Octavio Montoya

Octavio Montoya

Octavio Montoya Rojas, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 10, after a long illness. Born in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, Mexico in 1942 to Juan Francisco Montoya and Maria Guadalupe Rojas, Octavio moved to California as a young man, where he married Carol Montoya (Robertson). A lifelong craftsman and lover of music, Octavio was a builder, landscaper, carpenter, and gardener as well as a robust singer who loved his family, his music, and his flowers. He is survived by his three daughters, Raquel Montoya Dane, Cristina Montoya, and Rebeca Montoya, and five grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 11am at Eggen and Lance Chapel in Santa Rosa, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Sutter Care at Home and the Luther Burbank Center’s Mariachi Education Program.

Sutter Care at Home: https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=529

LBC Mariachi Education Program: Please click on this link TNEW-V7 – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts then please choose “Arts and Education Fund” and under Designation select “Mariachi Program”, in memory of Octavio Montoya.

Octavio Montoya Rojas, amado padre, abuelo, hermano y tío, falleció plácidamente en su casa el viernes 10 de marzo, después de una larga enfermedad. Nacido en Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, México en 1942, hijo de Juan Francisco Montoya y María Guadalupe Rojas, Octavio se mudó a California cuando era joven, donde se casó con Carol Montoya (Robertson). Artesano de toda la vida y amante de la música, Octavio fue constructor, paisajista, carpintero y jardinero además de un robusto cantor que amaba a su familia, su música y sus flores. Le sobreviven sus tres hijas, Raquel Montoya Dane, Cristina Montoya, y Rebeca Montoya, y cinco nietos. Los servicios se realizarán el sábado 25 de marzo a las 11 am, con recepción después en Eggen and Lance Chapel 1540 Mendocino Ave Santa Rosa, CA. En lugar de flores, la familia sugiere donaciones a Sutter Care at Home y al Mariachi Education Program for Children del Luther Burbank Center.

Sutter Care at Home: https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=529

LBC Mariachi Education Program: Haga clic en el enlace TNEW-V7 – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Favor de escoger a “Arts and Education Fund” y selecciona “Mariachi Program”, en memoria de Octavio Montoya.

Michael Cochran

Michael Brian Cochran passed away in Santa Rosa, California on February 2, 2023. He died peacefully in the presence of his loving wife and son after a short battle with cancer. Mike was born in Mississippi on January 14, 1954. He moved to Victorville, California in 1960 where he spent most of his childhood except a two-year period in Germany. Mike grew up with three sisters and two brothers and graduated from Victorville High in 1972 where he was a decorated athlete. He attended junior college and then accepted a baseball scholarship with UNLV.

In 1976 he moved to Santa Rosa, California and began his career in construction. He joined the Carpenters Union that year and was actively involved in the apprentice program, teaching night courses for four years.  In 1983 Mike began working for North Bay Drywall where he stayed for 36 years. Mike worked at Stockham Construction from 2012 until he retired in 2020. Retirement offered Mike more time to enjoy his lifelong passion for golf.

Mike met the love of his life Berta shortly after moving to Santa Rosa. They were married a few years later and continued to live in the city as they raised their children Jason and Sara. It brought Mike great joy to watch his family expand with Jason and his wife Jen and their children Brayden and Kylie (Windsor); and with Sara and her husband Mark (Napa). In retirement, Mike was able to dedicate more time to a devotion that outshined even golf: his grandchildren. He spent many happy hours watching his grandson Brayden play baseball, and he welcomed any chance to spoil his granddaughter Kylie shopping.

Mike is warmly remembered for his charming nature, great laugh, and giant smile. He was eternally youthful in spirit and will be missed by his family and friends.

Marv Brunson

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Marvin “Marv” Brunson passed away on January 19, 2023 surrounded by the love of family. He was 77 years old.

Marvin was born the youngest of three children born February 15, 1945, to Dee and Mildred “Micki” Brunson. He attended both Montgomery and Santa Rosa High Schools where he made many lifelong friends.

