McNary-Moore Funeral Service

Life is good. This is what he was always saying. And he said it as if he’s the one who came up with it. Maybe he did. Life is good. He’d be in the shop, turning a wrench on a car or truck or jeep or boat, and he’d say it. He’d be in the kitchen, family and friends talking and laughing, him wearing a chef’s apron, chopping the garlic, stirring the sauce, drinking red wine, listening to the music and the people, and he’d say it. Clambering down the ladder from a day of toil...Continue reading

Rodney Glenn Steinhauer, known and loved by many as Steimy; passed away days shy of his 65th birthday, at home in Arbuckle. He was born in San Mateo and raised in Galt, but called Arbuckle home for nearly 40 years. He loved this area and the community that became family to him. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Alma but is survived by his sister Debbie (Steve) Hessler, his niece Stephanie and a great-niece, Zoey. Rod was a graduate of Chico State Universit...y and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, the Ag fraternity. After graduation he came to Arbuckle where he taught at Pierce High School for a number of years, serving as an Ag Teacher. While he later left to work for various seed companies, he never left the role of teacher. In the late 90s and early 2000s, he went to Russia and Turkey to help cultivate the hybridization of Cucumber and Tomato seeds. After a number of years with seed companies, he worked for Ag Water Chemicals. His career was devoted to Agriculture and the continued support of the Farmers who feed this Nation. When Steimy wasn’t working he could be found enjoying the great outdoors, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Rod enjoyed waterfowl hunting in particular, but could always be found ready to bag a limit of Dove on September 1st. In the fall he would often go to Colorado with friends to hunt Deer and Elk. He enjoyed many fishing trips to Silver Lake with his friends and more recently, a dream trip to Alaska for King Salmon and Halibut. While he didn’t have any children of his own he was ever-present in the lives of his friends and their families. We will always carry his memory in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arbuckle Volunteer Fire Department. Services will be held at 1 PM on Friday, April 16, at the Arbuckle Cemetery.

Frank Robert Denny, Jr., of Stonyford, passed away on April 19, 2021. Care is under the direction of McNary Moore Funeral Service.

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David Kenneth Longstreet passed away on March 21, 2021, at the age of 94. Born in 1926 David was the fifth of 7 children born to Calvin and Allie Longstreet. He was only an infant when the family moved to Manhattan Beach and remembers his childhood as idyllic, enjoying many happy summer days fishing or swimming at the beach. At Redondo Beach HS he was active in all types of sporting activities and was known to be a better than average baseball and football player. At the age ...of 17, the family moved to Arbuckle, CA where David enrolled at Pierce Joint Union High School. Here he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy serving two years aboard the USS Edgecomb and saw extensive service in the south pacific. He was discharged in 1946 as a signalman 3rd class. In Santa Barbara, California he met Lucille Nellany whom he married in 1949. Two children were born of this union, William Stephen Longstreet and David Michael Longstreet. This marriage ended in divorce in 1952 and David moved to Garden Grove. Here he met Vivian June Arquette whom he married in 1955. Vivian had a daughter named Vickie and David happily took her as his own daughter. This family moved to Lodi, California in1957 where David continued working in the construction business. While in Lodi, two boys were born to this union, Mathew Ray Longstreet and Timothy Martin Longstreet. In 1972 David went to work for the California Youth Authority as a senior Youth Counselor and upon retirement in 1988, they moved to Middleton, Idaho. Hereafter 55 years of marriage Vivian passed away. In 2010 at the age of 84, David moved to Colusa, California, and married his high school sweetheart. David was known to all as a warm and friendly good honest man who was quick to smile with a lively sense of humor. Generous in nature, a proud veteran, and a passionate outdoorsman he loved life and left a loving legacy. David is survived by his wife, Patricia (Bailey) Myers Longstreet of Colusa; a sister, Rosetta (Toddy) Bailey of Elk Grove, CA; three sons: William Stephen Wall of Jacksonville FL; David Michael Wall of Three Rivers, CA; and Timothy Martin Longstreet of Weiser, ID; along with a number of much-loved grand and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Judes Hospital which was one of David’s favorite charities. www.stjude.org/donate, or by mail: 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

We are not trying to cause problems, but this is the truth, plain and simple.

