Obits
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Steven Lee Hance
Dec. 16, 1945 - Oct. 5, 2024
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Steve has been untethered from this world … released from his earthly body. He passed away in his sleep without trauma or pain, and now knows what’s on the other side of this life, as we all will someday. We believe it is peace as we have never known it on earth.
Steve was the dad to four amazing children, Kim Smith, Steffani (Sonny) McCurry, Matt (Yessenia) Evans, and Ashley (Ryan) Plattner and 11 grandchildren, Bobby, Kiley, Cameron, Chance, Shane, Jimmy, Tiffani, Leo, Laney, Austin and Penelope.
He was living his best life after moving back to his hometown of Lakeport, California and was involved in a great relationship with Judy Conard. His life was filled with good neighbors, community outings, art, boat-rides on the lake in his pontoon boat and a recent trip with Judy to Great Britain and Europe.
Steve was born in Shoemaker, California to Lloyd P. Hance and Lucille (Conable) Hance at the end of World War II while his father was still serving in the Navy. He grew up on Hill Road with his sisters, Sally (Alex Gatica) Sirocky and Sue (Ed) Ventura, graduated from Sacramento State College with a degree in business and returned to Lakeport to work in his father’s business, Hance-Meyer, during that time the largest employer in Lake County.
He later moved to Rohnert Park and Sausalito, creating Housesavers and Deckmasters working with his son, Matt and serving Marin County for over 20 years. He loved traveling to Mexico and resided there for a time learning the Spanish language.
Steve's family will remember him for his quick wit and warm smile. He was “there” for many of us at times of crisis really listening and empathizing.
A celebration of his life is planned for Feb. 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Event Design, 1855 S. Main St., Lakeport.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With great love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, María de Jesús Hernandez Cázares, known to all as Mama Chucha, who passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 97.
She was born on Dec. 8, 1927, in La Loma, Michoacán, México, to Jesús Hernández Melchor and Josefa Cázares Cornejo.
Mama Chucha lived a life full of resilience, love and dedication. She experienced some of the most transformative events in history, including the Cristero War, the Great Depression and the land reforms in Mexico that led to the establishment of ejidos.
She also lived through the challenging years of separation from her husband, Gonzalo Rico Ruiz, during World War II when he left for the United States as part of the Bracero Program. Despite the distance, their love endured, and they remained united for 77 years of marriage.
In 1960, Mama Chucha and Gonzalo received land through the ejido program and built a home and a life in El Pino Real, Michoacán.
Mama Chucha was known for her many talents. She tended to a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers, made delicious fresh cheese and prepared tortillas by hand on her metate using nixtamal. Her meals were legendary — made with love and care, using fresh ingredients grown right on their land: beans, squash, corn, tomatoes, chilies, sweet potatoes and avocados. Her family will forever remember the warmth of her kitchen, where delicious aromas filled the air and the love she poured into every meal.
In 2017, Mama Chucha and Gonzalo moved to Kelseyville, California, to be closer to their children.
She is survived by her loving husband, Gonzalo Rico Ruiz, and their children: Jerónimo Rico, Cruz Rico, Carmelo Rico, Guadalupe Rico, María Rivas, Martín Rico, Amalia Rico, Rosa María Rico and Mario Rico.
Mama Chucha was also blessed with 33 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry on her memory with love and gratitude.
She was predeceased by her son Gonzalo Rico II.
Mama Chucha’s life was one of strength, faith and dedication. She was a devout Catholic and never failed to pray the daily rosary, always keeping her entire family in her prayers. Her warmth, kindness and the many lessons she imparted will live on through her family and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a woman of faith, a loving mother and grandmother, and a true matriarch whose love and influence will forever be felt.
Descanza en paz, Mama Chucha. Siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones y tu amor nos acompañará para siempre.
Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Friday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Dennis Lee Cibart was born on Aug. 13, 1942 in Redding, California, to Fred and Fern Cibart.
He passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Dennis served in the US army and truly loved his country. He briefly worked for the forestry service and made his career at the Geysers with PG&E and NCPA.
In 1968 he met the love of his life, Karen. After a lengthy four-month courtship they said “I do” on Nov. 2, 1968. They had a love like no other and were inseparable ever since.
He moved his family to Cobb, California, in 1974, and later to their property “Critter Canyon” in Middletown, California, in 1984.
When they lost their home to a wildfire in 2015, they made their new home in Kelseyville Riviera.
He loved his family, friends, animals, working in their flower garden and traveling the backroads.
Dennis is survived by the love of his life, Karen Cibart; his daughters, Kim (Paul) Tostie of Cobb and Denise (Billy) Gacke of Rock Rapids, Iowa; his grandchildren, Jessica Gurrola, Karen (Nick) Valdovinos, Branden, Meghan and Jayson Tostie; great-grandchildren, Junian Magruder, Rylee High, Stefan Gurrola and Luca Valdovinos; many other family members and friends, and of course his main squeeze Daisy-dog.
His family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date.
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