Thursday, 25 April 2024

Obits

Ronald Campos Sr. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald David Campos Sr., at the age of 71 years old.

Ron passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023, at his home while doing what he loved, lounging in the sun and listening to the oldies.

Ron was born on June 25, 1951, in Hayward, California, to parents Jennie and Frank Campos.

Ron met the love of his life, RheaBeth, when he was only 16 years old. Together, they raised a beautiful family, made countless memories and devoted their lives to one another. Ron and Rhea were soul mates and best friends, and he shared this fact often. They were often known for driving around town, with the top down, singing to the oldies and spending all their days in the company of one another.

Ron, together with his wife, was a long-time local business owner of Campos Casuals, and a well-known figure throughout the wrestling community.

Ron was an avid wrestler during his high school and college years and went on to become a wrestling coach, over several decades, and impacted the lives of so many.

Ron’s passion for wrestling extended well beyond the mat. His passion for his wrestlers was genuine and personal and he thought of each of them as a part of his own family.

Everyone who knew Ron felt his big heart and giving nature, and undoubtedly have their own story to tell. Ron’s laughter and smile was infectious, and his enthusiasm and passion could be seen and heard from across the room.

Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing on the lake, lounging in the sun, listening to the oldies, and of course, wrestling.

Ron was predeceased by his father and mother, Frank and Jenny Campos; his brothers, Denny and Rick Campos; his daughter, Paula de la Cruz (Gio de la Cruz); and his dog, Diva.

Ron is survived by his wife, RheaBeth Campos; his children, Susan Herdt, Ronnie Campos Jr, (Brandi Campos), James Kellis, Brian Campos (Jessica Campos), Jason Kellis and Nicole Winegarner (Jason Winegarner); his grandchildren, Steven Herdt, Preston Herdt (Leah Herdt), Dylan Neimic, Morgan de la Cruz, Jacob Campos, Layton Winegarner, Tanner Winegarner, Ricky Campos and Maddison Campos; his first great-grandson, Luke Herdt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

“Ronnie, Dad, Papa, Uncle Ron, and Coach you will be truly missed but never forgotten and will always be in our hearts, never far from our thoughts, and talked about often. We love you.”

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Saturday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Funeral service will start at 1 p.m. We invite and encourage all who knew Ron to please attend.

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

Lorna Mae Mahar. Courtesy photo.

Lorna Mae Mahar
March 14, 1950 — April 7, 2023

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Lori Mahar passed away at her home in Kelseyville after a courageous fight with cancer on April 7, 2023, with her husband of 47 years, Steve, and son, Keefe, by her side.

Lori was born in Oakland, California, and grew up in Hayward. As a child she knew she wanted to be a teacher and often played “school” with the neighborhood children.

She graduated from Hayward High School in 1968. She worked for the Military Sealift Command in Alameda for a few years before going to Cal State Hayward to get her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she worked as a student teacher in Castro Valley while earning her full teaching credential.

Lori and Steve moved to Lake County in 1982 for her first job as a fully credentialed teacher. Once they arrived in Lake County, they never left, though she forever rooted for the Oakland Athletics.

Lori taught third grade for over 30 years at Kelseyville Primary and Riviera Elementary, focusing on hands-on science projects and interactive learning. Some of her proudest achievements as a teacher included initiating the Science Fair with her colleagues at Kelseyville Primary, starting a recycling program at the school, and receiving the “Teacher of the Year” award.

When Lori wasn’t teaching, she loved traveling around the western United States and Canada. She enjoyed being out in nature and observing wildlife and was committed to environmental issues in her local community and around the planet.

Anyone who met Lori knew that she loved all dogs, but wolves in particular. Some of her favorite spots included the Smith River, Fort Bragg, and always coming home to beloved Lake County.

She is preceded in death by her father, Marvin “Babe” Lewis; mother, Ruth Lewis; brother, Donny Lewis; and brother-in-law, Mike Mahar.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Mahar; sister, Nancy Williams; son, Keefe Mahar (Michelle Stephens); and brothers-in-law, John Mahar (Sandy) and Kevin Mahar.

She will be missed by her numerous nieces and nephews and all of the students she taught through the years.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Nature Conservancy in California or your local animal shelter.

Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, telephone 707-263-0357, www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Thomas Rothstein. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Born Dec. 24, 1934 to Oliver and Nannie Rothstein in Minnesota, Tom moved west to Richmond, California with his family during World War II where family members worked in the shipyards.

