Life Tributes for the week of 5/1/18

Speed Stevenson

Speed Stevenson, resident of Susanville, California for 66 years passed away peacefully on April 19, 2018 at his son’s home in Roseville, California. He was 88 years young.

After only 29 days of being apart, Speed joins the love of his life, May “Giubergia” Stevenson. He leaves behind his son, Frank and his wife Terri; as well as three granddaughters, Chastity Arnett, and husband Micah Arnett, Micheline Gunderson and Danielle Stevenson; five great-grandsons, Cole, Ty, Gage, Beau and Zack; and one great-granddaughter, Lyla.

Speed was born in Taft, California on May 28, 1929.

He had two older brothers, Carl (Red) Stevenson and Jim Stevenson; and a sister Lorraine Cooper, all whom I’m sure were waiting for him when he arrived at his final destination.

Speed had several nieces and nephews who he spent quality time with and who listened to all of his stories. He had a special place in his heart for all of his wife’s family and spent a lifetime being there for everyone.

Speed moved to Susanville in 1950 after spending 2 1/2 years in the Navy.

Initially, he came up to visit a friend, Jack Sloan. However, he found this beautiful lady by the name of May Giubergia, and he married her on June 10, 1951. They were married for more than 66 years and he was so proud of that.
Speed spent his entire life in Susanville supporting Lassen High School sports. He began in his early 20’s by refereeing football and basketball. He took his son Frankie along with him as often as possible. When his son became involved in athletics at Lassen High, he was there at every event. Not only was he there to support his son, but also he was there for all of the kids.

Speed devoted more than 35 years to working the chain at the football games, he was a timekeeper at the wrestling events, he worked at all of the Lassen Invitational Track meets. Not only did Speed support Lassen High, but he also supported Lassen College Athletics. He continued to follow all of the high school and college sports and could be found riding the players’ bus to most of the away games. He was an icon to a lot of athletes and he had many inspirational talks with them.

Speed was Lassen’s first Booster Club President in 1968. He served that role with honor.  He was given the “Honorary Alumni” designation for all of his accomplishments.

Speed was also a devoted volunteer firefighter and enjoyed the comradeship he developed. He and his wife looked forward to the annual dinner that the Fire Department had in honor of Past and Present Firemen.

Speed became a banker in the 1950s and worked for more than 20 years in that profession. In his 40s, he made a career change and went to work as a storekeeper at the California Correctional Center. Of course, Speed did not just work there. He continued his role of helping people. He became the sponsor for the Polynesian Group and spent many hours working with, coaching and mentoring the group. He was well respected by all.

Dad loved to hop on his Harley to take a spin. Before that, he rode a chopped Honda 750 with extended forks. He loved that bike and could be seen riding it to work daily. Dad also loved playing golf and spending quality time with his family. Dad’s real love was music and he would play the organ and piano for hours entertaining the family. He continued that at the assisted living facility where he would entertain the seniors every evening on the piano. Of course he would jazz things up and play the “boogie woogie.” They loved it!

Once again, I would like to recognize Danielle Stevenson who was our shining star, who stood by her Papa’s side whether it was in the hospital, at home or in his last few hours. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Dad, you were and will always be my hero. I have looked up to you my entire life. People will always remember you as a man’s man and someone they could talk to and confide in. To say that you were actively involved in your community would be an understatement. I know that you are at peace now Dad and that you will continue your role in Heaven. You will be forever missed by all, and I will always hold you close to my heart. I love you Dad.

Celebration of Life services will be held for Speed and May Stevenson on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Susanville, California at 11:30 a.m. with reception to follow at the Monsignor Moran Hall.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lassen High Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund for Speed Stevenson. Mail to: Lassen High Alumni Association at P.O Box 471, Susanville, CA. 96130.

Waine Helen Wood

Waine, mother, nurse, friend, teacher and mentor. Waine was one of the most beautiful souls in the world and was freed from this world to rest on Feb. 20, 2018.

Waine is now in a better place where she is skiing, swimming and hanging out with loved ones that she hasn’t seen in a long time.

Waine was a nurse for more than 40 years and cared and treated every patient like her own family. She also taught nursing at Lassen Community College for 10 years. She was brilliantly smart and compassionate, and taught others how to be the same.

She was the absolute best mother and loved her friends as well. She will be missed by so many, but her daughter and grandchildren will forever miss her presence. If you are interested in attending a memorial service this summer, please email Erin Wood, [email protected]

Edith Mae Thompson

Born Edith May Ray, Dec. 27, 1928, in Fresno, California. Edith lived in Susanville for more than 20 years.

Edith’s passing was peaceful with her daughter, Jannia Mobley and granddaughter, Leeanalee Melton by her side, when her soul left the body into rest. Pastor Rev. Ervin and wife, Melissa Marten were with Edith and the family during her passing.

Preceded in death are Edith’s husband, Rev. Edward Thompson; one daughter, Betty Kirk; two sons, Charles (Chuck) and Ronald Thompson.

Edith’s living children are Richard A. Thompson, of Washington State; Lana Angell (Bill), of Iowa; Gibson Thompson (Robin), of Iowa; Jannia Mobley, of Susanville; granddaughter, Leeanalee Melton (Willis), of Susanville; and 29 other grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She has many cousins living in California that she was reunited with last summer.

Edith was always a loving warm-hearted wife, mom and grandparent. She had so much love that she let it show to everyone she met. She had a great sense of humor. That is what many people loved about her. Edith will be truly missed, but there are wonderful memories she left in the lives of many.

Edith lived her life truly to serve the Lord and now her soul is resting in him.

Laura Faye Sanchez

Laura Faye Sanchez, 86, passed away on April 22, 2018. She was born Aug. 8, 1931 to Burl Thomason and Edna Lee Hampton in Winterset, Iowa. Faye was a Susanville resident for 55 years.

Faye Sanchez was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the First Southern Baptist Church. She was very active in American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War. Faye worked at Friends Outside for many years as well as driving the VA van, which transported veterans to appointments.
Faye Sanchez was preceded in death by her spouse, Arthur Earl Johnson and Henri Augusta Sanchez; sister, Mae Newman; children, Samuel Johnson and Julia Purcell; and granddaughter, Regena Jarrell.

She is survived by four adult children, Sherry Jarrell (Ron), of Susanville, California; Jerry Johnson (Mona), of Klamath Falls, Oregon; Leola Stotts (Ron), of Rentz, Georgia; and Michael Johnson (Joanie), of Susanville; siblings, Charlotte Murray, of Sacramento, California; and Linda Woody (James), of Harrison, Arkansas.

Faye leaves 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; as well as a host of long-time friends and co-workers. Faye leaves three stepchildren, Richard, Ronald, and Lanina Sanchez.

As requested by Faye, there will be no services. Donations may be made to the American Legion in Faye’s memory.