Life Tributes for the week of 2/12/20

Barbara Gail Olds-Krom

Barbara Gail Olds-Krom left our hearts and home for eternity on Feb. 3, 2020. She was born Nov. 5, 1951.

Her free spirit, kindness and loving nature will be sorely missed by friends and family. Her unexpected passing leaves a space filled with loss and grief. We who love her kindle our wonderful memories with her vital love of life. When not at home or visiting family in Grants Pass, Oregon, Barbara could usually be found walking her dear dog, Alice, in the woods, camera in hand, photographing the beauty of the mountains she loved. She had an artist’s eye for the unusual and a talent for creativity in her photos.

Barbara lived in Quincy, where she also grew up. Her love of nature and animals, especially horses, defined her as a young woman and stayed with her throughout her life. She graduated from Quincy High School and later married her long-time friend and companion, Richard Krom. Barbara studied at Feather River College and retired as a CNA and home health aide and home health care provider.

Barbara was preceded in passing by her parents, Albert and Mae Olds, of Quincy.

She leaves behind a loving husband, Richard; her children, Sarah Taylor, Jesse Olds, Katie Blankenship (Otis); her grandchildren, Riley, Emalyn, and Violet; her sisters, Vivian Olds, of Wadsworth, Nevada, Mary Lynn Neer (Charles), of Taylorsville; nephews, Daniel Strozzi (Michelle), of Spring Creek, Nevada, Clinton Neer (Victoria), of Reno, Nevada and Wesley Neer (Emily), of Auburn; and her favorite niece, Niabe Samantha Railey (Mike); as well as many cousins and grand-nieces and nephews.

Lead me from the unreal to the Real.

Lead me from darkness to light.

Lead me from death to immortality.

Arrangements by Blair Mortuary Quincy.

Leroy “Speck” Spickelmire

     Leroy “Speck” Spickelmire passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2020, in Sacramento at the age of 90.

He is survived by his beloved wife Clare, of 71 years, his two daughters Judy Brush and Cathy Maxey as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Speck was born in Aberdeen, Washington, but spent his childhood and early adult life in the Bay Area. In 1958, Speck and Clare relocated their family to Chester, where they spent the next 57 years.

Prior to his retirement in 1997, Speck was a successful owner/broker of Mountain Properties Real Estate Company. During that time, he was instrumental in the development of the Plumas County Board of Realtors. As an additional achievement he was very proud to be a part of the formation of the Hamilton Branch Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Commissioner.

In 2005, after retirement, Speck and Clare relocated to Sacramento to be closer to family. His family fondly remembers spending many hours boating on the lake, one of his favorite pastimes. He also had a great passion for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.

The family will hold a private memorial service in Sacramento in mid-February.