UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The life of longtime Upper Lake resident Norma Clay will be remembered in a special event this Sunday, May 18.

The celebration of life and potluck will be held beginning at noon at Upper Lake County Park, 575 East Highway 20.

The State Grange master, Native Daughters and Rebeccas members, and local 4-H will be on hand to speak about Norma and her decades of contributions to those organizations and the community.

Norma Christine Barney Clay was born to Felix and Helen Barney on Dec. 21, 1922, in Willits.

She died on Saturday, March 8, at the age of 91, at Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

She lived in Upper Lake for more than 65 years. Norma loved Upper Lake and all it was, was in most the parades every year and loved to dress up for it.

Norma worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the lookout service and the United States Forest Service. She watched for fires at the High Glade and Konocti lookout towers.

She was passionate about her job and many visitors enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets with her while tasting her delicious cookies.

Among her other achievements, Norma had been grand marshal in the Lake County Fair parade. She won first prize many years for her booths and other fun things.

She would say, “Don't miss the fair this year, it will be unforgettable.”

She also was a member of the Methodist Church, and was especially dedicated to her family.

Norma was the beloved mother of Jean Knigge, Donald L. Roy Clay, Daniel Clay, William Clay and Judy Clay Pinto, and was the matriarch of a large family.

Her family thanked Sutter Lakeside Hospital for being so helpful with the large group of family members who were hovering around and helping Norma pass peacefully.

She had a cool last trip to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and will help teach doctors and nurses by donating her body to science.

Norma was a quiet woman and made up for that by being so giving all her life. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – “Rob Neal” was born March 22, 1948, in Lakeport, Calif., and died May 6, 2014, at the age of 66 in Clearlake, Calif.

He was the son of Charles E. Neal and Virginia M. (Hook) Neal, and a fifth generation Kelseyville farming family member descending from the Merritt family of Kelseyville.

He was active in the Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout under the direction of his uncle Don Hook.

Rob attended Kelseyville schools and graduated in 1966 before attending Santa Rosa Junior College. He enlisted in the Army and did a tour of Vietnam where he was twice wounded and received the Bronze Star.

He loved Lake County and enjoyed fishing and hunting as a boy with friends and family. He always loved the area and only spent a small amount of time away from Big Valley.

He married Susan Thalgot of Idaho and is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth M. Krupka, and son-in-law Clint Krupka, and two granddaughters, Catherine and Emily currently of Las Vegas.

He also is survived by his sister Kathy Neal and her partner Pat Griffin of Belchertown, Massachusetts.

Rob had several first cousins in Kelseyville who were also close growing up and in the Kelseyville schools at the same time. They are Connie (Hook) Burnes, Jerry and Karen Hook, Ken and Pam Hook, John and Molly Deacon, Clyde and Jane Deacon, and Anne (Deacon) and Mark Munsey.

Other first cousins are Katherine “Kitty” (Neal) Dunlop of Georgia, Clayton Neal of Virginia, Steven Neal of Colorado and Daniel Neal of Morgan Hill.

His last days before finding peace from cancer and addictions were spent at Meadowood Nursing Home in Clearlake where he was given excellent care both physically and emotionally. The family thanks the caregivers.

There will be no memorial service. Anyone wishing to give can donate to Hospice Services of Lake County.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Eilene Engle was born in Columbia Falls, Montana, on Dec. 2, 1928. She peacefully went to be with her Lord May 1, 2014.

Eilene graduated from Upland College in Southern California. The family moved to Kelseyville in 1962, where she went to work as a teacher in the Lakeport Unified School District for nearly 30 years. She truly believed "children are a gift of the Lord." (Psalms 127:3)

After retirement she enjoyed spending time with her beloved family and working at the Methodist Thrift Shop with her friends.

Eilene is survived by her brother, Dell (Beulah) Kaufman; children, Diana (Richard) Johnson of Kelseyville, Gary (Barb) Engle of Fair Oaks and Michael Engle of Kelseyville; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Her family thanks Hospice for the wonderful care they provided during her illness. They also thank their dear friends and family for their care and support.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the Kelseyville Methodist Church, First and Main streets, Kelseyville.

For those who wish to make donations, the family recommends People Services, 870 11th St., Lakeport, CA 95453, or a charity of your choice.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes (FD1336) at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit the mortuary online at http://chapelofthelakes.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx .

John Perez
Sept. 2, 1960 - May 8, 2014

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – John was taken from his family and friends unexpectedly Thursday morning May 8, 2014.

Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. with a celebration of John's life starting at 2 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Jones Mortuary, 115 S. Main St. Lakeport.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Friends and relatives are invited to a celebration of life for Gayle Whitehead at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

The event will be held at the Lakeport Yacht Club, 15 5th St.

Whitehead passed away Dec. 12, 2013.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes (FD1336) at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit the mortuary online at http://chapelofthelakes.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx .

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Camilo “Rocky” Roxson, beloved father, brother, grandfather and friend, died in Santa Rosa May 2, 2014.

Born in Exeter, Calif., he was the son of George John Roxson and Isidra Josefina Roxson (Orduno).

Rocky graduated from Upper Lake High School and Santa Rosa Junior College.  

A veteran of World War II, he worked as a foreman in the saw mills of Northern California before finding his true calling as a police officer in both Los Angeles and Sonoma counties.

Rising to the rank of captain with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, he oversaw the jail division with characteristic integrity, commitment and determination. Later, in 1975 he graduated from the 101st session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

Rock's passion for justice was equaled by his love for family, loyalty to friends and appreciation for the land.

His family will always cherish the many happy hours they shared at “the ranch” in Bachelor Valley.

Never losing his zest for life, Rocky found true happiness with his beloved “Darlin',” Jewel Wymer.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Fred, Frieda and Bea.

Rocky is survived by brothers, Gene and George; sister, Maria; his Darlin', Jewel Wymer and her extended family; step-daughter, Brenda Pappan; daughter, Susan Roxson (Barry Noble); grandson, Zack; and granddaughter, Haley; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport. Burial at Upper Lake Cemetery will follow.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes (FD1336) at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit the mortuary online at http://chapelofthelakes.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx .