of Italy, the Lakeport Elks, Lakeport Women's Civic Club, and a vital member of the Lakeport Senior Center. Everyone knew and loved Chris!

Chris lived her life to the fullest. Her philosophy was never take things for granted, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. We know she will bask in the Eternal Light of Heaven.

Donations can be made to the local SPCA. No flowers please.

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

Stephanie Lang. Courtesy photo.

Stephanie Lang
1946-2020

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Stephanie Lang passed peacefully in Clearlake on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the age of 73, by a sudden illness.

Stephanie had been a resident of Lake County for the last few years.

She is preceded in death by Peter Fillmore Talson (father), Ruth Loree Talovich (mother) and Peter William Talovich (brother).

She is survived by her only child, Trinity Morales (wife Almarie); grandchildren, Joseph, Katie, Sophia and Solangel; brother, Greg Talovich (wife Chao); sister-in-law, Karen Akers; dear friends, Joan and Alan Taylor; as well as other family and close friends.

She touched the hearts of many and was loved by all who knew her. She will always be remembered, especially for her caring eyes, gentleness, contagious sense of humor and loving hugs.

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

Stephanie Lang. Courtesy photo.

Lynette Bartlett. Courtesy photo.


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lynette Bartlett, “lumppy,” 50 of Nice passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2020.

Born on Sept. 3, 1969, Lynette was a Lake County resident for 33 years.

She leaves behind her boyfriend of 23 years, William Albert Mucci Jr.; sons and daughters, Matthew, Allison, Trystan, Amy and Ashley; grandson, Rowan; and dog, Gizmo.

Services are pending.

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