Obits

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Donald Raymer. Courtesy photo.

 

Donald F. Raymer
Aug. 9, 1940 – May 27, 2025

Donald Passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in San Luis Obispo, California.

He is survived by his son, Donnie Raymer Jr. of Gold Beach, Oregon; his daughter, Donya Melcher of Albany, Oregon; his daughter, Stormy Brandon of Clearlake, California; three step- children he shared with his wife Rosa, Sherri Scott, Abby Brewer-Johnson and Rodolfo Uribe; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Donald is predeceased by his wife, Rosa Raymer; daughter, Cindy Sanders; and six siblings.

Donald was born in San Francisco and in 1968 joined the Army. He served two tours overseas as a bulldozer operator. He received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Army Expert M16 Badge and two Overseas Service Bars. He was honorably discharged in 1972 as an Army sergeant.

In 1977 Donald Joined the South Lake County Volunteer Firefighters Association and was promoted to company officer. He retired in 2000 after 25 years of service.

As a firefighter, he was actively doing medical transport on the ambulance and was a water tender operator which he referred to as “His Baby.” He was also integral in the training of new firefighters.

He received many awards including Firefighter of The Year and The Memorial Star of Life, as well as the 2005 Stars of Lake County.

Donald was such a big part of the community and could always be found helping members of the public and during community events.

He helped with the Spirit of the Season toy collection and the Christas food baskets for many years. He worked on gathering and separating food and toys. He also helped his wife, Rosa Raymer, with the community center P.A.C.K for which he was the muscle for the organization. He built floats, remodeled the building and fixed whatever needed to be fixed.

Donald loved his little community and spent hours installing benches in front of local businesses under part of the beautification program. He also took “His Baby” the water tender through town for the first few years watering the trees that he had planted through this program.

Donald was one of those individuals that performed unselfishly for the community and the ones he loved, but would never take any credit or boast of his deeds. He was a genuinely good person who will be missed by everyone who knew him.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 28, at 1 p.m. at the Middletown United Methodist Church, 15833 Armstrong St.

 

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Lotte Parlet. Courtesy photo.

 

Lotte Parlet
Aug. 6, 1933 – May 30, 2025

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lotte Parlet, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and matriarch, passed away on May 30, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 91.

Born in Nuremberg, Germany, to Marie and Felix Elmer, Lotte’s early years were marked by the hardships of World War II. She endured the devastation of Allied bombings and the subsequent destruction of her hometown. In the challenging years that followed, she subsisted on minimal rations, demonstrating resilience and fortitude.

Around 1950, during the American occupation of Germany, Lotte met a young U.S. serviceman, Ken Parlet Sr. Their connection blossomed into a lasting love, and after marrying in her hometown, they moved to California’s San Luis Obispo County. There, Ken began his civilian life as a cowboy on horseback before transitioning to a career in the grocery business. Lotte pursued a successful career in the emerging electronics industry, contributing to the early days of telecommunications.

In June 1970, Ken and Lotte took a significant step by purchasing the Lakeport Purity Store in Lake County, pooling their savings to invest in the business. Over the years, they expanded their operations, acquiring additional stores in Clearlake and Lucerne. Lotte managed bookkeeping and household responsibilities while raising their children, Kenny and Lindy.

Following the downsizing of Lakeview Market, the family focused on the Lucerne location, where Lotte continued her bookkeeping work for the next 40 years. Her dedication played a pivotal role in Lakeview’s success, culminating in the recognition as Progressive Grocer’s Outstanding Independent Meat Retailer of 2018.

After Ken Sr.’s passing in 2008, Lotte continued to work until her late 80s, embodying the values of thrift, love and close family ties that she learned during her early life in war-torn Germany. In her later years, she moved away from her home out in Scotts Valley to live with her daughter and son-in-law, where she enjoyed assisting with daycare children, affectionately known as “Grandma” by all. We all believed that the eight years being at home with her daughter kept her young.

