Keith Hobart Beavers

Roy G. Brent, Jr.

Clayton Leon Carter

Burton John Crouse, Sr.

Martha Curtis

Sandra Marie Frelich

Jim Lidberg

Eric Allen Ling

Chivon Marie Nelson

Nancy Fern Thomas

Betty Betchel

Deanna Jo Hicks

Leslie Roberts

Keith Hobart Beavers
Keith Hobart Beavers, 84, passed away at his residence in Concord, Calif., May 27, 2011.

Keith was born Nov. 20, 1926 in Lodgepole, Neb., one of five children of Jesse and Ralph Beavers. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and moved to California following the war. Keith worked as an industrial electrician for 50 years, and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He retired in 1993 and moved to Susanville, along with his loving wife of 19 years, Theodora “Tao” Beavers.

There will be no services; the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.

Roy G. Brent, Jr.
Roy Gilbert Brent, Jr. was born Aug. 22, 1932 to early Westwood, Calif. pioneers Marguerite E. and Roy G. Brent, Sr.

Throughout his life Roy embodied the free spirit that led his parents to follow the call from Red River Lumber Company to relocate from the San Francisco Bay area to Westwood, and spend their first winter in a walled tent on what was to become Ash Street. The idyllic community created an environment of safety, and freedom to pursue one’s dreams. Everything needed for workers and their families, was made available by the founding Walker family.

Roy was the fourth of five children born to Marguerite and Roy, Sr. He was a willful and adventurous child. At an early age he was already roaming the woods and streams surrounding the community, honing the hunting and fishing skills he was to become known for throughout his life. He was a skilled marksman (even with a slingshot) and true outdoorsman.

He was a mischievous child, at times taunting his sister Margie, who was three years his senior. His attempt to reign in his “baby sister” Eve proved more trouble than it was worth. Big brother Bud was pursuing more grown up activities, and eldest sister Betty had married while Roy was just a toddler.

He and what were to become lifelong friends formed the “Robbers Creek Gang,” which simply meant a group of kids that enjoyed each other’s company. They built a sturdy “clubhouse” on the banks of the creek, complete with pot-bellied stove for winter warmth. Many adventures were planned in the cozy confines of the well-built cabin.

Roy attended Westwood Elementary, and high school, but chose to go to work at the local mill at age 17 rather than complete his education. By this time Red River Lumber had sold the town and mill, to Fruit Growers Supply. Two years later Uncle Sam inducted him into the army. While he was stationed in Bombholder, Germany, his father died. The army refused to send him home for the funeral, leaving a lifelong sadness in his heart.

He achieved the rank of Lt. Wpns. Infantryman in Company C, 43rd, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He completed his tour of duty in November of 1954, returning to work at the mill as a truck driver the following spring. When Fruit Growers closed the following year, he went to work for Collins Pine Company in Chester, initially diving a water truck, and then logging truck, and eventually chip truck. He retired Dec. 31, 1995.

Roy met his lifetime mate, Loretta Summers at the old Skating Rink in Westwood that doubled as the community auditorium for ball games, and dances. In October 1955 they married, and brought two daughters, Janet and Jeani into the world.

The family fondly recalled how Roy instilled the Brent family tradition of holidays in them, enhanced by his love of the outdoors to create Easter camping trips to Round Valley Lake. His Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns were pure artistry, as was his incredibly perfect Christmas trees. Weekends and vacations were spent outdoors with camping trips to area lakes and streams.

Roy was a consummate craftsman and could create anything his vivid imagination could conjure up. He and brother Bud made a Chevy Blazer conversion that transformed it into an open pickup, and back at anytime they chose. The brothers, along with Bud’s son Robert (Bob) Jr. enjoyed many hours of camaraderie together.

When he took up arrowhead making, it too was done to perfection. His hand-hewn artifacts complete with a piece of broken shaft securely lashed Indian style, created many earrings, and necklaces for loved ones. As with his many other talents, he was always willing to pass on his knowledge to others.

He was a 28-year member of the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department that was renowned for its rapid response.

Roy and Loretta established the Mountain Bass Association, and oversaw it for a decade. They created tournaments that drew fisherman from far and wide. Houseboat trips to Lake Shasta were another favorite when friends would gather for a long weekend of fishing and fun.

The couple also hosted an annual fish fry that was the talk of the town. Huge kettles of oil were heated over an outdoor fire at their home on Robbers Creek. Friends and family came in droves to relish the delectable bass filets, and fries that were done to perfection, along with great mounds of food and drink. They also prepared the beef barbecue for the annual Brent Family Reunions at Lake Almanor.

