Melford Rex Gatton
August 19, 1922 - October 19, 2012

Longtime Lakeport resident Melford Rex Gatton, age 90, passed away Friday, Oct. 19, 2012.
 
Mel was born Aug. 19, 1922, to Rex and Inez Gatton in Kelseyville, Calif.

He graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1940 and was a Veteran of World War II, stationed in the Philippines, where he served as a radio operator in the infantry and played saxophone in a 14 piece dance band.

He met the love of his life, Lorraine, at Adam Springs the summer of 1949 and they married in Napa May 6, 1950.

Mel moved his growing family to Lakeport in 1956 where he was a TV repairman for several years and owned a pear orchard on Big Valley Road.

He served as a Lakeport Volunteer Fireman for 27 years and was a deputy of the Northern California State Fireman's Association for 22 years.  

Mel retired in 1982 as the manager of the Clear Lake Riviera. He served as a board member of the Lake County Vector Control for over 21 years, retiring last month.

Mel enjoyed Dixieland Jazz music and travels to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. He loved being with his family, playing his saxophone, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Mel is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine; his sons, Rex (Sharon) and Don (Sheila); his daughter, Cary; daughter-in-law, Judie; grandchildren, Amy, Erin, Allison, Sean, Courtney, Matthew, and Brian; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Cooper, Ethan, and Elliot; and sister, Donna Wolfgram.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Inez; sister, Nadean Colton; and his son, Brad Gatton.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

A celebration of his life will be held at the United Christian Parish, Seventh and Brush streets, at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 27.

Mel will be remembered most for helping others, his love for the Lakeport Fire Department, his passion for music, and for being a wonderful husband and father.

Memorial donations to the Lakeport Fire Department or charity of your choice would be most appreciated by the family.

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

Delphus Thornton Hooper
May 11, 1919 – October 17, 2012

Del was born and grew up in Clarksdale, Missouri, where she met and married Stanley M. Hooper.

She moved to California to be with her husband Stan during the war. Following the war they had four sons, David, Thomas, Richard and Douglas.

After retiring from Bank of America in 1978, the Hoopers moved to Lakeport where they lived for over 30 years in retirement.

Del had three grandchildren and developed a very special bond with her granddaughter Heidi Hooper.

Del loved sewing, gardening, writing poems, inventing things and “New Age Thinking.”

She was a volunteer for hospice, made many close friends and was very happy in Lakeport.

She passed away in the home she designed and loved on Oct. 17, 2012.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m. at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport. Bright colors are encouraged.

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

Stephanie Davies, 59, died unexpectedly after a fall and coronary insufficiency on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012.

Stephi, daughter of Frank Adams Davies and Jean Holbrook, was born in Salt Lake City on May 22, 1953.

Steph was a Gemini, that rare combination of logic and wonderment – she is succeeded by her mother, brothers Michael and Paul and her sister Patrice.

She was raised in Southern California, went to L.A. City College majoring in health science, with an associate degree and then graduated from Cypress College with a degree in mortuary science as a funeral director with honors. Stephanie married Steven Aronie and was later divorced.

Stephi loved her profession and was a funeral director for 20 years in San Diego, Los Angeles and Northern California, the last seven years at Jones & Lewis in Lower Lake, California.

We will remember her cats, her curiosity, her love of the arts; her integrity, her generous heart, her sunny disposition and her deep care and concern for others. Stephi made the world more special by being in it.

Services will be held at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, 16140 Main St. in Lower Lake on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 at 3 p.m.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.jonesandlewis.com .

Norita A. Guardino, 1935-2012
 
Born to Pete and Helen (Scott) Pacchetti on Aug. 24, 1935, in Monterrey, Calif. She died peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 15, 2012 after fighting a long battle with cancer.
 
After retiring from the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office after more than 20 years of service, she was able to devote herself to her children and grandchildren, plus indulge her love of bingo.  
 
She is survived by her children, Surby, Cindy and Sam Guardino; five grandchildren, Cheraylyn Velazquez, Wayne Willyard, Ryan Bergeron, Amber Mazzella, Kurina Cota; six great-grandchildren, Donte, Lillianna, Gianna, Annabelle, Javen, Aryanna; sisters Betty Chaix, Lanita Moyer, Karen Johnston; brother, Pete Pacchetti, and many nieces and nephews.

Norita’s fearless zest for life, her quick wit and infectious laughter will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
 
The graveside service will be on Monday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation will be greatly appreciated.

Hartley Cemetery is located at 2552 Hill Road East, Lakeport, CA 95453‎.

Ernest Clay, a long-time Lake County resident and retired sheriff, passed peacefully Oct. 15, 2012.

Ernie is survived by his two sons, Richard and Robert Clay.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Norene Clay.

Ernie will be laid to rest at Upper Lake Cemetery.

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

Robert O’Briant, a Navy veteran of the Korean War who served on the USS Swenson, passed peacefully at the age of 79.

Bob loved cats and all nature. He was a very loving, gentle and giving soul, who at Easter time would be the bunny and give baskets to the children.

He is survived by his wife, Claudia; children, Shannon and Robbie; step-son, Rod; two grandchildren; and, brother Bill.

Bob is with our Lord in Heaven.

Military honors will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Lakeport’s Library Park on Park Street.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357.