Robert S. “Bob” Douvia

Patricia (Pat) Haslem

Dr. Andrew M. Hlusak

Jackie Alan Jensen

Clarence Elmer Stout

Coetta Maxine Tilford

Alice June Welch

Robert S. “Bob” Douvia

Robert S. “Bob” Douvia, 68, of Doyle, Calif., passed away the afternoon of April 6, 2012, after a short illness.

Bob was born in Nespelem, Wash. June 10, 1943. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps just out of high school and served his country from early 1962 until his honorable discharge in March of 1966. He was married to Marcia Douvia for over 33 years.
In addition to his Marine Corps service, which included a tour in Vietnam, Bob worked for the federal government for the majority of his career. He retired from Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Calif. upon its closure in 1995, ending his civil service with almost 30 years under his belt. Most of his time there was spent as a Rigger in Shop 72. He then went on to become a certified nursing assistant, working with the elderly until his final retirement and relocation to Northern California. He was also very proud to be a registered tribal member of the Spokane Indians of Idaho.

He is survived by his wife, Missy; his children, Rhonda Hinson, of Virginia Beach, Vir., Michael Douvia, of Fairfield, Calif. and Amber Jones, of Cold Springs, Nev.; his four grandchildren, Daniel and Michaela Hinson, Christopher Douvia, and Jenna Jones; his brother, Richard Douvia; and his sister, Elaine Callaghan.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Douvia; step-father, Leonard Douvia; and his brother, Arthur Douvia.

Cremation will be held private with inurnment to follow.

Patricia (Pat) Haslem

Longtime Lassen County resident, Patricia (Pat) Haslem passed away Friday, April 6, 2012 after a long hospitalization at Renown Medical Center in Reno, Nev. She passed peacefully with both of her sons by her side.

The oldest daughter of John and Anne Keiser, Pat was born Feb. 15, 1931 in Keota, Iowa.Her family soon moved to Lamar, Colo. where she grew up on the family farm. After graduating from high school in Lamar, she attended Colorado State University (where she met her husband Jack) and received a double major in English and home economics as well as becoming a credentialed teacher. Pat and Jack married Sept. 3, 1951. They were married for 60 years.

Pat taught school for several years until leaving to be a homemaker and to raise and care for her family. Pat was an active member of the Lady Elks Lodge in Farmington, N.M. and a longtime 4-H cooking, sewing and sheep project leader in Grand Junction, Colo. and in Susanville, Calif., after moving there in 1978.

Pat is survived by her younger sister, Kaye Pierce; two sons, Tracy (MaryJo) and Marshall (Felicia); two grandsons, Troy and Travis; and granddaughter, Hunter.

Pat was preceded in death by her son, Russell and husband, Jack.

A potluck memorial service will be held starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Jensen Hall, at the Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville.

Dr. Andrew M. Hlusak

Dr. Andrew M. Hlusak, 92, of Phoenix, Ariz. passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 5, 2012. He left his family and friends to join his wife of 63 years, Mrs. Margaret Hlusak.

Andrew is survived by three sons, Thomas, Martin and Robert; in addition to his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Andrew has led an extraordinary life, one that has left his friends and family in admiration. In his early years, he served in the United States Navy as Boatswain’s Mate IC and was the honorary recipient of the American Defense Medal, 1 star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, 6 stars, American Area Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. His exemplary record as a sailor includes engagements such as Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, Tassafaronga, Solomon Islands and Pearl Harbor; defining moments in our nation’s history and the man whom we all came to know and love.

After the war, Dr. Hlusak attended Fenn College and Ohio State University where he completed his education as a doctor of optometry. He worked in private practice in Phoenix for the duration of his career. In the ‘70s, following his calling as an optometric doctor, Andrew became Executive Director of the Vision Service Plan and was vital in its institution in Arizona. To complement his years of service and his professional successes, Andrew was passionately involved with the following organizations in his community: Member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Jr. Chamber of Commerce, ran for Phoenix City Council, Brophy Alumni Association, American Optometric Association for more than 50 years, President of the Arizona Optometric Association, President of Encanto Kiwanis, and he proudly served as a board member for 35 years in the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Dr. Hlusak, to many Dad, and Grandpa to others, and Andy to the rest, you will be sorely missed. With much love, we wish you the best and rejoice in your reunion with your beloved wife. To freedom and peace and the help you have given your fellow man — we thank you for bringing us on your journey.

Viewing was held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Grimshaw Bethany Chapel, 710 West Bethany Home Road. Gravesite Service followed at 1 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

For more information, call Grimshaw Bethany Chapel at (602) 249-2111.

Jackie Alan Jensen

Jackie Alan Jensen was born in Esterville, Iowa, Dec. 13, 1946. He grew up in Ringsted, Iowa, where he attended Ringsted Elementary School and graduated from Ringsted High in 1965. Immediately after graduation, Jack joined the Air Force. He was an aircraft mechanic.

Jack had many jobs, but finally started his own business, Acme Carpet Cleaning.

Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He was also a great friend. If you ever needed help with anything you could always count on Jack. He truly was a “Jack of all trades.”

