Lori Ann Bindel

Jack Duane Ellena Sr.

Blanche N. Holmes

Joseph Judson Horner

Thomas Marion Jones

Margaret Ruth Merritt

Richard Dale Jacobs

Following a valiant battle with cancer, Janesville resident Lori Ann Bindel passed from this life peacefully, with her loving family at her side Thursday morning, March 29, 2012 at Renown Medical Center in Reno, Nev.

Born in Bakersfield, Calif. Dec. 23, 1964 to James and Veta (Frasier) Winton, she was raised and educated in Bakersfield, graduating from Foothill High School as a member of the “Class of 1982.” Lori went on to obtain her AA degree at California State Bakersfield before beginning a ten-year career with Albertson Corporation.

While enjoying time in a Las Vegas casino, she met a handsome young gentleman, Michael Bindel, an encounter that led to the couple’s marriage on June 2, 1991 in Lake Tahoe, Calif. To this blessed union a son and daughter were born. The couple resided in Monterey, Calif. before moving to Crescent City and later returning to Monterey and Bakersfield. They settled in Janesville six years ago where Lori was employed at High Desert State Prison as Case Records Technician until health complications required her to leave her position.

First and foremost a loving wife and mother, Lori’s passion in life was that of her children. She found great fulfillment in being part of their lives as they grew up. Lori enjoyed the outdoors through boating and water skiing and loved to travel.

In passing Lori leaves her best friend and loving husband, Michael L. Bindel, of Janesville; son, James Michael Bindel, currently serving our country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps; a daughter, Jordan Michelle Bindel, a junior at Lassen High School; along with three brothers, Gary, Bill and Ron Winton, all of Bakersfield, Calif.

Lori joins her father, James; brother, Joe Winton; and in-laws, Marcella and Gilbert Bindel, in their eternal home.

A celebration of Lori’s life will take place Tuesday, 3 p.m. April 3, 2012 at Honey Lake Assembly of God Church, 464-905 A-3 Janesville, Calif. Interment will take place in the family plot at Mission Memorial Park in Monterey, Calif. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.

Jack Duane Ellena Sr.

Jack passed away in Palm Desert, Calif., March 23, 2012.Born Oct. 27, 1931 in Susanville, Calif. to Fred and Betty Ellena, Jack spent his childhood in Lassen County living most of his youth in Standish. He graduated from Lassen Union High School and was honored as LUHS Alumnus of the Year while his children attended there.

Attending UCLA on a baseball scholarship, he then walked on to make the football team playing offensive and defensive tackle for Coach Red Sanders from 1952 to 1954. He was a member of the Bruins team that won the 1954 Rose Bowl and was named that year's FWAA and UPI national champions. Co-Captained UCLA’s only National Championship football team that same year, Ellena was named to the College Football All-America Team and won the UPI Lineman of the Year. He was also 7th runner-up for the Heisman Award in 1954. He was also inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition to playing football for the Bruins, Ellena wrestled heavyweight at UCLA. He was a two-time Pacific Coast Intercollegiate heavyweight champ (1953, 1954), and placed fourth at the 1953 NCAA wrestling championships at Penn State, earning All-American honors.

Married the love of his life, Miss America Pageant contestant and Miss College Beauty Queen of America 1953, Jacquie Dumbauld, after defeating the Stanford Cardinals 72 to 0. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, conducted the ceremony. Jack also enjoyed his lifetime of friendships acquired as a Delts Fraternity brother.

After graduating from UCLA with his bachelor of science degree in physical education, Jack was selected in the 19th round (228th overall) of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams where he started as middle linebacker. He played guard and nose guard for the Rams from 1955 to 1956. The Rams were 9 and 3 that year and lost the NFL Championship to the Cleveland Browns. He played for the Rams until a career-ending knee injury in 1957.

While furthering his education, Jack coached football at Los Angeles State College and then later at San Fernando Valley State College — now Cal State Northridge. His educational accomplishments were two master’s degrees and a PhD in education.