In 1957, Tom married sweet Lorraine (Lorrie) and they raised three children together.

Tom and Lorrie both worked full-time and shared home responsibilities equally, although that was not popular at the time.

The family enjoyed camping and waterskiing, and neighborhood kids often appeared at their home while the camper was being packed, hoping to be invited along.

Tom coached and supported his children and their friends in every sport they chose to play. His children say they cannot imagine a better father.

Tom started out working at Doggie Diner, then moved on to United Grocers where he learned to drive trucks.

After retirement, Tom and Lorrie enjoyed traveling the United States in their motorhome and it was at that time Tom learned to dance. He often encouraged young couples to take up dancing as well.

Tom and Lorrie moved to Cobb Mountain in 1990. Tom played racquetball, tennis and golf, and took long bike rides into his 80s, determined to remain active and fit.

Lorrie would survive lymphoma only to develop Alzheimer's, and Tom cared for her lovingly and unflaggingly for many years until her death. He was never heard to complain.

In 2006, Tom and Lorrie suffered the loss of their beloved daughter, Kelley. Life would never be the same.

Still, Tom remained active and continued to enjoy dancing. In 2015, beautiful Valerie danced into Tom’s life, as if a gift from God. The two married and spent the next six-plus years dining and dancing and making trips to the ocean.

They thoroughly enjoyed life together, living to the fullest. Valerie and Tom attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake.

After many years as a caregiver, the past year it was Tom’s turn to be taken care of. Valerie saw to Tom’s every need. After taking a fall in January 2023, Tom was unable to recover.

Still, Tom and Val remained inseparable. From Valerie’s loving arms, Tom quietly tip-toed into heaven on April 14, 2023, as Val reminded him what a good man he was and how very much his family loved him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Valerie; boys, Michael (Kathy) and Tim (Susan) Rothstein; son-in-law, Al Leong; grandchildren, Matt (Jill) and Theresa (Ploy) Rothstein, Che (Susan) and Leslie Valdez; and seven great-grandchildren.

He will be fondly remembered.

Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336 www.chapelofthelakes.com, telephone 707-263-0357.

Arda McDougal Sundstrom. Courtesy photo.


Arda McDougal Sundstrom
1926-2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Arda was the real deal. She sang, she danced, worked on airplanes in World War II for the war effort and was an expert photo-finisher.

Being a natural serial entrepreneur, she ran businesses, built businesses and worked at a radio station (KXBX).

She traveled the world (five continents) and was a loving wife to Vernon McDougal and John Sundstrom, both of whom predeceased her.

She was a terrific mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. Acting as a surrogate mother to many, Arda’s heart was as big as her years were long. She will be missed by many.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cornelius and Marie Banks, Arda is survived by her daughter, Debbe (Mike) Blake; sons, Lonne (Cecilia) McDougal and Mark McDougal; grandsons, Dan Wolfe and Harley (Dayna) McDougal; granddaughters, Marina McDougal, Brandi (Chad) Parlee and Jennifer (Charles) Dougherty; step-daughters Tina Brennan and Mary (Walt) Southard; great-granddaughters, Haylee, Sarah and Faith Parlee, and Abigail Dougherty; great-grandsons, Jacob and Mason Elsa; nephews, Chuck (Claudia) Moseley and Darrell Banks; and close friends, Ginette McDougal, Pat Miles, Eve Perkins, Cynthia Ackerman, Richard Shaw, Kay Lytton, Wanda Roe and Ed Roark.

She and her family moved to California when she was 6 where she attended Glendale, California schools. After working for years as a photo-finisher, Arda, Vernon and Debbe started two restaurants and a bar in Burbank not far from the studios.

She and the family began vacationing in Lakeport in the late 1950s until 1977 when they decided to take the plunge and purchase the Willo-Point Restaurant. Later, she and Debbe built the El Sombrero Restaurant on Main Street (now the Hong Kong) where she was in her element serving the community and making many friends along the way.

Not being one to stay idle for long, after selling the restaurant she went to work at radio station KXBX as an executive assistant following which she started Present Time Party Supplies in Lakeport.

Her love for music having never faded, she sang at multiple venues throughout Lake County and was the lead vocalist for Bank of Lake County Heritage Club Band as well as making guest appearances and yodeling with The Wayne Miller Band and with The High Notes. Arda sponsored a weekly line dance class and twice monthly member dance at the Lakeport Elks Lodge for 16 years until COVID struck.

