Kathy Elizabeth Alvarez Von Almen, 57

Dorothy Ann (Hunt) Gamboni, 74

With family members near, Kathy Elizabeth Alvarez Von Almen died peacefully Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev.

Kathy was born Feb. 12, 1955, and raised in Santa Cruz, the youngest of five children brought into this world by John S. and Lydia Bogner. She attended Holy Cross Elementary School and graduated from Marello Prep High School in 1973.

Through the years, Kathy worked closely with the family businesses, but the role in life she cherished the most was raising her four beautiful children. Looking for just the right place to raise their family, she and her first husband, Paul Alvarez, saw an opportunity and took a chance relocating their still young family to Quincy, where they purchased and operated what quickly became a very successful pizza restaurant.

“Kata” — a nickname affectionately given to her by sister Jeannie — enjoyed all life offered, especially country music and flowers. But her biggest joy in life was raising and spending time with her kids. She was a busy mom following her four very busy children through their school extracurricular activities. She eagerly participated in their youth soccer, Little League, basketball, football and 4-H programs. She also adored what little spare time she could find with Dillon, her chocolate lab. Friends and family will always remember Kathy as a fun-loving person with a wonderful smile who always found time to stop and visit.

She is survived by her husband, John Von Almen, of Quincy; sons, Paul Alvarez, of Missoula, Mont., Bill Alvarez and his wife Ally, of Grass Valley, and Michael Alvarez, of Chico; daughter, Beth Alvarez, of San Diego; and step-children Amanda Von Almen, of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Kyle Von Almen, of Quincy.

She also leaves behind her mother, Lydia Bogner; and her four siblings: Judy and her husband Gus Allegri, Steve and his wife Diana Bogner, Phil and his wife Kathy Bogner and Jeannie Pearce Edsal and Jody Edsal. Her father John preceded her in death.

Services were held Monday, May 14, at San Agustin Catholic Church in Scotts Valley. Contributions in her memory may be made to a favorite youth program. Visit pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle or express condolences to Kathy’s family.

Dorothy Ann (Hunt) Gamboni passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Polidori Hospice House in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., surrounded during her last days by her family and close friends. She was 74 years old.

Born May 10, 1937, to Edmon W. Hunt and Bernice L. (Harrison) Hunt in Brandt, Mich., Dorothy was one of six children. Of these, she was predeceased by Barry Hunt, Arlene Moser and Russell Hunt, and survived by Edmund L. Hunt, of Sun City, Ariz., and Lucille B. Hammersmith, of Lake Havasu City.

Dorothy was an avid career-woman as well as a homemaker. Having graduated from Elkhart University in Indiana, she worked in the dental profession for more than 40 years as a nurse, assistant and lab technician. She was truly dedicated to her profession, loved the work she did and was very proud of her accomplishments.

As a homemaker, she pleased everyone with her talent for cooking, baking and a myriad of homemade, creative gifts for family and friends. Dorothy was always there to listen and be a friend to those around her. She was gentle, kind, thoughtful and sweet, always willing to lend a hand. Recently, she was a volunteer at the Lake Havasu Senior Center where she enjoyed the company of friends and helping out in any way she could. The time she spent with her grandchildren made her very happy, and she was very active in their lives.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 52 years, James Gamboni, of Lake Havasu City; and her three devoted children: Sabryna Scholte-Gamboni, of Palm Desert, Pauline Brady and son-in-law Ben Brady, of Oceanside, and John Gamboni and daughter-in-law Molly Gamboni, of Woodland. She is most beloved “Granny” to her four grandchildren: Taylor Brady, Tanner Brady, Thomas Scholte and Lila Gamboni. She leaves behind many wonderful and caring family and friends, many of whom she met while residing in San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, Lake Almanor and Lake Havasu City.

A priceless mother, grandmother, sister, wife and friend, she touched all lives that she came across with grace and kindness. She will live permanently in the hearts of her family, friends and all who loved her.

A Rosary was held May 11. A Catholic Mass was celebrated May 12 at Our Lady of the Lake. A graveside service was held May 15 at Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway.

Memorial donations can be made to Polidori Hospice House/Hospice of Havasu in Lake Havasu City. Thank you to all the family, friends and caregivers who lovingly tended to Dorothy’s life during her last days.