Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel

Werner A. Jakel of Mt.Shasta, California entered into eternal life on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at the age of 84. After several months of declining health, Werner died peacefully with his beloved wife Inge and their children and grandchildren by his side. Werner was born in Germany in 1936, to Ernst and Anna Jakel. In 1959, Werner and Inge married and in 1964, set off on an amazing adventure that took them by ship to the United States to begin their new life in Orange, Califo...rnia. In 1979, Werner and Inge moved their family to Mt. Shasta to get away from city life. Werner continued his custom metalwork business in Mt. Shasta and over the years forged many lasting friendships in the community. Werner and Inge recently celebrated 62 years of marriage, just a day before his passing. He will be remembered as an incredibly proud and loving husband, father, Opa and friend. Werner is survived by his wife Inge; brothers Ernie(Cheryl) and Horst(Irene); children Monica Crumley(Doug) and Michael Jakel(Kerri); grandchildren Mikey(Rachel), Nicolas, Anna, Emily, Grace, Greta, John Michael, Luke and step-grandchildren Jessica, Becca and Lilia. A Memorial Service for Werner will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 11AM at the Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel, 830 Lassen Lane, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Siskiyou Opportunity Center. See more

Richard A. Blankenship, better known as Dick or Poppy to his family, passed away at home on April 24, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving wife and two children. Dick was born in Oklahoma in 1940 to Noble and Edith Blankenship. He was the third of six children. They relocated to Southern California when Dick was two years old and then to Weed when he was four. Dick attended the Weed schools and graduated in 1958. He was a great student and athlete and participated in several... sports. After graduation, he attended Yuba College, where he played football for one season. Dick joined the army in September of 1959. After Basic Training, he served in Germany until his discharge in 1961. When Dick returned home, he lived and worked in grocery retail in Mt. Shasta until he retired in 2002. In August 1975 Dick married his Cutie Eileen Giorgis. They were blessed with a son, Josh in 1976 and a daughter, Betsey in 1978. Dick loved spending time with his family. There were many picnics, barbecues, and camping trips spent with family and friends. Dick coached Little League in Mt. Shasta for many years. He loved attending the many sports his son and daughter participated in. He was their number one fan. Then when he became Poppy, he was over the moon. He always said he was so blessed to be able to not only spend time with but babysit his grandchildren. His favorite thing to do was visit his children and grandchildren. Dick is survived by his wife of 45 years, Eileen, his two children and their spouses, Josh & Jennifer and Betsey & Jerry, his grandchildren Jocelyn, Jake, Joseph, Marley, and Violet, his two brothers, Roger (Gail), and Larry (Marilyn) and several nieces and nephews. He will live forever in their hearts with memories of camping trips, birthdays, holidays, and quiet times spent together. The family’s comfort is that Dick is home in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you wish to honor his memory, you may make a donation to Mercy Hospice Mt. Shasta or the American Cancer Society. See more

Lillian Grace was born in, Austin, Minnesota April 10, 1929 to Flora & Frank Deily she was the sixth of seven children, and the only living one left. She was married to James Evett Medbery, and they had one daughter. She divorced in 1950, and came by train with her daughter, Linda Marie, to be in California with her family who had relocated. She got a great job at Shell Oil Company, but years later went back to one of her dreams, becoming a cosmetologist, and opened a salon i...n Millbrae at 30 years old. Coiffure Elegant was very successful and involved in the community of Millbrae. She later married Andy Asbra after a long courtship, and has four step children Bob Asbra, Bill Asbra, Martin Asbra, and Kathleen Hansen. Linda Marie had married Phil Held, DDS, had two boys: Zachary & Joshua. After both women had divorces. Lillian Grace at 60 decided to completely change her life. She started going out in nature, being an active Grandma also being involved with Native American ceremony. She once again opened another large salon in Burlingame, Townhouse with nine operators and three manicurists. In 1996 after her divorce, we closed our salon went to Scotland. Her grandson Zachary was an exchange student experiencing Thanksgiving in Edinburgh. Lillian also started her journey in the Marble Mountains to Spirit Lake walking in 15+ miles with Charlie Thom and her family. She moved to Mt Shasta. After her work with the owners of Arise and Shine they closed the building so they made it available to buy for her daughter and her. Mt Shasta Herb and Health was in business for 12 years, closing on 12-20.2013. Being in that business she provided support and love to our community, and folks from all over the world. She too was a ceremonial leader spreading her guidance and love. She is survived by her daughter Linda Held, both grandsons Zachary Held &; Jaime Lau, DDS, their children Tessa, Lili & Owen, Joshua and Lyndsay Held. Lillian Grace had a fall on Feb.6, 2021, and was at Shasta View for rehabilitation with multiple issues. She was grateful to Dr. Higer, Joe, Tammy, Christina and all the staff that were so kind taking good care of her as she made her transition to be that Angel.

