Lake County News,California

Obits

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 27 June 2024 00:46; 27 June 2024

Charley Stephanski

Charles Harry Stephanski, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and cherished member of the community, passed away on March 22, 2024, in San Jose, California.

He was born on Sept. 7, 1939, in Lockport, New York, to John Robert and Irene Irma Stephanski.

Charley led a remarkable life filled with love, dedication, and service. He was a man of integrity and honor, traits instilled in him by his parents and honed during his years in the Navy.

Charley proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1977, progressing from a machinist mate student to a master chief machinist mate before his honorable discharge.

After his military service, Charley pursued various career paths, showcasing his versatility and dedication in roles such as a maintenance worker, chemical circulating tech, HVAC technician and ultimately become the co-owner of his own company, Dart Couriers in Clearlake, California, before retiring to San Jose in 2003 to be closer to his family.

His commitment to excellence and hard work was evident in all that he did, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.

On Jan. 28, 1961, in Burbank, California, Charley married his first wife, Geraldine Downs, with whom he shared 23 years. Together, they built a beautiful life with four children and cherished memories.

After their separation, Charley found love once again and married Pauline Clark on Oct. 22, 1987, in San Jose. Their union lasted 22 years and brought joy and companionship to both of their lives, until her passing in 2010.

Charley was a beloved family man, survived by his children Chuck, Teresa, Michael, Annie, stepchildren Marcy, John, Rob, and Terri, along with his sisters Mary Katherine Davis and Dr. Margaret Argentine and brother-in-law Dr. Leaonard Argentine.

His legacy extends to his 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life and the source of his greatest joy.

Charley was an active member of the community, was known for his inventive spirit and tinkering nature, and was always exploring new ideas and projects with passion and curiosity.

Charles Harry Stephanski will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His kind heart, unwavering dedication, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Keeping with Charley's giving spirit, and per his request, his remains have been donated through the Stanford Anatomical Gift Program.

A service and celebration of Charley’s life will be held on Saturday, July 20, at 11 a.m. at 610 Mill Pond Dr. in San Jose.

In his memory, let us cherish the time we shared with Charley and carry forward the values of love, commitment, and service that he exemplified throughout his life.

May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love and memories he created during his time with us.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 24 June 2024 03:40; 24 June 2024

Donna Kay Shaw

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Donna was born July 27, 1942, to Warren and Olivia Wood in Healdsburg, California.

The family moved to Sebastopol shortly thereafter to be closer to Warren's work with the Soil Conservation Service of the USDA. Property was purchased, an apple orchard added, and a new residence built. Picking apples became a family project that provided money for school clothes.

Each Sunday the Wood kids, Donna, older brother, Bill and younger sisters, Jeanie and Karen would march off to Sunday School and Church Services. At one point Donna was a member of the local swim team. She used to complain that the lane barriers always got in her way. A farm girl needed to be kept busy so she became a member of the Girl Scouts and 4-H along with many of her friends.

As the years passed by Donna attended all of the Sebastopol schools. After graduation from Analy High School she transferred over to Santa Rosa Junior College. While at SRJC she, her brother and many friends joined the large Hiking Club. One of the members was a good friend of her future husband, Steve Shaw.

One evening, Steve's good friend encouraged the two to attend a basketball game at SRJC. Once in the basketball gym this friend took Steve over to meet some of the Hiking Club members and to share a space to watch the contest.

During the game there was this one Hiking Club girl who caught Steve's eyes who was outgoing, friends with everyone, full of energy, and had a wonderful smile … that was Donna. Eventually Steve and Donna hooked up and became a regular pair on the campus. On June 6, 1964, they married.

Moving to Lakeport, Steve's new job site was exciting as well as anxious. Donna obtained a job in the high school library for a couple of years. Son Douglas was born in 1967 and daughter Kimberly in 1970. As the children aged they were placed in the United Christian Parish Sunday School program. It was during this time that Donna stepped up to be a Sunday school teacher for many years.

As an active member of the parish she was elected to several positions, two of which she really enjoyed: Deacon and Elder. When her children entered the preschool era, Donna volunteered to help. One of her enjoyable jobs was working with Bonne Ewing and their preschool that was run out of United Christian Parish.

In the early 1980s she returned to college to secure an early childhood teaching certificate. Eventually she opened up her own preschool "Play N' Learn" in their converted garage. Over the 25 plus years many children knew her as Miss Donna. In addition to her preschool work she managed to help Steve transport his high school Cross Country runners to meets. Donna also worked with her daughter, Kim in 4-H as she progressed through the ranks.

