Life Tributes for the week of 8/7/18
Dorothy Lavon Earll
Who was I…I was but a particle that drifted the hourglass of time which began amidst the sands of New Mexico, the land of my birth on July 3, 1959.
Growing there held the free that lies upon the eagle’s wing. So vast was this land that I and my bothers, Marvin and Odis Sanders, and my sister, Esther and I journeyed.
Our quest was our imagination that could turn the tides of who we were into magical stories. Our parents, Marvin (Ray) and Norma Sanders allowed us to follow this imagination and turn each day into a wonderland.
Just as I and Kenneth Earll tried to allow our two beautiful daughters, Jami Jeatonne Heiskanen and Cali Leota Earll to cast their imaginations into a wonderland of their own. I loved them as the creek beds love the rain or the flowers that love the warmth of the heavens sun. I will forever love them both just as I will forever love you, Kenny.
I am thankful to the heavens for this gift of love, for the beauty that images the earth, for the sweetness that raptures the silence, for the many scents that drift the air, and for the warmth which consoles the soul within this gift of life.
All these blessings were given to me, Dorothy Lavon Earll. And though I should close here, I cannot; for I have the most precious of three grandsons that I could ever wish for. Jesse James and Sebastian Scot, sons of, Scot and Jami Heiskanen. And the youngest of the three, Avery Austin Earll, who lost his mother, Cali Earll in 2015. Kenny and I have been his parents ever since, and we share a mother and father’s love for him as our son.
And I pray that the cancer that I have battled since 2008 allows me time. Time to help and watch them grow. Time to share with them, “the gifts of love that God has given.” Time before this obituary is placed in the eyes of those who are reading it now. May the candle of love burn amidst you all forever.
Sincerely … Me … Dorothy
passed away at home on Aug. 2, 2018. Services at Milford Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2018.
David Lyle Dowden
Sunrise July 16, 1943
Sunset July 8, 2018
On July 16, 1943 David was born to parents Donald and Vida Dowden. He was the oldest of four siblings born at Potter’s Maternity Home in Susanville, California. On July 8, 2018 David passed away and went on to be with his beloved wife, Karen Dowden, who passed on June 1, 2013.
David lived a very full life. He was awarded the Purple Heart while on his third tour in Vietnam as a door gunner. He met his wife during his first tour in Vietnam and married shortly after his tour ended when he was honorably discharged for being wounded in combat.
When he returned home, he took pleasure in many outdoor activities, such as fishing, camping and hunting. As time went on, David and Karen settled down and had two children, son, David Kenneth Dowden, on Feb. 17, 1971, and daughter, Martha Jean Allison, on May 28, 1974. David is survived by his two children; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Aug. 11, 2018 at Diamond Crest Cemetery. Potluck to follow at Lassen Senior Center, 1700 Sunkist Avenue at 1 p.m.
Mark Wheeler
Mark Wheeler, 61, formerly of Susanville, passed away July 17, 2018, at his home in Eugene, Oregon after a long illness. We celebrate that Mark now resides in his eternal home with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mark is survived by his cherished family. Wife, Deb; daughters, Petra Gray (Darin), and Jenna Hawkins (Rory); and four precious grandchildren, Diana, Sheamus, Daniel and Phillip. Also surviving are brother, Rich; and sister-in-law Merry, of Susanville; many relatives, including his huge Minnesota family, countless friends and beloved pets.
There will be no services, at Mark’s request. Please make any donations in his memory to animal rescues or sanctuaries of your choosing.
Keno Gasperoni
Born in Italy in 1924, Keno Gasperoni, immigrated to the United States when he was just 2 years old. As the first-born son of immigrant parents, he loved the United States and relished every opportunity he was ever given in his country.
Keno was a general contractor for 55 years and owned his own business, T & M Builder’s Supply. He worked hard, was an accomplished craftsman and businessman, and was loyal to his “guys” and their families. But he really loved his second career after he sold his business and went to work for the city of Susanville. He had planned to stay one year and ended up staying 10, starting and professionalizing Susanville’s building department.
First and foremost, Keno loved his family. He was married to his beloved Dolores Gasperoni for 56 years. They had an exceptionally happy marriage that included many good friends, more good times and at least 30 years of playing golf together. Keno and Dolores had two children, Lisa and Johnny, who were the light of both their lives.
In later years, Keno became a grandfather and was so proud of his grandsons Taylor and Nathan Bollinger. When Nate married Marianna, he couldn’t stop talking about that “beautiful Brazilian” who agreed to marry Nate. When Taylor married Stephanie, he called it such good luck that Taylor found a perfect soulmate.
He loved his children’s special partners, Debbie Gonsalves and Josh Walters. He especially loved that Josh shared his appreciation for pie at Marie Callender’s and, without fail, he and Josh could always find a way to turn a routine doctor’s appointment into an opportunity for a great meal together.
Keno was beyond delighted when he became a great-grandfather this year to Carson Ray Bollinger.