In 1990, he met his loving wife Niki and they dated for three years before getting married at “The Little White Chapel” in Las Vegas on June 21, 1993. They both enjoyed golfing, sports and having fun together. They made several trips throughout their marriage including a trip to New York City where they attended The US Open and a taping of the David Letterman show. They shared a love of the 49ers and the Warriors and Marvin created and enjoyed an entire room of memorabilia dedicated to his teams.

Marvin was a wonderful and devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandparent who valued time with his family and friends most of all. Always young at heart, Marvin liked to have fun. With his quick wit, nothing made him happier than sharing a genuinely funny story or joke. He was a talented gardener whose innate gift was evident with every garden he created. He was a lover of animals, especially the many dogs he had throughout his life. He was caring and hospitable, warm and friendly, generous and loyal, and a friend to all whose lives he touched.

Marvin was preceded in death by his father, Dee Lazelle Brunson, his mother Mildred Louise “Micki” Albright, his brother-in-law Monte Kurlander, and his niece Caren Brunson.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years Maria ‘Niki’ Brunson of Windsor; his children Connie White (Greg) of Santa Rosa; Mike Brunson (Gail) of Medford, OR; and Michael Loijos of Santa Rosa. He is survived by his siblings Judy Kurlander of Dayton NV, and Bob Brunson (Suzy) of Santa Rosa. Survived by his grandchildren, Taylor Brunson of Santa Rosa; Emily White of Santa Rosa; Zachary Brunson of Medford, OR; Adeline White of Santa Rosa, and Logan Loijos of Santa Rosa. He is survived by his niece Kathy McMahan (Walt) of Dayton, NV; his nephew Kevin Kurlander (Shelia) of Dayton, NV;  his nephew Darin Brunson (Lindsay) of Santa Rosa; his nephew Tom Rickard of Los Angeles; and his niece Trina Swift of Folsom, CA. Survived also by cousin Tom Wilson (Terry) of Fairfax, CA along with his cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

If you knew Marvin, please come by to celebrate him. He was a very special person and will be truly missed. Marvin’s Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday February 15th, his birthday, at The Union Hotel, 280 Mission Blvd, Santa Rosa at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society.

Colette Hatch DeRoma

In loving memory of Colette who, after a long illness, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023, at her home in Santa Rosa with her two children and her husband at her side. She was the loving wife of Joseph H. DeRoma and mother of daughter Corinne Taylor of Sunnyvale California and son Dean Adams of Doha, Qatar, all of whom survive her.  She also leaves her brother, Fernand, of Chaussin, Jura, France, grandchildren Christiane T. Lancieri of Healdsburg and Cameron J. Taylor of San Jose, California, as well as many relatives and extended family in France and the United States. She was predeceased by her brother Celestin Lepeut of Foucherans, Jura, France.

Colette was born on May 22, 1942, in France amid the turmoil and privation of World War II, the youngest of three children, to parents of modest means.  As a woman at that time, she achieved the extraordinary feat of obtaining an education, pursuing a career in hotel management in Europe and ultimately immigrating to the US to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

After earning her BA from the Lycée Hotelier de Bourgogne Franche Comte d’ Etat Poligny in Jura, France, Colette managed several fine hotels in France, England and Corsica including a prestigious apprenticeship at the Michelin three-star restaurant Jeunet.   In America, she made her career managing French restaurants in Connecticut.  In the 1990’s she relocated to Sonoma County, the heart of California Wine Country, where she reinvented herself as Madame de Fromage, a role that saw her advocating for artisanal cheese makers the world over, importing their creations to California and building state of the art cheese counters at the four branches of Oliver’s Market where she also organized and coordinated the cheese departments and hired and trained the cheese mongers. She also worked with California wine makers on cheese and wine pairings, lectured at culinary institutes and traveled to American Cheese Society and Slow Food International events in the U.S,, France and Italy.  Eternally committed to education, Colette served as a founding member of the Cheese School of San Francisco faculty.  Helping to establish the initial curriculum, she continued her tenure there for over a decade.  She was inducted into the prestigious New World Chapter of the Guilde des Fromagers.

