Lake County News,California

Obits

: Editor; Posted On Thursday, 24 February 2022 00:59; 24 February 2022

Lisa Jameson Ryan

Lisa Jameson Ryan lived a life of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith.

Her life was filled with gratitude for every moment. This spirit of gratitude sustained her optimism as she faced the challenge of living and thriving with cancer. She used both traditional medicine and alternative healing methods to live her best life.

Just weeks before her death she rode roller-coasters with her family at Disneyland, toured Christmas lights with friends and donned a silly Santa outfit showing her amazing sense of humor and zest for life.

Lisa passed peacefully, under hospice care, surrounded by family and close friends, on Dec. 20, 2021, in Los Angeles at the age of 59.

Lisa Diane Jameson was born on Aug. 17, 1962, in Ukiah, California, to Jack and Joanne Jameson.

Later Lisa's family moved to Lakeport, California, where she graduated from Clear Lake High School.

Lisa attended the University of North Florida where she earned her nursing degree. During her career, she worked in labor/delivery and medical surgery.

Lisa and James Ryan were married for 32 years and had two children.

Lisa embraced the joy life had to offer. She loved being a wife and mom. She was passionate about her friendships and nurtured these connections. She loved animals, especially her own.

Lisa was adventurous, her enthusiasm contagious, and she enjoyed taking her family and friends along on the journey. She thrived in the outdoors: cycling, horseback riding, skiing, water sports and even trying rock climbing.

Her artistic talents emerged through guitar playing, singing, dancing and the practice of acroyoga. She enriched her spiritual life with prayer, meditation and beautiful beach sunsets.

A celebration of life for Lisa, will be held in Rocklin, California, on March 19, 2022.

Lisa is survived by her husband, James, and adult children, Matthew David and Brooke Elizabeth; mother, Joanne Jameson; siblings, Lynn Kesling (Steve), Ann McKee (Myron), David Jameson (Mei-Ling) and Aaron Jameson (Wendy); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lisa shared her love of faith, family and friends and her vibrant spirit continues to inspire us.

: Editor; Posted On Tuesday, 15 February 2022 18:26; 15 February 2022

Dennis Bender

Dennis Richard Bender
July 11, 1949 — Jan. 26, 2022

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Gandhi

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Dennis Richard Bender found himself consistently by losing himself serving as many people as possible.

Born at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento in July 1949, he graduated from Grant High School in 1957 and served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1972.

He continued to follow his servant heart as a carpenter and later a general contractor where building homes and remodeling existing housing was his way to improve the lives around him.

After moving to New York in 2001, he returned to Clearlake Oaks, California, in 2016 to be closer to his three sons, Douglas, Daniel and David, his eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Clear Lake provided the backdrop for Dennis’s enjoyment of fishing with his sons, and tournament fishing with his eldest son, Doug.

Dennis lived his life in deep commitment to Jesus Christ, which empowered his ability to bless all who crossed his path.

You may have met Dennis on the docks of Clear Lake, where he worked as a quagga mussel inspector and ramp monitor since 2018.

If you have met Dennis, you knew beyond a doubt that he was honest, reliable, and a pleasure to be around — unless you were a fish, that is. As a fish, you knew you couldn’t escape his hook forever. Dennis embodied the quote, “It is better to sit in a boat thinking about God, then to sit in a church thinking about fishing.”

It is with a sad yet hopeful heart that we say, “till we meet again” to Dennis Bender. As a Christian family we are assured to see Dennis once more as he has returned home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in the afterlife by his father Richard Bender (1994), his mother Hilda Bender (1992), and his sister Marlene Kilponene (1988).

A celebration of a life well spent will be held at Grace Church, 6716 Live Oak Drive, Kelseyville, on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m.

: Editor; Posted On Sunday, 13 February 2022 23:20; 13 February 2022

Michael Willingham

Michael Brian Willingham
Feb. 21, 1954 — Jan. 27, 2022

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Michael Brian Willingham of Lakeport passed peacefully in his home Jan. 27, 2022.

