Life Tributes for the week of 3/4/20
Tammy Irene Cortez
Tammy Irene Cortez, born Dec. 31, 1958, passed away at home on Feb. 7, 2020.
Tammy was born in San Francisco to Ernie, who was a sergeant with the San Francisco Police Department, and Irene Cortez. Tammy was the youngest of four children and spent her youth in San Francisco before eventually moving to Plumas County with her mother. She married in 1991 before later divorcing.
Tammy was active in People First of California, Special Olympics Bowling and spent many years working at Epilogue Books in Quincy. She enjoyed collecting figurines, listening to old records and reading.
Tammy joins her mother, father and siblings in heaven. In lieu of a service, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Arthur Jae Hiles and Phyllis Rae (Porter) Hiles
It is with deep sadness that the children of Arthur Jae Hiles and Phyllis Rae (Porter) Hiles announce the passing of their parents. Arthur passed away at the age of 95 on Dec. 22, 2019, in Roseburg, Oregon. Phyllis passed at the age of 90 on Feb. 6, 2020, also in Roseburg, Oregon.
Arthur Jae Hiles was born Aug. 29, 1924, in Sacramento. Arthur was the last surviving child of 10 children born to David Harvey Hiles and Rosannah Isabel (Kennedy).
Arthur was drafted into the army on May 9, 1945, and served as an MP in Japan after the bombing of Hiroshima. He was honorably discharged as a corporal on Dec. 23, 1946.
After returning home from his service he worked as a carpenter, milkman and outside salesman before going into business as a Mobil Oil distributor, Mobil station owner and ended his career owning and operating the Hiles Service Center Welding and Automotive Garage in Susanville until he retired in 1990. After retiring he taught automotive classes at Lassen High School part-time. Arthur was an active member of the Men’s Club in his church and served as secretary for many years.
Phyllis Rae Porter was the first child to Cutler and Vesta Porter and was born on Sept. 18, 1929, in Susanville. Phyllis attended Lassen Community college and received her associates degree in liberal arts. She worked at the Serria Theater in Susanville during college. She was a leader for the Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts, sold Avon and was an active member of the Women’s Circle at the Methodist church.
Arthur and Phyllis met at the Moose Lodge in June of 1950 and were married on Aug. 19, 1950. During their 69 years of marriage they lived in Susanville until moving to Roseburg, Oregon, in 2005. They were active members of the United Methodist church both in Susanville and Roseburg.
They were active bird watchers, rock hounds and were avid gardeners. They instilled in their children and grandchildren a love of nature.
Art and Phyllis were happiest when their house and yard was full of family and friends. They made their home and yard an escape from the stresses of everyday life for all who knew them.
Art and Phyllis are survived by Phyllis’ brother, Vernon (Shirley) Porter, their five children, Dwaine (Linda) Hiles, Shelly Pruitt, Tammy (Pete) Masters, Tom (Bev) Hiles, and Melanie (Bob) Zelwick; 18 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.
Services to be held at the United Methodist Church in Susanville on March 28 at 11 a.m.
Tami Ruth (Underwood) Williamson
Tami Ruth (Underwood) Williamson was born on Oct. 11, 1958, in Greenville and died Feb. 15, 2020, in Greenville. She was raised in Taylorsville and lived in Indian Valley most of her life.
She loved being a mom and wanted to be known for being “Donna’s Mom.”
Seven years ago, after initially being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she became an outspoken advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness, having seen friends succumb to the disease. She participated in annual survivor walks and bounced back significantly from her first diagnosis. She was a guest speaker in Sacramento for awareness.
She is survived by her husband, Don Williamson, and her daughter, Donna Williamson-Root.
A memorial was held for her at the Gem and Rock Club social hall on Feb. 22.