John Charles, a resident of Mount Shasta for nearly 40 years, passed away after a short illness in the hospital in Medford, Oregon, on April 15, 2021. Born in Redding on August 25, 1942, his family moved to Dunsmuir when he was in the third grade, where he met his lifelong friends and Nikki Edson, a Dunsmuir native and the love of his life who would become his wife on July 10, 1966. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and his teaching credential from Sacramento State Uni...versity, then returned to Northern California to teach grammar school in Castella. After two years of parents he joined the Forest Service and spent three years fighting fires throughout the western States. Although he and Nikki enjoyed the rugged lifestyle the job brought, their son was nearing school age and a gentrified job was needed, so he applied for and was accepted to the California Highway Patrol academy where he graduated first in his class. He went on to become a decorated officer serving for almost thirty years before retiring from the Mount Shasta Office. An avid reader, historian, mountaineer, and skier, he is described by his family as a true renaissance man. He hiked, fished and hunted throughout the North State but had a special place in his heart for Mount Shasta, which he summited over a hundred times, beginning in his youth as a Cub Scout and continuing well into his 60s. He was preceded in death almost five years ago by his wife, Nikki Charles, due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was involved in her care during the long period of time she was undiagnosed but experiencing difficult symptoms. He is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, two great- grandsons, three sisters, brother, and his mother, who turned 101 years old last month. His family and friends remember him as quiet, unassuming, a good listener, and someone who sincerely cared for those around him a good ear and a great heart. He always reminded those around him to enjoy what you’re doing and tasked his family and friends to smile every day. He will be greatly missed. A wake will be scheduled at a later time, but no other services will be held at his request. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association.

On April 5, 2021, Katie Aileen Redstone passed away at her residence in Weed, CA. at the age of 38. Daughter of Karen Kay Koop and Robert John Redstone Jr., Katie was born in Anchorage, Alaska on June 3, 1982. She worked as a tattoo artist for 6 years after earning her GED. She had not been in Siskiyou county for very long before passing, but she will be missed by her family and friends in and out of the area.

MARK F. CARION 2/16/1962 - April 30, 2021 Mark Carion passed away on April 30, 2021 on Lake Siskiyou doing what he loved most in life Fishing! Mark was an avid outdoorsman and a long time resident of Siskiyou County and worked for CalTrans during the winter months to help keep the local roads open. Mark is survived by his parent’s Patrick and Helena Carion of Weed and his older brother, Michael of Kailua-Kona, HI.

Jared Daniel Bingham passed away at home on December 19, 2020 at the age of 43. Jared was born on August 6, 1977 to Alpheus and Deidre Bingham in Redwood City, CA. He worked in the woodworking industry as a cabinet maker for 20 years and spent his last 6 years in Siskiyou county. He will be remembered fondly by his family and friends.

Barton Clell Massey passed away at Mercy Mount Shasta on December 4, 2020 at the age of 81. He was the owner operator of a disposal service for 35 years spending his last 20 years of life in Siskiyou County. He was born in Illinois on Christmas Eve 1938 to William and Thelma Massey. Mr. Massey has been reunited with his loving wife Barbara who passed in September of this year. They are both deeply loved and greatly missed by their devoted family.