As he goes to join all those that passed before him in heavenly glory he leaves behind his mother, Roberta Christensen; his two sisters, Linda Moyers and Lori Wagner; his two children, Marcie Willingham-Burke and Ian Willingham; and his five grandchildren, Kayla, Cobe, Bailey, Iryss and Archer.

Michael was born in San Francisco, California, to Daryl and Roberta Willingham.

While he grew into a young man, he developed a close bond with his cousin Richard Lenormand; they would remain very close throughout his whole life.

Michael excelled in sports at Serra High School, playing football, basketball and baseball. Wearing an old pair of Converse, he broke the state high jump record his first time trying it, which made newspaper headlines at the time.

After high school he worked in the San Francisco nightclub scene as a bouncer briefly before joining the US Air Force and becoming a crew chief.

It was while stationed in England that Michael would find his true calling by giving his heart to Christ.

He also met Ruth Grant, with whom he would marry and have his two children.

After his service to the country in the Air Force, Michael attended Trinity Bible College where he would become an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He worked as a youth pastor at Trinity Church sharing his love of Christ and developing his gifts as a minister.

It was then that Michael felt called back to England. Following the Lord’s leading, he packed up his family and set off. While times were not easy for him in England, a light was cultivated inside him there that would shine brightly for the rest of his days.

Upon returning to the United States Michael would take the role of pastor, leading the congregation at Lakeport Christian Center. Over his time there he was instrumental in bringing many souls to Christ by sharing his love for Jesus and the bibles teachings with countless people.

After his time in Lakeport he moved to San Diego. He took a job as a lot manager at Encinitas Ford and quickly excelled to a top performer at the dealership.

It was during this time that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the throat. Undeterred by this diagnosis, Michael would go on to beat the bleakest odds, coupled with a divorce, and survive.

Michael would return to Lakeport with Richard Lenormand where he would continue to minister until his passing.

It’s impossible to overstate the impact Michael Willingham had on this world through his ministry, generosity and kindness. All who knew him loved him and had a great story with him. He will be deeply missed.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Lakeport Christian Center, 455 S. Forbes St., and at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at the National Cemetery of Sacramento, 5810 Midway Road in Dixon.

: Editor; Posted On Thursday, 17 February 2022 00:48; 17 February 2022

Marilyn Smith

Marilyn La Vonne Smith (nee Kruger) passed peacefully with her family at her side.

She was born Oct. 22, 1933, and died Feb. 10, 2022, at 5:27 p.m. at the age of 88 in Yuba City, California.

She was welcomed in Heaven by her parents, Alvin and Pauline, as well as all of her siblings, Alvin Jr., Patricia, Jureen and Dallas.

Marilyn was a loving wife for 64 years, an excellent mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She worked as a bank teller, retiring in 1995.

She enjoyed her family and gardening and was a talented oil painter.

She was an excellent example of strength, love for her family and devotion.

She is in Heaven free of her earthly body and no longer in pain.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Herbert; her daughters and their spouses, Sheryl and Pat and Janell and Chris; and her son, Robert.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jesse, Jene, Jillian and Dustin, along with her great-grandchildren, Avery, Mia, Jude and Jameson.

A graveside service will be held Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. at the Memorial Park Cemetery, 5646 Lincoln Blvd. in Oroville, California.

: Editor; Posted On Sunday, 13 February 2022 23:28; 13 February 2022

Dana Parker Obermeyer

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Dana Parker Obermeyer, age 74, of Glenhaven, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2022, in the care of Sutter Lakeside Hospital ER with her beloved husband Dan at her side.

Dana worked hard for 10 years battling a rare autoimmune disease.