Shirley Griffin Shirley Leroy Griffin passed away on November 3, 2020 at his home, surrounded by loved ones, just two days shy of his 99th birthday. Known affectionately by his friends as Griff, he was a true son of Arbuckle, born and raised there, and then staying on through his long and happy life with his beloved wife, Merl, to raise his own family and countless crops of almonds. Son of Isla (Putnam) Griffin and Leroy Griffin, Shirley lost his father before the age of t...Continue reading

The family of Jose De Jesus Velazquez are deeply saddened to announce his passing on September 8, 2020 at the age of 68. Jesus, known to his family and friends as Chuy. He was born in Tototlan, Jalisco Mexico May 23, 1952 to Jose and Maria Velazquez. He lived in Williams for the past 40 years. Chuy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He had a witty sense of humor. He enjoyed ranching and caring for animals. He loved his music, tending to his vegetable garden, and was not one to pass up a collectible item. He will be truly missed by his wife, Carmen; his children, Jose, Marta, Ernesto, Elizabeth and seven grandchildren; Jakira, Daniel, Benji, Suzy, Nayeli, Gisselle, and Liam. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 16, 2020 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McNary-Moore Funeral Home 107 5th St., Colusa, California.

Longtime Colusa resident Phillip Gene Vic Townzen died on September 6, 2020 in his Colusa home of over 60 years with his wife and sons by his side. Vic was born September 15, 1938 in Chico, CA and was one of five children of Jack and Norma Townzen. After graduating from Colusa High School in 1956, Vic spent his early years working in his father’s construction business and completed one year of study at Chico State University. In 1961 he volunteered for the U.S. Army and spe...nt two years serving at Fort Hood, Texas before returning to Colusa. He began dating Katie Keegan and they married June 6, 1964. They would go on to be married for 56 years. Vic was a general contractor for 40 years and had many hobbies and interests. He loved life outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed spending many hours at the Colusa Golf and Country Club and with his friends took many golf outings throughout Northern California. Vic also served his community in supporting Colusa Little League, volunteering for the Colusa City Fire Department and as a board member of the Colusa County Mosquito Abatement District. Both Vic and his wife Katie were also active in Colusa Stagehands Theatre. Later in life, Vic also enjoyed taking RV trips with Katie and spending time at Lake Almanor with his family and friends. Vic was preceded in death by his father Jack, mother Norma, sister Verlyn O’Neil and brother Dale Townzen. He is survived by his wife Katie, brother Ken Townzen of Elk Grove, sister Margaret (Gary) Sivley of Ripon, sons Mike Townzen of Chico and Matt (Arlene) Townzen of Folsom, and grandchildren Garren D’Aloisio, Nathan Townzen and Lauren Townzen. A Celebration of Life is being planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vic’s name can be made to either of the Colusa fire departments. See more

Ercie Lee Lytal Ercie Lee (Rutledge) Lytal, 96 of Gridley, CA formerly of Arbuckle was called home on August 18, 2020 at Woodland Hospital. She was surrounded by her children and family. She was the beloved wife of the late Virgil Lee Lytal (Sparky.) Ercie was born on June 29, 1924 in Chickalah Mountain, AR and traveled to Arbuckle by train in 1942 arriving at the Arbuckle train depot. She lived in Arbuckle until 1998 when she moved to Woodland and subsequently Gridley to b...e cared for by her daughter. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church while living in Arbuckle. Anyone that knew Ercie called her Mamma and knew her to be the fiercest of prayer warriors. Her love of her Heavenly Father would guide her all of her days and set an example for her entire family. Ercie is survived by her brother, Don (Clara) Rutledge of Sutter; daughter, Betty (Mervyn) Howell of Gridley; daughter Glenda (Mark) Gustafson of Grimes; and son Virgil (Diana) Lytal of Arbuckle. She was blessed with 16 grandchildren, Mark (Angela) Gustafson of Yuba City; Patricia Gustafson-Ayala of Woodland; Heidi Gustafson of Yuba City; Stephanie Pasquale of Roseville; Kelissa (Dana) Bennett of Williamsburg, VA; Scott (Susie) Lytal of Arbuckle; Isabella Pineda of Citrus Heights; Jennifer (Adam) Kriner of Brockway, PA; Whitney Tarbox of Roseville; Michael (Abria) Tarbox of Roseville. Amanda (Michael) Lopez of Palmer, AK;Mikel (Emma) Brunner of Ashland, OR; Melinda (Craig) Wright of Redlands, CA; Robert Lytal of Sacramento; Kathy (Frank) McGowan of Sacramento; and Darcy Lytal of Wilton. Ercie was also in love with her 27 great-grandchildren and numerous great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Dottie Rutledge, husband Virgil (Sparky) Lytal; siblings Otis Rutledge, Leon Madden and Lilybell McAnaly and numerous nieces and nephews and her grandsons, Jeff Howell and William Howell. Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, at 9 am at Arbuckle Christian Fellowship Church located at 702 Hall St Arbuckle, Ca. A graveside service will immediately follow at Arbuckle Cemetery, 400 State Highway 99, Arbuckle, CA. Reception for family will be held at the home of Tony and Diana Lytal following services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The River Church 210 S E Shady Ln Winston, DR 97496 Or, Arbuckle Revitalization Committee P.O. Box 784 Arbuckle, CA 95912 See more