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Diana; daughter, LauraLee and her husband Sandy Phillips; grandchildren, Don, Jennifer, Justin and Chobi Phillips; great-grandchildren, Jadynn, Kylan and Julian Phillips, of Red Bluff. Also surviving is Jack’s daughter Rebecca Jensen and boyfriend Mike Reckers; grandsons, Mike and Wyatt Williams, of Colusa; son, Radley Shipes Jr., of Susanville and daughter, Shannon and her husband Jeremiah Chaffee; grandchildren, Shyane, Jeremiah and Valera Chaffee, all of Susanville. Jack is also survived by his brothers, Mike, Bruce, Roger and Dan, of Iowa, Tim, of Minnesota; sisters, Juanita and Carol, of Iowa, and Snookie, of Arizona.

Jack was preceded in death by both of his parents, Earl and Gladys Jensen.

Jack will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Jack, I love you honey.

Jacks resting place was Diamond Crest Cemetery on March 7, 2012.

Clarence Elmer Stout

Jan. 20, 1928 - April 10, 2012

Clarence was born in Arkansas to Leroy Stout and Ruth McKenzie. He was the oldest of four boys. He left school after the eighth grade and went to work to help his family. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines. After his discharge he made his way to California and to Susanville where he went to work in the lumber industry. In September 1952 he married Audrey Wages in Reno, Nev. Clarence worked in the Fruit Growers Supply Company in Susanville for fifteen years until it closed. Later he went to work for the city of Susanville in the street department and retired from there after 28 years as the street foreman.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, his brother, Bob and his stepson, Wilsey Wages.

Surviving are his brothers, Pete and Paul (Kay) Stout, of Susanville; his son, Perry Stout; and step-son, Jim Wages (Sophia); four granddaughters, Stacy Wages, Jamie (Joe) Curran, Amanda (Jason) Moxley and Jennifer (Eric) Schinzing; and grandson, Jim (Annette) Wages; numerous great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. April 23 at Waltman’s Colonial Mortuary in Susanville. Burial will follow at the Janesville Cemetery and afterward will gather friends and family at the GFWC Monticola Club in Susanville.

Coetta Maxine Tilford

Coetta Maxine Tilford entered into eternal rest Saturday, March 31, at the age of 83, in Chico.

She was born July 14, 1928, in Stratford, Okla., to Lee Roy and Nellie Mae Lewis, and married Henry Charles Tilford Dec. 23, 1943, in Modesto. Maxine and family moved to Westwood in 1970 and become a fixture in the town.

Since 1992, Maxine had been known as the “Pie Lady,” owing to her ability to create mouth-watering pies from scratch at her daughter and son-in-law’s restaurant, the Old Mill Cafe. Prior to becoming the Pie Lady, she worked for Young’s Super Market in Westwood as a cashier before retiring, twice. Before her years at the market, Maxine and her husband ran a cafe in Westwood called Hank’s Cafe. This lasted from 1970 through 1972.

When not working, Maxine spent time gardening, playing bingo and beating the odds on slot machines at whichever casino she happened to walk into.

She was preceded in death by her son Jimmie Carl Tilford in 2003, and her loving husband Henry Charles Tilford in 2004.

She is survived by her son Johnny Tilford and daughter-in-law Randee, of Loomis; daughter-in-law Carol Tilford, of Quincy; and daughter Connie Theobald and her husband Rod, of Westwood.

In addition, she leaves a legacy of seven grandchildren: Brian Tilford and wife Shelly, of Westwood; Jeff Tilford and wife Nancy, of Lincoln; Jimmie Tilford Jr. and wife Kari, of Reno, Nev.; Trisha Fripp and husband Sean, of Beaufort, S.C.; Michelle Redman and husband Tony, of Beaufort, S.C.; Jason Theobald and wife Katelyn, of Westwood; and Ronnie Theobald and wife Ashley, of Westwood. Maxine also leaves behind 15 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held Sunday, April 15, at the Calvary Chapel in Westwood, followed by a private interment at Westwood Cemetery.

The morning of her passing we know that her husband and son were waiting with open arms at Heaven’s Gate to welcome her home. Her love will forever live in the hearts of family, friends and all those who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Alice June Welch, of Folsom, Calif. passed away April 8 following a struggle with the results of a stroke and dementia. Alice was born to Gladys and Elmer DeForest in Susanville, Calif. in June of 1927 and spent her first 18 years there. After attending Armstrong’s Business School and turning 21 she took a job with the Department of Employment in Sacramento as a typist. Marrying Jerry Welch in 1953, she had three sons, Larry C., Vance G. and Verne Gordon before working with the Human Resources Department for 30 years. She retired after 43 years of service with the State of California in 1991.

Preceding Alice June in death were Jerry Welch, and sons, Larry and Vance Welch.

She is survived by son, Gordon Welch; a brother, Donald DeForest; sisters, Joyce Goodpasture and Ardith Christensen; friend and support giver, Toni Raney; and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in memory of Alice June may be made to the American Heart Association or the Lassen High Alumni Association Memorial Fund.