Marion Claro Quitiquit Sr.
June 15, 1941, to Oct. 5, 2022

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Marion Claro Quitiquit Sr. was born June 15, 1941, in Upper Lake, California to Claro Quitiquit and Marie Boggs Quitiquit.

He passed peacefully at his home in Lucerne, California, on Oct. 5, 2022, following a courageous fight against cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dora Quitiquit; son, Marion Quitiquit Jr. (Maryann); and stepsons, Michael Martinez (Morgan), Brian Martinez, Phillip Alorro (Yolanda) and Kathy Alorro.

He is also survived by brothers and sisters and their spouses, Steve Quitiquit (Nina) and Godfrey Quitiquit (Nancy) of Cortland, California, Wanda Quitiquit, Robert Quitiquit, Lalaine Bouncristiani, Irenia Quitiquit (Chris) all of Nice, California, and numerous nieces and nephews, including Meyo Maruffo (Randy) of Upper Lake.

Marion was an Elder at Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California. He served on the Tribal Business Council from 2004 to 2005 and participated in activities of the Tribal Elders for many years.

Marion left Lake County as a child with his parents and siblings; he was raised on the Delta Islands in San Joaquin County. He attended local schools including Tracy High School. He joined the Marine Corps in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1964.

He began working for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. in 1968, where he worked as a gas construction welder. His duties included training new welders and supervising as needed. Marion completed projects throughout California in his 38 years with the company. He retired in 2006.

Marion and Dora moved to Lake County in 2002. He enjoyed gardening and planted a large garden each spring. He would share fruit and vegetables with his family and neighbors.

Marion was an excellent cook. He made dishes from many different cultures. He enjoyed making new dishes and would often change recipes, adding fresh vegetables and different spices to make the dish his own.

He also repaired or improved boats and cars. He enjoyed boating and fishing, often accompanied by his wife. He also enjoyed hunting although he didn’t do much hunting after moving to Lake County.

Marion was known as a no-nonsense man who could easily express his ideas, opinions and concerns.

He was well respected and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Chapel of the Lakes in Lakeport is handling his final arrangements.

A celebration of life will be held at the Chapel of the Lakes on Thursday, Oct. 13, beginning with the viewing at 1 p.m. and followed by the sermon at 3 p.m.

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Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 12 October 2022

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Ola Mae Bills passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Sept. 23, 2022.

She was born on Feb. 26, 1931, in Plant City, Florida. She was born to parents Walter Hiott and Audrey Binkley.

Ola migrated to Northern California, where she attended Richmond High School and met and married her husband of 60 years, Davy Lee Bills Sr.

Together they had five children, Sandy Reza (Danny) of Arizona, Kathleen Solway (Tom) of Vallejo, Denny Horne (Donald) of Lakeport, Davy Bills Jr (Debbie) of Nice and Cindy Coppa (James) of Lakeport.

Ola was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.

While living in the Bay Area, Ola was employed at Cutter Lab for 35 years. While working a full-time job and raising her family, she earned a business degree from San Francisco University.

After spending many summers in Lake County, Ola and Davy made it their permanent home in 1978.

Ola’s passion for travel and business sense made her an avid partner at Quistgard Travel in Lucerne until she retired.

Once retired, Ola was able to travel all over the world as far as China, Egypt, Africa and Israel, just to name a few.

Ola inspired her family by her undying devotion for her loved ones and her enormous generosity.

Ola was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Davy Sr.; daughter, Kathleen; son, Davy Jr.; granddaughter, Evonne; and brother, Arlin.

Ola is survived by her sister, Sharon Turner of Anchorage, Alaska.

A celebration of life for Ola will be held at a later date.

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Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 08 October 2022

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Ben G. Ray Jr., 78, a life-long resident of Lake County, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, at 5:15 p.m. with his family by his side at his home in Lakeport.

Ben was a member of the Big Valley Rancheria and grew up on the rancheria as the oldest of eight children. He built their first home that still stands today.

Ben graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1962 where he played baseball, basketball and football.

He attended Napa Junior College and transferred to Santa Rosa Junior College where he received his AA degree in criminal justice.

Ben joined the Lakeport Police Department where he was one of the first Native American police officers. After a few years he became a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Before long, he went to work for Pacific Gas and Electric. He would work for PG&E for the rest of his work career over 35 years until his retirement.

Ben and his wife Bea purchased and renovated a home beginning in 1968 that he lived in until his death.

Along the way Ben used his love for baseball to coach several teams for the boys in Little League and Senior League. He also joined the volunteer fire department in Lakeport. He trained and received many certificates in firefighting.

Ben was predeceased by his dad, Ben; mother, Katherine; sister, Loretta; brother, Rick and brother, Raymond.

He is survived by his wife, Beatrice; sons, Ben and Reggie; daughter, Lisa; two grandsons, Chris and Nick; siblings, Peggy, Conrad (Mona dec.), Greg and wife Kathy and Lola; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. at Lakeport Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1111 Park Way, Lakeport, where Ben was a member. Light refreshments will be provided.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a gift in memory of Ben to their favorite charity or Hospice of Lake County.

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

Details

Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 08 October 2022