Obits
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Elizabeth (Betty) Memory
11/17/1923-11/09/2013
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Betty passed from this earth to where the angels are welcoming her home at last.
She was born in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, and was raised there until finalizing her high school education.
She then relocated to Ukiah, Calif., where she met and fell in love with her husband, Robert.
They were married July 4, 1947, as it was the only day that they both had off from work. They recently celebrated 66 wonderful years of marriage.
Betty was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She leaves behind her husband, Robert; daughter, Beverley Love (Michael); grandchildren, April Croce (Keith) and Robert Love (Rolyn); and great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Gabrielle and Landon.
She was predeceased in death by her daughter, Katherine.
She will be greatly missed by her family and all her many friends in Clearlake.
Her family also wishes to thank all the wonderful staff of caregivers who looked after her while at Meadowood Nursing Facility.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Lower Lake Cemetery, 9040 Lake St.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice in Betty’s name.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, Lower Lake.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Kevin Merchen, 30, passed away of natural causes while at home on Monday, Nov. 25.
He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
Despite a lengthy battle with health issues, Kevin never lost his inspiring work ethic and spirit for life.
While his family and friends grieve their loss, they rejoice in his life.
Kevin was an avid sportsman and an accomplished gunsmith. His quick wit, broad smile and sly laugh often accompanied his perfect shot whether that shot was with a ball or rifle.
A fan of anything fast, Kevin enjoyed everything with wheels and spending time with the people he loved.
Born on May 8, 1983, Kevin is survived by his father, Joe Merchen, and mother, Elaine Merchen (Claunch); his brother, Michael Merchen and wife, Heidi Merchen (Reinstein); sister, Tracie Cotteleer (Merchen), and husband, Christopher Cotteleer.
Kevin also is survived by his nieces and nephews Alexis (12), Caitlin (9), Zander (8) and Ryan (7); his granddad, Bernard Merchen, and his grandma, Agnes Claunch (Knox); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Laura Elaine Merchen; grandmother, Joyce Merchen (Spencer); and grandfather, Elmer Claunch.
“At the time the young man finally rested, the people wept. In time, the people remembered the quality of the man and rejoiced that they were witness to his life and, that all life was better for him having been part of it.”
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 North High St. in Lakeport, followed by burial at Upper Lake Cemetery.
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Mildred Wray Ellis, 96, peacefully passed from this life to the next on Monday morning, Nov. 18, 2013, in Provo, Utah from natural causes, due to her age.
She was born in Hobart, Kiowa County, Missouri on May 28, 1917.
In 1945 she married Randolph Franklin Ellis (deceased). She was a stepmother/mother to Peggy “Joyce” Ellis (Harold Rebeck), Danye Franklin Ellis (deceased), William Harold Ellis (deceased), Timothy Craig Ellis, Penny Kathleen Ellis (Bob Lee), Gary Leonard Ellis (Lee Ann) and Jerry Wayne Ellis (Diann).
Her life was filled with giving service to her family and friends. She loved to attend any event her children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren were participating in – be it sports, music or drama. She loved to bowl and make things with her hands.
She was known for her beautiful smile. Strangers were just friends she hadn’t met yet. New residents at her care center were made to feel at home by her friendly welcome. She could artfully dig out information while innocently playing games with her loved ones.
She was playing games the day before she died when she quietly informed us, “I’m tired. I want to go home.”
She has 32 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Kelseyville Cemetery, located at 3375 Bell Hill Road.
For more information, please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357.
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