All who knew her would understand that when Colette determined to do something, she followed through with a force of will that was unstoppable. . She had a charisma about her that was almost magnetic, a presence that was larger than life and a loving nature such that in turn made her beloved by all who knew her,

At her request, no services will be held.  There will be a celebration of her life event scheduled in coming weeks.  If you wish to participate, or just to be notified, please email jhderoma@sonic.net

Donald Hunsperger

Donald Wayne Hunsperger passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his Santa Rosa home on December 28, 2022 at the age of 77.  Wayne, as he preferred to be called, was born in Dos Palos, CA on August 22, 1945.  The youngest of five children, Wayne overcame obstacles from a difficult birth and developed a strong work ethic and a “do-it-yourself” ability that was important when his family moved to a small farm without indoor plumbing in Koshkonong, Missouri. When he was 11 years old, the family moved back to California and eventually settled in South San Francisco.  At the age of 20, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.

 

After his service he returned to the Bay Area where in 1969, Wayne met a teacher named Valerie Samuels. He was always supportive of her activities and pitched in on any project, big or small, that benefited her or the children with whom she worked. Four years later on September 29, 1973, the two were married in San Francisco. When they met, Wayne was employed by CalTrans and while working there, he enrolled at San Francisco State University where he graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. In 1976 the couple moved from Daly City, where in his mid-twenties Wayne had bought his first house, to Santa Rosa at which time Wayne worked for the Federal Government at the Presidio in SF and as an inspector on the Warm Springs Dam.  Wayne began his job as an Engineering Technician for the City of Santa Rosa in 1980 in the Traffic Department at City Hall.  Later he transferred to the City Water Department from which he retired in 2005.

 

In 1978, Wayne and Valerie welcomed their first child, Scott. A wonderful father from the beginning, Wayne took on additional roles as a Little League coach, Boy Scout dad, and countless others.  In 1986, the family adopted a daughter, Carol, and then Wayne became a soccer coach and an honorary veterinary assistant helping take care of the many pets his daughter gathered over the years.

 

Wayne was an avid cyclist, participating in century (100 mile) bike rides.  His enjoyment of gardening produced tasty vegetables, fruits and berries, along with beautiful roses.  His skills and abilities seemed endless. He maintained all of the family cars and demonstrated his expert mechanical ability even moreso when he completely restored a vintage 1939 Oldsmobile using original parts whenever possible. He used the master sewing skills that he learned from his mother to  reupholster car seats and furniture in addition to creating intricate quilts. There was no construction or plumbing task that he could not do. “Handyman” isn’t a strong enough description for someone who could do things from the bottom of the house where he laid all the hardwood and tile flooring to the top, reroofing of his two-story home and everything in between. In his limited spare time, he enjoyed attending Cal Berkeley football and Giants baseball games as well as going to and sometimes ushering at local theater productions and concerts.

 

At the root of so much of what Wayne did was helping, whether it be people or the environment.  He rode his bike wherever he could and picked up litter every time he walked his beloved dog, Buddy.  He made his own compost for the garden and never let food go to waste.  Wayne was always looking for creative ways to conserve water and when he installed energy efficient windows for the house, he built a greenhouse from the old ones. He volunteered at the St. Vincent dePaul Food Bank and the Cathedral Thrift Shop both located at St. Eugene’s. He was also a 10-gallon level blood donor to the Blood Bank of the Redwoods.  Never saying no to helping a neighbor, friend, or family member; almost everyone who knew Wayne has a memory of him assisting them in some way. As one friend put it, “He was always there in his quiet but strong way.”

 

His kind heart and giving spirit will be remembered always.  Wayne is survived by Valerie, his loving wife of more than 49 years, and their two children Scott and Carol; his sister Myra Raymond (Dale) and brothers Steve Hunsperger and Bruce Hunsperger (Shirley); brother-in-law Paul Samuels (Nancy) and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Dorothy Hunsperger and sister Bonnie Cearley-Bolan.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of his favorite charities: the National Parks Conservation Association, the Sierra Club, or a charity of your choice. The interment will be at Santa Rosa Memorial Park and is private for immediate family members only. A Celebration of Wayne’s Life  which other family members and friends are invited to attend will be held in the Spring.

Cheryl Elizabeth Felly

CHERYL ELIZABETH FELLY

March 8, 1945 – December 7, 2022

 

Cheryl Elizabeth Felly, born March 8, 1945, in Santa Rosa, CA, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2022.