Jack did quite a bit of stunt work while living in Southern California, working in a number of TV shows and several movies. The best-known movies probably being Ben Hur, Cleopatra, The Cincinnati Kid, Love and Kisses and many episodes of Combat, The Ozzie and Harriet Show and Wagon Train. Jack also served as Ricky Nelson’s body guard for several years and had many wonderful memories …

After Jack’s first season with the Los Angeles Rams in 1955, he and Jacquie purchased Mountain Meadow Ranch with the intent of establishing a summer camp for children.They founded the camp the following year, which became their passion and remained so for more than 30 years. Starting out with 20 boys that first summer, they grew the number of campers attending each summer to well over 300. The philosophy of the program and structure at Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp was developed during those early years and remain today with the focus on each and every camper, helping them become the very best they can be. Jack also served a term as President of the Western Association of Independent Camps.

Jack was a counselor at Lassen College and Dean of Students. Over the years, Jack enjoyed membership in the Lassen County Sheriff’s Posse, Susanville Rotary Club, Elk’s Club, Emerson Golf Club, Lake Almanor Country Club and Ironwood Country Club.

Together with his brothers, Jack began Triple E Corporation owning a number of motels over the years in Lassen and Modoc Counties.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Jacquie in 2002; by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth; four brothers and one sister. He is survived by his three children, Jack Jr, Jill and Julie; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild due in September; and many nephews and nieces.

Celebrations of Life will be held at Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, Calif. from 4 to 7 p.m. April 21, and at Mountain Meadow Ranch from 4 to 7 p.m. May 19.

Blanche N. Holmes

(1911-2012)

Blanche N. Holmes passed away Saturday, March 24, 2012, at All About Seniors Care Facility in Red Bluff, Calif. at the age of 100. Blanche was a longtime resident of Susanville.

She was born Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1911 in Genesee Valley, Calif. to Ernesto and Alicia Sobrero. She was one of seven children. She attended schools in Plumas and Lassen counties.She lived in Susanville, Calif. with her husband H. H. “Jack” Holmes. They were married for 60-plus years.

Blanche worked the majority of her career for Citizens Utilities in Lassen County as the chief telephone operator, during which she developed the love to talk with her family and friends by phone. Blanche was also always a caregiver — helping to care for her brother and her son-in-law, J. Derwin Kenyon. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening and summer vacations with family at her Mineral, Calif. cabin and with her beloved dog, Mitzie.

Blanche was a wonderful mother and grandmother, who always strived to help and support her family.She moved to Red Bluff approximately 10 years ago, due to health issues, and resided with her daughter, Patricia Kenyon, who cared for her until Patricia’s death in 2009.Blanche was then cared for by her grandchildren and full-time caregivers.

The family would like to sincerely thank the providers who cared for her, especially Waunita Bennett, Cynthia Rios, Terri Hawker and Mary Coultas, who allowed her to maintain her quality of life and remain at home until just a few months ago.We would also like to thank the staff at the Red Bluff Health Care Center and All About Seniors.

Blanche is survived by her sister, Margie Campbell, of Bozeman, Mont.; grandchildren, Steve Kenyon, Denise (Dave) Gamboa and Linda (Greg) Rose; great-grandchildren, Mike (Shanda) Lyon, Celia Rose Lee, Breanna Rose, Ryan Gamboa; great-great-grandchildren, Jakoby Lyon, Jaycee Lee, Zephyr Lee and Zaige Lyon; and nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Bluff.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity or to Sacred Heart School in Red Bluff.

Joseph Judson Horner

Joseph Judson Horner was born April 1, 1951 and he died on March 18, 2012 due to complications from pneumonia.

Joseph was a loving son to Joseph W Horner (1906-1987) and Mary M Horner (1909-1991).

Joseph is survived by siblings, Sam Nutting, Susie Jeffrey Steven and David Giesick. As well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joseph also was a devoted father to his children, JJ, Joe, Josh and Shannon Horner.

