Lake County News,California

Obits

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 13 July 2024 01:34; 13 July 2024

Jennifer Matheson

Jennifer Marcell Matheson
Oct. 9, 1993 — June 20, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Jen left us way too soon at the tender age of 30.

She leaves behind her daughter, Romani; ex-husband, Dalton; mother, Debra; father, Mark; siblings, Joshua (Betony), Justine (Daniel), Jason (Maria) and Jasmine (Doyle); and a multitude of others that we adopted as our own throughout the years, Linda, Johnny, Chris and Sara, Atlanta, Marshall, and all of their children.

She also leaves behind nephews, Luke, Keagan and Landon; nieces, Addyson, Lilly and Kinslei; aunts, Debbie and Tracy; uncles, Billy, Joe and Tommy; and a host of cousins with her favorite being Maia.

She is predeceased by her Nana; Grampa Bill; brother, Jacob; and a long list of other family members too numerous to mention.

When I say that Jen's passing leaves a giant hole in our hearts, that's an understatement. She was always the life of the party, and the prettiest one there. Her laugh was contagious and her smile lit up the whole room.

"Fennifer" — you will always be one of the Last Of The Mohicans, to the moon Alice!

There will be a candlelight vigil at the Austin Park stage on Friday, July 19, at dusk.

Contact Debra McKinney Ratcliff on facebook or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 04 July 2024 00:30; 11 July 2024

Patricia Ann Sheffield

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Patricia (aka Pat or Patty) Ann Sheffield passed peacefully on July 2, 2024, at the age of 87.

She spent a short period in hospice before leaving us to be with her husband, George Sheffield, who predeceased her. She also plans to reunite with her loving pet companions she had over the years.

Pat was born to Charles and Dorothy Haynes in Helena, Montana, and was one of two children. She moved to California at the age of 19 (to Hollywood no less!).

She first came to Lake County as the owner/proprietor of Pine Acres in Blue Lakes. Later, she worked for and retired from the Social Security Administration.

She was a member and leader in the United Christian Parish, serving many roles and befriending all.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Kelly (plus Ken); grandson, Joshua Carson and his son, Seth; seven Sheffield stepchildren, George Jr. (plus Blanch), Gayle, Thomas, Richard, Kathy (plus Elias), John (plus Tonya) and Ed (plus Beth).

She is additionally survived by six Sheffield grandchildren, Nanyamka, Kathyanne, Delaney, John, Orion, and Quinn; and many nieces and nephews.

She also leaves behind many friends and neighbors.

She is predeceased by her brother, Charles Haynes, and her son, Clinton Woodard.

The family is hosting a visitation on Wednesday, July 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport.

The family and Pat’s congregation are hosting a celebration of life and potluck on Friday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at United Christian Parish in Lakeport.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Hospice Services of Lake County.

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 Friday, 05 July 2024 04:38; 07 July 2024

Matilda J. Robinson

Matilda J. Robinson
May 12, 1928 - June 25, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — As the sun was coming down, the clouds parted and heaven gained a true angel.

Matilda J. Robinson died in her home at the Witter Springs Ranch, surrounded by her big loving family. Shortly after her death, she painted the sky with the most spectacular sunset.

Matilda was born May 12, 1928, in Ukiah, California to Pearl and Foster Guntly. She was raised in Potter Valley, California on the Guntly Ranch. Matilda was one of four children, and two foster children: John Guntly, Saralu Yates, Laurel Hodges, Placita Yates and John (Poncho) Colon.

During her childhood she picked apples and grapes, and packed pears in the packing house. She talked about the time she and Della Guntly got tired of filling those big lugs of grapes to the top, so they filled the bottom with rocks! Yes! They got caught. Makes a fun story though.

After graduating from high school she ventured off to Santa Rosa, where she attended Santa Rosa Junior College, earning her Associate of Arts degree. While attending college she played on the basketball team, even traveling for games. She also took a tap dancing class. She was quite competitive — and also loved a good game of ping pong. She spoke of fun times while attending college, and the lifelong friends she met there.

After college Matilda met the love of her life, Bill Robinson (from Willits). He had returned home from the war and was quite the catch. She often said, “He looked like the actor, Anthony Quinn, so handsome!” It was love at first sight.

In 1949 Bill and Matilda married in Ukiah. They settled first in Willits, where they bought their first home (which she still owns to this day). Bill and Matilda moved to Cold Creek for awhile, then moved back to Willits.

In 1958 they made the momentous decision to move to Witter Springs to manage the Witter Springs Ranch, and to help care for her parents, Foster and Pearl Guntly. She said, “I never regretted that decision, it was a great place to raise our family.”

They created a legacy of five children: Cheryl Wheeler (Wes), Rachel Quist (Jim), Mike Robinson (deceased), Fred Robinson (Lora) and Paula Clark (Maurice). She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends.

Matilda was very involved with the community: PTA and the School Board; 4-H; California Women of Agriculture; TOPS, earning KOPS status; poll worker, as the inspector; and Queen of the Rosary Guild. She was a caretaker of family and friends. She was a support person to anybody who needed it. She never knew a stranger, and once a friend always a friend.

Matilda loved her gardens and her chickens (earning the CB handle “Mother Hen”). So much good food was produced from the ranch and her gardens; canning, freezing, baking and barbecues, giving the term “domestic engineer” a new meaning. Nobody ever left hungry, and the coffee pot was always on.

Then, there is the infamous cookie jar, always full. Yes, it is still on the counter, and anyone that comes into the kitchen always checks to see what is inside. She really loved her sweets!

She made the big old house where she raised her kids a warm and loving home. She was a true matriarch of the family. We are comforted knowing that she is now flying with the angels.

She leaves us with so many good memories: rides out in the hills, trips to the ocean, cherry picking, swim lessons, etc.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at Chapel of the Lakes, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, on July 20 at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at the Witter Springs Ranch.

Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

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

**The sunset on June 25, 2024, shortly after Matilda J. Robinson died. Courtesy photo.**

: 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.

Obits

Jennifer Matheson

Patricia Ann Sheffield

Betty Lewkowitz

Matilda J. Robinson

Charley Stephanski

Donna Kay Shaw

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