Philip Theodore Bailey

Debra Dawn Bennett

Wilhelm “Bill” Doerksen

William Kelsey Nolen

Fonda Joy Rogers

Gerald Benton Shrum

Charles George Steurer

Iva Stroing

Clyde Thomas

LeDora May “Lea” (Vindhurst) West

Philip Theodore Bailey

In loving memory of Philip Theodore Bailey. Philip was born in Susanville, Calif. June 18, 1955.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Orlo LeRoy and Janet Cecil Bailey.

Philip is survived by his brothers and sisters, Bill and Rose Marie, of Reno, Nev., Sharon and Al, of Red Bluff, Calif., Walter, of Susanville, Francis and Ruth, of Doyle, Calif., Christopher, of Janesville, Calif., Alison and Jaime, of Janesville, Janina, of Janesville, Mark, of Susanville, Aaron, of Standish, Calif., and Adam, of Susanville. He is also survived by his daughters, Jamie Bailey and Jenny Bailey, of Crockett, Calif., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Philip fell asleep in death Jan. 2, 2013 at Shasta Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

Upon graduating from Lassen High School in 1973, Philip worked for mills in the Susanville area and then moved to the Bay Area where he spent many years working for Container Corp. of America, and Gaylord Manufacturing in the cardboard industry.

Philip had a great love of cars, and especially for drag racing. He was a mainstay at Top Gun Raceway in Fallon, Nev. Philip was known as “Dr. Phil” for his knowledge of the mechanical workings of high horsepower engines and for his ability in tuning them.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Shasta Regional Medical Center for their compassion and caring for Philip during his last days.

Funeral services for Philip will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 12, 2013 at Walton’s Colonial Mortuary. Private interment for Philip Theodore Bailey will be held at a later date.

Debra Dawn Bennett

Debra Dawn Bennett passed from this life unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, Dec. 22, 2012 at her residence in Burney, Calif. at the age of 43. She had fought a long and courageous battle with diabetes.

Born Dec. 4, 1969 in Chester, Calif. to Robert and Shirley (Williams) Bennett. She was raised and educated in Westwood, Calif., graduating from Westwood High School as a member of the "Class of 1987." Dawn, as she was affectionately known, went on to attend Lassen Community College before taking employment at the former Corner Pocket in Chester.

In June 2000 she married Terry Anders and the couple soon took up residence in Burney. The marriage later ended in divorce although the couple remained friends throughout.

Dawn was a longtime member of Calvary Chapel of Westwood. She enjoyed keeping in touch with her many friends and acquaintances from her hometown of Westwood, as well as sharing her talent for cooking along with being a NASCAR fan.

In passing Dawn leaves her father and step-mother, Robert "Bob" and Anna Bennett, of Westwood; her brothers, Charles and his wife, Patty Bennett, of Westwood, and David Bennett, of Crescent City, Calif.; nieces, Amanda, Tracy and Emily, all of Westwood; step-brothers, David Borders, of Reno, Nev., Robert Borders, of Susanville, Calif., and Christopher Burch, of Susanville; and step-sister, Kimberly Borders, of Reno.

Dawn joins her loving mother, Shirley, in their eternal home.

A celebration of Dawn's life was held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at her beloved Calvary Chapel, in Westwood. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com. The family suggests any remembrances in Dawn's memory be made to the Westwood Breakfast for Kids Program or the Westwood Rotary Scholarship Fund c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory, P.O. Box 803, Greenville, CA 95947.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to all of those who prayed for and guided Dawn throughout her life.

Wilhelm “Bill” Doerksen

Wilhelm “Bill” Doerksen died Dec. 27, 2012.  Services were held Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 at Mississippi Baptist Church in Aurora, Colo. Burial will take place at Countryside Cemetery in Meade, Kansas. Donations may be made in Bill’s name for orphans who are looking to enter the ministry of Pastoral Care at beautifulfeetgo.usetrail.com/funds/33. Share condolences at HoranCares.com.

William Kelsey Nolen

William Kelsey Nolen was born Nov. 10, 1936 in Delight, Ark. to John Elvin and Holly Mae Nolen. He went home to be with his Heavenly Father Dec. 24, 2012. A beautiful service was given in his honor and for God’s glory Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 and Kelsey was laid to rest in Diamond Crest Cemetery.

