Obituaries for the week of 3/15/17

Darlene M. Witt Donaldson

Darlene M. Witt Donaldson was born on Nov. 5, 1937, and passed away on March 10, 2017, after a brief battle with leukemia. She spent her final days at the Paradise Hospice House surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fredrick Witt and Janell Dodrill, and her brother Ray Swensen.

She is survived by her husband Barry, daughters Kelley Donaldson and Kirsten Sweeten (husband

Mike), grandchildren Kayla, Steven, Andrew and David, and her beloved dog Bella.

Darlene’s family moved to Southern California from Nebraska when she was twelve. She attended Los Angeles High School, Valley Community College and UCLA where she earned her bachelor’s degree and remained a Bruins fan until the end.

It was while teaching at Robert Stevenson Junior High School in Van Nuys that she met the love of her life, Barry. They were married nearly 55 years and shared a “nomadic spirit” that took them from Southern California to Yuba City; and then overseas where they lived in Singapore and Brussels spending time exploring the world. There were many family adventures traveling around Europe in a green Volkswagen van.

After returning to the U.S. in 1975, they called Willows home in order to settle down and let the girls finish school. Barry and Darlene later retired to Lake Almanor and built their dream log home and continued their travels with RV trips, including a trip across the U.S.

They have been residing in Chico for the last year and a half.

Darlene enjoyed all outdoor activities, including gardening, planting flowers, playing golf, hiking, walking her beloved dogs, and spending time with her family and friends. She volunteered with the Girl Scouts, coached “ponytail” softball in Willows and helped with the girls’ junior golf in Lake Almanor.

Darlene had a kind and gentle spirit and was a loving, caring person always looking for a way to help others. She was a lifelong Christian and was loved by many.

A celebration of life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Willows on March 24, 2017, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Darlene would like any donations to go to your local animal shelter or the ASPCA. Condolences may be made at brusiefh.com

Alicia Carole Griffith

Alicia Carole Griffith, of Cottonwood, died in her home surrounded by her family on March 3, 2017. She was 74 years old.

Alicia is survived by her husband of 53 years, R.L. “Griff” Griffith, and by daughters Launi Griffith, of Graeagle, and Dena Regan along with her son-in-law, Jerry Regan, of Santa Rosa. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews and was touched to be considered the honorary matriarch to their children.

Alicia was born on July 12, 1942, in San Francisco to Hall and Blanche Stebbins. She had many fond memories growing up in Santa Cruz with her horse Sharoni and her Great Dane, King. She later met and married Griff moving to her favorite place, Chester, where they raised their family. Her family continued to include her cherished pets.

Alicia received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chico State University and was a professional graphic artist. She also spent many years as a medical transcriptionist for both Seneca Hospital and Lassen Medical Group. She loved nature and knew the name of every single flower she walked by. Alicia will be remembered as a loving mother, wife and friend that taught all of us to care for our world and the creatures that reside in it.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, at 1 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4075 Riverside Ave., Anderson. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the humane society of your choice.

Walter Ervin “Skeeter” Hopper

“Skeeter” Hopper passed away March 2, 2017, at Seneca District Hospital in Chester under the care of some of the best medical professionals in the world.

Walter was born July 22, 1935, in Ukiah, to Leila May (Harrington) and Walter Earl Hopper. His Uncle Pink declared that he looked like a Skeeter and the name stuck.

After attending school in Hopland and Carmichael, he joined the Army. He served a tour in Korea and then Camp Walters, Texas.
He moved to Chester in 1957, where he worked for Malovich logging. He started working at Feather River Rock, where he worked under two different owners for about 30 years. He continued to work there part time after beginning his career at Caltrans. His childhood dream of driving those “big wheels” was fulfilled throughout his career as he continued to drive truck and heavy equipment for Womack and Dig It Construction.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra, his daughter, Penny, his stepson David, three brothers, two sisters and six nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Darrah; his grandson, Russell Edson (Traci); and granddaughter, Nettie (James Dickerson); his great grandchildren Myla and Xander Edson and Taegen Dickerson; his brother Ed; and six nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on his birth date, July 22. Donations may be made to Seneca Auxiliary or Chester Fire Volunteer Association. An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.

Lisa Elaine Thompson

Lisa passed away at her home in Clio, on March 3, 2017.

She is survived by her two sons, Joseph and Gabriel Santos; brother, Frank Thompson; mother, Doreen Thompson; uncle, Floyd “Buck” Ross; life partner, Jim Moser; five grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family.

Lisa was preceded in death by her father, Luther “Red” Thompson; her aunt, Virginia “Bing” Miller; and brother, Steve “Tilt” Thompson.

Lisa will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and partner.

Gone but not forgotten.

A celebration of Lisa’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, at Graeagle Community Church located at 150 Graeagle-Johnsville Rd., Blairsden, California, 96103. An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at  fehrmanmortuary.com