Keno Gasperoni was an amazing human being, wonderful father and husband. He loved his family, to tell good stories and any kind of ice cream. You will be missed, Keno, by all who knew you because to know you was to love you.
E. George Chandler
E. George Chandler passed from this life in the early evening hours of Saturday, July 7, 2018, in Crescent City, at the age of 83. He was born the eighth child to James and Maudie Chandler on Valentine’s Day, 1935, in Corvallis, Oregon.
As a very young man, George left home to be on his own. He joined the U.S. Navy in July 1953, and was discharged December 1955. He left the Navy with a strong desire to return to his home state to attend college. He attended Oregon State for two years but did not reach his goal of a college diploma there.
George was a single man until almost 30 when he met his children’s mother (Mary) in Illinois while working as a payroll clerk for a construction company. They married in 1964 and in early 1965 moved West. After a reconnection with an old friend, George decided to take a job as an independent contractor selling souvenirs and novelties at state fairs, traveling with his wife to many states during the summer months of 1967. His children later referred to this job as “the summer Dad and Mom were ‘carnies.’” But this job would help him reach his goal of the college diploma.
George attended Huron College in Huron, South Dakota, working nights at a meat packing plant and going to school days. He graduated with a diploma in business in 1969.
George worked various jobs for a few years, and by now was the proud father of four children. As a youngster his family moved around a lot and when his children became school age he didn’t want them to experience that, so he settled his family in Susanville, where they all remained for 20 years. During those years George was an appraiser, investigator, carpenter and builder. He eventually went to work for the State of California Department of Corrections, Susanville, as a maintenance mechanic. He was later promoted to carpenter supervisor III at RJD Correctional Facility in San Diego and retired from that position in 2004. He moved to Crescent City in 2012 to be closer to his children.
George was active throughout his life in various hobbies and interests including hunting, deep-sea fishing, river fishing, pool tournaments, CDC Olympics, swimming, woodworking, football and reading.
George was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maudie Chandler; a sister, Bertie; brothers, Jim, Bill, Don, Dick, and Ken. He is survived by his son, Eric (wife Jennifer), of Gasquet; daughters, Melissa, of Susanville, Lisa, of Susanville, Lori Silva (husband Ernie), of Crescent City; and the mother of his children, Mary, also, of Crescent City. He leaves 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Betty and June; as well as brothers, Dale, John, and Delbert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Katherine Barba Souders
Born Nov. 8, 1932 in Susanville, California. Katherine died of natural causes in Lancaster, California on July 20, 2018. She is survived by her daughters; Jill Stockton, of Sacramento, Cindy Souders, of Sacramento; and son Harry Souders, of Galt, California. She is also survived by sisters; Theresa Phillips, of Susanville, and Julia Rodriguez, of Klamath Falls, Oregon; and brothers Joe Barba and Tom Barba, of Susanville.
Rosary will be at 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2018 at Sacred Heart Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 11, 2018 at Sacred Heart Church in Susanville. Graveside services to follow at Diamond Crest Cemetery. There will be a reception at Sacred Heart Social Hall after the graveside services.
Sherrie Ann Murphy
Sherrie Ann Murphy passed away peacefully in her Susanville home surrounded by her family Wednesday, July 18, 2018. She was 61. Sherrie was born in Salem, Oregon on Feb. 5, 1957 to Andy Hrudka and Florence Marie Baker.
Sherrie moved to Susanville, California with her daughter Tanya and son Randy in July of 1989. In May of 1994, she gave birth to her youngest daughter, Jenell. After the death of her two oldest children in 2004, she became legal guardian of her grandson, Anthony.
Sherrie had a special and kind heart that spilled over love to anyone and everyone who entered her life. Her home provided a sanctuary for friends and family alike where they would always be welcomed with a full belly, a warm bed, and always a plate of cookies for the road. Sherrie loved to cook and often came up with her own recipes for homemade pizzas, pastas, and of course cookies. Her love for baking was inspired when she received an Easy-Bake-Oven for Christmas when she was 8 years old.
Sherrie worked at Susanville Nursing and Rehabilitation for 13 years. Not only was she held in high regards by her peers, but also her heart extended to the residents of the nursing home. It was not uncommon for her to invite residents over to her home for board games, or even for one of her extravagant holiday meals. In the fall of 2015, it was discovered that she had breast cancer, which forced her to retire from the nursing home.
Sherrie is survived by her daughter, Jenell Alward; and grandson Anthony Valencia. She is preceded in death by her son, Randy Cummingham; and daughter, Tanya Cummingham.
A service will be held for Sherrie at the Susanville Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 3035 Johnstonville Rd. at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018 followed by a Celebration of Life party at Sherrie’s home at 738 Shasta St. at 5 p.m.
Sherrie always loved to dress in vibrant, colorful clothing. Her family has requested that everyone wear only bright and cheery colors to both the service and party in Sherrie’s honor.