UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Cynthia Kay Seely passed away suddenly Friday, Nov. 26, 2014, in Upper Lake at the age of 43.

She was born in Ventura, Calif., to John and Darlene Abel on April 8, 1971.

She is survived by her two sons, Justin 14, and Ryan 12; her mother, Darlene Austin; father, John Abel; sisters, Catherine Shewey, Carolyn Abel and Christy Brown; and partner, Jeffrey Seely.

Cindy was a loving mother and enjoyed working in her garden and sharing the fruits of it with everyone.

She was a very avid Facebook user and had friends all over the world. She will be very missed by all.

A small memorial service will be held at the Upper Lake Cemetery at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, with a light reception following for those who would like to attend.

Any condolences, flowers, etc. can be sent to 600 W. Highway 20, Upper Lake, CA 95489.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes, Lakeport.

LUCERNE, Calif. – After a five year battle with kidney cancer and other health complications, John Hancock went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at his home in Lucerne. He was 71 years old.

John was born in Long Beach, Calif., on March 5, 1943.

During the course of his childhood he lived in Southern California, McKinleyville, Calif., and Summer, Mont., and then finally in Fortuna, Calif.

He graduated from Fortuna High School in 1961. He then attended Trinity College in Chicago, Ill.

In 1964 he joined the Army and was assigned to the ASA. John was stationed in the Philippines, traveled to and from Vietnam while in the Philippines, and ended his service at Ft. Huachuca located in Arizona.

After marrying his wife Kay in 1970, he attended San Jose Bible College, transferring to Simpson College in San Francisco to graduate with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in th Bible.

John worked as an environmental consultant both independently and for various Native American tribes. He was a strong advocate for Native American water rights both on a state and federal level.

He was known to be strong at networking by putting people with similar needs together.

John wanted others to know about his Lord and would often communicate that to others.

He had a passion for the outdoors, including fishing, hunting and camping. John passed this passion along to his son and grandchildren. He would go fishing every chance he had, and loved to pass on the enjoyment of fishing to children in the community.

John enjoyed traveling with his wife Kay and spending time with his grandchildren.

He served on the Mendocino College Board and was a longtime board member for what was then the Lucerne Fire Department. In years past, he had also served Lake County Fair Board. John was also involved with the Vietnam Veteran's Association.

He was very community minded, helping wherever and whenever possible until severely limited by his illness.

John is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Aaron (Bethany) of Wilton; two grandchildren, Lillian and Luke; his brother, Terry (Rita) of Twin Falls, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews throughout the Northwest.

He was known as a “unique” individual with a big heart. John leaves behind a void in many hearts.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Lucerne Community Church, 5870 E. Highway 20, Lucerne.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.

Crystal Aline Mitchell
1961-2014

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Crystal Aline Mitchell was born on April 7, 1961, and passed away Dec. 1, 2014 at the age of 53. 

She is survived by her siblings, Eugene Mitchell (Marie Frease), Jackie, Emmeline, Lavonna and Sandra Mitchell; children, Christen, Mike, Sanchez, Cherish and Starr Mitchell; grandson, Corey; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She also is survived by her aunts, Gertrude Lazano, Inez Sands, Pauline Mitchell, Inez Mitchell and Judy Whiterock; uncles, James Sanders, Mick Sanders, Elmer Mitchell and Eddie Mitchell; and nieces, Leticia Frease and Crystal A. Mitchell, who was named after her.

Crystal is predeceased by her parents, Dubert and Severine Mitchell, and siblings, Dennis, Cheryl and Johnny Mitchell.

Visitation will start at Robinson Rancheria gym at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5. A rosary service will be held there at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, along with an all-night wake.

The last viewing will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, followed by a graveside funeral service at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport at 1 p.m.

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

Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.legacy.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Gerald (Gerry) Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Dec. 4, 2014.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities.

He worked in the telecommunications industry for 35 years.

The family prefers donations be made to the Kelseyville Fire Department.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes, Lakeport.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Margaret Thomas Connor peacefully went home to our Lord Dec. 4, 2014, while in the loving care of the angels at Orchard Park Assisted Living in Clearlake.

She was born in Canon City, Colorado, on April 19, 1922, and moved to Southern California at the age of 2.

She met and married her husband of 52 years, Charles Connor, while working at Pacific Aeromotive as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. They started a family and raised two daughters and settled in Glendora, Calif.

The Connors started spending their summers at Clear Lake in Northern California in 1952 and retired there in 1974.

Margaret was a very active member of the Lake County Historical Society, and the co-founder of the Lake County Redbud Audubon Society, which she started in her living room.

She was an accomplished organist and was active, not only in her organ club, but also in the Sweet Adeline's singing group.

She loved to fish, camp, tend her yard and enjoyed wood working and the outdoors. She started painting in the 1970s and did so for many years.

Margaret is survived by her two loving daughters, Charlotte Connor of Glendora and Peg McCown and her husband Don McCown of Lakeport.

Memorial services will be announced.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.

Elizabeth Springer
July 14, 1924 – Nov. 29, 2014

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Elizabeth Evelyn Pfister Springer was born July 14, 1924, in Voci, Okla., the first of two children of Christopher and Artie Missy Pfister.

Her father owned one of the most successful farms in the area, growing many crops and employing farmhands in whose lives and families he took great interest.

A very young Elizabeth was often scolded for following behind the plow pulled by oxen too closely.

She adored her father, who died when she was still a child. Yet her mother was remarkable and provided food and guidance her entire life.

Years later, under the cloud of the Great Depression and devastation of the “Dust Bowl” winds, the extended family moved to California, feather beds and all! Their strength was derived from their strong family bonds. It was much of the story portrayed in The Grapes of Wrath.

Elizabeth attended high school in Tulare. She was an excellent student which led to a life of continued learning and respect of education.

Elizabeth eventually met Jack, beginning a marriage that lasted 68 wonderful years and produced three frisky sons.

After the war the family moved to Eureka, then in 1952, to a ranch in Kelseyville, the town she called home the remainder of her life.

She worked with Jack in all facets, from chasing cattle home that always found the hole in the fence, to producing legal documents in their appraisal and real estate businesses.

Also a homemaker, Elizabeth served as den mother among many other roles, and helped in her sons' classrooms on holidays while taking interest in what they studied.

A source of pride, besides her children, was that she served on the governing board of the Kelseyville School Board as it became unified, passed crucial bonds, and embarked on a master building plan that demolished the old and produced the two beautiful main buildings that still grace the elementary and high schools, while taking an active interest in the lives of all the students that attended them.

She loved the students! Much time and effort was spent on these endeavors by board members, school administrators and community leaders.

Elizabeth spoke with humble pride at what was accomplished, a legacy to all those who had a vision.

She also was an active member of the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church and considered the members her second family.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; son, Stephen; and grandson, Kenneth.

She is survived by sons, Randall (Virginia) and Daniel (Barbara); grandson, Richard (Brenda); granddaughters, Claire and Stephanie; and great-granddaughter, Kimberly – all Springers.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 11:30 a.m., a luncheon will be served at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church followed with a memorial service at 12:30 p.m.

The family prefers donations in her memory to the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, 5340 Third St., Kelseyville, CA 95451.

Private interment will take place at Kelseyville Cemetery.

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