On December 18, 2020, Terrell David Barr passed away at Mercy Mt. Shasta at the age of 66. Terrell was a California native born on November 26, 2020 to William and Margie Barr. He worked as an automotive mechanic for 18 years and was a resident of Siskiyou County for 47 years. He is survived by his wife, Renee, and will be missed by his family and friends.

On November 27, 2020, Oleta Lee Kechloian passed away at her home in Dunsmuir, CA. at the age of 69. She spent 30 years of her life as an educator and has been a resident of Siskiyou County for 29 years. She will be remembered fondly by her friends, family, and community.

Beth Ann Neumeyer passed away peacefully at home in Mount Shasta, CA. on December 17, 2020 at the age of 60. She was born on March 3, 1960 in the state of Ohio to Charles and Dorothy Neumeyer. Beth worked as a figherfighter 1 for Calfire for 37 years spending 15 of her final years in Siskiyou County. She will be remembered and missed by her family, friends, and community.

On November 19, 2020, Jess Marin Jr. passed away in his home at the age of 79. He worked for 35 years in the airline industry as a logistics planner before moving to Siskiyou County for his last 16 years. He is survived by his wife, Pat Marin, and their children.

Thomas Redding passed away November 18, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Donald and Norma Redding. He grew up in Lancaster, California where he met his wife Linda. Thomas became a California Highway Patrol officer in November 1970. He retired from the Dunsmuir Grade Inspection Facility in January 2000 after 30 years with the CHP. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all loved golfing. He was a member of the McCloud Golf Club and L...ake Shastina. He belonged to the Mt. Shasta Elks #2333. Tom leaves behind his wife Linda, daughter Lee Ann, son Curtis, 2-year-old grandson Ty who was the joy of his life and a brother Michel (Sherri) and their family in Bakersfield. No service is planned at this time. Any donations in his memory can be made to Mercy Hospice Mt. Shasta or the American Cancer Society.

Leora Vida Swenson passed away peacefully December 12, 2020, at the age of 93 with her loving family at her bedside. Leora was born in Tumalo, Oregon, November 13, 1927; the youngest daughter of Walter and Vida Andrew. While attending Bend High School she worked at a local ice cream and donut shop where she built up enough muscle scooping ice cream to beat any of the high school boys at arm wrestling. After high school she was employed at the Bank of Bend as a bank teller. Sh...e soon became the head teller. She continued with this job until a friend set her up on a blind date with Vernon. The rest is history. They married on July 31, 1947, and settled in Oregon. By 1956 they had seven children and they were living on a horse ranch in Washington State. The ranch was too small so they loaded the truck with a menagerie of animals and moved to the ranch in Mount Shasta where she continued to live till the time of her passing. She is survived by her children: Larry Swenson, Sarah Hines, Stanley Swenson, and Vernon Swenson Jr. (Robin) from Mount Shasta. Sally Hupp (David) of Roseville, California and Sue Lynch (Joe) of Prince George, British Columbia. She is survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leora was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Vernon Swenson, her daughter Nancy Swenson, grandson Jesse Swenson, parents Walter and Vida Andrew, siblings Edna Marie Uptain, Emily Gill and John Andrew. Leora found great joy in raising her family and helping any and all children she had contact with. She was a PTA member, Room Mother and volunteered at the school. She was a Girl Scout and 4-H Leader for longer than her children were members. She was an amazing cook, avid gardener and animal lover. She enjoyed a great game of cards. Leora had a laugh that could fill a room. See more