Cheryl is survived by her sons, Ronald Felly (and wife, Tina) and Michael Felly (and wife, Wendy); her twin sister, Carol Kent; and her two granddaughters, Tandra and Brooke Felly.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Frank George Felly, with whom she is now reunited, as well as her parents, Arnold and Sylvia Maki, and sisters, Sally, Patricia, and Marilyn.

Cheryl loved spending time with her two granddaughters and was a dedicated member of Santa Rosa Nazarene Church. She was known for her great love of butterflies, gospel and country music, and never missed an opportunity to start a new puzzle or tabletop game. She is leaving behind a legacy of faith and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. While we will cherish the time we spent together, we will also rejoice in the fact that she is now resting peacefully in Heaven.

Graveside service to be held Friday, January 20th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. Reception to follow at the home of Ron & Tina Felly.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelations 21:4

Claude H. Le Clerc


Claude H. Le Clerc

January 17, 1940 – September 3, 2022

Claude Henri Joseph Le Clerc Philibert passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family September 3, 2022. Born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada on January 17, 1940, to mother Marie Anne Schiavoni and father, Louis Joseph Napoleon Le Clerc.

He is survived by wife of 50 years Margarita, three children Pamela (Fred), Claudia (Fernando) and son Benoit. Two grandchildren Jenna and Quintin (Pamela) and two great grandchildren Hudson and Avery Jade (Jenna). Siblings Jean-Louis, Jean-Marie-May, Claudette, Benoit-Camille, Carmen, Robert, Real, Rino, Roger, and Rachel. And many nieces and nephews.

He left his native Canada in 1964 to join brother Benoit to Southern California to pursue business opportunities. Later in life business brought him to Sonoma County which became his home for past 42 years. Dedicated most of his career life in agriculture/landscaping industry. Always the consummate cook, which later lead him to take on the annual community Thanksgiving dinner which involved the preparation up to 150 turkeys which he did so with pride. Other interest includes tending to his garden, koi pond and spoiling his little girls (dogs).

While he will be missed, we are grateful for the 82 years God has blessed us with him. We know he is in a better place and although he is no longer physically with us, he will forever be in our hearts.


Visitation / Funeral Service – Friday, September 9, 2022 from 6-8 P.M.

at Eggen & Lance Chapel; 1540 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa



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Larry Strakbein


Larry Strakbein

February 28, 1942– August 15, 2022

Larry Strakbein, a resident of Rancho de Calistoga, died on August 15, 2022. Born on February 28, 1942, in Rocky Ford, Colorado, to Frederick and Marie Strakbein.

Larry worked for the city of St. Helena. He was a wonderful dad, grandpa, brother, and friend who never really grew old and was always there. His smile was like sunshine, and his heart was solid gold. He was a diehard 49ers fan.

Larry is survived by his brother, Richard Strakbein; sister, Margie Wesloski; daughter, Kristy Strakbein; granddaughters, Tana Russom and Meagan Mills; great-granddaughters, Leyah Mendoza and great-grandson, Xander Vanthong.

Although he has passed, he will live on in each one of us forever and always. He is unforgettable. We love you, Larry. Go Niners!

A memorial service will be held for Larry on August 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Eggen & Lance; 1540 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa.


Memorial Service – Monday, August 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

at Eggen & Lance Chapel; 1540 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa



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Anna Smith



Anna Smith

May 3, 1935 – July 30, 2022

Anna had much to do before resting: She was caretaker and companion to her lifelong child Christine; She had daily visits or phone calls from children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who would find comfort in her words and blessings, sprinkled with her touch of humor; She was a dear friend to many from her early life in the east and adult life living in Washington and then California.

Anna was born May 3, 1935 in Newark, NJ. The daughter of Marion and Thurman Creel, she was the youngest of three sisters raised by her mother in the Projects. Child life was not easy for Anna, but she chose to see the silver linings. She would reflect on her many weekends with her Nana, also named Anna. She adored her uncle Harold and James, who nicknamed her “Tiny”. She would often speak of her childhood lifelong friends. She remembers the Macy’s Day parade with her mom, and difficulty staying awake because of her chronic anemia.

