Lake County News,California

Obits

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 18 March 2023 02:10; 18 March 2023

Kerry Ellen Roper

Kerry Ellen Roper
March 11, 1954 — Feb. 14, 2023

Kerry was born in Fort Bragg, California to loving parents, Jack and Virginia Tredway.

She spent her childhood in Leggett, California, where she was raised with her siblings, Larry, Linda, Mike and John.

She moved to Kelseyville in her teen years, which is where she met lifelong friends, started her family, and eventually opened her own hair salon which she had for 24 years before retiring in 2020.

She lived in many places including California, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Arizona before finally settling in South Carolina, where she passed peacefully after an almost three year battle with cancer.

Kerry will be remembered for her love of Christ, her joy for life, and her desire to make everyone around her feel special and loved. She was the most wonderful, kind, loving person, she is missed so greatly.

Kerry is survived in death by her loving husband of 28 years, Brad Roper; her children, Brian Manning (Brianna), Margie Irwin (Chris), Michael Manning, Nathan Tredway (Misty) and Emily Ray (Derrick); stepson, Brad Roper Jr. (Kristina); her brothers, Larry Tredway (Kristine) and John Tredway; her many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kerry’s family would like to thank everyone who loved and supported her during her time on Earth. She loved and cherished each of you.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Riviera HIlls Country Club, 10200 Fairway Drive in Kelseyville, California.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 15 March 2023 01:30; 15 March 2023

Larry Andrew Pitts Sr.

Larry Andrew Pitts Sr. died unexpectedly on Feb. 22, 2023.

He was born Nov. 14, 1964, to Diane Butler and Donald Seck.

Larry was later adopted by his uncle and aunt, John and Ann Pitts.

He traveled the world as a military dependent and developed a love for traveling.

Larry explored many places in his 58 years of life. He was a nomad of sorts, but for whatever reason Clearlake, California always called him back.

A private visitation ceremony was performed in his honor, with his four children, and ex-wife Judy Pitts, before cremation.

There was a roadside memorial set up in his memory. Larry’s ashes will remain in Tennessee with future plans to spread a little in each place his children visit in his honor.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Pitts; children, Angela Lyon, 36, John Pitts, 34, Leann Pitts, 32, and Larry Pitts Jr., 30; and nine grandchildren.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 10 March 2023 03:40; 10 March 2023

Gerald ‘Bruce’ Pachie

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gerald Bruce Pachie passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the age of 79.

He was born and raised in Middletown, California.

Bruce was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He served in Vietnam for which he received multiple awards: two Purple Hearts, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with triple Bronze Star attachment, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert Rifle Badge with rifle bar, and Parachutist Badge.

While training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Wander.

Following his years serving in the military, they returned to Middletown to raise their family.

Bruce began his 42-year career with PG&E as a lineman and eventually became a troubleman until his retirement.

Bruce loved the outdoors and hunting, a passion he shared with his two sons and his grandchildren.

A longtime hunter, Bruce enjoyed hunting out at Guenoc Ranch and out-of-state trips to Idaho and Wyoming. He loved packing into the mountains on his beloved horses. He also enjoyed his dogs and hunting pheasant.

Bruce loved high school sports and went to as many games and rodeos as he could, to watch his sons and grandchildren participate. He was a Founding Board Member for both the Middletown Colts Football Program, as well as the Middletown Cobb Little League.

He loved the small-town life of Middletown and was always ready to support local businesses, schools and anything that would benefit the kids.

He was an avid supporter of FFA, 4H and local horse clubs and made sure the lights at the Central Park Arena were ready for Middletown Days and summer riding.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Pachie; two sons, Louie Pachie (Patsy), Greg Pachie (Lisa); and his three grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott), Gracie and Tanner.

His pride and joy were his grandchildren, and he was elated to soon be welcoming his first great-grandchild.

He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn (Tom McMahon); brothers, Larry Menzio (Martha) and Eric Nelson; and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following organizations that Bruce was a proud founder and supporter of:

• Middletown Cobb Little League;
• Middletown Colts Football Program;
• Middletown High School Football Program.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 17 March 2023 03:20; 17 March 2023

Dr. Fredrick Belka Jr.

Dr. Fredrick Albert Belka Jr.
1937 — 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Fred, Freddie, Dad, Papa, Uncle Fred, or otherwise known as Dr. Fred Belka.

In Lakeport, California, on March 6, 2023, Fred unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 85.

Fred was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 12, 1937, to Maria and Fred Belka Sr.

At 17 years old Fred and his family moved to San Jose, California, where he graduated from San Jose High School.

In the early 1960s Fred was drafted into the Service, 101st Airborne Division.

He was married to Jeannette and had two children, Tammy Jane and Richard.

Fred went on to graduate from San Jose State University with a BA in teaching and became a history teacher. He loved to learn and extended his education well into his 70s. He went back to school and earned his Masters and PHD.

In 1967 Fred met his second wife Christina and daughter Nadine. Fred and Christina married and remained in the Bay Area until 1985, spending nine years in El Dorado Hills before retiring in Nice, California.

Fred and Chris lived their best life as socialites and distinguished members of the community. Fred belonged to the Lions Club, the Sons of Italy, the Lakeport Elks, the No Name Car Club and was a vital member of the Lakeport Senior Center.

Fred was always laughing, joking around, and having a good old time. He was known to talk your ear off whether or not you had the time to listen. He was an outdoorsman who loved boating, camping, and fishing.

Everyone knew Fred wherever he went and he left a long and lasting impression. Fred was a guiding light and always knew what to do. His family and friends loved him dearly. He will be missed and never forgotten.

He is survived by his sister, Caroline; children, Nadine and Rick Sr.; grandchildren, Christina Marie, Bernadette and Rick Jr.; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Emily, Jessie and Alicia; niece, Monique; great niece, Skyler; great nephews, Daniel and Joel; and fur babies, Pheobalina Foxface and Smokey.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Sunday, 12 March 2023 01:38; 12 March 2023

Sam F. Malta

SPARKS, Nevada — I am heartbroken to announce the passing of my loving father and best friend, Sam Frank Malta, age 80, of Sparks, Nevada on Feb. 23, 2023.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Tammy (Chris) Rieken of Reno; sister, Linda Milligan; brother-in-law, Ken Phillips; sister-in-law, Lola Malta; three grandchildren, Brandon, Alyson and Shane Rieken; and many nieces and nephews.

Sam was a professional meat cutter and business owner and proudly served as a petty officer in the United States Navy from 1960-1964. He enjoyed retirement the last 30 years.

Sam’s passions included fishing, golf, San Francisco Giants and 49ers. His daughter Tammy shares his love of baseball and she is grateful to him that she is not an LA Dodgers fan!

Sam is remembered and loved by many friends, neighbors and family for his smile, kind heart, mentorship, attitude of gratitude, generosity and dedication to all who he cared about.

Lastly, Sam was a gardener and his tomatoes and sweet peas will surely be missed!

Sam will be reunited with his beloved wife Victoria Marie of 60 years who passed seven years ago. He will join Victoria in eternal rest on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada.

A celebration of Sam’s life will be announced at a later date.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 09 March 2023 02:13; 09 March 2023

Services for Surber planned for April 8

Betty Lou Surber
Nov. 21, 1931 – Jan. 22, 2023

LAKEPORT, Calif. — The family of Betty Lou Surber will be hosting a gathering to celebrate her life on Saturday, April 8, at 2 p.m. in the banquet room at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, Lakeport.

All those who knew her are invited to attend.

For more information, contact Pam Klier 707-400-8380 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Donations in Betty Lou’s memory may be made to:

• The Lake County Arts Council/Spring Dance Festival, P.O. Box 247, Lakeport, CA 95453; or

• Lakeport Senior Center/Meals on Wheels, 527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport, CA 95453.

Obits

Kerry Ellen Roper

Larry Andrew Pitts Sr.

Gerald ‘Bruce’ Pachie

Dr. Fredrick Belka Jr.

Sam F. Malta

Services for Surber planned for April 8

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