Friday, 28 March 2025

Obits

Raymond Talamo. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Joseph Talamo of Clearlake, California, would like to announce his passing on Oct. 8, 2024. He was 58 years old.

He will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Joseph (Sandra) Talamo of Ukiah, California; his sister, Roseanna (Louie) Talamo of Dallas, Oregon, and his sister, Carolann (Dennis) Kramer of Siler City, North Carolina.

He will also be dearly missed by his nephew, Brandon (Ashley) Bolte of Vine Grove, Kentucky, his niece Kasey (Mycal) Holguin of Johnstown, Colorado, and his niece Diann (Jay) Bogan of Ukiah, California. He also has several great nieces and nephews that are very young and will miss knowing their Great Uncle.

Raymond was predeceased by his parents, Rita and Joseph Talamo, Grandma and Grandpa De Barge, Grandma and Grandpa Talamo and his nephews, John and David Talamo.

Raymond was born May 31, 1966, in Okinawa, Japan. His father was stationed at the United States Air Force base in Naha. Raymond was the baby of the family and grew up an Air Force brat. He lived in California, Kansas, North Carolina, Washington, and Louisiana.

After his father retired from the Air force, the family moved to Saudi Arabia for a short time as Dad's new job took them there. After leaving Saudi Arabia the family returned to Napa California which was always their home base.

Ray started middle school in Napa and finished with his graduation from Napa High School in 1985. He went on to college and took courses in Fire Science and eventually worked as an EMT in Ukiah. He then moved to Lake County and continued that work.

After some years in that field, he changed professions and went on to work as an inspector and installation contractor in the setup of mobile homes and he was also the onsite manager for the Clearlake flea market until his passing.

Raymond loved to play cards, board games, and music games with his friends and family. Anyone that knows him knew he loved a good debate.

He could give you a good poke on a subject to get it going. He was banned from talking about politics at all family gatherings too. He very much was a huge South Park fan and his most favorite sports team was the Kansas City Chiefs. He hated the color teal, but we made sure he had his teal shirt and teal Christmas pajamas every year and he wore them with some grumblings but a smile too as we fussed over him. He was always such a good sport and had a wonderful sense of humor.

For those of us that knew him and loved him, Raymond will be most remembered for his huge heart and the kindness that he showed to others. He had so little but was willing to give all that he had.

A private service will be held at the family's request. He will be laid to rest with his nephews in Ukiah, California

Memorial Donations may be made, in his name, to the Community Foundation of Ukiah for the David Joseph Talamo Memorial Scholarship. It is a scholarship fund for student athletes of Ukiah High School that are entering college. It was near and dear to his heart: 204 South Oak St., Ukiah, CA 95482, telephone 707-468-9822.

Donations also can be made, in his name, to this most worthy cause of the American Heart Association.

Betty Zemansky. Courtesy photo.

Betty Joan Zemansky
Sept. 27, 1936 – Oct. 1, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Betty Joan Zemansky, born on Sept. 27, 1936, in Wilmore, Kansas, passed away peacefully in Clearlake on Oct. 1, 2024, at the age of 88.

Betty dedicated over 30 years of her life to caring for others as a nursing assistant at Redbud Hospital in Clearlake. She was a hardworking, resilient woman who always brought light to those around her, known for her warm smile that could light up any room.

Betty was an incredible mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, deeply cherished by her family. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her strength and the special role she held in the lives of those who knew her. Her love of reading and her devotion to her family made her the heart of her home. She was truly an amazing woman.

Betty was predeceased by her son, Mitchell Zemansky, and is survived by her three children, Christine Lawson, Kathy Jones and Russell Zemansky; her sister, Diana Wedel Geddie; many grandchildren, Kaitlin, Lisa, Madison, Martin, Natosha; and great-grandchildren, Taylor, Seth, Jayden, Zen, Johnathan, and Wynonna-Joan who adored her.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. at 75 Lake St, Clearlake Oaks. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories of this remarkable woman.

