KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – John Richard Simpson (1935-2020) of Kelseyville passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, 2020, in Kelseyville.

Rich made the most of his time in life and was loved dearly by his friends and family.

Rich was born in Alturas, California, and raised in Marysville, California, where he met and married his wife of 67 years, Oleta Simpson. Rich and Oleta raised their children in Marysville before moving to Kelseyville 40 years ago.

While living in Marysville, Rich worked for Pacific Bell for 35 years. He was also the past master of Corinthian Lodge #9. His love of kids and sports led him to coach and manage for Marysville Little League for several years where he had the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of many young men.

To stay busy after retirement, Rich ran his nursery selling beautiful flowers and vegetables. He was a very active member of the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, especially involved with the food pantry.

Rich also had many hobbies outside his work for the church and his nursery. He loved to cook, watch sports, spend time with friends and family, and drive his RV to Yuma, Arizona, in the winter.

He also was an active member of the Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville where he enjoyed talking with park attendees at the visitors center and teaching them about the beautiful mountains that he called home.

Rich is survived by his wife of 67 years, Oleta; sons, Kevin and Ron; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his loyal canine companion, Miss Boots.

He is predeceased by sons, Michael and Rick, and daughter, Pamela Brocker.

Memorial donations in his memory may be given to Kelseyville Presbyterian Church or your favorite charity.

Due to social distancing guidelines, a celebration of life has been postponed and will be held once the family is allowed to host a gathering.

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

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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 09 October 2020

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Larry Eugene White of Lakeport joined our Lord on Sept. 27, 2020.

He entered this world on Sept. 23, 1953, at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, to parents, Donald and Arlene White.

Larry grew up in Dublin, California, where he was an active young man, participating in and excelling at baseball also in the Boy Scouts of America.

After graduating from Dublin High School on June 16, 1971, Larry joined the United States Navy, the day after his 18th birthday. He proudly served on the USS Hancock in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.

Following his Honorable Discharge, Larry discovered he had the “gift of gab” and really enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life.

He found his charisma was well suited in the sales world where he got to meet, greet, and shake hands with countless people for the better part of 30 years.

During this time, Larry fathered three boys, Richard, Jonathan and Brett, all of whom he loved dearly and would often share stories of with anyone who would listen.

Larry retired from the sales world in 2003. After a brief time enjoying retirement, he found a new calling. He began working for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, where he assisted fellow US veterans by transporting those in need to necessary appointments.

Larry again retired, this time for good in early 2018 and on April 27 of the same year, Larry married the love of his life, Gail, in a small ceremony at Grace Church surrounded by their
immensely proud children, family and friends.

Larry and Gail loved to travel and, on a whim, would jump in the car and go exploring. He loved his trips to the California and Oregon coasts with Gail.

Larry’s memory lives on with his loving wife, Gail; his brothers, Richard and Steven; sister, Connie; his sons, Richard, Jonathan and Brett; and four grandsons, Jonathan, Troy, Carson and Dean White.

He is a man who lived his life. Although he is no longer with us, his inspiration will live on.

Care and arrangements entrusted to Jones Mortuary FD311, telephone 707-263-5389.

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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 02 October 2020

William (Bill) Sterbenk, a longtime resident of Lakeport, California, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2020, at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah. He was 89 years old.

Bill was born on May 7, 1931, in Oakland, California, to Frank and Edna Sterbenk.

At the age of 12, Bill moved to Lake County where he graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1949.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War on the Bon Homme Richard as an Aviation Ordnanceman in Fighter Squad 74. He received the Korean Service, U.S. Service, and Good Conduct medals.

After completing his military service, Bill returned to Lake County and settled in Lakeport where he worked for PG&E from 1953 to 1993.

He served as the chairman of the Lake County Republican Central Committee and was appointed as director of the Lake County Fair Board by Gov. Ronald Reagan.

Bill was a member of the California Republican State Central Committee and Chairman Association, the VFW, Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department and the Konocti Rod and Gun Club.

Bill received his pilot’s license from Lampson Field Airport in Lakeport. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling.

Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Valerie (Risi) Sterbenk of Cedar City, Utah; children, Melodee Reese, Mark (Lori) Sterbenk, Andrea Saunders and Erica Saunders (Kyle) Laws; and sister, Cheryl Newsom.

Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Jeremy Reese, Rachael (Brandon) Burgan, Alicia (Leo) Nunez, Kyle Sterbenk, John Polhamus, Nick Seils, Natalie Seils, Morgan Wiener, Mikayla (Sam) Moses, Zachary Wiener, Nathan Wiener, Samantha Wiener and Risi Laws; and six great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly Hage, and son-in-law, Jim Reese.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Wounded Warriors or a charity of choice.

Graveside memorial service with military funeral honors will be held at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport on May 8, 2021, at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow.

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

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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 01 October 2020