Roy passed away May 24, 2011 in Susanville, Calif. He is survived by his wife Loretta, of Westwood; daughters Janet Butts, of Garden Valley, Calif. and Jeani Brent, of Los Angeles, Calif.; sisters Marjorie “Margie” Kirby, of Wenden, Ariz., and Evangeline “Eve” DeVeir, of Janesville, Calif.; one grandson; four great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Roy’s parents, brother Robert G. “Bud” Brent, sister Betty Brent Abrams and a grandson preceded him in death.

A memorial service with full military honors was held at the Westwood Cemetery, Saturday, June 4, 2011.

A memorial guest register was established on line at fehrmanmortuary.com for expressions of condolence. Remembrances in Roy’s memory may be made to Pheasants Forever c/o Fehrman Mortuary, P.O. Box 803, Greenville, CA 95947.

Roy will long be remembered, for his skills, abilities, humor, and love of the mountains, as well as the broad smile that lit his face at the sight of friends and loved ones.

Clayton Leon Carter
With loving family members at his side, Clay Carter passed away May 25, 2011 in Sacramento due to burn injuries sustained on May 17 at his home in Rancho Murieta, Calif.  He was born June 27, 1938 in McPherson, Kan.

Clay served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, and will be interred at the Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery in Dixon, Calif. He was involved with youth sports for many years in Susanville, Calif.

Clay retired from the Department of Corrections as a vocational instructor, and was a classic car enthusiast. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and loving man.

Clay was preceded in death by his father J.D. Carter.

He is survived by mother Laura (Sellers) Carter; his wife of 48 years, Lucille; daughters Claydene Hamblin (John), of New York; Tracy Pearson, of Cameron Park; and his son Anthony Carter (Laura), of Sacramento. He is also survived by grandchildren Nathan Hamblin (Ashley), Desiree and Michael Pearson, and Kathleen and Christopher Carter; siblings Terry Carter (Pam), Anita Harper (Les), Jadene Riggs (Glen), and Beverly Willhite (Dan); and seven nieces and nephews.

The most important thing in life to Clay was his children and grandchildren.

Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life followed by a luncheon reception that will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 10 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14673 Cantova Way, Rancho Murieta, Calif.

Donations may be made in Clay’s memory to the Northern California Shriner’s Hospital for Children Burn Unit, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817 or support.shrinershositals.org.

For more information friends can also go to: caringbridge.org/visit/claycarter.

Burton John Crouse, Sr.
Burton John Crouse, Sr. of Susanville died Wednesday, June 1 at the Countryvilla River View Nursing Center. He was born April 15, 1922 in Windber, Penn.

Burt moved to Susanville at an early age and graduated from Lassen Union High School. After graduation he worked for the Fruit Growers Supply Co. until September 1942 when he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during World War II. After returning from the War Burt married Wilda Logan-Wilson; their marriage lasted more than 60 years until her death in 2007.

Burt left the Fruit Growers Supply Co., to accept a position with the California Correctional Center, where he worked until retirement.

He is survived by his two daughters Lila Bennett (David), of Grants Pass, Ore. and Ellen Clem (Gary), of Sacramento, Calif.; his sister Mary Lou McBee, of Pensacola, Fla.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His son, Burton Crouse, Jr. preceded him in death in 2009.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. June 18 at the Diamond Crest Cemetery in Susanville.

Martha Curtis
Martha Curtis, born Feb. 28, 1940 in Santa Maria, Calif., died May 28, 2011 at her home in Susanville, Calif.

She is survived by a sister Bertie Everhart; her sons David Read, Alan Mallory and Gordon Mallory, of Susanville, and Clinton Mallory, of Great Falls, Mont.; daughters Donna Baxter; and Cora Polick, of Atascadero, Calif.; and numerous grandchildren.

She was a resident of Susanville since 1987. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Susanville Post 204, District 3, where she has held numerous positions; chapter president, vice president, as well as District 3 president. She was the cashier during the Best of Broadway shows sponsored by the Legion.

She was employed as a Walmart Associate Cashier on register 11 at the Susanville Walmart for the last 12 years. She enjoyed her work so much that she attempted to work during her battle with cancer; she was well liked by numerous shoppers who looked for her.
She was a member of the Lassen Sportsman’s Association where she would greet the kids and sign them up for the Junior Fishing Derby.

She was a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed fishing, boating, riding quads and taking photos.

