LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — It is with a heavy heart, yet a heart overflowing with love and treasured memories, that I announce the passing of my beloved John Brian Peters on Dec. 13, 2024, after a beautiful life lived.

He was my partner, best friend, and the love of my life for 25 amazing years. Friends used to tell us we were like a love story. The love we shared was timeless. It was the best love, the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that’s what he gave me.

John’s kindness and wavering loyalty, and a goofy sense of humor brightened every room he entered. His laughter and love for his family and friends radiated when he smiled which will forever echo in our hearts. He was a loving man and loyal friend whose kind spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by myself, Susan Peters; his daughters, Annie (Landon) Wenner, Whitney (Dustin) Knight, and our daughter Shaylee (Ricky) Bryant; his dad, John O. Peters; and brother, Brad Peters.

His memory lives on with his three grandchildren, Dutch Knight, Liberty Wenner, and newly born, Lainey Bryant, as well as countless friends who will deeply miss his presence.

John’s love for the Dallas Cowboys was shared enthusiastically by his grandson. His grandkids always brought a smile to his face.

John leaves behind a legacy of championships from go-karts, ski racing, car racing, dirt bike motorcycles, and even RC cars — basically, anything with wheels.

After 17 years at UPS John started his own company, Fast Forward Cylinder Heads, which allowed him to truly use his talents and knowledge of racing to ensure his customers crossed the finish line first. This enthusiasm to strive to be the best was seen by all as he stood at the edge of the racetrack chalkboard in hand cheering on his girls in racing to their championships. He always said live your life to the finish line.

John eventually moved on from racing and landed on the gift of creativity with wood and metal. His unique touch in his vision to create beautiful pieces are displayed throughout our home.

It is incredibly difficult to sum up the impact and influence that my husband had on those around him. I want to thank him for the journey we shared. His love was unconditional and truly a once-in-lifetime romance. You may have left this world, but you will never leave my side.

The family will hold a private celebration of life to honor John.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

In loving memory of Kayla Michelle Martini.

Kayla was born on Oct. 31, 1986, in Deer Park, California. A beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend, she passed away peacefully on Jan. 19, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unforgettable memories.

Kayla is survived by her devoted husband, Erik Martini, a firefighter and wonderful father; their beloved children, Mark, Addie, AvaLynn and Mason Martini; her mother, Vickie Feuerbacher; her grandmother, Beverly Mohr; her siblings, Phillip Flowers, Rickey Hickey (Amy) and Katrina Bryant (Niki); sisters by choice, Melissa Reese and Krystal Pasalo (John); nieces and nephews, Savannah Flowers, Jacob Flowers, Alexis Bryant, Aleah Bryant, Jase Reese, Zane Ray, John Pasalo, Anaiya Ray, Wesley and Colton Ross, Hannah Hickey and Charlie Barna-Stephenson; auntie, Roberta Chapin; uncle, Steven Chapin; cousins, Jordan and Shyanne Chapin; her Auntie-Daddy, Yolanda Paciocco; and her goddaughters, Gracelyn and Chloe Hamner.

Kayla is proceeded in death by her grandfather, Harland Morh; uncle, Chuck Choat; grandmother, Matilda Robinson; and her cousin, Yolanda Blocher. Kayla is remembered fondly by her extended family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her

Motherhood was at the core of Kayla’s life. She was a devoted mother who cherished every moment with her children, teaching them the importance of family and community. Her home was always filled with warmth, love and the delightful chaos of family life.

Kayla had a playful spirit, often cheating at card and board games. Her parties were legendary, with the most obnoxious decorations and themes that brought joy and laughter to everyone. She was known for her signature messy buns, a testament to her free spirit and rebel soul.

Music was a constant companion in Kayla’s life. She would listen to her favorite songs over and over again, finding comfort and joy in the melodies. Kayla had two soulmates in her life, her husband Erik and her twin sister Katrina. They were her rock and the loves of her life. With each, she created a lifetime of beautiful memories.

“Pictures or it didn’t happen” was her motto, and she captured countless moments to treasure forever.

Kayla was also known for her obsessive cleaning, ensuring her home was always a welcoming haven. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she could hold a grudge like no other, but her heart was always full of love.

Kayla was a free spirit, a rebel at heart, and a beacon of light to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her vibrant personality and the love she shared with the world.

Kayla was a wildflower in a field of roses, a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day and a friend who made every moment brighter. Her spirit was untamed, her laughter contagious, and her love boundless.

Like a true Golden Girl, she could sass you into next week, throw a party that would make Blanche blush, and still have the time to be the best mom and friend around. As Sophia would say, “People waste their time pondering whether a glass is half empty or half full. Me, I just drink what’s in the glass.”

Cheers Kayla, to a life well lived. May your beautiful soul rest in peace and may your spirit live within us always. We will love and miss you until we meet again.

Please join us in celebrating Kayla’s precious life on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. at Twin Fir Ranch, 780 Pitney Lane, Upper Lake, California.

