Lake County News,California

Obits

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 23 January 2025 01:16; 23 January 2025

Jon Matthew Woodard

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Jon Matthew Woodard, “Matt,” passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2024, in his home at 8:30 a.m.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1956, to June “Vonnie” Woodard and Graydon “Woody” Woodard in Lebanon, Missouri.

Matt was the 1974 class president and graduate of Piner High School in Santa Rosa, California. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Western Montana University. Matt was 68 when he passed away.

In 1986, Matt and Julie Woodard moved their family, children Kurtis and Roxanne, to Hidden Valley Lake from Santa Rosa. Matt took on a managerial position at Hardester’s Market in Middletown and saw many opportunities to grow with his ambitious mindset in Lake County.

Over the next 30 years, he owned several businesses and built lasting friendships throughout the county. Among his ventures, Matt purchased and owned Hidden Valley Storage, Jolly Kone Restaurant, Mustang Grill, J&L Market in Clearlake (on Old Highway 53) and Woody’s Café at Kelseyville Lumber. He also invested in and built more than 50 homes in Hidden Valley Lake, Lower Lake and Cobb.

More recently, Matt served as the maintenance director for Hidden Valley Lake Association, where he passionately supported his community.

The only thing Matt may not have done well was retire, but that drive kept him fighting against cancer and cherishing moments with his nine grandchildren. Matt was immensely proud of their achievements in school, on the playing fields and courts, and as they entered the working world.

Matt is survived by Jackie, Julie, his two children, his nine grandchildren, his loving family and his many cherished friendships.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Greenview Restaurant in Hidden Valley Lake on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 22 January 2025 02:29; 22 January 2025

María de Jesús Hernandez Cázares

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With great love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, María de Jesús Hernandez Cázares, known to all as Mama Chucha, who passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 97.

She was born on Dec. 8, 1927, in La Loma, Michoacán, México, to Jesús Hernández Melchor and Josefa Cázares Cornejo.

Mama Chucha lived a life full of resilience, love and dedication. She experienced some of the most transformative events in history, including the Cristero War, the Great Depression and the land reforms in Mexico that led to the establishment of ejidos.

She also lived through the challenging years of separation from her husband, Gonzalo Rico Ruiz, during World War II when he left for the United States as part of the Bracero Program. Despite the distance, their love endured, and they remained united for 77 years of marriage.

In 1960, Mama Chucha and Gonzalo received land through the ejido program and built a home and a life in El Pino Real, Michoacán.

Mama Chucha was known for her many talents. She tended to a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers, made delicious fresh cheese and prepared tortillas by hand on her metate using nixtamal. Her meals were legendary — made with love and care, using fresh ingredients grown right on their land: beans, squash, corn, tomatoes, chilies, sweet potatoes and avocados. Her family will forever remember the warmth of her kitchen, where delicious aromas filled the air and the love she poured into every meal.

In 2017, Mama Chucha and Gonzalo moved to Kelseyville, California, to be closer to their children.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gonzalo Rico Ruiz, and their children: Jerónimo Rico, Cruz Rico, Carmelo Rico, Guadalupe Rico, María Rivas, Martín Rico, Amalia Rico, Rosa María Rico and Mario Rico.

Mama Chucha was also blessed with 33 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry on her memory with love and gratitude.

She was predeceased by her son Gonzalo Rico II.

Mama Chucha’s life was one of strength, faith and dedication. She was a devout Catholic and never failed to pray the daily rosary, always keeping her entire family in her prayers. Her warmth, kindness and the many lessons she imparted will live on through her family and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a woman of faith, a loving mother and grandmother, and a true matriarch whose love and influence will forever be felt.

Descanza en paz, Mama Chucha. Siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones y tu amor nos acompañará para siempre.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Friday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Sunday, 12 January 2025 00:49; 12 January 2025

Gabriel Ramirez

Gabriel Louis Ramirez
1986-2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gabriel Louis Ramirez, born on February 28, 1986, passed away on Nov. 16, 2024, at the age of 38.

Gabriel is lovingly remembered by his three young children, Gracen (5), Isaiah (4), and Sulema (3) Ramirez.

He is also survived by his devoted parents, Pablo and Valerie Ramirez; his brothers, Pablo and Anthony Ramirez, Nicolai Lipscomb (brother-in-law), Levi and Lucas; and nephews.

Gabriel was preceded in death just 10 months earlier by his cherished sister, Victoria Ramirez-Lipscomb, whose memory he held close to his heart.

Gabriel graduated from Kelseyville High school in 2004 and four months later entered the United States Army, knowing he would be serving his country during the Global War on Terrorism.

He served two consecutive tours, totaling 27 months as a combat engineer in Operation Iraqi Freedom, giving his full self to his country and the brothers he served with.

Specialist Ramirez performed expertly in many critical roles and duty positions that contributed directly to the overwhelming success of his squad and platoon. As a result, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge to name a few. He was honorably discharged in 2010.

