Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel

09/01/2025

08/30/2025

Obituary For Richard Edward Marques
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Marques, age 88, of Mt. Shasta, CA, who passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, with his wife by his side.

Richard was born on October 16, 1936, in Oakland, CA, to Richard Marques and Margaret Brown. He lived a full and vibrant life, marked by deep love for family, lifelong friendships, and a passion for adventure. Richard filled every room with his presence.

He shared over 51 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved first wife, Janet DeJarnett, until her passing in 2009. Janet was his tall, beautiful blonde, and he adored her. She was his first crush, first love, first everything. In 2010, Richard found love again and married Carolyn Costa, with whom he shared the last 14 years, filled with joy and companionship. They traveled extensively, laughed a lot, and enjoyed spending time with their families.

Richard is lovingly remembered by his two children, Lance Marques and his wife, Denice, and Julie Moran and her husband Freddy, and their families, including six cherished grandchildren, Chazz, Cheyanne and her husband, Kenny, Amelia, Ava, Matteo, and Julian. He also leaves behind his niece, Sherry DeJarnett, who held a special place in his heart.

An avid golfer, sports fan, and enthusiastic downhill skier, Richard embraced life with energy and a sense of fun. He spent countless days on the golf course, ski slopes, and in the company of friends, always ready to share a laugh or a story. He played football and baseball in high school, and also played tennis and racquetball. A sports hunter and fisherman, he traveled the world to hunt. The outdoors was his favorite place to be, and he was obnoxiously competitive.

He was very active in the Mt. Shasta Elk’s Lodge, planning and running the annual crab feeds, Thanksgiving feasts, and serving as both President and bartender.

Richard worked for the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads for 42 years. He had countless stories about his adventures riding the rails. He served in the National Guard.

Following his retirement, he ran a side business plowing the streets and driveways of Mt. Shasta. He often worked for banana bread, as he really did it to help people.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life at a memorial service on Friday, August 29th at 9:30, held at Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel, 830 Lassen Ln, Mt. Shasta, CA, followed by a private burial, and a public reception at the Elk’s Lodge in Mt. Shasta.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations or new memberships to the Elk’s Lodge in his memory.

Richard will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, infectious laugh, and zest for life.

08/30/2025

Obituary For Judy Ann Combs
Judy Ann Griffith Combs, age 76, of Redding, California, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born on July 6, 1949, in Dunsmuir, California, Judy was one of two children born to Alice and Kenneth Griffith.

Judy married Kelly Combs January 2nd, 1987. Together they built a life including being partners in business.

They enjoyed boating together and then went on to RV for many years also. They also enjoyed going to the Indianapolis 500 with her cousins.

She is survived by her husband of almost 39 years, Kelly Combs; her stepchildren, Deena Combs-Flores and Kelly Combs, Jr.; her niece and nephew Raylene and Ronald Griffith; her grandchildren Jared Monteiro, Drew Monteiro, Audrey Kimbrough, Elise Monteiro, Sharlene Byrd, Samantha Byrd, Sarah Walker, and Ryan Monteiro, as well as 7 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Ronald.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Alice and Kenneth Griffith as well as her stepdaughter Kristina Byrd.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Shasta Memorial Park, 830 Lassen Ln., Mt. Shasta, California 96067, with a reception to follow at the Tree House Restaurant, 111 Morgan Way, Mt. Shasta, California 96067.

Judy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

08/11/2025

OBITUARY FOR PAUL ROBERT HEGDAL
Our beloved husband, father and brother, Paul R. Hegdal, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on July 24, 2025.

Paul was born on April 21, 1949 in Bremerton, Washington to Earl and Marie Hegdal. Earl was a career Navy man so Paul’s early years were spent in various locations along the west coast.

A highlight of his youth was when Earl was deployed to the Philippines and the family, including Paul’s sister Ann, and brother Shawn, joined him.

An avid storyteller, Paul loved to talk about his adventures there roaming freely through the jungle!

As an adult, Paul also joined the Navy and served during the Vietnam war.

In 1971 Paul married his first wife, Deborah, and soon became the father of twin girls,Teressa and Rebecca. This marriage was not to last, however, and in 1975 he met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married on January 3, 1976 and were just shy of celebrating their 50th anniversary at his passing. A definite highlight of their marriage was the birth of their son, Klev, in 1991.

Paul was a very talented mechanic and spent his career as a federal civilian employee at McClellan Air Force Base working on military aircraft and later, as a boat mechanic with West Coast Correct Craft.