There will be no funeral services at her request.

She shall be missed by all those who knew her.

Sandra Marie Frelich
Our precious Sandra Marie Frelich passed away, being trusted into the hands of the Lord, on May 27, 2011. Sandy was born in Riverside, Calif. on March 25, 1944.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Peter Frelich; oldest son Brian and his wife Laura; daughter Shelly and her husband Joe Cook; youngest son Matthew and his wife Denee; and six grandchildren, Rachel and her husband Nate Lowe, Jessica, Jeremy, Madison, Noah, and Mackenzie.

The family invites all of Sandy’s friends to come and celebrate her life with them. The memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at the Oakridge Church of the Nazarene (48187 Highway 58 Oakridge, Ore.) and will be officiated by Pastor Fred Ulrich of the Oakridge Assemblies of God.

Sandy, a precious wife, loving mother, proud and joyful grandmother and wonderful friend will be deeply missed. We thank you for all your love, kindness and generosity; for your wisdom, compassion and spirit filled heart. We love you and know that God has a special place of honor and glory for you in Heaven.

Jim Lidberg
Jim Lidberg, 65, of Meadow Valley passed away Feb. 24, 2011 in Reno, Nev. after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Fresno, Calif. to Donald and Amy Lidberg. Jim attended Fresno State where he earned a degree in animal husbandry.
Jim joined California Department Fish and Game in 1970. During his 40-year career with Fish and Game Jim managed a waterfowl game farm in Vacaville, Calif. and then transferred to San Luis Obispo (SLO) County where he was the wildlife biologist. While in SLO, Jim was instrumental in the development of the SLO shooting range, the Camp Roberts Hunting and Fishing program, the reintroduction of the Tule Elk into SLO county and establishment of the Carrizo Plains Nature Preserve.

Jim transferred to Plumas and Sierra counties in 1998, where he was the wildlife biologist. During this time he managed seven wildlife areas and 25,000 acres. He also coordinated helicopter deer survey, land acquisition, deer captures via land and helicopter. He worked closely with California Department of Forestry on fire clean-ups, wildlife area maintenance and restoration. He attached radio tracking-collars and studied mule deer migration in the winter range of Plumas and Sierra counties.

Also, in 1998 he meet Aven Somerville and they were married that December.

He treated co-workers as if they were part of his family.

In 2006 Jim and Aven opened Creekside Diner where Jim did his barbecue on Sundays which he enjoyed doing. They ran the restaurant for two years with the intention of traveling when Jim retired.

Jim retired in 2007 and started his own consulting business in 2008. In 2010 he picked up a part-time job driving railroad crew back and forth to the train, and soon became yard supervisor. Jim also got involved with the California Deer Association where he was project manager for several years. Jim’s hobbies included gardening, fishing, hunting, kayaking and woodworking.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother Amy Lidberg, father Donald Lidberg and stepmother Marguerite Lidberg.

He is survived by his wife Aven; his daughter Amy Bullard, of Baltimore, Md.; son Cory Lidberg, of Santee, Calif.; granddaughter Faith Lidberg, of Santee; stepbrother Don Hellerstedt, of McMinnville, Ore.; cousin Dr. Suzanne Johnson, of Oakland; former wife Linda Lidberg, of Nipomo, Calif. and many, many friends.

Any remembrances in Jim’s memory can be made to the California Deer Association, 820 Park Row, PMB 671 Salinas, CA 93901. A Memorial service will take place on June 11 at Meadow Valley Community Church. A potluck reception will follow after services.

Eric Allen Ling
Eric Ling was born Oct. 22, 1963 in Groton, Conn. on the New London Submarine Base Hospital. When he was 1-1/2 years old his family moved him to Southern California in the San Fernando Valley where he resided until he was 6 years old. At that time the family moved to Susanville, Calif. He attended Janesville Elementary School, then on to Lassen High School where Eric graduated in 1981. He was active in the Lake 4-H club, one year receiving a silver medal for the carcass contest for his steer. He went through the EMT program at Lassen College during the summer. He then attended Christian Heritage College in south California, for a year. Then he went to Palomar Collage for a year and half. He returned to Susanville to work in 1992.

He was an employee for the company that built Camp Ronald McDonald. He worked for various contractors around Susanville, also doing some small remodeling jobs. He moved to Roseburg in 1996 when his brothers told him there was work available.
In Oregon, he worked many years for PKO, Inc., a construction company specializing in concrete work.

