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- Written by: Editor
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Helaine (Fritch) Downhour entered peacefully into rest Dec. 19, 2014.
She was born in 1930 in Big Valley and worked as a telephone operator in Lake County's first telephone system.
Helaine married Robert Downhour in December of 1953. They made their home in Lakeport, and were blessed with two children, Stephen and Linda.
Bob and Helaine enjoyed traveling the California coastline into Oregon to visit friends and family (cousins, Donna Lee and Eloise).
They made many friends during their travels, and often met spontaneously over a prime fishing hole or a favorite camping spot.
Many have fond memories of their humor and generosity with their catch of the day, Helaine's cooking and their stories.
Later in life they enjoyed shorter travels with three grandchildren, Amanda, Jim and Michael.
She joins many in Heaven, including her beloved husband, Robert Downhour; brothers, Ken, Gene and Les; and her son, Stephen Downhour.
She is missed by her family, which includes her daughter, Linda Norton; daughter-in-law, Annie Downhour; cousins, Donna Lee and and Eloise; sister-in-law, Veva Fritch; and grandchildren, Amanda Johnson (John W.), Jim Parlet II and Michael Downhour; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A private gathering in remembrance of Helaine will be arranged at a later date.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.
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- Written by: Editor
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lila Jean Bennett was the firstborn child of proud parents Alexander and Katherine Newfield in Los Angeles, Calif., born on Oct. 2, 1926.
Her mother Katherine always claimed that Lila was their “love child” and a wonderful daughter.
In the early 1920s her father and uncle started a plastering business in Los Angeles, “The Newfield Bros.” It became the largest plastering business in the 1940s, and she worked there as the bookkeeper.
In 1947 she received a pilot’s license. Shortly after, she met, fell in love and married Newfield Bros.' handsome new employee, Evan Bennett, on Nov. 12, 1948.
They began to start their own family with the birth of Allen, Daryl and then Mark. In 1959 Lila, husband and family moved to Lake County, Calif., when they bought a beautiful ranch property in Witter Springs.
Prior to moving to Lake County she started studying the Bible with her mother, became baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and then started sharing her love of Bible truths with others which became a lifelong dedication.
After moving to Lake County she met with the local congregation in a small building in Lakeport and continued her lifelong dedication of serving Jehovah God and sharing her Bible knowledge with the community.
Between full-time duties including being a mother, rancher, belonging to a cooperative dairy creamery and bookkeeping for her husband’s plastering business, Lila gave birth to daughter Gail.
Along with all her responsibilities she always loved to grow a large garden which included canning or preserving the fruits and vegetables she harvested.
For many years she belonged to a “gleaning club” where she would go into orchards after harvest season and glean fruits and nuts. She was known for always sharing with others the “fruits of her labors,” Bible truths and food from her gleaning and personal garden.
Lila took her responsibilities seriously, including taking care of her loved ones, which included her mother’s elderly sister Aunt Margaret, her father’s elderly brother Uncle Nick and finally her own aging mother Katherine Newfield. These preceded her in death including her father Alexander Newfield, brother, Ronald Newfield and lastly her loving husband, Evan Bennett.
In the last four years, Lila herself suffered from dementia, needing one-on-one care. Luckily, Lila was able to be cared for in the comfort of her own home. Caregivers were the members of loving family, especially, her daughter Gail, son-in-law Dana, Candy, including Hospice Services of Lake County.
Lila passed comfortably in her sleep on Feb. 16, 2015.
Among those who love her and mourn her passing, Lila leaves behind four children, Allen Bennett, Daryl Bennett, Mark Bennett, Gail Bennett-Wofford; nine grandchildren, Joy Marcks, Marc Bennett, Jennifer Powers, Jenny Bennett, Katie Bennett, Loni Bennett, Jessica Wofford, Hannah Wofford, Evan Wofford; four great-grandchildren, Vance Driskell, Nya Marcks, Leyla Marcks and an expected baby in August 2015; and many nieces and nephews.
Lila’s family and friends has an extraordinary example of a proverbial “capable wife” and a mother whose unconditional love has made a name that is “better than good oil.”
Memorial services will be held at Chapel of the Lakes at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 1.
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- Written by: Editor
Manuel Guzman
March 5, 1936 – Feb. 8, 2015
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Manuel Guzman, age 78, a longtime Kelseyville resident, died on Feb. 8, 2015.
Manuel is survived by his wife, Cruz; five children, Yolanda (Juan) Rosas, Rosio (Jesse) Santana, Maria Guzman, Susy Guzman and Eddie Guzman; three grandchildren, John Rosas, and Joey and Monique Santana.
The family thanks everyone for their support during this difficult time.
His family will be honoring his request for private services.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.