Guide Dogs for the Blind filled our lives with joy and sadness especially when a dog moved on to its new owner.

Following Steve's retirement from teaching and coaching, Donna hung up her whistle. A new life of Civil War reenacting took place for about 18 years, trips across the United States, participating in the Oregon California Trails Association, and visitations to numerous Civil War and Revolutionary War sites.

Retired life was going very nicely for Donna when several joint operations and a major disease required her to be bedridden for the last five to seven years. Her last major disease treatment was to take place this month. Hence, Donna was starting to plan our next adventure.

A graveside service was held at Hartley Cemetery on Friday, June 14.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 19 June 2024 01:46; 19 June 2024

Roberta Mae Smith

Roberta Mae Smith became a star in our sky on Jan. 23, 2024, after being attacked by a shark while surfing in Hawaii.

Born Sept. 9, 1950, to Robert and Lois Lloyd in Oakland, California, Known affectionately as “Bobbie” to friends and family.

Her precious life was one of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren. Her family was her world, and she poured her heart and soul into caring for each and every one of them.

Whether it was a listening ear, or sage advice, Bobbie's presence brought warmth and reassurance to those around her.

As a professional singer and entertainer, Bobbie shared her passion for music with countless audiences around the Bay Area, Lake and Mendocino counties, Reno, Tahoe and the Hawaiian Islands as the lead singer of her band Holy Smoke.

For almost 50 years her vibrant performances lit up the stage, captivating audiences with her incredibly soulful voice and natural stage presence. Beyond the spotlight, she loved to entertain! She was a devoted party planner, infusing every gathering with laughter, music and infectious energy. She planned parties for everyone and everything! She loved to celebrate life with the ones she loved.

One of her elaborate events was her famous Ye Olde Tracy Street Christmas Faire in San Lorenzo, California, where she transformed her Victorian home into a bustling craft faire, and folks would line up around the block to attend.

The pinnacle of her party planning would have to be both her daughters' weddings which she planned, played and produced for close to 200 people both times. During these events Bobbie poured herself into the details making these precious life moments even more special through her incredible creativity and extreme thoughtfulness.

Bobbie's impact extended far beyond her immediate circle; she was deeply vested in her community. She organized on behalf of the Anderson Springs Water District to preserve the watershed, rallying community members to retain their water rights and insure purity when it was threatened in the late 1980s.

She was the president of the Anderson Springs Homeowners Association and Recreational Area for many years, transforming the facilities and offerings from disrepair to the cornerstone of community life in the region. If you grew up in south Lake County in the late 1980s and 1990s you definitely attended a labor day dance or went to the weekly bingo and ice cream parties. A continuation of the vacation culture of Lake County from the 1950s and 1960s that Bobbie helped to preserve for another generation of families to bond around.

Born and raised in the Bay Area during the heart of the cultural revolution, Bobbie was a lifelong flower child and peace activist. Her dedication to social justice and human rights was fostered as a small child and continued throughout her life. She fearlessly stood up for what was right, advocating for equality and fairness for all. Her advocacy was not just a cause; it was a reflection of her deeply held values and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for ALL children, not just hers.

Despite her larger-than-life presence Bobbie remained ever authentic, outspoken and devoted to her vision of a peaceful planet until her last breath.

Bobbie was down-to-earth. Her humor and storytelling were legendary, sharing joy, laughter and a little dose of shade for good measure. She had a gift for connecting with people, making everyone feel seen and valued.

Bobbie's love for people led her to Hawaii, where she discovered a profound family connection to the islands she adored when she took her entire family on a luxurious vacation to Kauai when her mother passed away. She rented a huge house right on the beach and treated all her kids and grandkids to a dream tropical vacation.

Bobbie was smitten by the culture and the natural beauty and for eight years, Hawaii became her home, where she forged deep roots and cherished memories.One of the crowning glories of that era was her playing the famous Punalu’u Black Sands Beach Luau for hundreds of Hawaiian people who boogied to her soulful songs deep into the tropical night.

Yet, Lake County, California, held a special place in her heart and in 2017 she returned to the mainland so she could see her family and friends more. She made her last home in Nice, California, by the lake she treasured, and within view of Mount Konocti.