Inez Julia Loewen
1931-2025

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Inez Julia Loewen was born in Hayward, California, on Jan. 7, 1931, to John and Inez Pavon. She died peacefully in her sleep, and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at the age of 94.

Inez married Don Chastain in 1948, and they had a son, David. They moved to Lake County, California, and built a lakeside home in Corinthian Bay in 1974.

Water skiing and boating were special times with family and friends. Inez was especially proud of her water skiing abilities, even as she aged! She loved having visitors and hosting parties for church youth groups, where many young people learned to water ski.

Inez was a wonderful sister, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma and auntie, and the best hostess in the whole world! Inez was an amazing homemaker, but also loved working at the Datsun dealership in Lakeport for many years until her retirement.

After Don passed away, Inez met another widow at church and married Paul R. Loewen in 1983. They had many adventures together for over 30 years, and his family adopted Inez in every way!

Inez was predeceased by her parents, husbands, infant daughter and son. She is survived by her sister, Joan Vincent of Fremont; stepsons, Paul (Shery), of Lakeport; David (Merle) of Santa Rosa, and Russell (Vickie) of Santa Rosa; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed!

A funeral service will be held at Clear Lake Baptist Church on Monday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow. Burial will be at Kelseyville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clear Lake Baptist Church, 555 N. Forbes St., Lakeport, CA 95453.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

James Marion Marmon
July 4, 1954 - Jan. 3, 2025

NORTH COAST, Calif. — James was proceeded in death by fathers, Arthur Marmon and John Woolley; his mother, Francis Marmon; brothers, Arthur, Ted, Bill, Dan and Johnnie; sister, Jeanie; son, Jamie; and daughter, Sara.

James is survived by his mother, June Woolley; daughters, Rachel and Erika; granddaughters, Kaleigh, Aubree and Emily; and many brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and their spouses. He will lay at rest in the Potter Valley Cemetery next to his son, Jamie and daughter, Sara.

Celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at Redwood Valley Grange in Redwood Valley.

Arrangements by chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Jon Matthew Woodard, “Matt,” passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2024, in his home at 8:30 a.m.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1956, to June “Vonnie” Woodard and Graydon “Woody” Woodard in Lebanon, Missouri.

Matt was the 1974 class president and graduate of Piner High School in Santa Rosa, California. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Western Montana University. Matt was 68 when he passed away.

In 1986, Matt and Julie Woodard moved their family, children Kurtis and Roxanne, to Hidden Valley Lake from Santa Rosa. Matt took on a managerial position at Hardester’s Market in Middletown and saw many opportunities to grow with his ambitious mindset in Lake County.

Over the next 30 years, he owned several businesses and built lasting friendships throughout the county. Among his ventures, Matt purchased and owned Hidden Valley Storage, Jolly Kone Restaurant, Mustang Grill, J&L Market in Clearlake (on Old Highway 53) and Woody’s Café at Kelseyville Lumber. He also invested in and built more than 50 homes in Hidden Valley Lake, Lower Lake and Cobb.

More recently, Matt served as the maintenance director for Hidden Valley Lake Association, where he passionately supported his community.

The only thing Matt may not have done well was retire, but that drive kept him fighting against cancer and cherishing moments with his nine grandchildren. Matt was immensely proud of their achievements in school, on the playing fields and courts, and as they entered the working world.

Matt is survived by Jackie, Julie, his two children, his nine grandchildren, his loving family and his many cherished friendships.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Greenview Restaurant in Hidden Valley Lake on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Steven Lee Hance
Dec. 16, 1945 - Oct. 5, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Steve has been untethered from this world … released from his earthly body. He passed away in his sleep without trauma or pain, and now knows what’s on the other side of this life, as we all will someday. We believe it is peace as we have never known it on earth.

Steve was the dad to four amazing children, Kim Smith, Steffani (Sonny) McCurry, Matt (Yessenia) Evans, and Ashley (Ryan) Plattner and 11 grandchildren, Bobby, Kiley, Cameron, Chance, Shane, Jimmy, Tiffani, Leo, Laney, Austin and Penelope.

He was living his best life after moving back to his hometown of Lakeport, California and was involved in a great relationship with Judy Conard. His life was filled with good neighbors, community outings, art, boat-rides on the lake in his pontoon boat and a recent trip with Judy to Great Britain and Europe.

Steve was born in Shoemaker, California to Lloyd P. Hance and Lucille (Conable) Hance at the end of World War II while his father was still serving in the Navy. He grew up on Hill Road with his sisters, Sally (Alex Gatica) Sirocky and Sue (Ed) Ventura, graduated from Sacramento State College with a degree in business and returned to Lakeport to work in his father’s business, Hance-Meyer, during that time the largest employer in Lake County.

He later moved to Rohnert Park and Sausalito, creating Housesavers and Deckmasters working with his son, Matt and serving Marin County for over 20 years. He loved traveling to Mexico and resided there for a time learning the Spanish language.

Steve's family will remember him for his quick wit and warm smile. He was “there” for many of us at times of crisis really listening and empathizing.

A celebration of his life is planned for Feb. 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Event Design, 1855 S. Main St., Lakeport.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.