John Duane Thompson
2/20/55 – 12/17/12

John Thompson passed away suddenly at the age of 57, leaving a tremendous void in the hearts of all those who knew him.  

Born in San Francisco, John was raised in San Rafael, Calif., graduating from Terra Linda High School.  

At age 19, John lost his father and moved to Alaska to work in a lumber mill and a fishery. He attended UC Berkeley for two years and completed his education at the University of Washington, earning a degree in atmospheric science. He also obtained a pilot license with instrument, commercial and flight engineer ratings.

In 1983 John began his career at the Lake County Air Quality Management District in Lakeport where he served for 20 years, earning numerous awards and recognition for his achievements.

John continued his Lake County service at Special Districts from 2003 until his passing.

His patience, intelligence, positive attitude and dedication made him an enormous asset to the district. He always kept the public’s best interest at heart, and was known as a good, fair, honest man. John’s co-workers were also his friends and he will be missed beyond description.

John was a loving husband, devoted father, gourmet cook, diehard Oakland A’s fan, award-winning beer brewer, Little League coach and an avid waterfowl hunter.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Hazen Thompson, and mother, Barbara Jean Ellis.  

He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 25 years, Ann Thompson; son, Evan Thompson; sister, Maureen Ketron; niece, Aura Lenz (Justin), nephews, David and Douglas Ketron, Gary (Suzi) and Danny (Tina) Wood.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Lodge at Blue Lakes.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Evan Thompson College Fund at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

Betty Coulson
March 27, 1924 to Dec. 18, 2012

Betty was born and raised in Oakland, Ca. with one sibling, Charmaine.

She married Gail Coulson on April 5, 1942, and had four children: Bonnie, Walter, Duane and Melody.

They settled in San Jose, Calif., only to move to Concord, Calif., where they had Coulson Pest Control.

They enjoyed many years on Bethel Island with their family. They made their final move together to Middletown, Calif., where Betty raised two of her grandchildren, Nathan and Heather, and enjoyed her growing family. Throughout her life her home was filled with loved ones.

Throughout her life she was a great artist producing paintings, pottery, drift wood, embroidery and crochet pieces for her family to enjoy.

She leaves behind two children, nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many friends.

She was a loving and giving woman who warmed the hearts of many. She will be remembered every day and greatly missed.  

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, Lower Lake, Calif.

Arrangements entrusted to Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, www.joneandlewis.com .

Virginia “Ginnie” Ann Woods passed away at her home in Lower Lake, Calif., on Dec. 19, 2012.

Born on Sept. 19, 1946, in Oakland, Calif., Ginnie grew up in Alamo and graduated from San Ramon Valley High School.

She moved to Lake County in 1974 and fell in love with Lower Lake. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s she raised and showed champion rabbits and goats.

Ginnie was kind hearted and it showed as her profession was caring for developmentally disabled adults for the last 34 years. A lifelong learner, she was a avid reader of history, science and politics, and had a gift for remembering read facts when in conversation. Her empathetic, spirited character and laugh will be truly missed.

Ginnie is survived by her son, Mark Jacobson (Ramona); her grandson, Jack Jacobson; and her sister, Marie Cleverdon (Barry).  

Ginnie is predeceased by her son, Payton Jacobson; her father, Francis Woods; and her mother, Florence Woods (Jordison).

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 12, 2013, at 1 p.m. at the Brick Hall in Lower Lake.

Family prefers donations be made to Advocates for Independent Living, 4795 Gaddy Lane, Kelseyville, telephone 707-279-8822, in memory of Virginia Woods.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

Doris J. Harrell, 74, passed away Oct. 27, 2012, at St. Joseph Medical Center. She was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Crowell, Texas.

She was a member of “TOPS.” Doris enjoyed spending time on her computer. She lost her sight but that didn’t stop her from bowling and owning her business, Hunkey Dorie’s in Sacramento. She was a very happy lady.

Doris was preceded in death by her mother Eula Alston and two brothers Gerald and Grady Solomon.

She is survived by her daughters Malinda Jones and her fiancé Dale Kleinsorge and Diane Kleier and her husband Mitchell; grandchildren Curtis, Kyle and Jami Jones, Matthew, Shawn, Chad and Adam; five great-grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

Marvin Gaynor, 82, died peacefully at his home in Cobb, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012.

He lived a very fulfilled life.  

Marvin is survived by his four children, Suzanne, Pamela, Alyssa and Robb, and his 12 grandchildren.

Papa, you were an amazing man and will truly be missed.

Cremation arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport, Calif.

On Dec. 8, 2012, Billie, a Veteran of WWII, passed away peacefully at his home in Finley, Calif., at the age of 90.

He was born to the late Adolphus and Jessie Sperling January 11, 1922 in Sterling, Okla.

Billie is survived by his wife of 73 years, Alice; his daughters, Sandra Wood of Lakeport, and, Linda (Emmitt) Courtright of North Bend, Ore.; his son, David (Debbi) Sperling of Fort Bragg, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Karen Sperling of Kelseyville, Calif.; and 43 grandchildren who he loved dearly.

Billie is preceded in death by his son, Lonnie Sperling and grandson, Tony Spering both of Kelseyville.

Billie drove heavy equipment for West Lake Soil Conservation. He built ponds, constructed roads and leveled land for more than 30 years.  

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He looked forward to his hunting and fishing trips with friends and family every year.

Most of all he cherished his family and loved family celebrations. He was a good man and loved by all.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611.