Obits

Robert Ruddock. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Robert Allan Ruddock, born on Dec. 18, 1927, to Rodney and Iva (Halstead) Ruddock, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2020, at the age of 92.

Bob lived a long and full life and witnessed many historical events. He was born, raised and lived in Lake County most of his life.

During the Great Depression, he ran trap lines, with his brother, Rodney, and they would literally run down roadrunners to sell. They worked alongside their father to provide for the family and they worked in San Francisco building houses in the 1930s.

Bob served in the US Army during World War II from April 18, 1946, to Sept. 27, 1947. He was overseas from Aug. 6, 1946, to Aug. 14, 1947, as part of the Peacekeeping Force at the end of World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal – Japan.

He was one of the only ones with a hunting license during his tour in Korea during World War II. He would hunt for his fellow troops and the villagers. He had great respect for the Korean people he helped liberate from Japan.

When the Korean War broke out, Bob enlisted in the Navy. He served in the Navy from Feb. 2, 1951, to Feb. 3, 1955. He was stationed aboard the USS Ouachita County (LST-1071), which was part of the US Atlantic Fleet. He was part of the Deck and Gunnery Division. He was the sailor that fired the three 40 mm heavy guns at the front of the ship.

He would tell stories about how those guns could really put down the lead and how the barrels would have to be changed when they got hot and would bend. He would just switch over to the next one while the crew changed out the barrel. He also served as a helmsman when the guns were not being used. He held the rank of Boatswain’s Mate Third Class and received the National Defense Service Medal. He loved his country and his freedoms.

After the war Bob returned home to Lakeport where he met his wife Joanne. They were married March 23, 1957, and recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. He built their home in Scotts Valley in 1960 and lived there the rest of his life.

He was a great farmer who grew pears and walnuts for 50 years. Together with his wife he raised two children, son Joseph (Joe) and daughter Robin. He served on several boards, including the Scotts Valley Fruit Exchange and the Hartley Cemetery Board.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He would tell stories of his great adventures with his brothers and friends on elk and deer hunts. He loved to go salmon fishing in Fort Bragg on the Telstar. He was a devoted and wonderful husband and the greatest father anyone could have had.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Rodney and Iva (Halstead) Ruddock; both his brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodney and Jane and Tom and Judy; his nephew, Steve; and his nieces, Debbie and Toni Lynne.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne (Butler) Ruddock; son, Joseph (Joe) Ruddock; daughter, Robin Ruddock Borre; son-in-law, Steve Borre; grandson, Rene Borre; nephew, William (Rusty) Ruddock; nieces, Janice (Ruddock) Calogianes and Barbara (Ruddock) Rawlins; and great-nieces and great-nephew, Kimberly (Marsh) Covella, Jeni Ruddock and Mike Ruddock, as well as great-great-nieces and great-great-nephew.

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

Patsy Armstrong-Crump. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Patsy Ellen Armstrong-Crump, loving daughter, wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

Born Nov. 4, 1947, in Blytheville, Arkansas to James Henry and Willie May Armstrong, died June 25th, 2020, age 72, at home with her family by her side. She had lived in Lake County for 32 years.

Patsy was a loving mother, nana and wife for more than 50 years. Her favorite love was being a mother and a nana. She loved her family and especially the holidays and family gatherings. Cooking for the family and everyone being together was everything to her. Favorite memories are fishing with her grandchildren and having water balloon fights.

Patsy leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Clifton Harrison Crump; daughter, Tammie Widener and son-in-law Tony Widener with grandchildren, Derek Crump and Jacob Widener (Brittany) and great-granddaughter, Madelyn Crump; son, Dwight Crump with grandchildren, Cassie Jones (George), Amber and Dalton Crump and great-granddaughters, Riley and Maci; nephews, Michael Armstrong (Lancy), Chuck, Gary and Eric Armstrong; nieces, Jamie, Theresa, Vanessa and Kim.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Franklin James Armstrong, Charles Henry Armstrong, Billy Gene Armstrong, Wayne Alfred Armstrong; and sisters, Martha Carol Martin and Carolyn Louise Armstrong.

Her wishes were to be cremated and to have a private family gathering at a later date when all of her grandchildren can be together.

Donations can be made in Patsy's memory to Hospice Services of Lake County 1862 Parallel Drive Lakeport, CA 95453.

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

Kenneth L. Wicks Sr. Courtesy photo.

Kenneth L. Wicks Sr.
June 26, 1932 – June 17, 2020

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Life-long Lake County resident Ken Wicks returns home.

Predeceased by his parents, Lloyd and Barbara Wicks; his sisters, Virginia (Joseph Buffum) and Joanne (Dave Jorgenson); nephew, David Jorgenson; and former wife, Verna Wicks-DeMartino.

