LAKEPORT, Calif. – Irene Deaver passed away peacefully in the presence of her beloved husband, Dencel L. Deaver, in Lakeport on Dec. 28, 2015. Dencel passed away four days later on Jan. 1, 2016, a day before his 95th birthday.

Irene was a remarkable woman with a beautiful smile, elegant handwriting and a fondness for deviled eggs.

Born on April 13, 1923, in Monett, Missouri, Irene moved to Phoenix, where she met Dencel. They were married in Phoenix in 1948 and remained happily married for 67 years. They subsequently moved to San Diego before settling in San Jose.

As a couple, they enjoyed going fishing together, sharing picnics, and visiting beautiful places, such as Hawaii, Alaska, Vancouver, Oregon, Arizona and Pike’s Peak, as well as Morro Bay, San Diego and Calistoga.

Together they managed his San Jose business, D. L. Deaver Plumbing Co. before they retired and moved to Lakeport 29 years ago to be closer to the Ray family, Irene’s family.

Irene was a devout Catholic throughout her life. Although she was not planning to work after she moved to Lakeport, she ended up working at St. Mary Immaculate Church for 20 years before she retired a second time.

Caring and efficient, she helped Father Ted and Father Ryan with whatever needed to be done. She greeted everyone warmly, enjoyed helping people, and became a cherished member of the Lakeport community.

Dencel was born on Jan. 2, 1921, in Frying Pan Gulch near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. He was the third of six children of Garrett and Theresia Deaver.

The Deaver family moved to California during the Depression when Dencel was a teenager. One year later, his mother passed away.

He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and was honorably discharged as a sergeant after the war. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting. He hunted deer with his brothers, brother-in-law and nephews at the Gault’s cabin near Ebbett’s Pass and at the Alger’s cabin on Mt. Hamilton. He also hunted for moose in Alaska once with his nephew.

Irene and Dencel’s favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends. Throughout their retirement, they had great times with the Ray family in Lakeport and beyond.

They looked forward to the annual Deaver family picnics in San Jose and Lakeport. Dubbed “the king and queen of the picnic” by one great-niece, they were happy to spend time with each family member at these picnics, catching up on their lives, and telling a story or two about what they were doing.

Their many nieces and nephews appreciated their enduring love and support, their sparkling personalities, and their humor. They were dearly loved and will be profoundly missed at all future family picnics.

They leave behind many nieces and nephews as well as their families, including Jim and Shirley Ray of Lakeport.

Irene was predeceased by her three brothers, Dwight Ray, Walter Joseph Ray Jr., and Leo Bernard Ray, and by her sister, Cecilia Ray.

Dencel was predeceased by his sisters, Marie Jackson and Mary Gault; his brothers, Norman, Paul and Chuck Deaver; and his stepsisters, Gayle Coleman and Nancy Appleby.

Father Ryan will lead a Rosary for them on Friday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

A joint Memorial Mass will take place at St. Mary Immaculate Church on Saturday, Jan. 23, at noon. There will be a reception afterward in the church hall.

Dencel and Irene suggested that contributions in their memory be made to St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport 95453.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Curtis was born in Ukiah, Calif., on Feb. 23, 1932, and passed away at his home on Jan. 4, 2016.

Traditional Native American services are scheduled, with visitation at Big Valley Gymnasium starting on Friday, Jan. 8, with a graveside funeral service at St. Mary's Cemetery on Monday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m.

CASEY CHRISTOPHER QUARRY

"SMILE"

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Retired U.S. Army sergeant major.

Born Mark Thomas Qually on July 3, 1952.

Died as happy as could be with his feet on the ground on Dec. 18, 2015, of natural causes at home.

"BLUE SKIES"

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Margie Granger, age 94, entered into rest in Vacaville on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015.

Friends are invited to attend a visitation at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, 16140 Main St., Lower Lake, on Sunday, Jan. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel on Monday, Jan. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. thence to Lower Lake Cemetery for the committal service.

For information, please call Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel at 707-994-6417.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Maxine P. Lotsey, age 88, of Lakeport died Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, due to complications of pneumonia.

Born Nov. 26, 1927, in Pierre, South Dakota, she has been an active resident of Lake County, Calif., for 30-plus years.

Maxine was the founder of the Meals On Wheels Thrift Store in Lakeport and continued to be an avid volunteer at the Lakeport Senior Activity Center until her health prevented her from doing so.

Maxine is survived by daughter, Kathleen, and son-in-law, Al Reasner; son, Robert Burns and daughter-in-law, Carolyn; grandchildren, Tonya Coughlin, Michelle Smith, Kamron McKeever, Ryan Burns, Jodi Franchi and Ross Burns; great-grandchildren, Stephanie Coughlin, Desiree Troumbla, Lola Franchi and Joey Franchi; sister, June Mahlberg; and longtime partner, Doc Starin.

Services will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport. Visitation will be on Monday, Jan. 11, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Maxine's memory are welcome at Lakeport Senior Activity Center, 527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport CA 95453, telephone 707-263-4218.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Jan. 1, longtime resident Wilma McKinley was called home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Wilma was born Nov. 19, 1937. She was a dedicated employee with the Lake County Tax Collector's Office from March 1970 to December 1998. 

Wilma found the most joy in giving and caring for her family as a wife, mother and grandmother and a great friend to many. 

Wilma is survived by her daughter, Deborah Bills; son, Michael McKinley; six grandchildren, Briana McKinley, Brandon Bills, Shane McKinley (Chelsea), Nicholas Bills (Miranda), Christopher Bills and Benjamin McKinley; and three great-grandchildren, Noah McKinley, Owen McKinley and Josiah Bills.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Larry McKinley Sr., and her son, Larry McKinley Jr. 

Wilma will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Upper Lake Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at the Odd Fellows Hall on Main Street, downtown Upper Lake.

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