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


Betty Zemansky. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gloria Wilds passed peacefully on Sept. 18, 2024, at the age of 93.

She was born March 28, 1931, in Lakeport to Jesse and Edna Swanson.

Gloria grew up in Lakeport and as a teenager she worked as an usher at the Lakeport Movie Theatre, where she met her future husband, Glenn.

Gloria married Glenn L. Wilds on Jan. 20, 1950. They had three children and 60 years of marriage where they enjoyed life working, playing, dancing, hunting, fishing and traveling together, just to name a few.

After marriage, Gloria spent her entire life raising their family and working on their ranch in Big Valley. She was an expert seamstress and after spending her days working on the ranch, at night, she would take in sewing for people to help ends meet. Gloria was also a sewing leader for the local 4-H Club.

She spent many summers cutting fruit at the Adobe Creek Dry Yards. There was nothing Gloria could not do. She operated every piece of farm equipment including a Caterpillar tractor. She could not only keep up with the best, she was usually leading the group.

Gloria could build anything she set her mind to. She grew a garden large enough to provide food to lots of families in the valley. She would spend days making walnut pies and delivering them to family, friends and neighbors during the holidays.

She was among the first to volunteer at the Lakeport Volunteer Fire House back in the day, making sandwiches to be delivered to the volunteer firemen out on the fire line. She was employed for many years by the Westlake Soil Conservation Office.

Gloria taught many children how to swim, not only her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, for several years she provided swimming lessons to the students from the Lakeport Elementary School in the pool at the Clear Lake High School. She also taught many adults how to swim, she enjoyed it immensely. She volunteered at the Kelseyville Methodist Church Thrift Shop weekly for over 30 years.

Gloria is predeceased by her husband, Glenn; son, Daniel; two sisters, Burt and Pandora, as well her three brothers, Frank, Clarence and Clyde.

She is survived by her daughter, Dottie McIntire and son, Mike (Marta) Wilds; grandchildren, Daniel (Wendy) McIntire, Terry (Amber) McIntire, Lisa (Jason) Lykken, Patricia Wilds and Heath Wilds; great-grandchildren, Nolan, Beth (Scott), Shaelyn, Faith, Jessica (Nick), Cassandra, Alexandra, Haley, Dustin and Riley Ann; great-great grandchildren, Ryker, Hayden and Alyssa; and one honorary grandson, Zachary Haas.

Gloria and her dedication to Lake County will be missed very much by her family and all those who knew and loved her.

Graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, at Hartley Cemetery.

In Gloria’s memory, the family prefers donations be made to the Danny Wilds 4-H Scholarship, which is now in an endowment, overseen by the University of California. These funds are used to provide a scholarship to the recipient of the Danny Wilds Perpetual Trophy during the Lake County Fair and to provide scholarships for 4-H youth that need assistance in attending the Mendocino-Lake 4-H camp. Donations can be mailed to California 4-H Foundation, 2801 Second St., Davis, CA 95618. The check needs to be made out to the California 4-H Foundation, in the correspondence with the check please be sure to include that you wish the monies go to the Danny Wilds Memorial 4-H Fund. Donations can also be made to the Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department, 445 N. Main St., Lakeport, CA 95453.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com. Please share your memories by signing the guest book at https://chapelofthelakes.com/tribute/details/701/Gloria-Wilds/condolences.html#content-start.

Robert Paiva. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Bob passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 1, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, four children, five grandchildren, two step-daughters, two step-grandsons and his sister.

Bob was a passionate teacher at Clear Lake High School and loved coaching volleyball and softball.

His previous students still remember him as their favorite teacher with the crazy ties.

All the good memories of Bob will live in us forever.

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

Stan Jones. Courtesy photo.

Stanton L. Jones
1943-2024

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Stanton LaWayne Jones, known affectionately as Stan, passed away on Sept. 23, 2024, from complications of pancreatic cancer in Lakeport.

