Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Matilda J. Robinson
May 12, 1928 - June 25, 2024
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — As the sun was coming down, the clouds parted and heaven gained a true angel.
Matilda J. Robinson died in her home at the Witter Springs Ranch, surrounded by her big loving family. Shortly after her death, she painted the sky with the most spectacular sunset.
Matilda was born May 12, 1928, in Ukiah, California to Pearl and Foster Guntly. She was raised in Potter Valley, California on the Guntly Ranch. Matilda was one of four children, and two foster children: John Guntly, Saralu Yates, Laurel Hodges, Placita Yates and John (Poncho) Colon.
During her childhood she picked apples and grapes, and packed pears in the packing house. She talked about the time she and Della Guntly got tired of filling those big lugs of grapes to the top, so they filled the bottom with rocks! Yes! They got caught. Makes a fun story though.
After graduating from high school she ventured off to Santa Rosa, where she attended Santa Rosa Junior College, earning her Associate of Arts degree. While attending college she played on the basketball team, even traveling for games. She also took a tap dancing class. She was quite competitive — and also loved a good game of ping pong. She spoke of fun times while attending college, and the lifelong friends she met there.
After college Matilda met the love of her life, Bill Robinson (from Willits). He had returned home from the war and was quite the catch. She often said, “He looked like the actor, Anthony Quinn, so handsome!” It was love at first sight.
In 1949 Bill and Matilda married in Ukiah. They settled first in Willits, where they bought their first home (which she still owns to this day). Bill and Matilda moved to Cold Creek for awhile, then moved back to Willits.
In 1958 they made the momentous decision to move to Witter Springs to manage the Witter Springs Ranch, and to help care for her parents, Foster and Pearl Guntly. She said, “I never regretted that decision, it was a great place to raise our family.”
They created a legacy of five children: Cheryl Wheeler (Wes), Rachel Quist (Jim), Mike Robinson (deceased), Fred Robinson (Lora) and Paula Clark (Maurice). She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends.
Matilda was very involved with the community: PTA and the School Board; 4-H; California Women of Agriculture; TOPS, earning KOPS status; poll worker, as the inspector; and Queen of the Rosary Guild. She was a caretaker of family and friends. She was a support person to anybody who needed it. She never knew a stranger, and once a friend always a friend.
Matilda loved her gardens and her chickens (earning the CB handle “Mother Hen”). So much good food was produced from the ranch and her gardens; canning, freezing, baking and barbecues, giving the term “domestic engineer” a new meaning. Nobody ever left hungry, and the coffee pot was always on.
Then, there is the infamous cookie jar, always full. Yes, it is still on the counter, and anyone that comes into the kitchen always checks to see what is inside. She really loved her sweets!
She made the big old house where she raised her kids a warm and loving home. She was a true matriarch of the family. We are comforted knowing that she is now flying with the angels.
She leaves us with so many good memories: rides out in the hills, trips to the ocean, cherry picking, swim lessons, etc.
A memorial service will be held in her honor at Chapel of the Lakes, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, on July 20 at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at the Witter Springs Ranch.
Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
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. — Patricia (aka Pat or Patty) Ann Sheffield passed peacefully on July 2, 2024, at the age of 87.
She spent a short period in hospice before leaving us to be with her husband, George Sheffield, who predeceased her. She also plans to reunite with her loving pet companions she had over the years.
Pat was born to Charles and Dorothy Haynes in Helena, Montana, and was one of two children. She moved to California at the age of 19 (to Hollywood no less!).
She first came to Lake County as the owner/proprietor of Pine Acres in Blue Lakes. Later, she worked for and retired from the Social Security Administration.
She was a member and leader in the United Christian Parish, serving many roles and befriending all.
Pat is survived by her daughter, Kelly (plus Ken); grandson, Joshua Carson and his son, Seth; seven Sheffield stepchildren, George Jr. (plus Blanch), Gayle, Thomas, Richard, Kathy (plus Elias), John (plus Tonya) and Ed (plus Beth).
She is additionally survived by six Sheffield grandchildren, Nanyamka, Kathyanne, Delaney, John, Orion, and Quinn; and many nieces and nephews.
She also leaves behind many friends and neighbors.
She is predeceased by her brother, Charles Haynes, and her son, Clinton Woodard.
The family is hosting a visitation on Wednesday, July 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport.
The family and Pat’s congregation are hosting a celebration of life and potluck on Friday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at United Christian Parish in Lakeport.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Hospice Services of Lake County.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Charles Harry Stephanski, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and cherished member of the community, passed away on March 22, 2024, in San Jose, California.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1939, in Lockport, New York, to John Robert and Irene Irma Stephanski.
Charley led a remarkable life filled with love, dedication, and service. He was a man of integrity and honor, traits instilled in him by his parents and honed during his years in the Navy.
Charley proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1977, progressing from a machinist mate student to a master chief machinist mate before his honorable discharge.
After his military service, Charley pursued various career paths, showcasing his versatility and dedication in roles such as a maintenance worker, chemical circulating tech, HVAC technician and ultimately become the co-owner of his own company, Dart Couriers in Clearlake, California, before retiring to San Jose in 2003 to be closer to his family.
His commitment to excellence and hard work was evident in all that he did, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.
On Jan. 28, 1961, in Burbank, California, Charley married his first wife, Geraldine Downs, with whom he shared 23 years. Together, they built a beautiful life with four children and cherished memories.
After their separation, Charley found love once again and married Pauline Clark on Oct. 22, 1987, in San Jose. Their union lasted 22 years and brought joy and companionship to both of their lives, until her passing in 2010.
Charley was a beloved family man, survived by his children Chuck, Teresa, Michael, Annie, stepchildren Marcy, John, Rob, and Terri, along with his sisters Mary Katherine Davis and Dr. Margaret Argentine and brother-in-law Dr. Leaonard Argentine.
His legacy extends to his 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life and the source of his greatest joy.
Charley was an active member of the community, was known for his inventive spirit and tinkering nature, and was always exploring new ideas and projects with passion and curiosity.
Charles Harry Stephanski will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His kind heart, unwavering dedication, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Keeping with Charley's giving spirit, and per his request, his remains have been donated through the Stanford Anatomical Gift Program.
A service and celebration of Charley’s life will be held on Saturday, July 20, at 11 a.m. at 610 Mill Pond Dr. in San Jose.
In his memory, let us cherish the time we shared with Charley and carry forward the values of love, commitment, and service that he exemplified throughout his life.
May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love and memories he created during his time with us.
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