Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
In Loving Memory:
Patricia Frances Devine Van Horn
Born July 18, 1944, Pat passed into the arms of our Lord on July 2, 2025.
Patricia (Pat) was born in San Francisco, California to her parents, Patricia (Kelly) Devine and Frank Devine.
Pat spent her childhood growing up with her brother Larry Passmore who preceded Pat in passing. Pat adored her brother and she hoped to see him again in what lies beyond this world.
On July 28, 1964, Pat married her husband Raymond Van Horn (Van), with whom she had five sons. Pat was married to Van, until his passing in 2005.
Pat leaves behind her sons, Douglas, Craig, Todd, Eric and Jason Van Horn. She also leaves behind her granddaughters, Kayla, Katelyn, Lexie, Ashley and her grandson Daniel, all of whom she loved dearly.
Of course, she had a special place in her heart for her great-grandbabies, Dyani, Kaezlee, Scarlett and Jaxyn with whom she delighted in spending precious time.
Pat also held a special place in her heart for her nephew, Larry Jr., with whom she had long talks on the phone and her niece, Kelly, with whom she shared a birthday and many long talks about life’s concerns.
Pat loved her fur babies and would foster any animal that came along; she treated people the same way, she always saw the good in everyone.
Pat served people her whole life and literally fed people in need right out of her kitchen. Pat was a hard-working woman and an excellent mother, at times having worked three jobs to make ends meet.
She had an excellent sense of humor and had many crazy life experiences-material for colorful stories that she would tell during family gatherings.
She loved Motown and the Blues, she enjoyed going to Reno to spend time at the Nugget where she would watch a show and gamble a bit.
Pat loved camping and often took the family off to Fort Bragg to escape the summer heat in Lake County.
The last few days Pat was here, with a knowing and gentle strength, accepting that she would soon be leaving this place, she prepared for her departure. She was met by a dear friend, a local physician, who sat with her and prayed, readying her soul for its next phase of being.
Larry and Kelly sat with her and talked about times past, as did her dear friends Bobbie, Librada and Anna, each showing their love to a great friend.
She was with family at the time of her passing, the anxiety of her many struggles gone from her face, she is at peace.
Pat’s journey was facilitated by Hospice of Lake County; without them Pat’s journey would have been much more difficult.
Until we meet again, Mom …
A celebration of life commencing at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, will be held at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Ray was born in Oakland, California to Emily and Manuel Benevedes, Ray Benevedes was proud of his Portuguese heritage.
When World War II took his eldest brother Elmo, he joined the Marines. He was only 17, but told the enlisting officer he was 18.
After boot camp he boarded a train headed to the front line, but the war was over before he got there. He spent the remainder of his service on a ship as a Merchant Marine, doing a tour of Japan.
Once back home to the San Francisco Bay Area, he met his future wife, Twyla, at a dance. She was a professional model and a beauty queen. He often was asked to model with her. His years of working out with Jack LaLanne had paid off. They married in 1950 and had three children.
A favorite memory of his as a 10-year-old-child was seeing Amelia Earhart take off on her around-the-world flight attempt from the Oakland Airport in 1937.
Ray was well known in his beloved Lake County, mostly from his years in law enforcement — first with the city police, and then the sheriff's department.
He continued to climb the ranks until he was elected as sheriff in 1982. He served two terms as sheriff until 1990. During his law enforcement career, Ray also trained at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Originally Ray drove a truck and trailer for Safeway. His route was from Oakland to Crescent City with stops in Lakeport to deliver to the old Safeway store on Main Street across from the Creamery, a coffee shop. After unloading he would cross the street for a cup of coffee; he met many locals that he became life-long friends with. One of those friends convinced him to buy a house next to him sight unseen! He moved his family from San Leandro to Lakeport in the summer of 1959 to 20 acres of walnuts, with room for horses and other livestock .
Ray was a man of many talents. In high school he excelled in basketball and track. Later in life his friend talked him into snow skiing and he could water ski as well. After retirement he took up tennis and loved to put so much spin on the ball that the ball would go over the net and bounce back onto his side before his opponent could hit it. He thought that was so funny.
He enjoyed his Model T and drove it in many parades. As the head of the Sheriff’s Posse, Ray always rode in the Stoneyford Rodeo parade. He was also a member of the Senior Horsemen's Association.
He and Twyla loved to RV and travelled many places to square dance. He was a member of the Elks and Rotary.
In retirement he loved coffee with his retired cop friends and playing poker. He was a familiar face at all the local casinos.
He was lucky to retain his good memory throughout his whole life, and was often asked to speak on the history of Lake County. He had a great sense of humor and was a friend to many.
Ray lived for a short while in Ukiah to be near his grandbabies but Lakeport was always dearest to his heart.
One of his proudest accomplishments was getting the new jail built during his term as sheriff.
Last year he was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Lake County Rodeo Association. He passed away exactly a year later on Rodeo weekend.
Ray was pre-deceased by his wife of 70 years, Twyla and their son, Randy.
He is survived by his brother, Ken of Valley Springs; daughter, Tami (Fred) of Tucson, Arizona; daughter, Stacy (Dana) of Hopland; grandchildren, Ryan ( Colleen) of Bend, Madison of Sacramento, Michelle of Texas; plus five great-grandchildren in Bend and Texas.
A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 11 at Medina's Watering Hole in Scotts Valley at 4 p.m. featuring his favorite cowboy music. Wear your boots or what he often wore, a Hawaiian shirt!
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit chapelofthelakes.com. 
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Chester Martin "Marty" Hinman
Oct. 23, 1928 – Sept. 3, 2025
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Chester Martin Hinman, lovingly known as “Marty” to all who knew him, passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 3, 2025.
He was born in Alhambra, California, and moved to Upper Lake as a young boy, where he would grow to become a beloved member of the community.
Marty now joins his beautiful wife, Pam, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage. Their love and partnership were a guiding light to all who knew them.
He is survived by his children: Scott Hinman (Irenessa), David Cutts (Pam), Tim Cutts and Susan Peters. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, grandchildren and his first great-grandchild.
Marty proudly served in the United States Navy and later worked as a title officer, retiring after a dedicated career. In his retirement, he continued to enjoy his passions — writing, singing Barbershop harmony and traveling with Pam. Together, they explored the country, attended Barbershop conventions, and created a lifetime of memories with family and friends.
Known for his gentle nature and warm smile that could light up any room, Marty had a gift for helping others see things from a new perspective. His deep love for his family and unwavering commitment to them were the cornerstones of his character.
Marty will be forever missed and never forgotten. We hold his memory close in our hearts, comforted by the knowledge that he is at peace and reunited with the love of his life.
A private service will be held for the family.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
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