Gabriel’s service to our nation will never be forgotten, but what we will remember most is his unwavering faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was ready to talk of Him to any who would listen. Gabriel was a man of great love, kindness and truth and always willing to help anyone in need. His mission here was complete.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. at Grace Church, 6716 Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 22 January 2025 02:30; 23 January 2025

Steven Hance

Steven Lee Hance
Dec. 16, 1945 - Oct. 5, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Steve has been untethered from this world … released from his earthly body. He passed away in his sleep without trauma or pain, and now knows what’s on the other side of this life, as we all will someday. We believe it is peace as we have never known it on earth.

Steve was the dad to four amazing children, Kim Smith, Steffani (Sonny) McCurry, Matt (Yessenia) Evans, and Ashley (Ryan) Plattner and 11 grandchildren, Bobby, Kiley, Cameron, Chance, Shane, Jimmy, Tiffani, Leo, Laney, Austin and Penelope.

He was living his best life after moving back to his hometown of Lakeport, California and was involved in a great relationship with Judy Conard. His life was filled with good neighbors, community outings, art, boat-rides on the lake in his pontoon boat and a recent trip with Judy to Great Britain and Europe.

Steve was born in Shoemaker, California to Lloyd P. Hance and Lucille (Conable) Hance at the end of World War II while his father was still serving in the Navy. He grew up on Hill Road with his sisters, Sally (Alex Gatica) Sirocky and Sue (Ed) Ventura, graduated from Sacramento State College with a degree in business and returned to Lakeport to work in his father’s business, Hance-Meyer, during that time the largest employer in Lake County.

He later moved to Rohnert Park and Sausalito, creating Housesavers and Deckmasters working with his son, Matt and serving Marin County for over 20 years. He loved traveling to Mexico and resided there for a time learning the Spanish language.

Steve's family will remember him for his quick wit and warm smile. He was “there” for many of us at times of crisis really listening and empathizing.

A celebration of his life is planned for Feb. 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Event Design, 1855 S. Main St., Lakeport.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 16 January 2025 02:08; 16 January 2025

Dennis Cibart

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Dennis Lee Cibart was born on Aug. 13, 1942 in Redding, California, to Fred and Fern Cibart.

He passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dennis served in the US army and truly loved his country. He briefly worked for the forestry service and made his career at the Geysers with PG&E and NCPA.

In 1968 he met the love of his life, Karen. After a lengthy four-month courtship they said “I do” on Nov. 2, 1968. They had a love like no other and were inseparable ever since.

He moved his family to Cobb, California, in 1974, and later to their property “Critter Canyon” in Middletown, California, in 1984.

When they lost their home to a wildfire in 2015, they made their new home in Kelseyville Riviera.

He loved his family, friends, animals, working in their flower garden and traveling the backroads.

Dennis is survived by the love of his life, Karen Cibart; his daughters, Kim (Paul) Tostie of Cobb and Denise (Billy) Gacke of Rock Rapids, Iowa; his grandchildren, Jessica Gurrola, Karen (Nick) Valdovinos, Branden, Meghan and Jayson Tostie; great-grandchildren, Junian Magruder, Rylee High, Stefan Gurrola and Luca Valdovinos; many other family members and friends, and of course his main squeeze Daisy-dog.

His family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 02 January 2025 03:33; 02 January 2025

Linda Kay Warren

Linda Kay Warren
Oct. 30, 1947 – Dec. 21, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Linda Warren passed away on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

She is survived by her three brothers, John Warren Jr., Mark Warren and Jim Warren. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Nina Warren; her brother, Steven Warren; and her son, Eric McGee.

Linda was born in California. She was very active and accomplished while growing up. She participated in school band through High School, was a swimmer on two swim teams, a lifeguard, an honor roll student, and competed in beauty pageants. She was also an avid snow and water skier.

Linda’s professional career began by working for Pan American Airlines at San Francisco International Airport as a pilot scheduler. She then began a long career with the United States Post Office where she excelled in her work.

During this time, Linda co-founded the business she is best known for, Don and Linda’s Tax Service. This business was a multi-decade fixture in the San Francisco Bay Area and more recently in Lakeport, California. The business grew to a large enterprise based on the simple model of providing professional, low-cost tax preparation in a home-like atmosphere. Her largest customer base was from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department.

Linda was an accomplished photographer who produced professional photos of her two loves, wildlife and water. To complement her love of photography she opened Janie & Linda's Custom Frame Shop in Lakeport for the people of Lake County. The business remains after over 20 years in operation.

Linda’s two loves throughout her life were water and animals of all kinds. Whether behind a power boat skiing, surfing in Hawaii, swimming in a pool, or sailing, Linda always wanted to be near or in the water.

The only thing more important to Linda than water, were animals. She was famous for adopting and caring for strays and animals in the wild, at one point providing food and water for a family of skunks. She would want to continue her tradition of love and caring for the animals. She would prefer donations in her name to the Lake County SPCA or Lake County Animal Care & Control versus flowers.

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

Obits

Jon Matthew Woodard

María de Jesús Hernandez Cázares

Gabriel Ramirez

Steven Hance

Dennis Cibart

Linda Kay Warren

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