As a young lady, Anna was employed by Stavid Engineering, Inc. in Plainfield, NJ. She worked as a switchboard operator during World War II, when the wartime economy sought woman in the workforce. Anna’s mother Marion also found opportunity to emerge from a life of barely making ends meet doing odd sewing jobs, to working for Weston Instruments. They were Riveters of the time. Anna had her mind on other things, however. She dreamed of marriage and children, like so many young ladies of the baby boom era. Anna was a rare beauty. Edward knew this when they met. She was 19 and he was 34. From the time of their first date, she would devote her entire life to faith and family, having five children in addition to Edward’s two sons. Anna was proud of her children. She never doubted her choice to be a lifelong mother and homemaker.

Anna navigated a hard life with love and grace, and a passion for the Lord. It was her faith that carried her through the loss of her beloved Edward Sr. in 1993, and then the loss of her eldest son Edward Jr. in February this year. Anna’s heart weakened due to a valve condition about three years ago. She saw her final work ahead. She transitioned Christine to her new legal guardian and sister, Debra, who was also caretaker for Anna in recent years. She also made it to her granddaughter’s wedding one week to the day before she passed.

Anna touched people with her presence, with words often expressed through eyes that smiled when she did. “God Bless You”, she would often say. Anna will be remembered by all who knew her for her virtuous commitment to sharing her faith through love.

Anna is survived by her children, Christian Smith, Debra McCracken, Diane Cupples and Michael Smith, eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Services are scheduled for August 27, graveside at Franklin Park Cemetery at 11 a.m. and Celebration of Life at First Presbyterian Church on Pacific Ave at 1 p.m., followed by reception.


EGGEN & LANCE: 1540 MENDOCINO AVENUE, SANTA ROSA

Visitation – Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service – Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.

SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL PARK: 1900 FRANKLIN AVENUE, SANTA ROSA

Interment/Burial with Military Honors – Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.



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James (Jay) Jones


James (Jay) Jones

August 30, 1946 – July 10, 2022

Jay Jones passed away on July 10, 2022. Jay was raised in Wilmerding, PA and joined the Navy in 1964. He was an Enlisted Air Crewman and was selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) and graduated from the University of Louisville with a BSEE. Jay was awarded his wings as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and flew in the A-6 Intruder. While an instructor at Naval Station Norfolk, VA, Jay enrolled in Master of Science in Safety classes at the University of Southern California campus at Naval Station Norfolk.  Retiring from the Navy in 1984, he attended National Lewis University in Evanston, IL and graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Counseling.  Jay worked as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Supervisor and Program Manager until retiring in 2002. Jay was the Commanding Officer of the Naval Sea Cadet Division 9-1-1 and the Navy League Ship Butch O’Hare at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He was a Police and Fire Commissioner in Fox Lake, Il and a Reserve Community Service Officer with the Petaluma, CA Police Department.  Jay enjoyed coaching with the Rohnert Park Warriors, Rohnert Park Soccer Club, and Rohnert Park Cal Ripken. He traveled with his family throughout the country. He was a Certified SCUBA Rescue Diver. He was on the boards of SIRS and the Foxtail Seniors in Rohnert Park and loved golfing with them.  Jay enjoyed fostering kittens for the Rohnert Park Animal Services and his dog Cooper.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents William R. and Agnes V. Jones, son Raymond R. “Buck” Jones and younger brother Thomas Jones. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Michela (Micki) Jones, son James Jones Jr., daughters Kelly Mandella (Larry) and Shannon Jones and grandchildren Jacob and Chris Mandella, Connor, Braeden, Keegen, Addison and Caitlin Jones and Tucker Bernhardy.

The family has greatly benefited from being involved with the character and leadership program Klemmer and Associates and Jay was very supportive.

The family asks that those who wish to make a donation in his honor that it be to the Mustard Seed Scholarship Fund for Klemmer Leadership and Character Development https://provisionbridge.org/mustard-seed-scholarship-fund/

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Eggen & Lance on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Following the burial with Military Honors at Santa Rosa Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m.


EGGEN & LANCE: 1540 MENDOCINO AVENUE, SANTA ROSA

Visitation – Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service – Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.

SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL PARK: 1900 FRANKLIN AVENUE, SANTA ROSA

Interment/Burial with Military Honors – Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.



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