Marilyn Jean Meinert

Martha Howe Pool

Mary Ann Elizabeth Russell

Marilyn Jean Meinert
Our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister Marilyn Jean Meinert passed away peacefully in the company of family May 6, 2011. An ardent gardener, artist, bridge-player, lover of the outdoors, community volunteer and activist, Lynn — as she was affectionately known — was born on Aug. 30, 1934 to Richard and Margaret DeCorps in Canton, Ohio. She graduated from Central Catholic High School, in Canton, and attended the University of Cincinnati.

While in college, Lynn met the intrepid geologist Richard Meinert, who would become her husband in 1958. Following Richard’s career to Washington, D.C.; Tennessee; and Illinois, the couple landed in Southern California with their six children where various projects — mostly related to church, sports and kids — occupied her time. Her years as cheerleading coach, team mother and outspoken spectator are still legend in Orange County. The move to Janesville occurred in 1975.

Once in Lassen County, Lynn noticed immediately that the many sports the boys enjoyed were not available to her girls, so she and a group of dedicated volunteers brought Bobby Sox Softball to Lassen County for the first time. Since the late 1970s, thousands of young girls have enjoyed competitive softball in the area thanks to Lynn’s efforts.

Many people will remember Lynn's many years as the tireless audio-visual technician at Lassen Union High School, where she was a friend and mentor to staff and students alike.

In 1986, Lynn and her husband started Mexicraft, a Latin American import business. The business later became Lynn’s at the Ranch, which she ran from her home in Janesville until 2008. This, in turn, became a template for her son Austin's Artisan Coffee, in Janesville, a relaxed place for friends to meet, and a gallery to showcase local artist’s work.

For several years Lynn, along with her husband and son Richard, were involved in the development of pedigreed Limousin beef cattle at their property in Janesville. This work included bovine genetic research in collaboration with local ranchers and university scientists. The Richard Meinert Genetic Laboratory at the Fleischmann School of Agriculture at the University of Nev., Reno is dedicated to the continuation of this work.

As a member of the Janesville Town Council, Lynn’s work was crucial in obtaining grant funding for fire awareness and brush abatement through the Janesville Fire Safe Council. In addition, the renovation and expansion of Janesville Park into the wonderful recreational space it is today, would not have occurred without Lynn’s vision.

Lynn was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Lassen County Arts Council, Lassen Land and Trails Trust, Soroptomists International, PEO and the Jolly Elders of Janesville, with whom she delivered food to the indigent and elderly. She also served for several years on the Lassen County Grand Jury.

Lynn was also a dedicated volunteer with Janesville Elementary School, various Lassen County Fair and community events and a volunteer poll worker during many local and national elections.

One of Lynn’s principal joys was hosting the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce Mixer for 11 years with her family and friends at her beautiful property in Janesville.

Selfless and kind, cheerful and gregarious, Lynn was an unforgettable presence everywhere she went. She made friends easily, struck up conversations with complete strangers and was an inspiration to virtually everyone she met. She drew as much strength from her family and many friends as they drew from her. She will be remembered with love and fondness, and she will be missed enormously.
Lynn was preceded in death by her husband Richard Meinert II in 1989. She is survived by her children Richard Meinert III, of Janesville, Cailf., Susan Meinert-Moore, of Reno, Nev., Michael Meinert, of Reno, Austin Meinert, of Janesville, Elizabeth Fielder, of Reno, Megan Meinert-Deal, of Sparks; her sisters Beatrice Campbell and Susan Harst, of Massillon, Ohio; her brother Richard DeCorps, of Falls Church, Va.; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral mass was held on Monday, May 16, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers and gifts, donations be made to the Lynn Meinert Memorial Fund, care of the Janesville Town Council, P.O. Box 72, Janesville, CA 96114.

Martha Howe Pool
Martha, 98, was born in Berkeley, Calif. where she met her husband Larry while attending the University of California, in Berkeley. She later taught kindergarten at Herlong then Susanville where her husband Larry served as principal of Lassen High School. Martha later lived in Napa then Reno where she passed away on May 7, 2011.

Martha enjoyed traveling and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her husband Laurence in 1980 and two sisters, Jane and Grace.

She is survived by her son Robert and his wife, Nancy, of Reno, Nev.

Mary Ann Elizabeth Russell
Mary Ann Elizabeth Russell, of Chester, Calif., died Sunday, April 3, 2011 at the age of 80.

Born in Humboldt, Iowa on Jan. 31, 1931 to the late Melvin and Irene (Johnson) Christen, she has been a resident of Chester since 1998 having moved there from Lassen County.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter Cynthia Minion.

She is survived by her sons Terry Minion, of Fairfield, Calif., Brad Minion, of Kansas City, Kan., Dale Marx, of Lancaster, Calif.; and daughter, Lorayne Marx, of Chester; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at a later date.

An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.