Katherine "Jane" Young passed away at Mercy Mount Shasta on November 20, 2020 at the age of 87. She was born Katherine Janice Ashford in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on February 2, 1933 to Spike and Ruth Ashford. Her brother, Robert Ashford, and his wife, Jan, reside in Wenachi, WA. with another brother, Larry Ashford, and his wife, Pat, living in McCloud, CA. She also has a sister, Joanne Krieger, living in Cottonwood, AZ. Katherine is also survived by her loving husband, Billy ...Young, of McCloud, CA. She worked for Douglas Aircraft, the Mt. Shasta Herald, and CA Fish and Wildlife in Mt. Shasta. She had one son and one daughter. Her son, Brian Lee Young, and his wife, Melonie, currently live in Garibald, OR. and her daughter, Karen Rath, is in Crescent City, OR. Katherine was affliated with the American Legion and the local Presbyterian Church in McCloud. She enjoyed square dancing, crafts, and sewing for her friends and family. She also loved to travel all over America with her husband in their motorhome; fishing, boating, and riding snowmobiles along the way and at home. She is also survived by one grandchild and 4 great grandchildren. Ty Young and his wife, Miranda, live in Tillamook, OR. Her oldest great grandchild, Adam Young, is 19 years old and married to his wife, Josie, in San Diego, CA. where he is serving in the Navy on the USS Carl Vinson. The other great grandchildren are Avery Beacock, 9 yrs. old; Jolene Olivia Young, 6 yrs old; and Charlee Jane Young, 3 yrs. old. She is greatly loved and will be greatly missed. See more

Robert Edward Jones, Sr., passed away in Susanville on December 7, 2020, at the age of 83. Born in Madera, California, he graduated from Madera High School (where he met Erna, the love of his life), and attended college briefly before deciding to join the Navy with seven of his friends. He went on to serve four years on the USS Hancock, an aircraft carrier, where he trained as an electrician. Following his military service, he worked in Alaska on the early warning radar syste...m. The bulk of his career was spent working for PG&E at hydroelectric plants across the state. He is survived and dearly missed by his wife Erna, their son Allen Jones (and daughter-in-law Tammy), and daughter Sonja Wild (and son-in-law Ron.) He was preceded in death earlier this year by his oldest son, Robert Jones Jr. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and many other close relatives and friends. A member of the Order of the Moose, the Masons, and the Lions Club in Burney, he loved to travel and enjoyed golf and square dancing. Most of all, he will be remembered for his great love of his family, as he was always happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 17, 2020, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Mount Shasta Memorial Chapel, and a graveside service with military honors will take place at McCloud Cemetery on Friday, December 18, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Mercy Hospice of Mt. Shasta.

On November 29, 2020, Lawrence Ashley Bell was reunited with his Lord at the age of 75. He was born to James and Leah Bell on June 8, 1945 and moved to Dunsmuir, CA. when he was six years old. The family later moved to a family farm in Tulelake. He has two sisters, Vicki Ferrasi and Kathy Chertudi. He attended College of the Siskiyous earning a degree in Agriculture. He married his beautiful wife Aida on May 10, 1985 and they have one daughter, Angela Hamilton. He spent the last portion of his life in Mount Shasta, CA. as a member of the Weed Berean Church and Gideon International. Family and friends describe him as a Godly man who loved the Lord and his family. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, and friend. He would put himself aside to help anyone in need and he will be deeply missed by his community.

Robert Lewis Bob Quillin passed away suddenly at home on November 28, 2020, at the age of 67. Bob worked in the funeral industry for 28 years, spending the majority of that time serving the community of South Siskiyou County from Mount Shasta Memorial Chapel. He was a wealth of knowledge and experience with a long list of qualifications, and was licensed as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, Cemetery Broker, Cemetery Manager, and Crematory Manager. He was also a member of the E...lks Lodge #2333 in Mount Shasta. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him and worked with him. He is survived and deeply missed by his son, Robert Michael Quillin, Sr., and daughter-in-law Lisa Quillin of Marysville, CA; his four grandchildren: Robert M. Quillin, Jr. (US Air Force, Biloxi, MS), Michael C. Quillin (U.S. Army, Fort Riley, KS), Kaleb Quillin and Liberty Quillin of Marysville, CA; as well as two great-grandchildren. Bob remained very close with his family, and took great pride in recounting the many accomplishments of his grandchildren, from their military service to their involvement in competitive sports, and he welcomed the arrival of his great-grandchildren with joy. Visitation will be held at Mount Shasta Memorial Chapel on Friday, December 11, 2020, from 1:00-4:00 P.M., with funeral service at Mount Shasta Memorial Chapel on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 1:00 P.M., and burial following the funeral service at Mount Shasta Memorial Park.