Kelsey is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charlene; siblings, Charles Nolen, of Delight, and Mary Alice Stallings, of Rudy, Ark.; children, Kevin and Diana Nolen, of Janesville, Calif., and Dwayne and Dana Walberg, of Oroville, Calif.; grandchildren, Ryan and Jessica Cates, of Vacaville, Calif., Brandi Nolen, of Reno, Nev., Stephen and Karli Cook, of Reno, Jacob and Emily Nolen, of Chico, Calif., and Daniel Marcy and Rachel Marcy, of Oroville; great-grandchildren, Cole Cates, Braden Cates and Levi Cook; and aunts, uncles and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and, of course, fishin’ and golfing buddies.

Kelsey lost his father when he was just 12 years old and had to quit school to get a job to help support his family after the family moved back to Arkansas. The young family was able to make it with help of family and the promise of good fortune called from California again, and so they went. It was while they were in Susanville that Kelsey met Charlene Gann, whose family had moved from Arkansas as well.

Kelsey and Charlene were married Sept. 8, 1956 and have lived in Susanville ever since. Together they raised their family while Kelsey worked at Sierra Army Depot and Charlene worked at Lassen High School. They enjoyed camping and spent many summers at Eagle Lake with many friends and family. Kelsey loved to water ski, fish, pitch horseshoes and race his boat against any taker. It was an exciting time and the whole family grew to love this special time together. Work sometimes took Kelsey out of town but his love for family never wavered — he would sometimes fly Charlene, Kevin and Dana to meet him and share in his adventures and they seemed to find a way to get to Arkansas to see all the kinfolk.

During Kelsey’s lifetime he influenced many people and was a father-figure to some who had lost their fathers. It seemed that no matter who was in need, Kelsey was there to offer whatever was needed and Charlene and Kelsey’s home was often the gathering place for families in need and grieving the loss of loved ones. Kelsey was a very loving and giving man and people knew it because he showed it by his actions.

Other passions of Kelsey’s were fishing, getting wood, building projects and golf, and he was able to enjoy these for many years after retiring at the early age of 52. He spent many hours on the golf course where he had a peculiar and consistent way of winning the various competitive games he had made up to spice up his golf matches. He always loved fishing but it wasn’t until his cousin, Terry Jackson, taught him the finer points of fishing that he really enjoyed this sport and some of his favorite fishin’ holes were Biscar and Little Bailey Reservoirs, and, of course, Eagle Lake.

One of his proudest tasks was building a cabin at Eagle Lake with his family. The family spent four years working weekends and holidays and completed the project in 2006. This was Kelsey’s home-away-from-home and he especially loved being at the lake where he could fish and shoot pool with friends and family. Kelsey and his family have spent many wonderful times together out there and in the last few weeks God blessed him to have a family Thanksgiving, go on his last Christmas tree expedition and cut his own tree, have a family Christmas and fish in Bucks Bay for the last time.

Kelsey loved to have his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren around him even if they annoyed him at times. He especially loved when everyone was cutting-up, playing games, watching football or hearing his grandkids play and sing for him.

Kelsey will be missed by many people and was an incredible blessing to all those who knew him.

Fonda Joy Rogers

Fonda Joy Rogers fell asleep in death Dec. 27, 2012 at the age of 81. She was born to Elza Harrison Spencer and Burnetta (Davis) Spencer in 1931 in La Rived, Kansas, but was raised in the Cedarville, Ark. area.

She married Albert “Pete” Rogers Jan. 1, 1948. They lived for a time in Arkansas then they moved to Susanville that year where their first child, Phyllis, was born followed by a second child, Patty, eight years later.

Fonda worked at various businesses in Susanville; the Grand Café, Hotel Mt. Lassen, Sierra Lanes, Walkers and J.C. Penney.

She is preceded in death by her parents, also three siblings, E.J. Spencer (1951), Edsel Spencer and Mildred Spencer (2005), as well as twin half-sisters, Eula Smith (1987) and Lula Fry (1991) and half-brother, Raymond Spencer (1995).

Fonda and Pete lived for 30 years at Hidden Acres before moving to Eagle Lake Village. Fonda died after a short stay at Countryvilla Riverview.

