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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Patricia Want
1947-2026
Patricia Want, 78 of Santa Rosa, California, entered into rest on Jan. 16, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family.
She was born to Marx Hopper and Carmelita Baker (Patch) on Feb. 10, 1947, in Lakeport, California. She was a tribal member from Big Valley Rancheria who lived with her mother on Elem.
Patricia, better known as Patty, was a loving and caring, strong-willed woman who enjoyed everything like: sewing, dancing, bingo, yard sales or in the kitchen cooking. Among other things she was a big Elvis fan, favorite color purple, and always wearing her beaded earrings.
She was full of life, rarely saw her mad or angry, always smiling and content. Married to her sweetheart, Benjamin Want in 2014, even though they have been together for over 50 years. Patty loved her family tremendously, raising her grandkids and great grandkids along with nieces and nephews.
Patty is survived by her loving husband Benjamin (Benny); her five children, Penny Moranda, Michael Burrows, Carmelita Hopper, Joseph Weber and Silvia (Rose) Royer; brothers, Gusford (Nelson) Hopper and Calvin Hopper; sister, Pauline (Paula) Hopper; 20 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren who knew her as “Grandma Grandma.”
Patty was truly a remarkable and beautiful soul and will be missed deeply. Her love and dedication for her family was always felt and unwavering and will forever be cherished.
A traditional visitation to honor Patty will be held starting Thursday, Jan. 22, on Big Valley at 1030 Osprey Court in Lakeport starting at 11 a.m. and ending Sunday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m., then laid to rest next to her mother on Sunday, Jan. 25, at Elem Cemetery around noon.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit chapelofthelakes.com.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
G. Patricia Hildebrand
May 20, 1937 – Jan. 10, 2026
G. Patricia Hildebrand, 88, of Potter Valley, California, passed away on Jan. 10, 2026.
Known fondly by family and friends as Grandma Pat, Patricia, Pat, Patsy, Gertie, Pitty Pat and Mom, she was a woman whose warmth and dedication left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
The oldest of four girls, Patricia was born to Evelyn and Francis Morrison on May 20, 1937, at her childhood home in Finley, California.
She attended Kelseyville elementary and high schools, graduating in 1954. She then attended Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, graduating with a bachelor’s degree and a California teaching credential in 1958.
Within weeks of graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart, John Ross Hildebrand Jr. They first lived on Cobb Mountain in Lake County and had five children in six years (with Patricia proudly noting there were "no Irish twins!"). Eventually, the family moved to Healdsburg and Redwood Valley before settling in Potter Valley, where Patricia became a well-known community leader.
Patricia’s professional life was defined by her 35-year career as a home economics and social studies teacher. She began at Potter Valley High School, moved to Ukiah High School and finally Pomolita Middle School, where she greatly impacted the lives of thousands of students.
Outside the classroom, Patricia loved to cook, sew and solve crossword puzzles. An avid sports fan and a devoted supporter of Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, she never missed a game.
Most importantly, according to her children, she knew how to laugh. She was a master entertainer who delighted in hosting her large family, especially her grandchildren.
A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Patricia was a longtime member of St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. She was also active in Homemakers of America, Delta Kappa Gamma (retired teachers’ association), and served as a 4-H/FFA advisor and homemaking competition judge.
Her grandson Tanner recently captured her spirit beautifully, sharing: “Grandma Patricia had a quiet strength, a kind heart, and a way of making people feel cared for just by being around her. She carried so much love for her family ... I find comfort in knowing that her impact on our lives will never fade and she is with Grandpa John again.”
Patricia is survived by her beloved cat, Gracie, and a large, devoted family including 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and another on the way, and one great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her sisters: Ann LaGrande (Dan) of Portland, Oregon; Christie Otto of Chico, California; and Irene Kavanagh (Jack) of Sacramento.
Patricia's five Children and their families:
Sheryn Hildebrand Wattenburger (Cook) of Ukiah, California; grandchildren Matthew Wattenburger (Jordan) and family, Kenzi Wattenburger, and Linda Wattenburger and family.
Joanne Hildebrand Drake (William) of Thousand Oaks, California; grandchildren Caitlin Drake Piemonte (Vinnie), and Danielle Drake-Keller (Brian).
John F. Hildebrand (Danya) of Potter Valley, California; grandson Jarred Hildebrand (Darcie) and family.
Mary Hildebrand Merritt (Dr. Frank) of Ukiah; grandchildren Brandon Merritt (Dr. Wendi) and family, and Miley Merritt.
Danny Hildebrand (Megan) of Post Falls, Idaho; grandchildren Kristofer, Kyle (Sara) and family and Tanner (Shayla) and family.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, John Ross Hildebrand Jr., in 2006 and her parents, Francis and Evelyn Morrison.
Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with Rosary at 5:30 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 4085 Main St., Kelseyville, on Friday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. followed by graveside interment at Kelseyville Cemetery, 3375 Bell Hill Road.
Friends and family are invited back to a coffee and dessert reception at Glebe Hall at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Peter’s Men and Women’s Club are appreciated.
You can mail donations to St. Mary Immaculate at 801 N. Main St., Lakeport, CA 95453. Please be sure to put on the check In Memory of Patricia Hildebrand and for St. Peter’s Men and Women’s Club.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Joe D. Santos
1952-2025
Joe David Santos was born on July 18, 1952, to Joe and Ethel Santos in Lakeport, California.
Joe unexpectedly left us on Dec. 27, 2025, while taking a short trip to do one of his favorite things: fishing at Pyramid Lake near Reno, Nevada.
Joe lived his entire life in Upper Lake, California, on the same piece of property. He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing sports and motorcycle riding. He was a dedicated father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Joe is survived by his three sons, Joe, Mark and Kevin; four grandchildren, Nina, Jarron, Kyra and Lovita; four great-grandchildren, Harper, Adrian, Myla and Brayden; and two nephews, William and Mike; and stepchildren, Brian and Jennifer.
Joe is also survived by his brother, Bill, who was also his business partner and hunting and fishing adventure companion.
Through his 73 years of life, Joe touched many lives around Lake County, the surrounding areas and the places he traveled to. He was able to help people, give them advice and guide them to help make their lives better. He was a prankster and a joker and enjoyed a good laugh. He was also an organ donor so even in his passing he will continue to help someone better their life.
Funeral services will be held on Jan. 24 at the Upper Lake cemetery with a visitation starting at 11 a.m.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