His many interests were skydiving, being with his kids and of course flying. Since high school he had wanted to fly. While at college he took several lessons and even worked at a small airline washing planes in exchange for a lesson.

He started taking a ground school class four or five years ago and then proceeded to take flying lessons, getting his pilot’s license, then his instrument rating, and he was scheduling his check flight for his commercial license. He taught ground school classes last year and was scheduled to teach this year at the local college.

Eric is survived by his wife, Carol Ling; his daughter Mary Ling, 21; sons Brandon Ling, 19, James Ling, 16, and Erickson Ling, 7; one grandson Trevor, 1-1/2; two brothers Vincent Ling, Steve Ling and wife Andrea; and his parents Don and Jeanette Ling, all of Roseburg, Ore. He had a nephew, Austin, 7, of Roseburg; and two nieces Sarah Gibbons, of Bremerton, Wash., and Brook Ling, of Roseburg.

He was a loving son, brother, father, grandpa and uncle. He was a friend to many and was always willing to help and tried always to be there for his kids and family.

Chivon Marie Nelson
Daughter, sister, auntie, fiancé, stepmother and friend.

Chivon was born on Sept. 22, 1988 and has been winning people over ever since. Her childhood was like any other, filled with playing pretend and days spent outside. During her high school years, Chivon was the winner of a Reader’s Digest essay contest and a 2006 graduate of Diamond Mountain Charter School.

In the last two years, Chivon worked as an employee of the city of Susanville Public Works Department as an office assistant. During those two years, Chivon was also attending Lassen Community College. She was a full time student — taking classes towards an associate of science degree in office administration.

Chivon is loved for many reasons, but what makes her most unique is that she truly wanted what was best for the people around her. She took the time to let them know they are cared about and encouraged them to strive for the best they could be. We hope that Chivon’s spirit lives on in everyone whose lives she touched.

Chivon is survived by her brother Ernest Nelson, of Tualatin; her sister Anita, brother-in-law Eric and her niece Sophie Lembke, of Beaverton; mother Aradala Nelson, of Susanville; father and step-mother Rocky and Diane Nelson, of Susanville; fiancé Jimmy and step-children Haylah and Hayden Shively, all of Susanville; maternal grandmother Ann Scalley, of Susanville; paternal grandparents Mary and Ernest Smith, of Eureka; maternal grandparents Jim and Peggy Scalley, of Vancouver; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family.

Nancy Fern Thomas
Nancy Fern Thomas passed on Thursday May 26, 2011 at Banner Lassen Medical Center with family by her side.

Nancy was a lifelong resident of Lassen County. She was born on Aug. 16, 1934 to Ralph and Gertrude McCallister. Nancy rode horseback to elementary school from the McCallister Ranch on Belfast Road and attended Lassen High School.

She married Eldon (Red) Thomas on Dec. 9, 1950 and together they had four children, Valerie (Zane), Wayne, Lynda (Joseph) and Mark. Nancy was employed at Lassen Community Hospital for 37 years as an LVN retiring in 1994.

Nancy was an avid horseperson and truly enjoyed riding and competing with her family.

Nancy is survived by three children; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Nancy was preceded in death by husband Eldon (Red) Thomas; son Mark Thomas; and her two brothers Bernard McCallister and Fred McCallister.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Betty Betchel
Betty Betchel died June 5, 2011. She was a resident of Eagle Lake, Calif. since 1992. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Betchel. June 11, 2009. For information regarding services contact Linda Yates, 530-310-8309.

Deanna Jo Hicks
Long time Susanville resident Deanna Jo Hicks passed away on Wednesday, June 1.

Deanna is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Hicks, of Susanville; daughter Wendy Roth, of Reno, Nev.; sons Patrick Roth, of Elk Grove, Calif. and Brett Roth, of Flower Mound, Texas; and step-children Rori Chittock, of Susanville, Cole Hicks, of Hailey, Idaho, Noel Hicks, of Salt Lake City, Utah and Troy Hicks, of Swan Valley, Idaho.

At her request there will be a family gathering at Lake Almanor at a later date.

Leslie Roberts
Leslie Roberts, 53, died May 29, 2011 in Susanville, Calif. She was born to Fay and Geri Roberts, on Aug. 13, 1957 in Susanville.
Leslie is survived by her parents; brothers Leland and Cindy Roberts, of Susanville, Galen and Linda Roberts, of Susanville; sister Darla and Jerry Base, of La Pine, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Chapel services were held June 4, 2011 at LDS Church on Richmond Road.