Obituaries for the week of 5/17/17
Emily Barbara Dean
Emily Barbara Dean, 93, of Chester quietly joined her husband and family in heaven on April 25, 2017.
Born on Sept. 15, 1923, in Woodland, to German immigrants Gottlob and Alvina Plocher. Emily was raised in ranch life, her responsibilities included cleaning the barn and milking the cows, her father often referred to her as his strong one. Emily graduated high school and often spoke of her time in band playing the tuba. She chose to participate in band so that she could attend all of the football games.
As a young woman she worked as a welder on Mare Island for the war effort. Emily married Clifton R. Dean, of the Seneca Dean boys. During their early years of marriage, Clifton served in the U.S. Navy in both WWII and the Korean War. Together they had Clifton A. Dean, of Chester. Both Emily and Clifton were later civilian employees at the Tooele Army Depot where they both retired from.
Emily loved working in her yard, gathering stones, and traveling. Her most memorable trip was to Hawaii where she enjoyed all of the beautiful greenery and fresh fruit. She also enjoyed baking and won several awards. Emily had a strong work ethic and it showed in all she did. She was straightforward, generous and honest. She was a blessing to her grandchildren and nephew.
Emily is survived by her younger sister Ida Plocher; her son Clifton A Dean; three granddaughters (the Dean girls), Jody, Marie and Linda; and 9 great-grandchildren Hayley, Chancellor, Lily, Ema, Shane, Makayla, Siena, Jonathan and Abigail.
Emily loved well and was well loved, although she will be greatly missed, her family will rejoice knowing she is with her heavenly father.
A celebration of Emily’s life is planned for May 20, from 12 – 3 p.m., at the Highlands Ranch Resort, 41515 State Highway 36, East Mill Creek, CA 96061.
The family has requested that in lieu of gifts or flowers, to please make a donation to Sierra Hospice c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory, P.O. Box 53, Quincy, CA 95971. An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.
Gary Donovan Stokes
Gary Stokes passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 4, 2017, in Olivehurst. He was born on May 30, 1947, in Bemidji, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by parents Donald and Dolores Stokes and sister Candy Stokes Nelson.
Gary is survived by wife Barbara Stokes, of Olivehurst; and sons Garrett (wife Heather), of Dixon; Bubba (Alicia), of Yuba City; DC (Nicole), of Rio Oso; Rusty (Liz), of Live Oak; and stepson Darren (Chris), of Oregon. Also surviving are sister, Janet Garman (Eddy) and brother, Stanton Stokes, both of Greenville; one niece, Mindy Stokes; three nephews, Jarold Stokes and Clint and Todd Garman; and many grandchildren.
In his youth, Gary was very ambitious. He delivered the Sacramento Bee on his bike, did yard maintenance for the Misses Short and Firmstone, set pins at the bowling alley and worked at Humpy’s Shell station, where his love of cars began.
Gary obtained his education in Greenville, graduating in 1965. He participated in high school sports, little league and cub scouts. After graduating he moved to Sacramento to attend Sacramento City College, while working full-time for Lucky stores. He returned to Greenville in 1969 to work in the timber industry but after injuring his back in 1972, he resumed working at Lucky stores in Woodland.
From 1974 to 1988, Gary and brother-in-law Eddy co-owned Me & Ed’s Market in Greenville. From 1988 to 2000 he was employed by Columbia Helicopter Logging as a bull-buck, traveling the western United States. From 2000 until his retirement in 2009 he worked for RCI in Roseville as a plumber, followed by a new adventure — helping his sons building custom homes with All American Construction, Inc. As a family business, they were involved in some form of construction, including public works projects at the state or federal level.
In his free time, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and even woodcutting. His family was his life, and he loved them dearly. With 13 grandchildren there were a lot of birthdays, parties, little league and football games, skeet shooting and girls’ softball. He will be missed by all.
Services for Gary will be held at First Lutheran Church in Greenville on May 20, at noon with luncheon to follow.