Stan was born 81 years ago in Kentfield, California.

He was a man known for his robust sense of humor, strong work ethic and exceptional problem-solving skills. Stan's affinity for tools, especially screwdrivers, complemented his lifelong passion for tinkering in his garage.

Stan proudly served in the Army as a medic in Germany from 1962 to 1965, a commitment that shaped much of his early adult life.

After his military service, he dedicated 28 years to the California Highway Patrol, a career that he found both challenging and rewarding. His commitment to law enforcement was deeply appreciated and admired by his family, colleagues and the community he served.

After retiring from the CHP, both he and wife Ruby traveled and spent 16 years working for Xanterra in Yellowstone National Park.

Stan was an avid storyteller with witty remarks that would catch you off-guard, but you would always have a laugh. He was a devoted fan of the 49ers, and his hobbies included not only watching football but also reading and traveling. His home garage was a sanctuary where he spent countless hours working on various projects.

He also volunteered with Lake County Gleaners. Stan was a past president of Lake County Peace Officers Association and a past member of the Early Lake Lions Association.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Ruby; daughters, Christina (Robin) Olson, Stacey Martin and Heather (Roy) Way; eight grandchildren and their spouses; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers, Ross and Steve (Patricia), along with six nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.

Stan was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Kathleen Jones, and son-in-law, Mark
Martin.

Stan's wishes were to be cremated with no services. The cremation arrangements are to be handled by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the California Highway Patrol Widows and Orphans Fund, an organization close to his heart. Donations can be mailed to the fund at 2030 V St., Sacramento, CA 95818.

Stan's legacy of kindness, integrity, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him.


Alan “Duke” Morris. Courtesy photo.

Alan Dean Morris
‘Duke’

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Alan Dean Morris passed away on Sept. 21, 2024, in his home with his family by his side.

Everyone called him Duke, but his favorite and most important name was Dad or Papa.

He was born Sept. 13, 1933, to Homer and Caroline Morris. He spent his youth in Southern California and Eugene, Oregon where he graduated in 1952.

Duke was drafted into the Army that same summer and was sent to fight in the Korean War.

After the war ended, he returned to California where he met his first wife and the mother of his four sons.

Duke and Joan were married in the summer of 1955. They had their first son, Doug in 1956 and their second son, Craig in 1961 where they lived in Southern California. They moved to Lakeport in 1961. Their third son, Mark was born in 1962 and their fourth son, Jim was born in 1966.

Duke and Joan bought the Bell Haven Resort in Kelseyville, California, in 1971 and ran it until 1995. They met many good friends during that time. They made a lot of memories raising their boys at the resort. During that same time, Duke had a 34-year career at Safeway, retiring in 1989.

Duke enjoyed his hot rods. He loved to buy and sell them but the car runs and car shows were some of his favorite times. Duke was a great skier too. He enjoyed the many winter ski trips with his family.

After becoming a widower, Duke married his second wife, Carolyn in 2000. They continued on with the car runs and car shows.

Duke will always be remembered for the love of his family and for his beautiful landscaped yards. He prided himself on his hard work, honesty and integrity that he has passed down to his sons.

Duke is survived by his wife, Carolyn Morris; his sons, Doug (Pam), Craig (Mary), Mark and Jim (Denise) Morris; his stepson, Joey DiBono (Fernanda); his stepdaughter, Lynne DiBono (Sandro); and his three nieces, Pam Adams, Karen Gough and Lori Heller.

Papa was a legend to his 16 grandchildren and his 23 great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Joan Morris; his baby daughter, Roxanne; his sister, Sharon Ainsworth; his grandson, Clif Morris; and his parents.

Duke Morris was an amazing man, father, husband, grandfather, brother and uncle. His legacy will be carried on for generations.

The family would like to thank the VA and Hospice of Lake County.

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

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