Marie Pavia peacefully left this world on Monday, July 27, 2020 a few days shy of her 98th birthday. Marie Ignacia Ornelas Pavia, known to many close family members as Nacha was born on July 31, 1922 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She married Jesus Pavia and had three children (Paul Alfred Pavia, Mary Louise Romero and Martha Ann Lorenzini) and moved to Los Angeles, California where she resided for over 40 years. Marie was a graduate of Marinello School of Beauty where she o...btained her cosmetology license. She opened her very own beauty salon, Serendipity Coiffures in Eagle Rock, California. She was proud to have been a woman who owned her own California based business for over 30 years. She had a passion for style and beautiful things. She took great pride in serving her clients and doing anything she could to help someone feel better or just be of service. She had a loyal clientele who looked forward to her witty personality and incredible sense of humor. Marie was known equally for her one- liners, as she was for her great style. In the early 1980’s, Marie decided to move to Colusa County to be near her family. She quickly became a part of the community. She found work in her trade, by doing hair for those who had just passed at McNary Moore Funeral Home. When asked if it was difficult to do, she replied, I just tell jokes and make my customer look beautiful or handsome before they head to the pearly gates! A woman of deep faith, she knew this was a gift to serve others. Marie was a member of the Colusa Assembly of God church where she made many friends. She found great strength and joy in the worship and word of God and took any opportunity she could to share and pray with others. She spent her last few years at Valley West Hospital in Williams, California, where she would lend a hand to her fellow residents. She loved the Valley West staff members and also took joy in brightening up any room she walked into. Marie is preceded in death by her son, Paul Alfred Pavia and daughter, Mary Louise Romero, grandsons Theodore Romero, Thomas Romero and great granddaughters, Tina Libertini and Grace Mayberry. She is survived by her daughter, Martha Lorenzini (David), and grandchildren (Fred Romero, Debbie Libertini, Robert Romero, Annette Sapien, Jeanette Krebsbach, Martha Farnsworth, Ken Lorenzini, Mary Romero, Denise Mayberry, Pablo Pavia, Virginia Rugh, Kellie Stroud, Steven Lorenzini and Timothy Romero) . Her legacy includes 16 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 22 great great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her and had the privilege of experiencing her love, hugs, laughter and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). See more

In times such as these it is often difficult to find meaning and direction. We offer this to everyone:

The family of Eugene Sotelo Jr. are deeply saddened to announce his passing on August 1, 2020 at the age of 81. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his family, wife of 53 years, Maxine, daughter Roxanne (Gary), daughter Stacy (Ronnie), son Brandon (Beatriz) and his grandchildren, Samantha, Abigail, Emilee, Aiden, Ella, Jezlyn, Berklie and great granddaughter Lileeana. Gene was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Mary Sotelo and sisters Elizabeth, Nadine, Susan and B...eatrice. He is survived by his sister Toni and brothers Barney and Larry. Gene was born in Minatare, Nebraska. In the late 50’s, his family relocated to Williams, California. He was a graduate of Williams High School Class of 1960 and served in the United States Marine Corps. Gene served his community as a volunteer for the Williams Fire Department and as a member of Sacred Heart Church. He retired from the Maxwell Unified School District. Gene loved working in his yard and took pride in his accomplishments. His annual vegetable garden was second to none. His greatest passion in life was family. He lived for time spent with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and his unique sense of humor. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions to the Williams Fire Department are appreciated. Arrangements handled by McNary-Moore FD 410. See more