Dana leaves behind her husband of 17 years and love of her life, Dan Obermeyer; stepdaughter, Lisa (Dan) Currier; grandson, Stan Currier; sister, Leslie (Bob) Rumfelt; niece, Amy Rumfelt; niece, Melanie (Paul) Brown and family; nephew, Ron (Samantha) Rumfelt and family; and many cousins.

Special friends include Patsy Thorburn, Cathy Wilson and Melody DeLeon, and the Fourth of July group including Susan and Dan, Robin and Vonn.

Dana was preceded in death by her father Frank Parker in 1961, and mother Lucille Parker Walker in 1994.

Dana was born Aug. 17, 1947, in Oakland, California, to Frank and Lucille Parker. They lived in San Pablo at that time. Dana attended schools in the San Pablo/Richmond area through her sophomore year of high school.

In 1963 Dana and her mother and sister moved to the family vacation home in Clearlake Oaks where she graduated from Lower Lake Union High School in 1965.

After graduation she became the school secretary at Lower Lake Union High School, and later became district secretary for the Konocti Unified School District where she worked for several years.

Dana was married to Carl Burton Jr. before his deployment to Vietnam. They lived in Clearlake Oaks. This marriage lasted 10 years. They have remained friends.

Dana briefly lived in Napa, moved to Redding where she lived for eight years, then moved back to Lake County where she remained.

Her last job was partnering with Jeff Lucas to run Community Development Services for
approximately 30 years to assist local businesses and local governments to obtain small business loans and grants and create jobs. She retired in approximately 2012.

In 2005, Dana and Dan got married and went on to build a lovely house in Glenhaven with a great view, where they lived for their entire marriage.

In 2006, Glenhaven was in need of a water master, so Dana took the schooling and training needed and passed her exam for water master. She and Dan have worked closely with
the Glenhaven Mutual Water Co. and the Glenhaven community for many years.

In her healthy years Dana was always full of energy and on the go. She and Dan enjoyed hiking, camping and traveling. Her favorite area was Mt. Lassen, camping at Hat Creek, visiting Burney Falls and hiking to Lake Britton.

Early in their marriage D & D (as they were known) bought a truck and fifth wheel RV in 2003 and traveled the Western U.S. for many great adventures until Dana’s health prevented this.

Several years ago Dana prompted Dan to finish restoring a 1929 Model A. They enjoyed touring with the Lake County A’s for several years.

When Dana was 40, she and friends Susan, Robin and Vonn began annual girls’ trips to Pelican House in Bodega Bay in the spring, and Sardine Lake in the fall which were very special times.

Dana and Dan enjoyed years of inviting neighbors together for dinners in their home. Dana had a great big heart and was always willing to help others.

A celebration of Dana’s life is planned for the beginning of summer as she so loved summers.

: Editor; Posted On Wednesday, 09 February 2022 23:20; 09 February 2022

Vonda Brown

Vonda Loraine Brown
Dec. 31, 1954 to Feb. 4, 2022

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Our beloved daughter and sister passed on to Our Lord Jesus Christ on Feb. 4, 2022, at 11:20 p.m.

Vonda was a unique soul, and loved by all her family and friends.

She is survived by her mother, Freddie Brown; brother, Fred Brown and wife, Jaynie; brother, Jon Brown and sister-in-law, Merry Brown; her dear friend, Karen Jones; and nieces and nephews, Clinton Brown, Cody Brown, Courtney Eberhardt, Lexi Toy and Tucker Brown.

Preceding her in death were her father Roy Brown and brother Nathan (Nate) Brown.

There will be a graveside service for Vonda on Saturday, Feb 12, at 10 a.m. at the East Line Street Cemetery in Bishop, California, where she will be laid to rest beside Nathan. Reception to follow.

Vonda will be missed with broken hearts every day.

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

Obits

Lisa Jameson Ryan

Dennis Bender

Michael Willingham

Marilyn Smith

Dana Parker Obermeyer

Vonda Brown

Upcoming Calendar

Mini Calendar

LCNews

Newsletter

Search