Chapel by the Sea

10/23/2025

Obituary For Lisa Marie Brown Lee
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lisa Marie Lee, 59, on the morning of October 18, 2025, at Pioneer House Health Center in Sacramento, California, with her devoted husband Mike by her side holding her hand, after a courageous but brief battle with glioblastoma.

Born in Bellflower, California, Lisa brought love, laughter, and creativity to everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her loud, contagious laugh, her artistic spirit, and the joy she shared with family and friends. Lisa delighted in making hand-painted wooden Christmas yard decorations, a hobby that showcased her talent and creativity.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband Michael Murphy of Fort Bragg, CA, her children, Justin Murphy, of Fort Bragg and Taylor Murphy of Ukiah, CA, her grandchildren, Alexia Renteria and Colson Phillips, She is also survived by her mother Rachel Brown of El Paso, TX and her siblings Sheri White (Rich) Grand Junction, CO Kerry Brown (Cheryl) Santa Rosa, CA. Kevin Brown (Sheila) Mesquite, NV Erika Blanshard (Johnny) El Paso, TX and Nikki Estep (Terry) Centennial, CO.

She is preceded in death by her father, Alfred Brown and her sisters, Susan Larsen and Michele Nicoli. Lisa will also be remembered by her extended family, including Aunt Tina Cervantes, Aunt Esther Nevarez , Uncle Danny Nevarez and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Lisa’s warmth, humor, and love for her family will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Arrangements for a memorial or celebration of life will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

10/23/2025

Obituary For Irene Ponts
Irene Ponts, 88, of Fort Bragg, California, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025.
Born November 4, 1936, in Longview, Washington, Irene made her way to the Mendocino Coast
in 1958 and never left. Fort Bragg became her lifelong home — the place where she built a life
full of craft, care, and quiet capability.
Irene worked for decades at Sew N Sew Fabrics, where her eye for color, texture, and quality
shaped the projects of countless local makers. As a fabric buyer and store staple from the
1970s through early 2000s, she had a knack for finding beauty in the smallest details — the
perfect shade, the right weave, the just-so trim.
She learned to sew and quilt from her mother, and together they tackled projects most people
wouldn’t have dared to try — intricate, challenging patterns that demanded both precision and
patience. Her quilts often appeared in local quilt shows, though she never entered them
competitively; for Irene, the joy was in the making, not the recognition.
Her creativity spilled into every corner of her life. Quilting, knitting, basket weaving,
woodworking, painting garden decorations — she always had a project in motion. When new
babies arrived in the extended Ponts family, she was the first to get to work, crafting something
perfectly made and lovingly detailed: a soft sweater, a sturdy baby carrier, a quilt that could
withstand generations of use. Sometimes, she’d simply step outside, gather pine needles from
her yard, and weave a basket — because she could.
Irene and her husband, Joaquin Ponts, shared more than 50 years of marriage filled with
camping, hunting, and fishing in the remote beauty of Northern California. Together they made
their home on Pearl Drive, where Irene lived for over 60 years — a quiet, steady presence in the
neighborhood and in the lives of everyone who loved her.
Irene was, simply, Irene: unique, independent, and steady as bedrock. She never sought
attention, but her presence was constant — you always knew she’d be there when you needed
her. She was calm, patient, unflappable, especially in caring for her son, Randy, whose needs
she met with endless love and devotion. Nothing seemed to rattle her; she just got on with it,
with grace and grit in equal measure.
She was kind, talented, loyal, and generous — the sort of person who would do anything for
anyone who needed it. And she loved a good laugh, even if the joke was on her. That kind of
humility and self-assured humor made her easy to be around and impossible to forget.
She is survived by her brother, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and generations
of family who will long treasure both the things she made and the example she set. She was
preceded in death by her husband, Joaquin Ponts, and their son, Randy Ponts.
In her quiet way, Irene left behind a world stitched together by her hands and held steady by her
example.