She is survived by her husband, Pete; sister, Burnetta Capurro, of Sparks, Nev.; daughters, Phyllis Vierra and Patricia (Harold) Horsley, both of Susanville; grandchildren, Dina Sanchez and Garett Sanchez, of Fairfield, Calif., Frank Vierra (Junior), of Susanville, and Stacy (Mike) Engman and Daron (Heather) Horsley, of Susanville. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Katelynne, Sara, Savannah, Taylor, Wyatt, Courtney and Haedyn; and great-great-grandchildren, Tannin, Angelica and Michael Curtis.

Fonda was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses April 21, 1974. A memorial was given at our local Kingdom Hall Jan. 5, 2013 followed by a gathering of friends and family at Eagle Lake Village.

“As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing,” 1 Corinthians 15:26

Gerald Benton Shrum

Gerald Benton Shrum, 83, of Chester, died at Seneca Health Care District's Long Term Care Unit, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012.

He was born in Earlsboro, Okla. Feb. 21, 1929 to James and Maud (Taylor) Shrum.

Gerald is survived by his daughter, Debi Shrum, of Turlock, Calif.; granddaughter, Shawana Carter; three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; along with sisters, Jeanette Tilley, of Gault, and Deelene Shrum, of San Jose, Calif.

He was preceded by wife, Arlene, daughter, Linda Carter, three brothers and two sisters.

A celebration of Gerald's life will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 at the Chester Wesleyan Church located at 263 Gay St., Chester. Interment will take place in the Chester District Cemetery. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com. The family suggests any remembrances in Gerald's memory be made to the Salvation Army's Camp Program c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory, P.O. Box 803, Greenville, CA 95947.

Charles George Steurer

Charles George "Chuck" Steurer, 88, of Chester, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, Calif.

He was born Sept. 11, 1924 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Charles Jacob and Viola Vesta (Chadwick) Steurer.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of Chester; daughter, Susan and her husband Jerry Sledge, of Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.; son, Mark Steurer, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; grandsons, Jesse Sledge, of Santa Rosa, Calif. and Justin Sledge and his wife, Jessica; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Mia and Madison Sledge, all of Camano Island, Wash.; brother, Earl Steurer and his wife, Ruth, of Granada Hills, Calif.; step-children, Sally Barnett, of Santa Maria, Calif., Rob Worthington, of Klamath Falls, Ore., Lisa and Fernando Lopez, of Simi Valley, Calif., and Kimberly and Rusty Mays, of Huntersville, N.C.; and step-grandchildren, Chris Lopez, of Davis, Calif. and Vanessa Lopez, of Simi Valley, Calif.

Masonic memorial services were held Dec. 15, 2012 at the Greenville Masonic Lodge of Sincerity Chapter #132 of the Free and Accepted Masons. Private inurnment took place in the Chester District Cemetery. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com. Any remembrances of Chuck can be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital of Sacramento c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory P.O. Box 803 Greenville, CA 95947.

Iva Stroing

Iva Stroing, 62, died Jan. 3, 2013 at Banner Medical Center in Susanville. She was born Feb. 8, 1950 in Long Beach, Calif.

She is survived by her husband, Clarence, of Susanville; daughters, Amber and Clayton, of Janesville and Tracy Stroing, of Susanville; brothers, Rick Holmes, Randy Holmes, Hoyt Holmes and Larry Holmes; sisters, Linda Zerr and Lilia Hazard; and four grandchildren.

Services will be at a later date.

Clyde Thomas

Clyde Thomas, 72, died Dec. 27, 2012 in Susanville. He was born May 8, 1940 in Marysville, Calif.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Myrtle; son, Darrell and Sandy Thomas; daughter, Cora and Dale Elder; brothers, Jack Thomas, and Raymond and Betty Thomas; sisters, Shirley Wooten, Mary Lee Guynes and Deloros Marcado; grandchildren, Jennifer Thomas and Todd and Shasta Elder.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

LeDora May “Lea” (Vindhurst) West

LeDora May “Lea” (Vindhurst) West passed from this life on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. Lea lived and worked and made her home in Lassen County for 68 years. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 53 years, Billy Joe “BJ” West Sr.; her mother, Gladys Vindhurst; her children, Pamela (West) Graham; Billy Joe West Jr.; Brenda (West) Poteete, nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 at Assembly of God Church Gymnasium, 473-465 Richmond Rd N. Susanville, CA at 2 p.m.

As Lea loved children and worked for Head Start for many years the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to “Sierra Cascade Family Opportunities Head Start” (65 N. Union Street, Susanville, CA 96130) in Lea’s name.