Ken is survived by his sister, Marilyn Wilmes (Jack); his son, Ken Wicks Jr.; his daughters, Ann Neumann (Paul) and Mary Smith (Uel); nieces and nephews, Jim Buffum (Lori), Nancy Anderson (Ken), Lynn Jorgenson, Ken Jorgenson, Susan Wood (Scott), Diane Mack ( Doyle), Rose Zavala (Joaquin), Vernon (Dee) Moreno, Felipe Moreno and Gloria Arias; and his grandchildren, Jeremy W., Christina N., and Greg N.

Ken was born and raised in Kelseyville and was proud to call Lake County his home. As a young man, he had a curious spirit which led him to become a craftsman of many disciplines. He learned mechanics from his father (Wicks Garage, Kelseyville) which he eventually used as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War. When his service time was over, he returned to Lake County to tend to his family and eventually start one of his own.

Early on Ken took up an interest in surveying and civil engineering, which led him into a 35-year career; 26 of them were spent with the county of Lake. He was proud of his profession. Like many others who contributed to Public Works during those years, you can find his work throughout the county in almost every town, subdivision, street and bridge or capital project.

He believed that Lake County deserved the best possible services, so he strived to give it his best every day when he walked into the courthouse.

As an avid outdoorsman, Ken loved the variety of activities that Lake County provided. Whether it was sailing on the lake, fishing for trout, hunting game, playing golf, gardening or spending time with his family, Ken always remarked on how great it was to live in a place where a person could “stretch out and enjoy the land.”

Of his many talents, one attribute rises to the top. Ken had the remarkable ability to design and build practically anything he set his mind to. Whether it was mechanics, construction, boat-building, fly-tying, rod-gun and bow construction, leatherwork, minor blacksmithing, husbandry or other such hobbies he had an interest in, he had the capability of learning and producing almost everything. For fun, he would occasionally tear apart a pocket watch and rebuild it much like 3D puzzles just because he was fascinated by the complexities. Amazing.

Ken now enjoys the amenities of another great outdoors, and we rejoice in his peace. He was a wonderful person and his presence will be greatly missed. We love him very much and we feel blessed for having him as part of our family.

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


Irene Gonzales. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Irene Gonzales was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Lafayette, Colorado.

She was daughter to Patricio and Eugenia Herrera; sister to Eva, Isabel and Della; wife to Thomas Gonzales and mother to James, Thomas, Kenneth and David; grandmother to eight grandchildren; and great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren.

Irene moved from Daly City, California, with her husband to Lake County in 1974. She worked at Sprouse-Reitz, was an active member at St. Mary Immaculate Church and volunteered at the Lakeport Senior Center.

She lived a peaceful and happy life out on her property in Scotts Valley, which is where she entered into eternal rest on June 21, 2020.

Irene is survived by her son, Kenneth; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

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

Grant Murray Jr. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Grant Carr Murray Jr. passed away on June 17, 2020, in Upper Lake, California.

Grant moved to the Mendocino County area from Southern California in 1987. He was a member of the Teamster Union for 29 years. He worked at Parnum Paving for approximately 10 years and then retired to Upper Lake.

Grant is survived by his sons, Michael Murray from Idaho, Richard (Skip) Murray and wife, Michele from Ukiah; daughters, Pam Murray-Joslin and husband, Frank from Idaho, Susan Malinski and husband, Tom from Colorado; grandchildren, Kevin, Jason, Lila Rose, Annika, Kadilyn, Richard, Andrea, Jennifer, Vincent, Tonya, Sara, Misty and Shane; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Grant is predeceased by his parents, Grant and Lucia Murray; and sons, Ronnie Murray, Bobby Murray and William Murray.

Graveside services will be held at the Russian River Cemetery in Ukiah on July 2 at 9 a.m.

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

Jacquelyn Barnette. Courtesy photo.

Jacquelyn C. 'Jackie' Barnette
July 13, 1937 - June 15, 2020

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Jackie passed away peacefully after several years of poor health.

She is survived by her husband, John; sister, Karen Furlong; daughters, Debra Talton and Wendy Brown; and stepson, John Barnette Jr. She has eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Ramsey; and stepchildren, Laura Barnette and Christopher Barnette.

Jackie lived in Nice, California, for 44 years. She worked at a variety of jobs and was active in many local organizations, but she preferred to spend her time at family gatherings, camping, boating and traveling, or working on her many craft projects.

Her extended family and her dogs were her most important treasures.

Our family would like to thank the incredible staff members of Lakeport Post Acute and Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary for their wonderful care during this difficult time.

The family requests donations be made to Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453.

Services will be held at a later date to be announced.

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

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