Janet Sue Davis (Hill) With a heavy heart the Davis family would like to let you know that at approximately 9:30 pm on July24, 2020 Janet Sue Davis (Hill) passed away peacefully with her family by her side. She was born to Mary and Dewey Hill in 1956 in Colusa, CA. She worked at Colusa Florist for several years and managed All the Best Video for many years. She went to Western Career College and became a medical assistant. She loved her peers at Save Haven. She had 5 brothers... and 2 sisters. She was survived by Chet, Lonnie, Debbie, Robert, and Mark. She was preceded by Lee, and Bonnie. She was married in 1974 to Steve F. Davis Sr. She had 3 boys: Jeremy, Josh, and Steven Jr. She had 13 grandkids: Amber, Mary, Tanner, Gabby, Christian, Ariana, Ellie, Hailey, Mariah, Jordan, Phoebe, Thomas, and Michael. Many others called her Mom or Mamaw. Janet was well loved, and she treated everyone like family. See more

It is with a heavy heart that we let Jamie’s family and friends know that she passed away, Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 1:00 AM. She went very peacefully while in her home. Jamie was 66 years old. Jamie was a life-long resident of Colusa, CA. She was born on Thanksgiving Day to Jim and Gerda Miller, the youngest of 3 children. Her siblings were brother Roy Miller and sister Terry Miller White. Jamie was a 1972 graduate of Colusa High School. She will be remembered for many... things but primarily a kind, caring and generous friend to all those who knew her. It was her infectious and unique laugh that many will recall. She had nicknames for those close to her that cemented their relationship and bond with affection, loyalty and support. Jamie truly cherished her friends. Her pastimes were many but sports were her primary interest. She was an accomplished softball player and that passion and skill culminated in her 2018 induction into the Colusa County Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the great Crystal Dairy Women’s Softball Team that was recognized as one of the best ever in the area. She set a Colusa High School softball distance throw record while at Colusa High School. An avid San Francisco 49er fan, she once spent 3 days & nights with her sister at Candlestick Park to get playoff tickets for their first Championship run. Her 49er game ritual consisted of a pregame outfit, a separate game-time outfit and, of course all those who enjoyed watching the team with herClam Dip! She felt straying from this routine was bad JuJu. She also enjoyed bowling, floating down the river with friends, gardening and, of course, her cats. Jamie is survived by her sister Terry Miller White and her long-time partner (2 Peas in a Pod) of 38 years: Cathy Davis. Jamie’s Nephew’s include Jim Miller, Paul Protine, Kyle Miller and Roy Miller. Her lone Niece is Stefany Guy. Great Nieces include Avery & Emerson Guy-King and Spencer Miller. She also has one surviving Aunt Tudie and numerous Cousins. Additionally, she was a second Mom to Tanya Davis. Jamie chose to forgo any services. For any individuals wishing to contribute to a fund established for Jamie to cover cremation expenses, you may donate in any amount through Go FundMe.com/ Jamie Miller.

It is hard to believe it is the end of July and this Covid-19 thing is still going on. We appreciate the families we have served during this time who have understood our limitations as far as services go. Having to curtail services and even the emotional uplift of being able to hug our families has been very difficult on us. As funeral directors our job is to make the disposition of a loved one as gentle and respectful as possible. Not being able to have services makes us feel we have added insult to injury to families already grieving a loss. Please take good care of each other, this too shall pass.

Phyliss Ann Bem passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2020 at Willows Glenn Medical Center in Willows, CA. She was born on February 10th, 1929 and has been a Colusa resident for 43 years. Those who knew Phyliss, knew she was a hardworking woman all of her life. Her and her late Husband, Walter Bem Sr., married in Arkansas in 1944, owned and operated 3 restaurants and a bar such as Capital Dairy and Bem’s Drive-In in Willows then moved to Colusa where they started their first ba...r, BT Club, and shortly after, opening in 1978 Colusa’s famous restaurant, Bem’s Stone Arbor. After owning and running their own restaurants together for 25 years, they then mutually retired to a quiet life in Colusa. Through retirement, Phyliss spent her years breeding Blue Diamond Doves, fostering abandoned wildlife, raising Chinchillas but most important to her, taking care of her family. What motivated her and kept her going everyday was her love and care for her cats, chinchillas and border collie, Nelly. She was known best for treasuring the time she was able to spend with her family but most specifically her grandchildren. Phyliss is preceded in death by her parents, Dick Martini and Lois Wallis, her husband Walter Bem Sr., her three brothers Bobby & Buddy Owen, and Stanley Wallis, her daughter Gayle Bem-Edwards, and her son Walter Bem Jr. Phyliss was a loving mother, sister, aunt and grandmother and is survived by her son Ronald Bem of Colusa, her four granddaughters Julie Biggs of Colusa, Suzette Lopez of Sacramento, Sabrina Bem of Pebble Beach and Tamara Bueschen of Sparks, her three grandsons Ron Bem Jr. of Oregon, Richard Bem of Willows and Jeremy Bem of Willows, five great-grandchildren Brandon Biggs of Colusa, Jessica Lopez of San Diego, Joshua Lopez of Sacramento, Joslynn Bueschen of Sparks, Bobby Jo Hernandez of Pebble Beach and Josh Bem of Willows as well as three great-great-grandchildren Lilah, Brody and Micah Lopez of Sacramento and her sister Jeanne Barth of Woodland. The passing of Phyliss, known by most of the family as Nana, has created a heartbreaking and immeasurable void for everyone who knew her as she will be dearly missed and never forgotten for the rest of our lives. A graveside service is planned for Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1741 Wescott Road, Colusa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyliss’ memory to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.)

