Obits
Melinda Sue Wright
Aug. 31, 1954 — Sept. 1, 2023
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Melinda came into this world as the first child to James and Dolores Easter.
The day after her 18th birthday she moved in with her life partner and eventual husband, James Wright. Together they had one child, Matthew.
She enjoyed good music, traveling, gardening, genealogy and, most of all, her grandchildren, who will carry her cherished memories in their hearts forever.
Melinda will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful, intelligent and loving woman to everyone around her and she will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at North Shore Christian Fellowship in Upper Lake on Saturday, Sept. 30 at noon.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Shirley May Howland
March 26, 1929 to Sept. 7, 2023
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Shirley Howland was born in Sacramento on March 26, 1929, and was raised in Oakland, the only child of Arthur and Neva Howland.
Her parents bought a summer cabin in Clearlake where she learned to sail with her father, later winning many races as the lone female entrant.
This sparked her lifelong passion for sailing and took her on many trips including to the Caribbean, Hawaii and New Zealand.
She graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 1950 and began her career in teaching in the Bay Area.
She never lost her love of Clearlake, visiting often, and eventually moving back to the expanded cottage of her childhood.
She was a strong and remarkable woman, a trailblazer, who cared deeply about social issues including peace and justice.
She stood firmly against war and for climate change action. She became a vocal supporter of the rights of the citizens of Clearlake and online searches will still find many of her strongly worded letters to the editor.
As a long-time member of the Lake County Democrats, she worked to elect women to local office, and never missed a chance to set up a voter registration table or help a stray animal. She had a strong cadre of friends who supported her to the end.
In 2019, the Lake County Silver Foundation honored her with its Inspirational Senior Award at its Senior Summit.
In 2021, she sold her house in Clearlake, gave up her beloved Prius and moved to the Edelweiss Guest Home in Lakeport where she was lovingly cared for.
She died gracefully at Rocky Point on Sept. 7, 2023, after a brief stay at Sutter Lakeside Hospital. She will be sorely missed.
In her honor, please consider modeling her courage, commitment and perseverance in speaking up for what is right.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m. at the Kelseyville United Methodist Church located at 3810 Main St.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gaye Haas, born on May 9, 1930, passed on May 16, 2023 at 93 years of age. She was born in Minden, Louisiana to Myrtle White Burnett and William Burnett.
After moving to Upper Lake, California at the end of World War II, Gaye graduated from Upper Lake High School in 1946.
Gaye later married Harold Haas, the love of her life. Their marriage spanned over 60 years and they raised five children. Her family was her deepest passion.
In the mid-60s, Gaye began her career in education. While she wore several hats during her tenure at Lakeport Unified, she primarily worked with Joan Cox in the third grade classroom.
Gaye so enjoyed working with young children and loved seeing past students as grown adults. For much of her career, she was also a school bus driver.
Survivors include Pat Haas of Lakeport, California; Penny Haas of Little River, California; and Tim Haas of Chico, California.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Haas; daughter, Sandra Butler; and son, Michael Haas.
She will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Gaye leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion for children and animals; she led a full and complete life.
The family wishes to thank the Hospice Services of Lake County for their kind support and compassion.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the United Christian Parish of Lakeport, 745 N. Brush St.
After moving to Upper Lake, California at the end of World War II, Gaye graduated from Upper Lake High School in 1946.
Gaye later married Harold Haas, the love of her life. Their marriage spanned over 60 years and they raised five children. Her family was her deepest passion.
In the mid-60s, Gaye began her career in education. While she wore several hats during her tenure at Lakeport Unified, she primarily worked with Joan Cox in the third grade classroom.
Gaye so enjoyed working with young children and loved seeing past students as grown adults. For much of her career, she was also a school bus driver.
Survivors include Pat Haas of Lakeport, California; Penny Haas of Little River, California; and Tim Haas of Chico, California.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Haas; daughter, Sandra Butler; and son, Michael Haas.
She will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Gaye leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion for children and animals; she led a full and complete life.
The family wishes to thank the Hospice Services of Lake County for their kind support and compassion.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the United Christian Parish of Lakeport, 745 N. Brush St.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
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