10/23/2025

Obituary For Samuel Kraynek
Samuel Kraynek devoted family man, and respected business leader, passed away on September 18th 2025. Born August of 1947 and raised in Monessen Pennsylvania, Sam lived with his mother Nellie, father Samuel, and sisters Carolyn and Marie. Sam developed dedication to family and his work ethic from an early age, delivering papers and working in his uncle’s grocery store. Sam pursued higher education at St. Francis College. Sam excelled in college, lettering in soccer, organizing high school championships and pledging a fraternity while majoring in accounting. Following college, he moved to Cleveland where he started out in public accounting. From there his professional journey took him to several locations including Chicago, Arizona, Massachusetts, and finally California where he worked with several different companies in food operations and management. Over the course of several decades, he advanced through leadership positions, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer prior to his retirement. Colleagues valued his steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders in the industry. Family was always at the center of Sam’s life. In 1972 he met his wife Ginger whom he married in 1975. They recently celebrated their 50 th anniversary. Together they raised two sons, Christopher, and Stephen, who brought him immense pride and joy. He coached them in soccer and baseball passing on his knowledge and love for the game to them and others. His greatest happiness came from being a grandfather to four grandchildren, whose lives he enriched with his constant presence, encouragement, and warmth. His family remembers him as a steady source of love, wisdom, and humor, whose influence will be felt for generations. In 1997, Sam and Ginger relocated to the Mendocino coast, where they made their home for the past 28 years. Sam worked first at a local coffee roaster, before moving on to work for North Coast Brewing in 2013. He first served as their controller before moving up to COO, CFO, and ultimately CEO before retiring. In addition to his professional endeavors in Mendocino, he was deeply committed to his community; serving on the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce, The Mendocino Sewer and Water board, and was the Treasurer for St. Anthony’s Church. He believed strongly in giving back and worked tirelessly to strengthen the organizations and initiatives that helped shape the place he called home. In 2020 he retired to enjoy a simpler life. He spent a lot of his time at soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and softball games cheering his grandchildren on. When he could not make it in person, he would watch them remotely from his living room. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life listening to jazz, sharing stories with friends, and spending quiet moments by the coast. Services will be held at the Sequoia Room of North Coast Brewing on October 18 th at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any charity you feel is fitting of his legacy.

09/19/2025

OBITUARY FOR SUNSHINE TAYLOR

Sunshine Taylor - beloved mother, wife and friend, artist and dancer - passed away peacefully
on September 2, 2025, with her husband, Glenn Rude, and her daughter, Lilli Taylor, by her
side. She was laid to rest with a simple, green burial at the Caspar Cemetery.
Sunshine was born in Burbank, California and came of age in North Hollywood. In 1978, she
moved to Vermont with her husband at the time, Vince Taylor, where they welcomed their
beloved daughter, Lilli. Inspired by the birch forests and pastoral New England scenery,
Sunshine began her career as a watercolor artist in Vermont.
In 1989, Sunshine and her family moved to Caspar Gardens on the Mendocino
Coast. Sunshine's passion for gardening and nature's beauty is still on display at the gardens
she created and nurtured. She spent the rest of her life living in this beautiful oasis.
In 1999, her first marriage ended. At the beginning of 2000, in a Lindy Hop class at Second Story
Studios, she met her true love, Glenn Rude. Sunshine and Glenn married in 2004 and began a
wonderful life together. They taught various types of swing dance for many years on the
Mendocino Coast. Insatiable lovers of movement, they travelled to dance workshops all over
the world.
Sunshine's creative vision and skill as an artist grew deep and wide over the years, and her
repertoire expanded to include acrylics and collage. She was active in the Mendocino arts
community and was a founding member of the Edgewater Gallery in Fort Bragg. Her work is
currently shown at the Lynne Prentice Gallery in Mendocino.
Sunshine and Glenn loved travelling to Europe, especially to Spain, where they spent countless
days sightseeing, visiting art galleries, befriending locals, and dancing to their heart’s delight.
Sunshine is survived by her husband, Glenn Rude; her daughter, Lilli Taylor; stepdaughters,
Lisa Taylor, Karen Taylor, and Lea Rude; nieces DJ Bivens and Randi Kory; and many other
family members and dear friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Phyllis
Ackles.
She was a bright and free spirit who will live on warmly in the memories of all who had the
pleasure of knowing her

09/18/2025

08/31/2025

Obituary For Harriet Lydina Dahlquist
Harriet L. Dahlquist went home to be with the Lord on August 18, 2025 in Fort Bragg, California. Born in December of 1939 in Harbor Beach, Michigan, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert L. Dahlquist, her parents Carl and Martha Schulte, her brothers John, James, Carl, LaVern Schulte and her sisters Jean and Louise. She is survived by her sons, Lloyd, John and Scott Davis. She is also survived by her granddaughter Erica Davis, grandsons Joshua and Jacob Davis and great-grandson Carson Ousley.

Harriet was a loving person who did what she could to help others. She loved to cook, bake and play games on her phone and tablet. She was a spiritual leader to many in her Christian church as well as to the people in her apartment complex. She was involved in TOPS as well.

She had owned and managed several businesses as well as being a real estate agent. In her final years, she was an in-home caregiver. Many of her clients were younger than she and she loved helping each and everyone of them.