After Paul and Barbara retired, they realized their dream of building a home in the mountains and moved to W**d, California at the base of Mount Shasta.

Paul loved the outdoors. He owned several sailboats over the years and enjoyed taking his family and friends out for some wild rides. When Barbara got tired of the tipping sailboat, he switched to a “land yacht” (trailer) and took his family for many wonderful camping trips.

After moving to W**d, he and Klev got dirt bikes and rode all over the surrounding countryside. He was an avid fisherman and in later years spent many peaceful days in his boat on McCloud Reservoir with his line in the water puffing on a Swisher Sweet cigar.

Paul was a kind, gentle man with a deep love for his family. In addition to his wife, three children, brother and sister, Paul is survived by four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The family wishes to thank the staff and nurses of Mt Shasta Dignity Health Hospice and Madrone Hospice for the wonderful care he received during his last illness.

08/11/2025

OBITUARY FOR LYDA ANN BEHNKE
Lyda Ann Behnke, 77, of Cabot, passed away on July 18, 2025. She was born on October 30, 1947, in W**d, California, to the late Louie and Laura (Pimentel) Acquistapace. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother.

Lyda was raised in W**d, California, and went on to attend the College of the Siskiyou, where she earned her associate’s degree and a certification as a medical secretary. She had a lifelong love of gardening and could often be found tending to her flowers. In her younger years, she received several awards for her flowers and crafts at the Siskiyou County Fair. She was especially proud of being named “Yard of the Month” in both Klamath Falls and Mount Shasta, and of having her garden featured in Birds and Blooms Magazine as well as two gardening books. Later in life, Lyda took up quilting and cherished spending time with her beloved granddaughters.

She is survived by her sons, Trenton Benke and Jason Hisey (Danielle); and her grandchildren, Hope and Grace Hisey. She also leaves behind extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

A graveside service will be Monday, October 6, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Mount Shasta Cemetery.

08/11/2025

OBITUARY FOR CARROL LEE RICCOMINI(KOHLBAKER)
Carrol Lee Riccomini, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the age of 83. She was preceded in death by her husband George in 2010.

She was born as the only child to Buzz and Hazel Kohlbaker on August 18, 1941, in Dunsmuir, California. Carrol spent her life rooted in the beauty and community of Northern California. She dedicated over 40 years to teaching, shaping the lives of countless students with her warmth, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of education. Her impact in the classroom extended far beyond academics—she was a mentor, role model, and a constant source of encouragement.

Carrol’s greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her two sons, Kale (Kristen) Riccomini and Steve (Monica) Riccomini, and her cherished grandchildren: Kole, Kaden, Kellen, Ella,Tess, and Hannah. She loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren, celebrating their milestones and being an ever-present source of love and support.

Outside of the classroom and family life, Carrol had a passion for shopping, traveling, reading, gardening and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. She especially treasured her adventures with her cousin, Janis Jacox and lunch/shopping dates with all her dear friends.

Carrol will be remembered for her kind heart, sharp wit, and the grace with which she lived her life. Her legacy lives on in the lives of the many people she touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Carrol’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel. A reception will follow the service in the downstairs banquet room at the Mount Shasta Golf Resort.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Mt. Shasta Union School District—continuing her lifelong commitment to learning and community.

07/18/2025

May 11, 1951-December 06, 2024

Charles (Charley) Newlun, a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, 5th degree Martial Arts Master and instructor, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at home on December 06, 2024, in Dunsmuir, CA. Born in Mt. Shasta, CA, Charles lived in Dunsmuir for the past few decades with his loving wife of 40 years, Sharon Newlun. He walked his path on earth with a spiritual mind, a loving heart, and embraced the positivity in all people, always leaving you with a smile.

Charles is survived by his wife Sharon, two older brothers Sam St. Germain and Bill Newlun, and their families, his loving cousins, his children and stepchildren, many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Charles was cremated at Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel.

The Newlun family would like to express their gratitude for the love and support they received during this difficult time. Special thanks as well to the Hospice team for their kindness. Charles, we deeply miss your smile, the twinkle in your eyes, your caring thoughts, and spiritual care that will live on forever in our hearts.

A celebration of Charley’s life will be held August 2, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the home of Bill Newlun, 2900 Keryl Lane, W**d.

06/20/2025

Obituary For Francis Wayne Mangels
Francis Mangels passed away on June 10, 2025 with the love of his life by his side. He was born July 10, 1947 in Montana. He was a longtime member of Friends of the Earth, and was an ardent conservationist and passionate defender of our shared earth his whole life. He fought corporate and special interests, mostly in the logging and ranching industries for his entire 35-year tenure as a range and wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service.

