Obituaries for the week of 1/24/18
John Richard Batson
Greenville native John Richard Batson passed from this life Monday evening, Jan. 15, 2018, at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, following a courageous five-year battle with cancer. His loving family was at his side.
Born in his father’s hospital on Sept. 26, 1945, to Dr. Wilbur and Bertha (Boring) Batson, John was raised and educated in Greenville, graduating from Greenville High School as a member of the Class of 1963. He went on to further his education at the University of Pacific before joining the military in March of 1966 as a member of the U.S. Army. John volunteered for duty in Vietnam serving two tours and was awarded a bronze star for his valor.
Upon his honorable discharge in 1970, John soon settled with his family in Tacoma, Washington, and began what became a 25-year career as a manager with Service Master Industrial Cleaning retiring in 2012. Following his retirement, he returned “Home” to Greenville, later meeting Sarah Wilson Ray. The couple was united in matrimony at a ceremony in Alturas, in August of 2016.
John attended the Indian Valley Community Church, was a proud member of the Indian Valley American Legion Post 568. He enjoyed volunteering in the community especially at the Indian Valley Food Pantry.
In his passing, he is survived by his wife Sarah Wilson Batson, of Susanville; daughters, Mary Batson Shero, of Lacey, Washington, Stephanie Batson, of Barton Mills, England; son David Batson, of Olympia, Washington; sister and her husband, Linda and Guy McNett, of Indian Falls; brother Jim Batson, of Sacramento; and was the proud grandfather to Brendan, Colin, Gretel and Philippa.
A gathering was held Thursday evening, Jan. 18, at the family home, 222 Grand Street in Greenville. Private services will take place at the graveside in the Greenville District Cemetery next to his parents. An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com. The family asks that any remembrances in John’s memory be made to either the Indian Valley Food Pantry or the Indian Valley Thrift Store c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory, P.O. Box 803, Greenville, CA 95947.
Janice Hall Thomas
With great sadness, the family of Janice Hall Thomas announces her passing on Monday, Jan. 15 at the age of 72.
Born on the first day of the baby boomers, Jan. 1, 1946, she was a 5th-generation native Californian. She grew up in Greenville, in beautiful Indian Valley and later graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo. She then graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1981 while a full-time working mother with two pre-teens at home.
Jan worked as a site analyst for Southern California First National Bank, before becoming active in California politics. She was the scheduling director for the Senate Campaign of Pete Wilson, and a policy advisor to Mayor Susan Golding, County Supervisor George Bailey and California State Assemblywoman Joyce “Sunny” Majonnier. She also worked for the Registrar of Voters.
Jan was also a strong advocate for those struggling with mental illness. She became a mental health client advocate, working with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and toured every state mental hospital in California, finally being appointed as the president of Patton State Hospital. Jan also served as the president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Diego County.
After retirement, Jan bought a home with her husband in Greenville and became the secretary of the Greenville Cy Hall Memorial Museum, helping them with events and fundraising. She enjoyed cooking, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Jan will be forever remembered by her husband of nearly 50 years, Harold Thomas; as well as daughter Tiffany Tillotson and her husband Mark; son Travis Thomas and his wife Ruth; and her grandsons Andrew and Thomas Tillotson and granddaughter Gwendolyn Thomas. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law Carolyn Hall of Lebanon, Ore., and Dolores Johnson-Taylor of Cordova, Alaska, as well as by the many others in her church, workplaces and community whose lives she touched with her kindness and care.
Join us for a Celebration of Life Saturday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m. at the North Park Lions Club 3927 Utah Street San Diego, CA 92104.
Donations in memory of Jan are appreciated: The Greenville Cy Hall Memorial Museum, P.O. Box 344, Greenville, CA 95947
William A. Whipple
William A. Whipple, 78, of Quincy, passed away in Chico at the Riverside Convalescent Hospital on Dec. 30, 2017.
Bill was a near lifelong resident of Quincy, born on June 19, 1939, to the late P. Francis and Jean Whipple, who owned and operated the Feather River Dairy where Feather River College is now located. He attended Quincy High School and later served in the United States Army. In his life Bill was a locomotive engineer, owned a Sears catalog store and was a route and delivery salesman. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge for many years.
Bill enjoyed playing cribbage, cutting wood, bowling and watching Westerns.
Bill is survived by his daughters Tamra Woolsey and Con Huggins, son Timothy, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson, sister Bonnie Thoma, of Yuba City, and brother Russell, of Quincy.
At Bill’s request, no formal services will be held.