The holidays aren't a happy time for everyone It’s the most wonderful time of the year It’s the happiest season of all And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near... That is what we are told. As a society we believe that the holiday season is a time of blessing, love, friendships, and family; a time of togetherness to give thanks, share stories, and be joyful. I know that not everyone has the opportunity to experience the most wonderful time of year. I know that... not everyone has family and friends that are near. This is for you: for those who struggle this time of year. You may remember a previous column in which I blogged about the 40 different types of grief. Holidays and anniversaries amplify the intensity of grief. The grief you are experiencing is unique to you, it is based on your personal loss, on your experience. The world is full of people who grieve, individuals who are angry, exhausted, confused and hopeless. But no one knows exactly how you feel; you are the only person who truly understands you. Just remember that you are not alone. Trust that others do get it, they too have experienced the roller coaster of emotions, and they too look at the empty chair at the table. Although a person may not be able to identify exactly with you, they can relate. So through this holiday season know that you are never alone. For the parent trying to sing Christmas carols, decorate the house, and put on a happy and bright face for your children: know it will get better. Your heart is heavy, your stress is high, and this too will pass. You are enough, do the best that you can each day and know that it is enough. The pain you are experiencing now is temporary. I know that is difficult to believe, because in this moment it seems like forever, but there will be holidays when joy returns, when you surround yourself with the people who love and support you unconditionally, and when you can recognize the goodness in yourself again. For right now, don’t beat yourself up for not wanting to deck the halls. Don’t feel guilty for not having everything prepared. It is okay that right now everything is not okay; it will be okay someday and it is okay if that is not for a while. Rachel Velishek is a licensed professional clinical counselor with Fisher-Titus Behavioral Health, Fisher-Titus Medical Park 2, Suite C, 282 Benedict Ave., Norwalk. Her office can be reached at 419-668-0311. For more information on Fisher-Titus Behavioral Health, visit fishertitus.org/behavioral-health.

Rodley Layten Ives June 21, 1947 November 6, 2020 Taken from us all too soon by a complication of a months-long illness, Rod died at home on the afternoon of November 6th. The first born son of Layton Eugene Ives, originally from Cedaredge, Colorado, and Phyllis Milton Moore Ives, from Sydney, Australia, Rod lived his entire life in McCloud, where he was beloved by all who had the good fortune to know him.... Gregarious, hearty and ruddy-cheeked, Rod first found his talents at friendship as a member of The Quincy Street Gang. Attachments he formed then carried through his entire life. After graduating from McCloud High School, Rod served his country in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Catskill, MCS-1, a mine-sweeper. Home from the Navy, he spent 20 years as a timber faller with Champion International, a profession he loved. He later moved on to the McCloud planing mill where he ultimately learned the precision skills of a saw filer, a profession that saw him through to retirement. Rod saw much of his life in terms of service, and in that spirit he served for 30 years on McCloud’s Volunteer Fire Department, the last 25 years as Captain. But the biggest imprint he left behind came from his great and generous heart as he extended friendship and a helping hand to neighbors near and far. Rod is survived by his wife and partner of 30 years, Natalie Honeycutt, who will deeply miss his steadfast, cheerful presence in every aspect of their life together. Rod is also survived by a brother, Randy; a son, Craig; a daughter, Stachia; two step-children, Andrew and Jennifer; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial gathering, for all of the many people Rod loved and who loved him, will be held some place in the out-of-doors that Rod so enjoyed, once the pandemic has finally passed. In the meantime, please stay safe, and keep him in your hearts. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Rod’s name are encouraged to think of the McCloud Fire Department or the National Parkinson’s Foundation.