She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

08/31/2025

Obituary For Walter Frederick Lina
Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and restaurateur, Walter Frederick Lina passed away at home on 06/25/2025. King of the Dad Joke, Walt had a pun or good-natured wisecrack for every situation, and a talent for lightening the mood with his wonderful sense of humor and warm disposition. Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Yong Lina, their three daughters, Suzann, Jennifer, and Angela Lina, his grandchildren, Leila and Ellis, and his siblings, Rick and Nancy Martin.

An integral part of the Historic Downtown Fort Bragg community, for over 40 years, Walt, Yong, and their three daughters have welcomed locals and visitors alike at their Redwood Avenue Restaurants: Yankee Doodle Doggie from 1985-1989, the Redwood Cookhouse (1989-2002), and Lee's Chinese (1999- to Present). Though he could be firm and protective of loved ones when the situation called for it, Walt led first and foremost with the principles of unconditional love and kindness that his mother Alice, raised him with. Walt and his wife, Yong, have lived by the saying: “When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence”, values carried on by their remarkable daughters and granddaughters. During their forty years on Redwood Avenue, Walt and his family have hosted countless holiday, birthday, and "just because" gatherings at their restaurants, where anyone who showed up was met with a warm welcome, a fabulous plate of food, and a sense of belonging.

Born on August 21, 1952, in Berkeley, CA, to Alton and Alice Lina, Walt attended Berkeley High in the 1960s, where he began his lifelong love affair with Rock and Roll Music. During his adolescence, Walt attended concerts by Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, The Rolling Stones, and the Monterey International Pop Festival. After high school, Walt enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served 6 years of active duty, rising to the rank of Sargeant and later, spent 23 years serving in the National Guard. In 1972 Walt was assigned to Camp Hialeah/Casey in Busan, South Korea, where he met his future wife Yong. The two were wed in 1974. They gave birth to their first daughter, Suzann, in 1976, followed by Jennifer in 1978, and Angela in 1980. As a military family, the Linas moved from base to base: Camp Hiyaleah, Busan, South Korea, Fort Sill, OK, Fort Ord, Monterey, CA, and later Sacramento, before finally putting down permanent roots in Fort Bragg, CA, in 1984.

Walt initially worked as a grader for Georgia Pacific Lumber, and in 1985 purchased his first of three restaurants, which he would own and operate with his wife and three daughters: Yankee Doodle Doggy on Redwood Ave. In 1989, the Linas bought The Redwood Cookhouse, a beloved home style buffet frequented by working Fort Bragg families, which operated until 2002. In 1999 the family bought Lee’s Chinese, at 154 E Redwood Ave, which they continue to operate as a family, holding Walt’s table which served as his base of daily operations, where he would order supplies and hold court with visitors, in tribute to their loving Patriarch. Walt is already dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him, and his legacy of warmth and kindness lives on through the many people he and his family have served with love throughout the years. A celebratory barbecue will be held in Walt’s honor by the Lina Family at a future date.

08/31/2025

Obituary For Kathy Lucas
Kathy Lucas It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my confidant, my friend and my amazing wife, Kathleen Jane Lucas, that passed away after an illness on June 20th, 2025, with family by her side. Kathy was born March 7th, 1963 in Fort Bragg and was a life long resident. She is preceded in death by mom and dad, Ed and Evelyn Hill. She is also preceded in death by sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Alan Kincheloe and brother Gilber David Sr. and Donald Bowman, all of Fort Bragg. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Scott Lucas also of Fort Bragg. Kathy worked in customer based services, since she was 13 years old. Notedly at Harvest Market for 18 years, 13 of them being the Deli Manager. Kathy had an unmatched strength and tenacity. Maybe small in stature, she was a giant in life. Her passions in life were fishing, gardening and a un-presedented love of horses and was a fierce competitor. The last 30 years of her life showing, training and breeding horses from her ranch, Joy Ranch Quarter Horses in Little Valley where she foaled out over 100 foals, raised, road and trained 5 world and Reserve World Champion Quarter Horses and 1 Northwest Congress Champion spanning an awesome 18 year run. She was an exceptional energy. I am going to deeply miss her, but also know I was the luckiest man to ever hold, love and cherish my best friend. I held your hand through every storm In prayer, In joy, In love so warm Now angels guard where you have gone But God reminds me, I am not alone Your laughter lives in our Father Light Your soul ascends in morning white Though tears may fall, love does not cease We will meet again in perfect peace Until we join hands in “Heavens’ Embrace”

07/24/2025

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07/10/2025

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