Joseph proudly served in Vietnam, starting his military service and retired from the Sierra Army Depot in 2012 finishing 30 years of service to the U.S. government. Working nine years in Tooele, Utah and 18 years out at Sierra Army Depot.

Joseph came to California in 1994. He bought and built his oasis in the desert where he loved spending time with his family and friends. Joseph also enjoyed the outdoors and riding his horses as well as his Harley Davidson.

There will be a service held for Joseph at 11 a.m. March 31, 2012 at 170 D.S Hall, chapel in Herlong.

Joseph is loved and will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Thomas Marion Jones

Thomas Marion Jones passed from this life Sunday, March 18, 2012 at his son’s residence in Auburn, Calif., at the age of 82.

Born in Lubbock, Texas on Dec. 2, 1929 to the late William and Rosa (Smith) Jones, Tom spent his youth residing in Texas, Oklahoma and California where he graduated from Reedley High School as a member of the “Class of 1947.”

Following his high school graduation, Tom entered the military — serving two years before being called back up to serve his country during the Korean War. It is while serving in the Navy Tom learned his lifelong trade as an electrician. Following his honorable discharge, Tom went to work for a brief period of time at Mare Island Naval Shipyard before going to work in the electrical contracting trade.

In 1971 he opened Camellia Electric which he operated until moving to Lake Almanor, Calif. in 1992. He continued contracting in the Chester, Lake Almanor and Westwood area’s of Northeastern California until his health required him to retire.

Tom was proud of his service to his country and was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 832 of Sacramento, Calif., as well as the Chester Post of the VFW. He was a longtime member of the Elks, as well as a member and Past President of the Westwood/Lake Almanor Rotary Club and a 19-year member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 340. You could also find him by the side of his late wife helping with the Chimney Fund.

Tom was a talented musician who enjoyed playing the guitar, and when time permitted, he found relaxation in fishing.

In passing Tom leaves his daughter, Jacqueline England, of Granite Bay, Calif.; son, Michael Jones and his wife Kim, of Auburn, Calif.; grandchildren, Jennifer, Tom, Kyle, Jessee, Austin and George; great-grandchildren, Cody, Lauren, Brody, Tucker and Olivia; brothers, Henry Jones, of Lincoln Hills, Calif. and Wilbur Davis, of Fresno, Calif.; along with his sister, Betty Scheiver, of Tucson, Ariz.

He is preceded in death by his best friend and loving wife whom he so looked forward to meeting again, Shirley, who passed from this life in April of 2010.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be announced at a later date. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.

Margaret Ruth Merritt

Margaret Ruth Merritt went home to be with her Lord and Savior March 10, 2012.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Lawrence; daughter, Cheré Darlene Hall; and by five brothers, Leon, Raymond, Fred, Darrell and Jack Ellena, all previously residing in Susanville.

Margaret is survived by her children, Lana Sue, Pamela, Robert and Timothy. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Margaret was born in Susanville, Calif. June 26, 1933, to Fred and Elizabeth Ellena.

She was active here in her community and her church before moving to Cool, Calif.

She will truly be missed by all of those who knew her. We will be celebrating her beautiful life at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at Cool Community Church in Cool, Calif. The family asks that in lieu of flowers any remembrances be sent to Wells Fargo Bank, account number 2936780374 in Cool. All gifts will be given to several of Margaret’s favorite charities.

Richard Dale Jacobs

Chester/Lake Almanor businessman Richard Dale Jacobs, 63, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 at his residence on the Lake Almanor Peninsula. He was born June 16, 1948 to Northern California ranchers Robert and Marion (Weldgen) Jacobs, in Berkeley, Calif. He had been a resident of the Chester/Lake Almanor area since 1984. Richard had been in the landscaping and yard maintenance business for the past 17 years and will also be fondly remembered as the bartender at Chester's Ranch House prior to that.

A celebration of Richards’s life will take place later this spring. A Celebration of Rich's life took place at the graveside alongside his late wife in the Chester District Cemetery Thursday, March 29, 2012. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.