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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Robert “Steve” Stephens, born October 5, 1935, passed away peacefully Jan. 25, 2014.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Jeanette and his children, Kimberly, Jeffery and Lisa.
Steve was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a career carpenter.
May the Lord smile upon you, Steve.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Jess Willard, 98, passed away on Jan. 22, 2014.
Born to Martha and James Willard on November 10, 1915 in Bray, Oklahoma, Jess grew up with seven siblings.
He is survived by his three children: Mary Louise, Richard and Ken. Jess also is survived by brother, Horace; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, with one more due in April; and five great-great-grandchildren. Jess survived three wives, including Ruby of a 60-year marriage.
Jess worked in agriculture most of his life, beginning on the family’s broom corn and cotton farm in Oklahoma. He worked the Oklahoma oil fields before moving to California in 1937. During World War II, Jess helped construct Fort Ord, Camp Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts.
In both San Martin and Atwater, Calif., Jess and Ruby owned and operated the Jess Willard Dairy. He was founding director of the Western Dairymen Cooperative, received five "Best Producing Herd" awards, and was a member of the California Milk Advisory Board for 30 years.
As a lifetime member of the North American Sheepdog Society, Jess bred and raised border collies that achieved both California and national championship status.
Upon retiring, Jess and Ruby moved to Oregon to assist on son Ken’s ranch, raising Dorper sheep and hay.
He spent his last five years in California, living in Clearlake Oaks, sharing food, telling stories, and passing time with new and old friends, as well as family.
Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 12821 First St., Clearlake Oaks.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Edith Colleen Neal Klier passed from this earth Jan. 23, 2014, at the age of 88.
She was born to Walter Washington Neal and Zee Wilson Neal of Nail, Ark., on Jan. 22, 1926, in West Portal, Colo.
She spent her childhood around large construction sites where her father worked as a high explosives expert until the Great Depression ended most large construction.
Her parents divorced and she and her father spent the war years working in the Bremerton Navy Yards. Her mother remarried and moved to Kelseyville and she followed after the war.
She ran the switchboard for Bell Telephone at the Kelseyville office, and picked pears along with her stepfather, Jesse C. Casey for Martin Klier on the side.
She married Martin Klier in October of 1948. Together they had four sons, Martin N. (Pamela) Klier, Walter A. ( Diane) Klier, both deceased, and John C. Klier and Richard C. (Deanna) Klier. Her husband Martin passed in December of 1989.
Edith spent the rest of her life on the ranch she and Martin bought in Scotts Valley.
Over the years she worked in Thorpe's nursing home, the Lake County Justice Court, Lakeside Hospital and Crawford, Major and Kranz, attorneys at law. She joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church in 1954 and remained a member throughout her life.
She leaves behind four grandchildren, Christian Klier, Nathan Klier, Leanne Klier, and Ian Klier; four great-grandchildren, Paris, and Portia Klier, Avery Thurman and Lily Klier; and her stepsister, Pearl Divine of Red Bluff.
No funeral services are planned. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
The family prefers donations to either the Lakeport Fire Department at 445 N. Main St. Lakeport, CA 95453, or Hospice of Lake County at 1717 S. Main St., Lakeport, CA 95453.
For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .