CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Luther Murlin Sweigert II, aka Sonny, passed away on Dec. 22, 2013, in Clearlake.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Sweigert of Clearlake; his children, Rachel Burks and Luther M. Sweigert III; grandchildren, Emma Burks, Beau Burks and Luther M. Sweigert IV, all of Sacramento. He also leaves behind his two beloved companions, his dogs Lady and Tess.

Born in Washington< DC to Luther and Mable Sweigert, Sonny also was a former resident of Vacaville.

In 1971, Sonny enlisted in the Marine Corps where he spent two years in active duty. He was a proud veteran, at one time serving as post commander for the American Legion Post 437 and was currently in the role of finance officer.

He was employed by the California Department of Corrections for 28 years and is still considered a part of the CDC “family.”

An inurnment graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at Lower Lake Cemetery.

Following the graveside service, there will be a short service and reception at the American Legion Post 437, commencing at 11 a.m.

If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please send to the American Legion – Konocti Post 437, 14770 Austin Rd, Clearlake, CA 95422.

To leave an online guestbook entry, please visit www.jonesandlewis.com .

Arrangements entrusted to Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel FD 800, Lower Lake, CA 707-994-6417.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Margaret “Maudie” Maughan passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.

Maudie is survived by her husband and best friend of 62 years, Mike Maughan of Lakeport; five sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Dawn Maughan of Virginia, Alfred and Wendy Maughan of Vacaville, Jerry and Sherryl Maughan of San Leandro, Philip and Jill Maughan of San Lorenzo, Calif., and Kevin and Candi Maughan of Rhode Island; two sisters, Annie McBride of Calistoga and Phyl MacDonald of Santa Rosa; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1931, Maudie and Mike met when she was in her late teens. They moved to Canada and were married in 1951. The two oldest sons, Michael and Alfred, were born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1953 and 1956. Moving to Oakland, California in 1956, three more sons followed: Jerry in 1957, Philip in 1959 and Kevin in 1961.

While husband Mike worked more than 35 years for Pacific Gas and Electric, Maudie ran the house and raised her five sons, providing all with the love and comfort that she naturally brought to the family.

Her sharp wit, intelligence and sense of humor permeated everything about her and her role as wife and mother. She demonstrated a remarkable ability to make everyone laugh with her “Lucy” moments.

As the boys grew up, Maudie began working various jobs outside the home, including memorable stints with Gerber Baby Foods in Oakland, the linen department at Macy’s in San Leandro and a long association as a Realtor with Coldwell-Banker.

Over the years Maudie was the driving force behind several changes in residence as she and Mike changed homes numerous times, always stepping up a level as finances were stretched to access better, nicer and more valuable houses.

In 1986 Mike and Maudie moved to Lakeport and have resided there in active retirement for 27 years since.

A popular member of the Walnut Beach Marina association, Maudie served various positions including treasurer and secretary. Maudie was renowned for serving as hostess for numerous social activities, parties, and holiday celebrations at the marina clubhouse, with her outgoing personality, infectious laugh, and love of people and life.

Maudie was a longtime guest at the Elks Lodge No. 2704 and valued member of the Lakeport Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) ladies.

Known by many, loved by all, Maudie is missed, but left behind many, many memories that will be treasured by all who knew her well.

A short memorial service for Maudie is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, followed by a reception at location to be announced at the service.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The greatest lady in the world was called to heaven.

Helen Mae McCreary Starkman, 93, of Lakeport, died at Sutter Medical Center Santa Rosa at 6:50 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, at Chapel of the Lakes, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport.

In honor of Helen the family is asking that donations be made to:

Silent Unity
Unity World Headquarters
1901 NW Blue Parkway
Unity Village, MO 64065
816-524-3550

Born in Tipton, Ind., on Aug. 9, 1920, Helen was the youngest daughter of William and Sarah (Gough) McCreary. She was raised in Tipton and graduated with her registered nursing degree from Saint Vincent’s School of Nursing in Indianapolis, Ind.

God had plans for Helen and her nursing degree. She became the grandest of nurses and brought joy, encouragement and healing to her patients for 47 years.

While working as a nurse in Indiana she met and married Joseph Starkman. Joe was a patient of Helen’s and it was true love.

The couple had one child, a beautiful baby girl named Muriel Ann Starkman, who they raised in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Immediate family include daughter Muriel Ann Starkman Johnson of Lakeport, Calif; granddaughter, Aline Marie Kaprive of San Mateo, Calif; grandson-in-law, John Francis Kaprive; and great-granddaughter, Carly Ann Kaprive of San Mateo.

Precious gems: Helen was a devout woman of God, always kind and gentle, loved her family, brought comfort to her patients and gave people hope, always modeled true and innermost goodness.

When you met Helen she would welcome you and make you feel at ease. She was a bright, shining angel on earth who lit up a room with her smile and presence.

Dorothy Mae Carter
1922-2013

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Dorothy Carter was born in Cavour, South Dakota, on April 7, 1922. On December 26, 2013, at the age of 91, she was called Home to heaven to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ.

She and her husband Jack have lived in Lakeport since 1977.

Dorothy had a full life – sorrows, great joy and much laughter. She never knew a stranger and loved all without reservation.

She was greatly loved in return. A great many folks claimed her as “Mom” or “Grandma.”

She was preceded in death by her daughter Irene Wilson. Dorothy leaves behind her beloved husband of 72 years, Jack; daughter, Jackie; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She will be missed by nieces and nephews, countless number of friends and her church family at Clearlake Baptist Church.

Goodbye, Mama.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A life of quiet strength, determination and kindness ended on Dec. 7, 2013, with the death of Terrill (Terry) Casey. She was the eldest child of James Joseph and Virginia (Mangan) Casey of Cleveland, Ohio.

Terry is survived by her sisters, Kathleen (Edward) Knapp, Maureen Davis and Patricia Casey; and brothers, James (Janie) Casey Jr. and Thomas Casey. She will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Members of her family live in many areas of the country but all remain close, sharing a strong bond of love and commitment to one another.

Terry also leaves a large circle of friends from near and far and from all walks of life who share the same strong principles and especially the passion for life that Terry did. She held them close to her heart and was appreciative of their diversity and compassion.

Terry enjoyed an 18-year teaching career in Connecticut before moving to Lake County, Calif., in 1983. Her abundant energy and considerable skills were then channeled into the 28 year ownership of Highlands Nursery in Clearlake, a life's work both challenging and extremely rewarding.

As time permitted, Terry traveled as far and wide as possible. In her youth, her father’s Army career took the family to Japan and Germany.

In later life, Terry’s love of nature and enthusiasm for “birding” kept her criss-crossing the United States, Canada and Mexico. Always enjoying new experiences, she continued her travels throughout Central America and Africa.

Terry shared every facet of her life with Pat Novotny, her best friend, teammate, soulmate and life partner of 42 years. Pat, along with Terry's beloved family and friends, will continue to miss her and the love and goodness she brought to their lives.

Terry's message to all of us is to be ever mindful that life is fragile. Cherish and hold closely those you love.

At Terry's request, there will be no service. A donation in her memory may be made to Hospice of Lake County.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Daniel Berdechowski passed away on Dec. 26, 2013, after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Marilyn; children, Brenda Berdechowski, Paula Munoz, John Berdechoski and their families.

He will be dearly missed.

Cremation arrangements were taken care of by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport, telephone 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611.