Obituaries for the week of 11/22/16

James R. Hedges 

Born Nov. 6, 1953, and passed away Nov. 20, 2015.

Jim passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family one year ago. He had been diagnosed with stage 4-lung cancer in August 2015, although a lifelong non-smoker. Jim fought this disease with hope and tremendous courage. He relocated to Olympia, where his daughter lives to access top cancer research centers. His cancer was extremely aggressive; although his gift of genetic research will help future generations fight this ugly disease. After his passing, Jim was able to give the gift of sight to a complete stranger through organ donation.

Jim will be forever missed by the family he leaves behind. His parents, Kenneth and Marilyn Hedges; his brother, Robert Hedges; his children, Stan and Amber Hedges; and of course, his pride and joy, his 8 grandchildren, Spencer, Malia, Maddie, Alex, Derek, Nolan and Lauren (Stan’s children); and Ivy (Amber’s daughter). 

Jim was an avid adventurer and rarely turned down a chance to try something new. He loved to ski, fish, hunt, hike, bike, run (including 2 marathons!), play poker and travel. He was studying to become a pilot, having already passed the written exam when he became sick. Jim also loved to relax with great friends and a good beer or glass of wine.  

His career with the forest service and BLM truly made him happy. Fourteen years of smoke jumping out of Missoula, Montana, was his favorite. He moved to Susanville 11 years ago and worked for the BLM until his retirement in 2014. He made many new and wonderful friends in this new town who will miss him greatly. 

Thank you to everyone who helped Jim in his time of need, and aided his daughter after his passing with his affairs. We couldn’t have done it without you! Feel free to post remembrances to his Facebook Memorial page.

Howard Earl Yarber Jr.

Howard Earl Yarber Jr. passed from his earthly suffering into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at Seneca Hospital in Chester, with his family at his side, at the age of 82.

He was born in Westwood, on Oct. 17, 1934, son of Earl and Becca Yarber.

He was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, brother Hale Yarber.

Howard was a lifelong resident of Lassen and Plumas counties, graduating from Westwood High School in 1953 and active in varsity baseball, football and track. He received his associate’s degree in general education and criminal justice from Lassen College under the GI Bill. Drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1956, he served as an M.P. in Germany where he received a pro-marksman award. He was honorably discharged with a good conduct medal in July 1962.

On June 15, 1968, he married Anita Faye Meyer in Paradise. Two beloved daughters were born from this marriage. His family was always his first priority working long hours to make sure they had all that they needed. Howard was a jack-of-all-trades using his natural skills as a timber faller, mechanic, truck driver and most recently, assistant to the Almanor District Forester of Roseburg Forest Products, from which he retired in 2001.

An avid hunter, fisherman, scuba diver and wood turner, he was most happy when partaking in these activities with his family.

With his passing Howard leaves his loving wife of 48 years, Anita; daughters Kristine Ann House and David, Karen Elizabeth Yarber and Tom; granddaughters Erin Michelle House Hulsey and Christian, Brooke Amber House, Kayla Bryn Haman, Tiffani Brooke Haman; and grandson Tyler Zane Haman. Howard will be missed by his family, many friends, co-workers, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Howard was a long time communicant member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chester, who faithfully served as an elder and trustee making sure God’s house was ready for worship. The family requests that any memorials or remembrances be sent to the Our Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 706 Chester, CA 96020.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2017 and a notification of this event will be posted in the local newspapers and by personal invitation. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at www.fehrmanmortuary.com.