Lotte is survived by her daughter, Lindy Hamner and son-in-law, Danny; her son, Kenny and his wife, Deana; grandchildren, Dannille and Christopher Clark, Lindsey Hamner, Mickayla and Ashley Burnett, Aaron Parlet, Ariana Parlet, and Jamie and Johnny Gozony; and great-grandchildren, Jordan, Johnny, Ayliah, Angie, Monique, Gia and Anthony. She is also survived by her sister, Hilda.

Lotte’s legacy is one of strength, compassion and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com

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David Tuttle. Courtesy photo.

 

David Harold Tuttle, born Oct. 14, 1945, in Ukiah, California, to Audrey and Harold Tuttle, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife of 58 years, Melodye, and their daughters, Debra, Jenni, and Tammi.

Dave lived with passion, grit and a determined spirit that shaped a remarkable life.

He leaves behind his daughters' husbands, Brent Holdenried, Tim McCarthy, and Clay VanHousen; eight grandchildren, Kacie, Mitchell, Carson, Carli, John, Evan, Joey and Gene; step-grandchildren, Tyler and Ryan, through his daughter Tammi's marriage; eight great-grandchildren, Hudson, Isabella, Emersyn, Knox, Addilyn, Riley, Wyatt, and Olive; and his twin sister, Ruby Elphick; brother-in-law Richard Elphick and nephew Aaron Johnson, who was like a son to him.

A proud patriot, Dave cherished his country, held dear his friends and family, and was ever ready to aid those in need.

At age 11, Dave faced the tragic loss of his father, Harold. With resolve beyond his years, he became the man of the house, managing the family sheep and hay operation, ensuring its success through his tireless work ethic. This loss was the quintessential turning point in his life, as he overcame and endured hardships.

The Rohrbough family helped raise him after his father's passing; they were indeed his family. He spent many years praising and thanking them for the kindness they shared with him. Without their love and support during his challenging youth, he might not have become the man we all grew to love and respect.

A gifted athlete, Dave excelled on the gridiron, danced with grace and style, always a crowd favorite with a plethora of partners. His quick wit and humor lightened any room, while early boxing lessons from his father equipped him to prevail in Covelo's occasional fist fights. His passion for fast cars, good horses, and loyal dogs embodied his spirited country roots.

An accomplished farmer and rancher, Dave worked at the Butcher and Nelson Ranches in Ukiah, before finding his calling at the Valley Oaks Ranch in Hopland. There, he transformed the ranch into a flourishing wine grape and pear operation, earning industry-wide respect.

He and his family thrived, sharing his love for horses, ranching, and farming. He cherished memories of team roping with his daughters, cheering them at rodeos, high school sporting events, and their FFA activities.

As a proud grandfather, he avidly supported his grandchildren's sports, he loved telling them how he used to play the game. In 1985, Dave and his family left the Valley Oaks Ranch, he later joined Beringer Vineyards, where he pioneered the first Lake County Red Hills Appellation vineyard. His expertise set a high standard, mentoring others, winning awards, and leaving a lasting legacy as an industry pioneer.

In his final years, Dave faced countless health issues with extraordinary courage, never complaining, always fighting to stay with his family just a bit longer. His strength and spirit inspired all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held on July 6 at 2 p.m. at Fritch Hall, Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport, California.

Family and friends will provide a late lunch featuring his favorite foods and spirits. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a high school FFA (Future Farmers of America) program in his name.

David Harold Tuttle's steadfast spirit and enduring legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

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Stephen H. Nicholls. Courtesy photo.

 

Stephen was born in Cokeville, Wyoming on Aug. 16, 1931, to Stephen L. and Iris M. Nicholls.

He passed away June 3, 2025, in Lakeport, California.

After high school Steve joined the U.S. Army and became a paratrooper. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Crowder, in 1951. After he was honorably discharged, he attended Oregon State University, receiving a doctorate in pharmacy.

In 1958, Steve, Margaret and daughters, Jackie and Toni, moved to Healdsburg, California where he had his first job as a pharmacist.

In 1963, with the addition of their third daughter Tammy, the family moved to Lakeport and purchased Lakeport Drug Store. In 1964 Nichi was born and the family was complete.

After owning Lakeport Drug Store for over 30 years, he sold the store. He then worked as a relief pharmacist in Lakeport until he retired in 2003.