Though Bobbie may have taken her final bow, her spirit lives on in the timeless melodies she left behind. In her honor let us carry forward the legacy of love and music she so cherished. May her songs continue to echo in our hearts, a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived and a love that knows no bounds.

Bobbie is predeceased by her mother, Lois Lloyd; father, Robert J. Lloyd; sister, Nikeeta Hill; and cousin, Charlene Larimore.

She leaves behind her husband, Mark Smith of Nice, California; nephew, Robert “Michael” Hill of Nice; eldest daughter, Fonta Molyneaux, son-in-law, Matthew, and grandchildren, Lilyana, River and Lylah of Eugene, Oregon; youngest daughter, Nova White, son-in-law, Richard White, and grandchildren, Conifer and Cypress of Chico, California.

To hear the Roberta Mae archives, visit https://on.soundcloud.com/WzjajpMJrZPsQXzF7.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.Mother-Wise.org, a secular organization devoted to maternal and child mental health through early intervention and resources around Lake County, California.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 26 June 2024 00:08; 26 June 2024

Betty Lewkowitz

Betty “Clarine” Lewkowitz was born on Oct. 30, 1933, in Nashville, Tennessee.

She graduated from Central High School and worked at the local TV station.

She married Joe Lewkowitz Jr. in Nashville in 1958 and moved to Daly City, California. They purchased a home in Pacifica, California, and had four children.

In 1984, Joe and Clarine moved to Middletown, California, off Dry Creek Cutoff.

After Joe passed, Clarine lived in Hidden Valley Lake until the age of 90, when she went to heaven to meet up with Joe on May 21, 2024, at 5:19 p.m.

Clarine is preceded by her husband, Joe Lewkowitz Jr.

She is survived by daughters, Vicki Lewkowitz and Sarah (Craig Bucini); sons, Joe III (Theresa) and Wade (Christine); grandchildren, Raymond, Scooter, Jake, Joey, Christi, Cheryl, Marina and Beau; great-grandchildren, Drake, Christiana, Chaylin, JJ and Oliver.

Mass will be held July 13 at noon at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Middletown.

Reception to follow at the Middletown Community Lions Building at 15399 Central Park Road.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Saint Joseph Parish and mail to Saint Joseph Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1350, Middletown, CA 95461-1350.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 20 June 2024 02:22; 20 June 2024

David Gage Doberstein

David Gage Doberstein
Dec. 10, 2000 — May 21, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Davey loved life to the fullest with his infectious smile. He enjoyed riding his bike and watching his favorite cartoons such as: Paw Patrol, Teen Titans, Sponge Bob and Avatar.

He found happiness in his music. His all-time favorite was Toy Story as he could be found carrying around his Woody or Buzz Lightyear stuffies.

Davey is predeceased by his parents, Vanessa Y Niko and David M Doberstein; grandparents, Therese (Coca) Doberstein, David D Doberstein, Coveda Y Miller and Ralph Brown Sr.

Davey is survived by his sisters, Leanlynn Faber, Shably Navarro, Juliette Parker and Weya Niko, and brothers, Talisua Niko, Presley Niko and Constantine Doberstein. Also, his heart family, Robert McLean Sr., Robert McLean Jr., Breanna McLean, Desiree McLean and Sophia Morales.

Traditional Native American visitation was held at Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake community Center in Upper Lake on May 29. A funeral service was held the following day.

Davey was laid to rest at the Upper Lake Rancheria Cemetery on Dewell Road.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Tuesday, 11 June 2024 23:30; 11 June 2024

Allen Gentry

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Allen Gentry, 82, died May 24, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.

Allen was born in Imperial County on May 29, 1941, to Bessie and John Gentry. He was one of four siblings.

He graduated high school from Imperial Valley High, and went on to have a successful career in construction, becoming a general contractor and running his own business.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, doing a tour in Vietnam.

He then moved to Lake County in 1969 and married his high school sweetheart, Frances Gentry.

They remained in Lake County, having three daughters and building a beautiful life together for 47 years.

He is survived by his brother, Joe Gentry; and his daughters, Natalie Gentry, Nicole Gentry and Stacey Gentry.

Even though he died just days from his 83rd birthday, we are comforted that he is now at peace and with the love of his life.

There will be no services, per his request.

Obits

Charley Stephanski

Donna Kay Shaw

Roberta Mae Smith

Betty Lewkowitz

David Gage Doberstein

Allen Gentry

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