In 1970, Francis earned a Bachelor of Science degree, cm laude, from the acclaimed University of Montana International School of Forestry. In 1976, he earned a Master of Science degree in zoology and entomology (aquatic insects) from Montana State University. During his years in higher education, he also studied geology and was proficient in issues of biology, fisheries, mining and cattle grazing.

After college, Francis worked in domestic agriculture with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. He lived in various locations in the American West, including Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and central Montana, before settling in Mount Shasta, California.

During his time as a range and wildlife biologist with the Forest Service, he battled issues concerning improper cattle grazing. He also helped to preserve the local spotted owl population after it was placed on the endangered list in 1990.

After retiring from the Forest Service in 2008, Francis transitioned to volunteer work, traveling to state and national parks around Mount Shasta, where he used his considerable knowledge of biology and zoology to identify endangered plant and animal species and provided evidence of potentially endangered species to the Forest Service, helping to protect these important habitats from grazing and development.

He supported multiple groups that speak truth to power, including Friends of the Earth. “As a Lutheran/Episcopal church member, he believed one of the finest charities was to save the planet from pollution and fossil fuels.”

Just a couple of years ago Francis continued to check on spotted owl groves, lakes with populations of tadpole shrimp, and other places where sensitive and endangered plants and animals made their homes. He also worked with the Sierra Club Grazing Team to help control cattle in a manner that protects native plant species. He made charitable gifts to support FOE’s work and became a member of the Shared Earth Society by including a gift to FOE in his will so that the work can continue for future generations.

The love of his life, Barbara (Bobbi) Coulter entered his life on February 14, 2002. They were soul-mates sharing so much over 22 years. They shared a wonderful life, both having similar loves and talents. Those included music, organic gardening, and creating a mini-farm in their suburban back yard. Also, three wonderful little rescue dogs.

Francis was a professional level musician who played 40 instruments including 6 and 12 string guitar, banjos, autoharp, dulcimers, and more. He had a good singing voice and could do any style of music except hard rock and jazz. Together with the love of his life he did free community music for all. What brought them their greatest happiness was performing for the residents of Shasta View Nursing Home in W**d, California for over 20 years.

Francis will be greatly missed and forever loved and cherished.

06/20/2025

Obituary For Joni Lee Simon
Joni Lee Simon, 66, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Mt. Shasta,California, due to complications from cancer. Her final hours were spent surrounded by love in a sunlit room, overlooking the mountain she cherished — a comfort to her family who deeply mourn her passing, yet remain grateful for the love that embraced her throughout her life.

Joni was born on December 1, 1958, in Estherville, Iowa, to James and Evelyn Simon. She grew up on the family farm outside Gruver alongside her siblings, Sandy, Jim, and Dan. A 1977 graduate of Lincoln Central High School, Joni was a vibrant presence — involved in multiple sports, cheerleading, jazz band, and proudly serving as the drum majorette of the marching band. She often spoke with fondness of her early years filled with family, friends, and fun.

Joni found her work as a school secretary at Storm Lake St. Mary’s and Verona Area High School especially rewarding, as it allowed her to witness students grow and thrive. Over the course of her life, she also held office administration roles in both the financial and medical fields.

Joni was the mother of three children — Molly, Jimmy, and Abby — and grandmother to Colton, Evie, Gnvy, Landon, Raylon, and Addie. She enjoyed being involved in their lives and made time to attend their activities, including sports, dance recitals, and 4-H shows.

An adventurous spirit, Joni loved to travel, especially to beach destinations. She embraced new hobbies with joy — from stained glass and woodworking to snowshoeing and playing the piano. A spirited pickleball player, she thrived on both the activity and the friendships it brought.

Joni’s life was defined by her optimism, warmth, and generosity. She brought joy to everyone around her and will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the light she brought into the lives of others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn Simon, and her son, Jimmy McKenna.

She is survived by her daughters Molly (Jim) Reitsma of Alta, IA, and Abby (Ellen) McKenna of Green Bay, WI; her daughter-in-law Moriah McKenna of Sac City, IA; grandchildren Colton and Evie Reitsma, Gnvy McKenna, Landon, Raylan, and Addie McKenna; her sister Sandy (Tim) Wolf of Verona, WI; brothers Jim (Beth) Simon of Sioux Falls, SD, and Dan Simon of Yreka, CA; and multiple nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration of Joni’s life will be held at a later date.

06/12/2025

He’s the quiet hero behind every strong family — Happy Father’s Day.