Steve loved skin diving, bottom fishing, camping in Fort Bragg, yoga and bike riding. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially the OSU Beavers and looked forward to his daily phone calls with his friend Don Browning discussing the S.F. Giants and 49ers.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, his devoted wife, Margaret R. Nicholls and his best friend and companion, Buddy the cocker spaniel.

He is survived by his daughters, Jackie (Rob) Akins, Toni (Frank) Chilton, Tammy Nicholls and Nichi Winchester; grandchildren, Alesha (Dan), Stephen, Melissa, and Cory (Shannon); and three great grandchildren, Robby, Maddie and Jordan. He is also survived by his sister, Norma Bessy of Myrtle Point, Oregon.

 

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Stephen H. Nicholls. Courtesy photo.

 

The family would like to thank the staff at Lakeport Post Acute for their kindness and care of our Dad over the past two months.

Donation in Steve’s memory may be made to, Joy Madeiros Veterans Museum, 857 11th St., Lakeport, CA 95453.

We miss you, Dad.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Thursday, June 12, from 4 to 5 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Friday, June 13, at 1 p.m. with graveside interment to follow at Hartley Cemetery.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com

 

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Mary Secord. Courtesy photo.

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Mary Secord. Courtesy photo.

 

Mary Secord
1925-2025

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Mary passed away Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, at her home in Lakeport.

She was born October 26, 1925, just a few months shy of becoming 100 years old.

She is survived by her two sons, Don and his wife Sabrina, and Dave and his wife, Marla; five grandchildren, Barth, Kelly, Laura, Chris and Eric; and three great-grandchildren, Paisley, Bridget and Evelyn, who called her "Grandmama.”

Mary was an active member of the Garden Club for 43 years spending five of those years as the president. She left her mark of beautiful floral arrangements trailing up and down Main Street over many years, assisting with the club's efforts of beautifying their community.

To her family, she will forever and always be remembered as a woman who was the very definition of the Golden Age. She made incredible meals, tended to her beautiful garden, and hosted with grace making it unforgettable and appear effortless. She lived a remarkable life and is now with our Lord and Savior, her husband Jack, and is in a garden that we can only dream of.

Rest in Peace, Mary.

The gathering will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, at 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, with the funeral service at noon followed by interment at Hartley Cemetery. A reception to be announced at the service.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit chapelofthelakes.com.

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Richard Wolfe. Courtesy photo.

 

Richard Floyd Wolfe
1931-2025

Richard Floyd Wolfe was born Aug. 17, 1931, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Walter and Evelyn Wolfe. Richard was the fifth of nine children.

At 17 years of age, he joined the Marines, following in his older brothers’ footsteps. He served for four years during the Korean War. Richard was discharged in San Diego and went to work at a moving company, delivering furniture throughout the United States. He eventually moved to the Los Angeles area, where he found steady work in construction.

Richard moved to Lake County, California, in the late 1960s and opened Wolfe Mobile Home Services, setting up mobile homes throughout the county.

In 1973, he came under the spell of the charming Evelyn Prather and married her in 1975.

Richard, also known as Dick or “Chief,” gained seven stepsons and their families through this union.

He worked for the Lake County Building Co. as a building inspector from 1975 to 1993.

Retired, but never idle, Dick and Evelyn joined a square dancing group and traveled to other counties for dances. They were the No. 1 fans of the “Prather Brothers,” Evelyn’s sons’ band, dancing together until the concerts were over.

“Chief” helped build several of his stepsons’ homes and did repairs when needed. He was always the first to lend a helping hand for family and friends.

Dick was a wonderful husband, stepfather, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He will be reunited with his beloved wife, Evelyn; stepsons, Darryl (Lela) and Donny (Mary); daughter-in-law, Joni (Danny); and four of his siblings.

Dick leaves behind his stepsons, Steven (Jennifer), Mike (Kathy), Gary (Cathy), Danny and Tim (Linda); numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and his niece, Debi Malley.

He is also survived by his sisters, Miriam and Loretta; brother, Barry; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 20, at the Kelseyville Cemetery.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com

 

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