Robert Andrew Dutil passed away peacefully on July 3, 2020. He was born April 5, 1925 in Dunnigan, California on the McGrew Ranch. When he was three the family moved west of Williams. Since he was the only boy, milking the family cows became his daily chores. He attended Williams schools and graduated in 1943. While in high school he had an FFA sheep breeding project which led to a lifelong interest in sheep and goats. After graduation he was drafted by the U.S. Army in Nove...Continue reading

Cori Lyn Montez (Nicoletti) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 30, 2020 after a long but determined battle with cancer. Cori was born in Colusa on February 20, 1961 to Mary Lou and Anthony Nicoletti. She attended school in Colusa and obtained her Associates Degree from Butte College. She married Elfido Montez on December 13, 1986, and together they raised two beautiful children, Matthew and Kaitlyn. They eventually relocated to Napa where she had a 30-yea...r career as a dispatcher in law enforcement working for the City of St. Helena. Cori lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed scrapbooking and crafting, going to Disneyland, and any other activities that involved spending time with family and friends. Cori was predeceased by her father, Anthony Nicoletti, and her step-father Richard Kittle. Her loving and nurturing presence will be deeply missed by all, including her husband, Elfido Montez; her son Matthew Montez; her daughter Kaitlyn Montez; her mother, Mary Lou Kittle and her brother Stephen Nicoletti. Cori will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1741 Wescott Road, Colusa, CA. Memorial contributions can be made to Martin O’Neil Cancer Center at the St. Helena Hospital, 10 Woodland Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574. Attention Shari Bluband. Donations are appreciated in lieu of flowers. The family will hold a celebration of life for Cori on February 20, 2021, on what would have been her 60th birthday, at which time all of her friends and family will be invited to celebrate her.

Nancy Ann Schnyder passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on June 29, 2020. She was born on January 20, 1953 in San Mateo, CA, and was a Colusa County resident for 44 years. Nancy was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and Colusa Golf & Country Club. She enjoyed golfing, traveling, and most of all - spending time with her family and friends. Nancy was best known for her joyous disposition and always having thee best time! Nancy was predeceased by her p...arents, Douglas and Lillian Henderson and sister Gail Jean Henderson. Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 45 years John Schnyder of Colusa, her children; Chris (Kerry) Schnyder of Daly City, CA, Eric (Michele) Schnyder of Encinitas, CA, Julie (Kyle) Ashley of Brooklyn, NY, sister Pamela (Rob) Chisholm of Beavercreek, OH, brother Douglas (Patsy) Henderson of Colorado Springs, CO, and grandchildren; Declan & Colin Schnyder, Grayson & Theo Schnyder, and Reid, Layne & Graham Ashley. Nancy was a loving wife, sister, mother, aunt, Grancy, and friend. Her passing created a lasting void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be truly missed and never forgotten. A mass in her memory will be celebrated Wednesday, July 8th at Saint Bernadette’s Hall in Colusa at 10:00 am. The current restrictions on group gatherings does not allow for a celebration that lives up to Nancy’s incredible life. Therefore, we look forward to safely having a celebration in 2021. Time and date to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

Please help story come home her family misses her. She is helping to patch a home in the family, the loss of Martin. We are upping the reward to $200. Do the right thing, please!!!!