She was a 21-year member of Lakeport Elks Lodge #2704 where she was awarded Elk of the Year for 2003-2004, as well as a 16-year member of Lakeport Host Lions and NARFE. She line-danced well into her 90s and just loved it when one of her sons, Debbe or the girls would take her out on the dance floor in her wheelchair swinging, swaying and singing to the music. Smiling, twirling and filled with joy.

The family thanks Dr. Andrew Schwartz, Hospice, nurses, aides and volunteers for the loving and caring manner in which Arda’s needs were attended to in her last days.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 13, at 11 a.m., at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport, officiated by the Officers of Lakeport Elks Lodge #2704.

Donations can be made in Arda’s name to her favorite charity, CHEMPI “the Purple Pig”, c/o Lakeport Elks Lodge #2704 or to Hospice.

Care and services entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, telephone 707-263-0357, www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Catherine A. Gomez. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Catherine A. Gomez was born June 27, 1948, in San Jose, California.

She was a tribal elder of the Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians in Lakeport.

She was a very strong, loving and caring person, full of joy and always fun to be around. She would tell you like it is no matter what.

She fought very strongly during her 74 years of life and never gave up! She always had faith and did everything with a good heart. She always opened her doors to the family and helped if she could.

Catherine enjoyed family time, loved her puzzles, telling stories, House TV shows, comedy movies and shopping.

She Always enjoyed good music, dancing and the color purple, always making sure she was matching when she got dressed for the day.

She will truly be missed!

She passed on April 23, 2023.

Catherine is predeceased by her parents, Mitchell Gomez and Mildred Berryessa; and her siblings, Ona, Zelda, Casey, Manuel, Arnie and Norma.

She is survived by her sister, Janet Sonnenfelt; godson, Billy Fred; godmother, JoJo; and countless nieces, nephews, grandchildren, family and friends who loved and cared for her very much.

We will all miss you so much “Aunt Cat,” “Soupie,” “Darling”! ‘Til we meet again. Rest in peace!

Traditional visitation at 585 Yellow Hammer Lane, Lakeport, will take place from Wednesday April 26, at 11 a.m., through Saturday, April 29, concluding at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. graveside service on Saturday, April 29, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lakeport.

Care is entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, 707-263-0357, www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Bob Anton. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Robert “Bob” Anton was born July 3, 1920, to parents John and Inez Anton.

He and his brother Baird were the fourth generation to be born in Lakeport.

Bob lived a long, active life! At 102, he still drove over the mountains weekly with his cat Finley to spend time with his family and friends in Chico.

Bob went home to be with the Lord on March 5, 2023.

After college, Bob worked as an aeronautical engineer at Lockheed Martin in Burbank, and then served in the Army Air Corps teaching night flying.

During his time of service, he married the love of his life, Janice, and they were married for 68 years. Bob and Jan had two children, Lynda and Tom who were also born and raised in Lakeport.

Happy to be back home with family, Bob became co-owner of Lake Chevrolet for 25 years. After that he sold real estate at Anton Realty for several years and then he became the Lake County appraiser for the VA for several more years.

Bob was a longtime member of the Lakeport Rotary Club, and 75 years in the Hartley Masonic Lodge. He was also honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Lake County Rodeo in 2021.

At the age of 80, Bob finally retired, and he and Jan often enjoyed traveling to Mexico with friends to spend time fishing and relaxing together.

In 2011, Jan passed and since that time Bob has continued to cherish the close relationships with his beloved family and his wonderful friends in both Lakeport and Chico.

Bob really enjoyed golfing, fishing and meeting regularly with his loyal coffee friends.

He was a very hard working and a loving family man who will be greatly missed!

Bob is survived by his daughter, Lynda; his grandchildren, Erin and Amber and their families, including great-grandchildren Natalie, Kaiden, Kaya and Maliya; and his niece and nephew, Jean and John Anton.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport. All are welcome!

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

Upcoming Calendar

27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Northshore Ready Fest
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
27Apr
04.27.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Inaugural Team Trivia Challenge
2May
05.02.2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Neighborfest
4May
05.04.2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Park Study Club afternoon tea
5May
05.05.2024
Cinco de Mayo
6May
05.06.2024 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Senior Summit
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day
27May
05.27.2024
Memorial Day

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